Home to the endangered Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros,
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district
of Assam. Boasting of the highest density of Indian rhinos, the sanctuary
is 50 km east of Guwahati. Pobitora along with Kaziranga National
Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary form the three most important
reserves for the protection of Indian rhinos.
The Wildlife Sanctuary which is spread over an area of just
38 sq. kilometers is a small, heavenly segment of raw wilderness and greenery.
The refreshing breeze of the lower Himalayas, the greenness and calm of the
sanctuary and the thrill of being one with nature is enough to tempt anyone for
a visit to this amazing place. The dense population of Rhinos allows one a
greater chance of sighting the endangered creature while on Elephant or jeep
safaris.
Legend has it that the King of Mayong gave the name Pobitara
to the forest after his lovely daughter who died in her youth. In 1971, the
forest was declared a reserve forest to protect the famous rhinos. In 1987,
Pobitora was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
Animals like the Asiatic buffalos, leopards, wild bear,
civet cat, etc. are found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also an ideal for
bird watching. It consists of more than 2000 migratory birds. Several resident
and migratory birds such as Indian pied horn bill, osprey, hill myna, kalij
pheasant, etc. are found in the reserve.
Due to its rich birdlife, the sanctuary is also called as
the ‘Bharatpur of the East’. Various species of reptiles like Indian python,
common monitor lizard, Indian tent turtle, Indian cobra are also found in the
sanctuary.
The nearest accommodation to Pobitora is at its own entrance
on the west side of the sanctuary which is government owned. Other
accommodations are available in the Mayang Village, nine km north of Pobitora
Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists prefer to stay at Guwahati, where a range of
luxury and budget hotels are available. There are no eating options in the
sanctuary. Fish is a major delicacy in Assam and one can find lip-smacking food
at cheap rates in Paltan Bazar. The best time to visit the sanctuary is
between November and March. Visiting the sanctuary during the monsoon season is
not advisable.
How to Reach
ByAir: Flights are available for Guwahati
from all major domestic airports in India. From there, you can hire a cab till
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at
Jagiroad which is well connected to Guwahati. From Jagiroad, you can take
public buses or a cab.
By Road: From Guwahati, Pobitora is a 2
hours ride via a narrow road. If coming from Kaziranga on NH 37 take the route
for Mayang at Jagiroad. Buses are available from Adabari Bus Station in
Guwahati till Chamata. From Chamata catch a public bus for Kolangpur and take
an auto rickshaw to the Sanctuary. Alternatively, you can take a bus from
Guwahati till Morigaon and a bus from Morigaon till the Sanctuary.
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