Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary hosts the densest population of Great One-horned Rhinoceros (a Vulnerable species as per IUCN red list) in the world. Located in the Morigaon district of Assam, Pobitora is home to approximately 102 individuals of One-horned Rhinoceros in a narrow 38.8 sq. km area. If you have missed a sighting of the State Animal of Assam in Kaziranga National Park, which is the largest habitat of One-horned Rhinoceros, you may visit Pobitora for a guaranteed sighting of the animal from a much closer distance. Due to its vastness, you may miss a sighting of rhino at Kaziranga National Park. But in a safari in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, you will have a closer encounter with Rhino. Even if you do not opt for a safari at Pobitora, you may go towards the view point area and sighting of one horned rhinoceros is guaranteed. In addition to that, Pobitora is home to a sizable population of Wild Water Buffalo, Leopard, Golden jackal, Barking Deer, Civet Cats etc. and 375 species of avifauna both resident and migratory.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a combination of grassland, woodland and wetland. The grasslands of Pobitora consists of at least 15 species of grasses which supplies enough food to the herbivorous animals like rhino, buffalo and deer.
History
Pobitora was declared as a Reserve Forest in the year 1971 and a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1987. At present Pobitora covers 38.85 sq. km of area on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra.
Jeep safari and elephant safari
Jeep and elephant safaris are available at Pobitora. Elephant safaris start at 6:30 in the morning while the jeep safaris are available 7:00AM onwards till 3:00PM. The sanctuary is crowded in the weekends and holidays. Make sure to reach early to book an elephant safari or a jeep safari.
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Bird watching
Pobitora is rightly named as the ‘Bharatpur of the East’. Thousands of migratory birds visit Pobitora in every winter. If you are a birdwatcher, this is one of the hotspots for you during winter. Even if you miss a safari in Pobitora, you need not be disappointed. Just head towards the view point and you will witness thousands of migratory birds foraging from the road itself. Some of the common migratory birds are Graylag goose, Bar headed goose, Northern pintail, Northern shoveler, Common teal, Ferruginous pochard, Red crested pochard, Painted stork etc. Moreover, Pobitora is home to a wide range of raptors. Crested serpent eagle, Greater spotted eagle, Eastern marsh harrier, Pallas’ fish eagle etc. are some of the common raptors at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Other activities:
Pobitora is located near Mayong village which was earlier known for its black magic culture. Mythology says that the ancient black magicians of Mayong could hypnotize the ferocious animals like tiger. You may visit the Mayong Central Museum near Pobitora for a glimpse of the ancient art which has been faded out by the passage of time.
How to reach
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Morigaon district of Assam and 46 kms away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. Guwahati is well connected by air, rail and road with all the major cities and towns of India. You may hire a cab to Pobitora from Guwahati.
Where to stary
There are a few resorts near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the best options is Zizina Otis resort which is situated near the main entrance gate of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a luxury stay with AC tents and other top-class amenities. You may also stay at Guwahati and reach Pobitora by hiring a cab. Pobitora is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Guwahati.
Best time to visit
October to May is the best time to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. During this period, the migratory birds also come to Pobitora in abundance. However, in the rainy season the sanctuary remains closed for the tourists.
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