Assam: Kaziranga expands eco-tourism footprint with launch of Panbari birding circuit

The Panbari Forest Range under the iconic Kaziranga National Park was formally opened to visitors on February 24, on a special tourism schedule, marking a new chapter in Assam’s wildlife tourism landscape.

The Panbari Reserved Forest, long celebrated among ornithologists for its remarkable avian diversity, has now been made accessible to birdwatchers in a regulated and structured manner. Known for hosting a wide range of resident and migratory bird species, Panbari has earned a reputation as one of the most promising birding destinations in the Kaziranga landscape.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park, in the presence of eminent ornithologists, nature enthusiasts, and officials and staff of the Forest Department. The event marked the formal integration of Panbari into Kaziranga’s tourism circuit under a carefully curated schedule aimed at balancing visitor access with conservation priorities.

Forest officials stated that the move is designed to promote responsible birdwatching while ensuring minimal ecological disturbance. By opening Panbari under a special tourism framework, authorities aim to provide controlled access, encourage awareness about avian biodiversity, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to eco-tourism.

Panbari Reserved Forest forms an important ecological extension of the greater Kaziranga landscape, supporting a rich mix of forest habitats that attract a diverse array of bird species. Its inclusion in the tourism circuit is expected to draw birdwatchers from across the country and abroad, particularly during peak migratory seasons.

The development also aligns with broader efforts to diversify tourism offerings within Kaziranga beyond its famed one-horned rhinoceros sightings, positioning the park as a multi-dimensional wildlife destination.