Kaziranga National Park reopens for 2026-27 season: Elephant safaris to begin November 1; check best time to visit, how to reach by air and rail, stay options and ways to spot rhinos and other wildlife

Kaziranga National Park in Assam reopened for the 2026-27 tourism season on October 3. Jeep safaris have resumed, while elephant safaris are likely to begin on November 1, offering visitors more ways to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its wildlife.

Jeep safaris allow visitors to explore Kaziranga’s grasslands, forests and wetlands, while elephant safaris offer a different vantage point for observing the landscape. Elephant safaris are scheduled to resume on November 1, according to media reports. Visitors should check the latest availability, timings and booking requirements before travelling.

Kaziranga is famous for its greater one-horned rhinoceros and is also home to Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, hog deer, gaur, sambar and several other species. The park is also an important birdwatching destination, with more than 300 bird species reported in the Nagaon district’s description of the area. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

Guwahati is a major gateway for visitors arriving by air, with the drive to Kohora, the park’s main tourist hub, taking around four to five hours. Jorhat is another option, approximately 105 km from Kohora by road. Visitors travelling by train can reach Guwahati or Jorhat and arrange onward road transport. Buses and taxis also connect the region with destinations including Guwahati and Tezpur.

According to the official website, visitors can explore Kaziranga through jeep safaris in two daily slots: 7.30 am to 10 am and 1.30 pm to 3 pm. Travellers should check the availability of their preferred safari zone and confirm the latest entry rules before making plans.

The government website recommends visiting from November 15 to early April, while the park’s broader tourism season generally runs through the cooler months. Visitors should plan around safari availability, weather and travel time, book accommodation in advance and check official park updates before setting out.

Kohora is a convenient base for visitors planning safaris. The Nagaon district website also lists accommodation options in the wider region, including GL Resort near Burapahar and Diffolu Resort at Bagori. Travellers should confirm current operating status, room availability, rates and distance from their chosen safari gate before booking.