Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora on Monday said the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall in the 2025–26 tourism year, marking a significant milestone for the state’s tourism sector. The UNESCO World Heritage Site received 5,48,319 visitors between April 1, 2025, and May 28, 2026, including 32,765 foreign tourists.
The aforementioned figure represents a sharp increase from 2016–17, when the park recorded 1,55,107 visitors. Bora attributed the surge to growing international interest as well as high-profile visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
“A record number of tourists are visiting Kaziranga this time, not just from within the country but from abroad as well. There is a lot of interest because of these high-profile visits,” Bora said, noting that annual trends indicate this year has seen the highest influx so far.
In response to the surge, the Assam government is expanding tourism infrastructure in and around the park. The minister announced plans to develop two new hotels under the Hyatt and Taj brands to address the growing demand for accommodation.
To further enhance the tourist experience, the state has also introduced new attractions and initiatives. An International Orchid Park, inaugurated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has quickly emerged as a key draw for visitors. Additionally, three tea museums are being set up in tea garden areas to showcase Assam’s cultural and plantation heritage.
Park authorities said a range of new activities — including bird safaris, cycling trails, jeep and boat safaris, and the “Kaziranga Beyond National Park” programme — has contributed to the rise in tourist numbers. Community-based initiatives such as eco-shops, local handicraft outlets, and trekking at Hemtap Hill have also boosted local livelihoods while enriching visitor experiences. Officials believe the record footfall reflects the success of combined efforts to promote sustainable tourism while strengthening infrastructure, positioning Kaziranga as one of India’s premier wildlife destinations.
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