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Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary holds the HIGHEST DENSITY of the endangered Great One-Horned Rhinoceros in the entire world.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Assam |
| Districts | Morigaon (near Guwahati) |
| Year of Notification | 1987 |
| Total Area | 38.80 sq km |
| Landscape | Brahmaputra alluvial grassland, marshy wetland beels, and small Laterite hillocks. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Brahmaputra River, Garanga Beel, and Haduk Beel |
| Nearest Airport | Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Guwahati (GAU) – 65 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) – 45 km / Jagiroad – 25 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
Location
The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Morigaon (near Guwahati) region of Assam. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Assam.
History
Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in July 1987 to safeguard the booming population of Great One-Horned Rhinos in the Brahmaputra floodplains.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an exact area of 38.80 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Brahmaputra alluvial grassland, marshy wetland beels, and small Laterite hillocks.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Tall Elephant Grass (Saccharum ravennae), Arundo donax, Phragmites karka, Acacia, and water hyacinth beels..
Fauna
The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:
- Primary Mammals: Great One-Horned Rhinoceros (world’s highest density!), Wild Water Buffalo, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Gangetic Dolphin.
- Predators & Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, Civet Cat.
- Herbivores & Ungulates: Great One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Asian Elephant, Barking Deer, Wild Boar.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Python, King Cobra, Water Monitor Lizard, Flapshell Turtle.
Other Wild Animals & Avifauna
- Resident Woodland Birds: Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Swamp Francolin, Asian Openbill.
- Raptors & Owls: Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Osprey.
- Migratory Species: Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Brahmaputra River, Garanga Beel, and Haduk Beel.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Mayong Magic Village (5 km), Brahmaputra Riverfront (2 km), Kamakhya Temple (50 km).
Weather & Climate
Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Guwahati (GAU) – 65 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) – 45 km / Jagiroad – 25 km
- Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Assam.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal season for visiting Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.
Accommodation
Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Morigaon (near Guwahati).. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Assam.
Visitor Tips
Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.
Did You Know?
- Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
- Preserves key wildlife species including Great One-Horned Rhinoceros (world’s highest density!) and native avifauna.
- Covers an exact area of 38.80 sq km along the Brahmaputra River watershed.
Last Updated: August 2026