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NDTV
7 days ago
- NDTV
Why Kaziranga National Park In Assam Saw A Record Number Of Tourists This Year
Once a quiet sanctuary nestled on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is now roaring with activity - both literally and metaphorically. With 443,636 visitors recorded from October 1, 2024, to 2025, marking a whopping 35 percent increase from last year, Kaziranga has officially become the third most visited national park in India, after Ranthambore in Rajasthan and Periyar in Kerala. But this remarkable rise isn't by chance or social media alone. A perfect mix of conservation success, infrastructure upgrades, and high-profile buzz has transformed this wildlife haven into a tourism powerhouse. A Fourfold Leap In A Decade To put this into perspective, these latest numbers mark a fourfold increase in footfall over the past ten years. Once hidden under the wraps of the Northeast's remoteness, Kaziranga is now dominating headlines and trending across travel blogs, Instagram reels, and tourism reports alike. It was also mentioned in The New York Times as a must-visit place in 2025. Moshmi Kaul, Founder and Chief Travel Evangelist at Travel Stuti, says, "There has been a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Kaziranga National Park in recent years. Comparing the figures from 2024-2025 to 2023-2024, we can see a 35 per cent rise in tourist numbers." So, what exactly is drawing travellers, photographers, influencers, nature lovers, and families to this once offbeat wildlife park? NDTV spoke to six travel experts to understand this phenomenon. 1. Wildlife Conservation Success: A Haven For Rhinos The top reason without a doubt is Kaziranga's exceptional record in wildlife conservation. It is home to about one-third of the world's population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros - a figure that gives it unrivalled global significance. Conservation here is not just a brochure claim; it's effort on the ground. From intense anti-poaching patrols equipped with drones and camera traps to regulated traffic within the park and safe wildlife corridors, the park ensures minimal human-animal conflict and maximum protection. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaziranga National Park (@kaziranganationalpark) "Kaziranga's record-breaking tourist numbers this year are not by chance; they're the result of a well-planned convergence of government focus, enhanced wildlife experiences, and smarter infrastructure," says Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), India. Along with rhinos, the park also boasts sightings of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, the majestic Asian Elephant, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and, on rare lucky days, even the golden tiger or hoolock gibbon and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaziranga Safari Booking wild Adventure kaziranga (@kaziranga_nationl_park_safari) 2. Beyond The Jeep Indian tourists today want more than just a jeep safari - they crave immersive experiences. Kaziranga has responded with a variety of nature-inspired activities: Birdwatching in marshy wetlands rich with storks, hornbills and rare cranes Guided treks through the dense Sal and grass forests Boat safaris on the mighty Brahmaputra with views of river dolphins gliding alongside Cycling tracks flanked by silk cotton trees in full bloom during spring Elephant safaris offering close-up views of the park's wild flora and fauna According to Moshmi, "These additional activities attract a broader range of tourists seeking varied experiences." This expansion of offerings has made Kaziranga more than just a wildlife destination, it's now a full-fledged eco-adventure escape. 3. Improved Infrastructure And Connectivity Another major draw has been the upgraded access. Reaching Kaziranga used to mean a bumpy drive and limited choices. Not anymore. Thanks to road improvements and air connectivity to Guwahati from metros like Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru, reaching Kaziranga is now smoother and quicker. Within the park, eco-friendly accommodations, clean visitor centres, electric vehicles, and rest areas elevate the experience without harming the environment. "Improved infrastructure like good quality eco friendly and luxury hotels and resorts have come up," says Rajat Sawhney, Senior Vice President, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India. He adds, "Aggressive marketing by the Ministry of Tourism, DoNER and Assam Tourism to promote Kaziranga as a premier wildlife destination has attracted a lot of domestic and international tourists." Another bonus? Affordability. With decent stays starting from Rs 2,000 per night, Kaziranga offers a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive reserves like Ranthambore or Corbett. 4. High-Profile Visits And Social Media Magic Nothing works quite like a VIP endorsement; and over the last decade, Kaziranga has had several. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overnight stay in 2024 and visits by Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2023 and other top officials grabbed headlines. This made the park famous not just in India but worldwide," highlights Shiva Kukreja, director, Rove Routes PVT LTD, a premier travel agency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) It also includes drop-ins by Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra (for a campaign for Assam tourism titled 'Awesome Assam') and Dia Mirza and more that have drawn serious national attention. The buzz has translated into real-world interest, with travel influencers, vloggers and global media outlets now showcasing Kaziranga as a 'hidden gem', fuelling its transformation into a travel bucket list essential. 5. The Rise Of Offbeat Travel And Revenge Tourism After Covid, travel habits have changed. Tourists are steering clear of the usual crowded spots and instead seeking offbeat, nature-rich, wellness-inspired escapes. Kaziranga ticks all these boxes. Dinessh Kumar, secretary at Travel Agents Federation Of India explains that previously people had a notion about the Northeast that it is not a safe place to travel, which has changed now completely. "Several hotspots in the North like Manali, Kullu and Mussoorie, often receive sudden rainfall which cause severe traffic jams, and somehow tourists feel 'cheated' and robbed of their vacation. However, ever since the focus has shifted to the Northeast, a lot of people are visiting Kaziranga and other places in the Northeast, and skipping the famous destinations," says Dinnesh. Moreover, Assam's inclusion in The New York Times'" 52 Places to Visit in 2025" list, as well as its recognition as an offbeat destination, along with coverage in Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and Condé Nast Traveller, has firmly placed it on the international radar, making it an ecotourism hotspot. 6. The Eco Marketing The Assam government has been proactive in pushing Kaziranga into global conversations and making it an eco tourist spot. From the 12th International Tourism Mart held in 2024 in Kaziranga to smart campaigns around rhino conservation (including ones led by cricketer Rohit Sharma in 2019), the park's visibility has skyrocketed. Policies have also favoured ecotourism and sustainability, with a focus on green transportation, homestays, and cultural immersion. "Assam has made a conscious push for ecotourism - from launching electric vehicle safaris to developing homestays run by local communities that not only welcome tourists but also make them feel accountable," adds Jyoti. 7. The Local Economy Cycle With increased tourism has come increased opportunity. Villages surrounding the park now thrive on tourism - be it through guiding, running cafés, selling souvenirs, or offering homestays. This helps two things: first, it creates a sense of luxury and a feel-good factor for tourists visiting Kaziranga, which might convert them into repeat visitors. Another reason is that it pushes more hotels and properties to come in, to boost tourism. "On my last visit, I got to experience sustainable farming practices that enrich the local community," shares Amruda Nair, Founder and CEO, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, a hospitality brand that is also eyeing to expand their presence in Kaziranga. "Kaziranga is crucial for our hotel brand expansion due to its unique biodiversity and global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," adds Amruda. Kaziranga Is No Longer India's Best-Kept Wildlife Secret Kaziranga's stunning transformation proves that when conservation, community, and clever promotion come together, real change happens. The park has gone from being a niche northeastern wildlife reserve to a flagship of Indian ecotourism. Whether you're an avid wildlife photographer, a casual weekend explorer, or someone simply wanting to trade the city noise for the songs of hornbills and dolphins, Kaziranga promises something extraordinary, and not only Indians, but foreign tourists too are realising it now.
Mint
14-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘50% travel bookings' for Turkey, Azerbaijan from India cancelled over Pakistan support amid boycott calls
Amid calls for boycotting travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, flight bookings to these two nations have dropped by 60 per cent in the last one week and cancellations surged to 250 per cent, MakeMyTrip said on Wednesday. The two countries had openly supported Pakistan after India launched air strikes under Operation Sindoor on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following this, Indians launched a campaign on social media to boycott travel to Türkiye and Azerbaijan. 'Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past one week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Türkiye decreasing by 60 per cent, while cancellations have surged by 250 per cent during the same period,' a MakeMyTrip spokesperson stated. 'In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Türkiye,' the spokesperson said, adding that the company has already discontinued all promotions and offers on its platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations. Speaking to ANI, former president of Travel Agents Association of India Jyoti Mayal said up to 50 per cent of the bookings made for Turkey and Azerbaijan from India have been cancelled. "We have helped and supported Turkey and Azerbaijan a lot in the tourism sector. We must show our displeasure over how they have behaved with India. We are not supporting travel to these countries," she said. Indian armed forces had conducted Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. During the India-Pakistan conflict, Istanbul had expressed its solidarity with Islamabad and supported its proposal for an international investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey had also supplied military weapons to Pakistan. Azerbaijan, in its statement on India-Pakistan tensions, has echoed the Pakistani line. Echoing the call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan, EaseMyTrip co-founder Prashant Pitti on Wednesday said the national interest comes first and the business interest later. 'As a company, EaseMyTrip, we always think of the nation first and business later,' Prashant Pitti told ANI. 'In the events which are happening right now, where there is an ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, even though there is a ceasefire, the ceasefire is also getting violated. We are seeing countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey standing on the wrong side of history. Pakistan is clearly caught at the funeral of UN-designated terrorists,' he added. Pitti also said that since the boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan campaign gathered steam, 22 per cent of people have cancelled their bookings to Turkey, and another 30 per cent have cancelled their flights to Azerbaijan. In early 2024, EaseMyTrip had cancelled bookings for the Maldives after India's ties with the archipelago soured following some derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials against India and its leadership.
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pahalgam attack: Kashmir's tourism industry fears setback, vows to recover
NEW DELHI: But, they vowed to continue supporting tourism in the union territory, despite The chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), Jyoti Mayal, said that the incident is a severe blow to the combined efforts made by both government and private stakeholders to revive Kashmir's tourism sector, which had been witnessing significant growth post-COVID. Mayal said she had personally handled at least 60 cancellations for different dates up to July since the news broke. 'I spoke to a couple of hotels in Pahalgam, they are saying that they've got most bookings cancelled; more than 60 percent have already been cancelled… COVID was the time when tourism in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) started reviving after all the years of terrible times. They had no tourism, no growth. Then tourists started coming in. This incident is going to be a huge setback for the entire industry,' said Mayal, former president of the Travel Agents Association Of India (TAAI). On Wednesday, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that he had spoken with authorities and stakeholders to allow full refunds to tourists who wish to cancel their trips to the Valley in the wake of the incident. 'In light of yesterday's tragic incident in Kashmir, many tourists are understandably anxious and reconsidering their travel plans. I've spoken to the concerned authorities and urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to allow full refunds without hassle,' he said. Following the unprecedented violence targeting tourists, tour operators and hotel owners in Kashmir are deeply concerned about the future of the tourism industry. They said the attack on tourists could devastate the sector in Kashmir. Suhail Ahmad, who owns at least three hotels in Srinagar and Pahalgam, said that killing innocent tourists would have a long-lasting impact on the union territory's economy. 'The incident is unfortunate and condemnable. This should be a proper investigation in the matter. It has never happened here. It will ruin the tourism industry in Kashmir. The UT is 90 percent dependent on tourists,' he said. Pahalgam is one of the most popular destinations in Kashmir, attracting lakhs of travelers due to its scenic locales. The town is also significant as one of the two routes to the Amarnath cave, a major pilgrimage site. In 2018, Kashmir received 8.3 lakh tourists, including 56,000 foreign nationals. The footfall dropped drastically in 2020 to just 41,000. According to the J&K Tourism Department, only 3,900 foreign tourists arrived that year. Last year, total tourist footfall in Kashmir was 29.5 lakh, with about 66,000 foreign visitors. The Central Government has invested considerable effort in recent years to promote tourism in J&K. It also organised a G20 tourism working group meeting in Srinagar in 2023 to attract international tourists. President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Rajiv Mehra, said that members of the association have been promoting and selling J&K tour packages and will continue to do so. 'Such terrorism activities can not affect our morality to support the tourism industry of J&K… Drastic attacks on innocent tourists will have a very negative impact on both domestic tourism to a very large extent and international tourism in J&K although international tourist arrivals are less due to advisories issued by various countries… In the short run there would be cancellations but with support of all the stakeholders we are sure tourism would bounce back,' said Mehra. Chairman of the Public Relations Council of TAAI, Rajan Sehgal, said the incident would certainly impact the upcoming season. He also called for adequate security arrangements to restore tourist confidence. 'Tulip season was very good as around eight lakh people visited the place. The flights are still going full. We have bookings for Pahalgam and other parts of Kashmir and they have not been cancelled yet… And we are getting a big support from the Travel Association from Kashmir that even the drivers are calling us saying, 'We are waiting eagerly for the customer, and we will take care of them,'' he said. Sehgal further added that the focus should be on promoting tourism in J&K during the coming season with appropriate security measures. 'There should be more security during the tourist season… there should be some security camps. So, when people go there, they will be confident. This is our humble suggestion and request,' he said. Mehra, who is also the general secretary of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), said, 'There shall be some cancellations but with support from all stakeholders tourism would surely bounce back. We appeal to the Government of India, local authorities and all stakeholders to ensure swift action, restore confidence and strengthen the sense of safety and security in the region.' Meanwhile, airlines and online travel companies are offering refunds and assistance for rescheduling travel in light of recent developments. The founder-chairman of Nishant Pitti, said they have extended free change and cancellation waivers for all bookings made on or before April 22, applicable for travel until April 30. 'Additionally, we are coordinating closely with airlines and local authorities and will share regular updates. Your safety and convenience remain our top priorities,' he posted on 'X'. Air India and IndiGo also operated two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday to ferry passengers wishing to leave the union territory. 'Customers who wish to cancel their bookings will be provided with a full refund at no additional charge for all flights departing between April 23 and 29, 2025, to/from Srinagar. Moreover, customers can make their first schedule change at no additional charge, including waiver of penalty or fare difference, for travel within seven days from their original date,' said a representative of Air Akasa. 'We are closely monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to assist our customers in every way we can. In view of the emergent situation, we have taken steps to keep the fares moderated. Our priority remains safety of our customers and offering efficient services,' read a press statement issued by IndiGo.
