Kaziranga reopens for 2026-27: Jeep safaris begin, elephant rides soon

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros at Kaziranga (Canva)

In a recent update, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, has reopened for the 2026-27 tourist season. It’s time for wildlife enthusiasts to return to one of the country’s most celebrated wilderness destinations.

According to reports, the park reopened on October 3, with jeep safaris already underway, and elephant safaris are expected to resume soon. The reopening was formally marked at the Kohora Range in the presence of Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and other officials.What makes Kaziranga special

Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, Kaziranga is noted for being home to greater one-horned rhinoceros.

However, the rhino is only one part of its extraordinary wildlife landscape. Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer and tigers are also among the important residents of the park along with a rich variety of birds and smaller mammals.UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nagaon, Oct 05 (ANI): A one-horned rhinoceros grazes at Kaziranga National Park, in Nagaon on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

The national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and covers about 858.98 sq km. The Assam Tourism Department describes Kaziranga as one of Northeast India’s most important wildlife destinations.

Its landscape changes dramatically across grasslands, wetlands, forests and water bodies. These habitats make it possible for visitors to encounter wildlife in different settings rather than simply driving through a conventional forest landscape.Jeep safaris have resumed

Assam: Kaziranga National Park reopens for 2026–27 tourism season

For the 2026-27 season, visitors can once again explore Kaziranga through jeep safaris. The initial reopening is being carried out in phases, with the Central Range at Kohora and Western Range at Bagori among the areas reopening for visitors.

Other ranges are expected to resume operations in phases.As per Assam Tourism Department, jeep safaris are available across Kaziranga's main ranges, including Central, Western, Eastern and Burapahar. It recommends allowing around two to three days to experience the park's principal ranges.The official tourism guidance also recommends booking safari experiences in advance.Elephant safari is coming back soonAnother most interesting experience at Kaziranga is the elephant safari.

However, visitors heading to the park immediately after its reopening should not expect to find elephant rides operating alongside jeep safaris. According to the Forest Minister, elephant safaris are expected to return within 10 to 20 days, depending on preparations.What can travellers see?The one-horned rhinoceros remains Kaziranga's hero. The park is particularly known for its large rhino population and is also a significant habitat for wild water buffalo, elephants and tigers.It’s important to know that there is no guaranteed sighting. The experience depends on the season, weather, animal movement and luck.Early morning and afternoon safari drives can offer very different landscapes and wildlife activity.The park also has observation towers at places including Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamari and Harmoti.More than just a safariA trip to Kaziranga does not have to end at the park gate. Assam Tourism recommends combining a safari with nearby experiences such as tea gardens, the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park, Kakochang waterfall and villages around the park.

The region also offers opportunities to explore the Karbi Hills and experience local food and culture.How to reach Kaziranga

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Kaziranga is around 217 km from Guwahati by road and about 95 km from Jorhat, which has the nearest airport.The nearest railhead is Jakhalabandha, around 50 km from Kohora. Buses and taxis are available from Guwahati.For travellers planning a wildlife holiday this year, the reopening marks the return of one of India's most distinctive safari experiences. With jeep safaris already underway and elephant rides expected to return shortly, Kaziranga is once again open for the 2026-27 wildlife season—with rhinos, elephants, wetlands and vast grasslands waiting beyond the park gates.