Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary-An Ultimate Guide
Are you fond of wildlife? If yes, it must be a part of every trip you undertake. Similarly, the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is one such ideal destination that you just can’t miss out on. The place is situated at a distance of about 30 km from Guwahati, in the Morigaon District of the state of Assam. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary hovers over an area of 38 sq. km. The place is filled with greenery that in turn attracts different species that you can witness on a visit. Though, the place is undercover and yet to be discovered ideally, it is home to the one-horned species of rhinos. It entails one such species that is not to be seen anywhere else in the world.
Apart from a typical visit to the sanctuary, one can witness the local food and culture of Assam. This place is treated mostly as a stopover on the way to Kaziranga National Park. Nevertheless, there is a lot that this place has to offer. This blog post has therefore come up as an ultimate guide for the readers out there.
Wildlife in Pobitora
Wildlife in Pobitora mostly remains underestimated owing to its neighbor Kaziranga National Park which take away all the hype. The ultimate point of attraction in regard to wildlife is the single-horned rhinos. As per the 2018 census, the place beholds within itself 102 such species including adults and new born. Though the actual area covered by the sanctuary is 38 sq. km, the rhinos are kept in 16 sq. km area. The figure evidently proves the overcrowding aspect of the place. Other fauna’s have also been observed to undertake shelter here such as leopard, barking deer and sambar deer.
Apart from that, the place is symbolic of holding about fifty different species of migratory birds during the winter season. Northern pintail, common pochard, common shelduck, ruddy shelduck, white-fronted goose, graylag goose, painted stork are some of the migratory birds. Whereas, rufous treepie, serpent eagle and Indian roller are some of the non-migratory birds seen in the sanctuary. Also, orchids bloom in the months of march and April thus creating a heavenly environment.
Permit And Safari Booking
If you are willing to discover more on the highlights, safari bookings should be your go-to thing. Facilities are available for you to book your safari ride. A nominal amount of Rs 50 per person is charged on the entrance itself to enter the forest. Jeep safaris are considered the best to witness the rhino crowd with ease. A single jeep safari costs about Rs 1300 for 1.5 to 2 hours and can be shared among 6 people at maximum. Jeep safaris are operative from 6:30 am till 3 pm in the evening. Apart from the typical jeep safari, if you are looking for a new experience, elephant safari can be your ideal option. Unlike the jeep safari, the elephant safari is available only in the morning hours. It is chargeable at Rs 500 per person for one hour.
Things to do at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Well, by now, you must have roughly planned on what activities you wish to undertake. So, allow me to add more to the list.
Experiencing wildlife
Since it is home to 102 one-horned rhinos as per 2018 census, you ought not to miss that out on your jungle safari. Another species commonly seen is water buffaloes. The rhinos are the sole attraction of the place and most people visit only because of that. But, other species of wildlife tends to be seen and can be a sheer treat to have a sight of. Asian palm civet cat, large Indian civet cat and small Indian civet cat talk shelter in the woods of the sanctuary.
Ideal birdwatching
As has been already discussed, both migratory as well as non-migratory birds have been a part of the sanctuary during the winters. These birds travel all the way from northern Europe, northern Asia, North America, Africa and also our very own Himalayas. The month of January has beautiful flocks all about the place. The rare species of bird i.e., red-collared dove is seen in the sanctuary. You will be totally amazed to witness such true beauty of nature and its creation.
Haduk Hanging Bridge
Pictures are a must while surrounding such a picturesque place like the pobitora wildlife sanctuary. Thus, the haduk hanging bridge is the ideal selfie spot to click a picture or a two. It looks like the replica of the famous Howrah Bridge of Kolkata in a miniature version. Opposite to the entrance of the sanctuary lies the bridge, covering a distance of about 50 meters. It is built upon a lake/pond like a waterbody. Though this might not be one of the points of attraction but definitely needs to be on your to-do list.
Garanga Beel
The haduk hanging bridge and the garanga beel is closely related as the bridge is built on the lake itself. Beel refers to nothing but a lake or pond like structure. It is the assamese name for lake. The waterbody entails certain aquatic vegetation and fishes in and around it and thus attracts birds to feed on. A peaceful watch of the lake is another add on to your to-do list.
How to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?
Since it is close to Guwahati, the Guwahati Railway station and the Guwahati International Airport happens to be the major source of connectivity. No matter from where you belong, pobitora wildlife sanctuary is in no way hard to reach. The major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and many more are easily connected by railways or airways.
Thus, there is no scope for despair as, upon landing to Guwahati, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the ideal destination.
Best Time to Visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?
Barring the downpour season i.e., monsoon, the sanctuary is open for you to visit at your own convenience. However, if you intend on enjoying the birdwatching experience, the ideal time to plan a visit would be November to March. Also, for the ones willing to witness the orchid blooms, April and may happens to be your ideal pick.
Best places to stay near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?
The first and foremost option would be to book a stay at Guwahati itself as, from posh accommodations to even budget-friendly ones, you can pick any as per your needs.
Apart from that, if you are willing to keep away from the hustle bustle, you have other options too. Some of the recommendations are here for you that are close to the sanctuary:
- Zinzina Otis Resorts
- Arya Eco Resort
- Maibong Eco Resort
- Prashanti Tourist Lodge
Nearby Major Attractions From Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
The next reach is primarily based on your interest. About 3.5 hours from pobitora lies the Kaziranga national park to fulfil any pending wildlife cravings. This is a great spot to visit and offers biodiversity at the fullest.
Also, if you are satisfied with the wildlife experience at pobitora and looking for a peaceful place to visit, Shillong is your ultimate option. Situated at about 120 km from pobitora, it has a huge range of offerings. From waterfalls to other scenic beauty that nature has to offer, you have it all here.
Travel Advice on Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Though travelling has its own set of pros and cons, both are to be considered equivocally. However, it is a suggestion that one avoids the holiday season as the crowd is quite high and might not be ideal for undertaking safari rides. Also, do not forget to carry your essentials alongside wearing comfortable clothes and footwear.
Other Useful Contacts
Tourist Information Centre, Government of Assam, Assam House, 8, Russell Street, Kolkata – 700 071. Tel.: 033-2295094.
Directorate of Tourism, Government of Assam, Station Road, Guwahati – 781001. Tel.: 0361-547102/ 542748; Fax: 0361-547102.