The elephant safari, a major draw for visitors, today began at the Kaziranga and Manas national parks in Assam for the tourist season 2026-27.
“Elephant safaris have commenced in Kaziranga’s Bagori and Kohora ranges, while Manas National Park has also opened its elephant safaris today, welcoming visitors for another exciting wildlife season,” Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said.
“I warmly invite nature lovers and tourists to explore these magnificent landscapes, experience Assam’s rich biodiversity and enjoy the beauty of our forests responsibly,” he said.
A total of 43 elephants took part in the opening day’s safaris, including 10 Forest Department elephants in the Kohora range and 33 privately owned elephants in the Bagori range.
The Forest Department’s elephant safari service was formally inaugurated by Kaziranga Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Arun Vignesh at Mihimukh in the Kohora range. The inauguration followed traditional elephant worship ceremonies. Private elephant safari operations also commenced in Bagori, the park’s Western Range.
Tourists from across India and abroad visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the first day of the season. Visitors from Australia, Thailand, Belgium and England were among those who took elephant rides through the park.
For several tourists, the opening day marked their first experience of exploring Kaziranga on elephant-back, offering an opportunity to observe its wildlife from within the natural landscape.
Elephant safaris remain one of the ways visitors explore the park, particularly during the early morning hours.
Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah Invites Tourists as Safari Season Opens
