Guwahati, May 20: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has recorded a historic rise in tourist numbers, becoming the third most visited national park in India. The park registered a total of 4,43,636 visitors between October 1, 2024, and May 18, 2025 — marking a 35 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

The number of foreign tourists rose by 25 per cent, with 18,463 international visitors this season. According to Field Director Dr Sonali Ghosh, the park also generated over Rs 11 crore in revenue during the season.

Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans approximately 1,300 sq km across four districts of Assam and is home to 2,613 Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses, 104 Bengal Tigers (2022), 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos, 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer, and a projected 1,228 Asian Elephants (2024). It also comprises two Important Bird Areas — Kaziranga and Laokhowa-Burhachapori.

The park has expanded its tourism offerings with birding trails, boat safaris, dolphin viewing, cycling routes, and treks in nearby reserves. High-profile visits, including those by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, have contributed to its growing global visibility.

Kaziranga’s tourism boom has positively impacted the local economy, generating jobs and boosting sectors such as hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. Eco-shops operated by the Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society have also supported sustainable livelihoods by promoting eco-friendly products.

Authorities continue to develop off-beat tourism experiences focused on wellness and nature-based travel in the park’s buffer areas.