Assam’s annual wildlife tourism season has officially begun, with major wildlife destinations reopening their gates to visitors after the monsoon break. Manas National Park reopened on October 2, 2026, while Kaziranga National Park reopened on October 3. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is scheduled to reopen on October 13, 2026.
The reopening marks the beginning of another wildlife tourism season in Assam, attracting visitors interested in safaris, biodiversity, landscapes and the state’s rich wildlife.
The reopening schedule was announced by Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah in a social media post on Friday.
Assam National Parks Reopening Dates 2026
Visitors planning a wildlife trip to Assam can keep the following reopening dates in mind:
- Manas National Park: October 2, 2026
- Kaziranga National Park: October 3, 2026
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: October 13, 2026
The parks and wildlife sanctuary generally remain closed during the monsoon months. Their reopening depends on weather, road conditions, field conditions and other factors related to tourism and wildlife management.
Manas National Park Reopens on October 2
Manas National Park reopened to tourists on October 2, 2026, marking the start of the wildlife tourism season at one of Assam’s important protected areas.
The park is spread across Baksa and Chirang districts and is known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park through permitted tourism activities and experience its forest, grassland and riverine environments.
With the reopening of Manas National Park, tourists can once again plan wildlife trips to the western part of Assam during the 2026-27 tourism season.
Kaziranga National Park Reopens on October 3
Kaziranga National Park reopened to visitors on October 3, 2026, one day after Manas began its new tourism season.
Kaziranga spans parts of Golaghat, Nagaon, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts. It is one of Assam’s most prominent wildlife tourism destinations and is widely associated with its greater one-horned rhinoceros population.
The reopening of Kaziranga is particularly significant for Assam tourism, as the park attracts visitors from different parts of India and abroad during the tourism season.
Tourists planning a visit should check the latest information regarding safari routes, entry permissions, timings and weather conditions before travelling.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to Reopen on October 13
While Manas and Kaziranga have already reopened, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district is scheduled to reopen on October 13, 2026.
Pobitora is another important wildlife destination in Assam and is known for its rich biodiversity and grassland habitat. Its location relatively close to Guwahati also makes it a popular destination for visitors looking for a shorter wildlife excursion.
The October 13 reopening will bring another major wildlife tourism destination back into operation for the 2026 season.
Why Do Assam’s National Parks Close During the Monsoon?
The annual monsoon closure of Assam’s wildlife destinations is linked to the challenging conditions created by heavy rainfall.
During the monsoon, several areas of Assam experience flooding and waterlogging, while roads and safari tracks inside protected areas can become difficult to access. River levels may also rise, affecting movement within and around wildlife habitats.
The closure also provides an important period during which tourism activities are reduced while park authorities manage the protected areas and prepare them for the next tourism season.
Reopening is therefore generally carried out after assessing weather and field conditions to ensure that tourism activities can resume.
Assam Wildlife Tourism Season 2026 Begins
The reopening of Manas and Kaziranga, followed by Pobitora, signals the beginning of another Assam wildlife tourism season.
Wildlife tourism is an important part of Assam’s tourism economy. The state is home to several protected areas with different landscapes and wildlife habitats, giving visitors opportunities to experience forests, wetlands, grasslands and riverine ecosystems.
The reopening also brings renewed activity for tourism operators, guides, drivers and other people associated with wildlife tourism.
What Should Tourists Check Before Visiting?
Visitors planning a trip to Assam’s national parks should check the latest official information before travelling. Park conditions, safari routes, entry timings and permitted tourism activities can change depending on weather and local conditions.
Tourists should also follow the rules of the respective protected area and maintain appropriate distance from wildlife during safaris.
Advance planning can be particularly useful during the peak tourism period, when demand for safaris and accommodation around popular destinations can increase.
Assam National Parks Reopening 2026: Key Dates
The reopening schedule for Assam’s major wildlife tourism destinations in 2026 is:
October 2, 2026: Manas National Park reopened to visitors.
October 3, 2026: Kaziranga National Park reopened to visitors.
October 13, 2026: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is scheduled to reopen.
With the reopening of Manas and Kaziranga and the upcoming reopening of Pobitora, Assam’s wildlife tourism season for 2026 is officially underway. Travellers looking to explore the state’s wildlife destinations can now begin planning their visits while keeping the latest park guidelines and field conditions in mind.
Conclusion
The Assam national parks reopening 2026 schedule has brought the state’s wildlife tourism season back into focus. Manas National Park reopened on October 2, followed by Kaziranga National Park on October 3, while Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is scheduled to welcome visitors from October 13.
As the post-monsoon tourism season begins, these destinations are set to once again draw wildlife enthusiasts and travellers looking to experience Assam’s forests, grasslands and diverse natural landscapes.
Also read -
Is It Safe to Travel to Shillong Now?
How to Reach Ziro Festival of Music 2026
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival
Should You Travel to the Hills Right Now?
Kaziranga National Park Reopening 2026
