Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is a land of one-horned rhinoceros.
Known as the ‘Bharatpur of the East’, this sanctuary is home to the densest population of one-horned rhinos in the world. And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, the sanctuary also boasts of a vast diversity of bird species. So, pack your binoculars, cameras, and sense of humor, and let’s explore Pobitora!
Spread over an area of 38 sq. km., Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a small haven of raw wilderness and greenery. Apart from the sanctuary itself, there are several excursions that you can take from Pobitora. These include a trip to Sualkuchi, the weavers’ village, and Hajo, a pilgrimage center. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also visit the nearby Assamese communities to get a taste of the local culture.
But wait, there’s more! The best time to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to February. The weather around that time is pleasant during the day and chilly at night. So, make sure to carry adequate amounts of woollens during the months of December-January to avoid freezing your butt off!
Now, let’s talk about the wildlife. Apart from the one-horned rhino, you can also spot wild boars, leopards, barking deer, wild buffalos, and a host of migratory birds and reptiles in the sanctuary. In fact, in the last six years, the number of rhinos has gone up to 93, leading to overpopulation and the exploitation of the rhino-bearing capacity of the sanctuary. So, keep your eyes watcful for these majestic creatures!
And if you’re planning to visit during the weekends or holiday season, be sure to reach early to book elephant rides. They tend to be in short supply during the peak season. The timings for elephant safaris are between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM in the morning, while the rest of the day is for jeep rides through the forest. The rate for jeep safaris is INR 1,300 for a group of six people, and elephant safaris cost INR 500 per person for Indians and INR 1,000 per person for foreign nationals.
Now, let’s talk about food. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located a distance away from Guwahati, but fear not! There are still plenty of places within 10km where you can feast on some lip-smacking Assamese and Asian delicacies. From Indian and International cuisine at Cafe B-You to Chinese, Asian, Thai, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian dishes at NestAsia, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
So, fellow adventurers, get ready to explore the raw wilderness and greenery of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.