Golaghat (Assam), 01 November (HS): Kaziranga National Park on Sunday welcomed tourists to its popular elephant safari experience for the 2026-27 tourism season, with the traditional worship of elephants marking the commencement of the service.

The Forest Department formally launched its elephant safari at the main entrance of the Kohora range. Kaziranga DFO Arun Vignesh inaugurated the service by cutting a ribbon, while privately operated elephant safaris also resumed in the Bagri range.

A total of 10 Forest Department elephants were pressed into service in Kohora on the opening day. Meanwhile, 33 privately owned elephants carried tourists on safari rides in Bagri during the morning session.

The first day witnessed a significant tourist turnout, with hundreds of visitors from across India and overseas, including Australia, Thailand, Belgium and England, enjoying the unique experience of exploring the national park on elephant-back. The safari proved particularly exciting for those experiencing it for the first time.

Famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga is among India's most sought-after wildlife tourism destinations, offering visitors an opportunity to witness its rich biodiversity.

The park reopened to tourists last month after the annual monsoon closure, initially allowing visitors to explore the wildlife habitat through jeep safaris. The resumption of elephant safaris has now added another attraction for visitors.

With the new tourism season underway, the state government and park authorities, along with tour operators and guides, have put necessary arrangements in place. The growing tourist footfall is also expected to boost the local economy, particularly benefiting hotels, shops, tour operators and guides.--------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash