A Complete Travel Guide to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

By JAGAT [22/April/2025] When you think of a wildlife safari in Assam, Kaziranga often takes the spotlight. Located just a brief drive from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary remains an underrated treasure. Despite its compact area, it is renowned for having a dense population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses globally. It’s the perfect weekend escape for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone who wants to explore Assam’s natural side without venturing too far from the city. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district of Assam, about 56 km from Guwahati. This sanctuary plays a vital role in Assam’s ecosystem and is often referred to as Kaziranga's smaller cousin. Its accessibility and high chances of rhino sightings make it a great addition to Northeast India’s wildlife tourism circuit.

How to Reach Pobitora

The nearest major city to Pobitora is Guwahati, and reaching the sanctuary is quite easy. The distance is around 56 km, and depending on traffic and road conditions, it takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road. If you're traveling from Guwahati, the most popular route is via NH 27 and SH 3B.

• Pro tip: Try to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic and make the most of your day at the sanctuary.

Wildlife and Safari Experience at Pobitora

Pobitora is well-known for harboring Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, boasting the second-highest rhino density in Assam, following Kaziranga National Park. So, if you’ve always wanted to see a rhino up close in the wild, this is the place. Besides rhinos, the sanctuary is home to leopards, wild boars, barking deer, Asiatic water buffalo, and many more. Pobitora is also a paradise for birdwatchers. In the winter months, it attracts a wide variety of migratory birds, making it an excellent birding destination.

Going on a safari is the main attraction in Pobitora, and you have multiple safari options to choose from:

• Jeep Safari - 7:30 am-8:30 am | 8:30 am - 9:30 am | 9:30 am-10:30 pm | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm
• Full day jeep Safari - 7:00 am -3:00 pm
• Elephant Safari - 6:30 am - 7:30 am | 7:30 am - 8:30 am
• Boat Safari - 7:30 am-8:30 am | 8:30 am - 9:30 am | 9:30 am-10:30 am | 10:30 am-11:30 am |1:00 pm-2:00 pm |2:00 pm- 3:00 pm

To avoid last-minute hassles, it’s best to opt for Pobitora safari booking through official government websites or registered tour operators. Booking in advance ensures your preferred time slot and a smoother experience, especially during peak travel seasons (November to March).

Safari Do’s and Don’ts:

• Follow park rules and don’t litter.
• Stay silent during the safari to avoid scaring the animals.
• Wear neutral colors to blend into the surroundings.

Ideal 2-Day Pobitora Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Start your journey early in the morning by departing from Guwahati around 7 am. After a pleasant drive, arrive at Pobitora by late morning and treat yourself to a traditional Assamese breakfast at a local eatery or a warm, welcoming homestay. In the afternoon, get some rest to wash away the journey’s exhaustion. As the evening approaches, unwind by the riverside or take a boat ride on the mighty Brahmaputra to witness the splendid sunset.

Day 2: Morning Safari and Return

Begin your day at dawn with an elephant safari, offering a unique chance to witness Pobitora’s iconic one-horned rhinos in their natural surroundings. After the safari, enjoy a relaxed breakfast either at your place of stay or a nearby local café. Later in the morning, embark on a jeep safari, from the 9:30 - 10:30 am slot or the afternoon slot. By afternoon, begin your return journey to Guwahati after lunch.

If you have more time, consider spending an extra day exploring Guwahati’s tourist attractions like Kamakhya Devi Temple or Brahmaputra river cruises.