A Quick Getaway to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary from Kolkata

By JAGAT [04/Nov/2024] If you're in Kolkata and looking for a transition from the ‘City of Joy’ to a nature and wildlife exploration, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam offers an ideal retreat. Known as the “Mini Kaziranga,” this sanctuary is celebrated for its dense population of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. Spanning about 38 sq. km, Pobitora offers a unique and intimate wildlife experience, rich with lush landscapes, diverse avifauna, and thriving aquatic life. It serves as a perfect weekend getaway or a short vacation. This sanctuary is easily accessible from Kolkata, making it possible to plan a two- or three-day trip that’s packed with adventure, exploration, and bliss. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planning a quick yet memorable trip to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, including travel tips and activities to enjoy within the park.

Getting to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary from Kolkata

To reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary from Kolkata, you have the following options based on time, convenience, and budget.

By Air

The quickest way to reach Pobitora from Kolkata is by air. Book a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, which is the nearest airport to Pobitora. The flight takes around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in Guwahati, Pobitora is just about a 76 km drive away, approximately a 2-hour journey.

By Train

For those who are unwilling to spend a bomb on the commute and enjoy travelling by train, there are multiple options available from Howrah Junction or Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata to Guwahati Railway Station. The train journey typically takes around 18-20 hours, so it’s ideal if you prefer overnight travel.

By Road

While road trips from Kolkata to Pobitora are possible, the journey is around 1064 km and takes the entire to cover. If you’re a fan of long drives, this route through scenic highways and Assam’s green landscapes could be rewarding. Where you can make a night halt in between. However, it’s more practical to fly or take a train to Guwahati and then continue by road to Pobitora.

Things to Do in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Once you’re in Pobitora, there are several activities and experiences that will make your trip both enjoyable and unforgettable. The foremost attractions of the sanctuary are jeep, elephant and boat safaris, which help you to explore the wilderness of Pobitora. To enjoy these activities without any inconvenience you can opt for Online safari booking for Pobitora so that you can book your jeeps, elephants, and boats in advance to avoid the eleventh-hour unavailability.

Jeep Safari - Pobitora is renowned for its high density of one-horned rhinoceroses, second only to Kaziranga National Park. A jeep safari is the best way to spot these magnificent creatures up close. The safari operates in the early morning and late afternoon. In addition to rhinos, you may encounter wild boars, leopards, and various deer species.

Elephant Safari - Consider taking an elephant safari to get a panoramic view of the jungle from an elevated point. The elephants move quietly through the forests, increasing the chances of getting closer to the animals without disturbing them. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers and wildlife lovers to capture incredible shots of rhinos and other animals in their natural habitat.

Boat Safari - The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by the Brahmaputra River to the north, where the waters host a significant population of endangered Gangetic River Dolphins. Tourists can spot these rare dolphins by taking a boat safari along the Brahmaputra. Boat safaris are conducted from morning till late afternoon. Choose the last slot to experience the sunset from the boat.

Visit the Nearby Attractions

Before returning to Kolkata, save a day to explore some interesting places near Pobitora. Mayong Village, known as the "Land of Black Magic," is an intriguing cultural destination nearby. For centuries, this village has been associated with ancient magic practices, and it still holds a certain mystique. Another place worth visiting is Hajo, a religious town known for its blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions, with famous sites like the Hayagriva Madhava Temple and Poa Mecca.