Panbari Reserve Forest in Kaziranga National Park Re-opens for Birding After 15 Years
In exciting news for wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers, the Panbari Reserve Forest area in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has been officially opened from February 2, 2025 for birding tourism.
The inauguration took place on February 3, 2025, at 11:00 am, marking a significant moment for the park and its visitors. The event was attended by park officials, local residents, media, and tourism stakeholders.
The Panbari Reserve Forest, covering an area of [x] square kilometers, is a lush woodland located near the Karbi Hills and National Highway-37.
It is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of woodland birds and mammals like Capped Langurs, Indian Leopards, Black Giant Squirrels, Asian Elephants and many more.
The birding track, spanning 6.7 kilometers, offers tourists a chance to explore this beautiful habitat in jeeps, ensuring safety and convenience.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Panbari Beat Office and was led by Dr. Sonali Ghosh, the Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, along with Acting DFO Champak Deka and rangers Manjit Sonowal, Bibhuti Baruah, Bidyut Bikash Borah, and other forest officials.
The event began with an inaugural speech by the director & others, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The entire event lasted about 20-30 minutes, after which attendees embarked on a birding tour in jeeps.
Wildlife and Bird Sightings
During the exploration, participants were thrilled to spot a pair of capped langurs (a mother and her baby) resting on a tree branch.
The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with notable sightings in today’s tour including:
- Great Hornbill
- Asian Fairy-bluebird
- Black-crested Bulbul
- Pied Falconet
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Oriental Honey-buzzard
- Blue-throated Barbet
- Red-vented Bulbul
- Scarlet Minivet
- Bronge Drongo
The calls of other birds echoed through the trees, adding to the magical experience. This reopening is a boon for tourists, offering them a new way to connect with nature and witness the park’s incredible wildlife.
Birding Tourism Details
Booking
Pre-booking is available online, and tourists can also visit the Panbari Birding Counter at the Panbari Beat Office for further details.
Timings
Birding is allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily.
Capacity
A maximum of 12 tourists and 3 jeeps are permitted each day.
Entry and Exit Points
The tour starts at Modarjuri Camp and ends at the Panbari Beat Office.
Birding Hides
Birding hides are available in the birding trek.
Safety Measures
- Birding is allowed in the registered jeeps only.
- Tourists must remain inside the jeeps except in designated areas.
- Armed guards and one local guide are mandatory.
Background
The Panbari Reserve Forest was previously accessible for exploration on foot. However, after an unfortunate incident in 2009, where a Dutch tourist was killed by an elephant, birding activities were halted. After 15 years, the park authorities have now reintroduced birding, ensuring safety measures are in place with the guided jeep tours only.
Why Panbari Reserve Forest is Special
Panbari Reserve Forest is not just a birding hotspot but also a critical habitat for several mammals and reptiles. The area’s proximity to the Karbi Hills and its dense woodlands make it a unique ecosystem within Kaziranga. The reopening of this area for tourism is expected to boost tourism in the area and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
What This Means for Tourists
For wildlife enthusiasts, this is a golden opportunity to explore a lesser-known part of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. The jeep-based birding tours ensure safety while allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. With its diverse birdlife and occasional mammal sightings, Panbari Reserve Forest is set to become a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
So, pack your binoculars and cameras, and get ready to witness the wonders of Panbari Reserve Forest in Kaziranga National Park!