Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

The basics

While Assam’s better-known Kaziranga National Park is also home to one-horned rhinos, many people contend that Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a better place to observe these creatures in the wild. It’s smaller, so the animals are more concentrated, and is easier to navigate, so it’s ideal if you're pressed for time. Pobitora offers scenic Jeep game drives and you can visit Pobitora on a day trip from Guwahati or stay overnight nearby.

Things to know before you go

• While guides typically have binoculars, you may want to bring your own—especially if you’re an avid birder.

• Consider booking accommodation near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and staying overnight. Some safari tours depart just after dawn, so sleeping nearby is more convenient.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing, including long sleeves, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

• Malaria can be prevalent in parts of Assam, so consult with a health provider ahead of your time. You may want to take prophylactic antimalarial medication. Use bug spray and sleep under netting. Mosquitos are most active at dusk, so avoid being outside then.

How to get there

Most visitors travel to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary from Guwahati, which takes around 1.5–2 hours by car. Guwahati is also the point of arrival for most travelers into Assam, as that’s where Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is. There's also a train terminal with numerous links to other parts of India.

When to get there

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is open year-round, except during monsoon season when it closes at the end of May and typically reopens in the fall. Check in advance for exact opening times before planning your visit. November through March is considered the best weather window for visiting, as that’s when temperatures are mildest and birds their most active.

Experiencing Assam’s unique cultural heritage

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (and less than an hour from Guwahati), Sualkuchi is a village known for its silk weaving traditions—a craft with royal lineage in Assam that dates back for centuries. You can see artisans in action and even buy textiles to take home. Consider visiting nearby Halo, a pilgrimage spot for Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists known for its confluence of sacred sites.