Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife sanctuary in the Indian state of Assam. It is located about 50 kilometres east of Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, and covers an area of about 38.8 square kilometres. Pobitora is renowned for its dense population of one-horned rhinoceroses, one of the major attractions for visitors.
The sanctuary is located in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The vegetation here is predominantly grasslands, with scattered trees and shrubs. This provides the perfect habitat for grazing animals like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, wild buffalo, and various species of deer.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. Some notable bird species include the great Indian hornbill, white-tailed eagle, grey-headed fishing eagle, swamp francolin, and the Bengal florican.
One of the unique features of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is its Rhino Resettlement Project. This project aims to relocate rhinos from Kaziranga National Park, which is overcrowded, to Pobitora, where they can thrive in a less crowded environment. The project has successfully increased the population of rhinos in Pobitora and provided a safer habitat for them.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy activities such as jeep safaris, bird watching, and nature walks. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant, and the chances of sighting rhinos are high.
About 100 kilometres from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park is one of India's most famous wildlife sanctuaries. It is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses worldwide and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located about 150 kilometres from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park is another popular wildlife sanctuary in Assam. It is home to many endangered species, such as the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hog, and Asian elephant.
Guwahati:
The capital city of Assam, Guwahati, is about 50 kilometres from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks such as the Kamakhya, Umananda, and Assam State Museum.
Located about 35 kilometres from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Hajo is a small town known for its religious significance. It is home to several ancient temples, including the Hayagriva Madhava Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Sualkuchi:
Known as the 'Manchester of Assam', Sualkuchi is a small town about 60 kilometres from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It is famous for its silk-weaving industry and is home to several traditional silk workshops.