Guwahati: Assam's Kaziranga National Park recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals in the financial year 2025-26, with visitor numbers rising by more than 15 per cent compared to the previous year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.
Sharing the figures, Sarma said the world-renowned wildlife destination attracted 4.68 lakh visitors during FY 2025-26, up from 4.06 lakh in the preceding financial year.
He noted that the park had welcomed only 1.55 lakh tourists a decade ago, describing the growth as the result of sustained efforts in conservation and tourism development.
In a post on social media, the chief minister said Kaziranga's success demonstrated how conservation could drive economic growth and tourism. He noted that the park had received a record 5.48 lakh visitors since April 2025, making it one of India's most remarkable tourism success stories.
"What happens when conservation is treated not as a constraint on development, but as a catalyst for growth? @kaziranga may have the answer. With a record-breaking 5.48 lakh visitors since April 2025, the national park is emerging as one of India's most compelling tourism success stories," he said.
What happens when conservation is treated not as a constraint on development, but as a catalyst for growth?@kaziranga_ may have the answer.
With a record-breaking 5.48 lakh visitors since April 2025, the national park is emerging as one of India's most compelling tourism… pic.twitter.com/4d77DOFTxp
- Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is internationally recognised for its rich biodiversity and is home to the celebrated "Big Five" species - the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo and Eastern swamp deer - all of which inhabit the park's vast landscape.
The chief minister also highlighted a sharp increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
According to him, the number of international visitors rose from 17,693 in the previous year to 30,474 in 2025-26. He said the growing interest from overseas travellers reflected Assam's progress in creating tourism infrastructure that meets global standards.
Sarma attributed the rise in foreign footfall to improved facilities and greater international visibility generated by visits from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the King of Bhutan and more than 60 foreign diplomats and envoys.
He further said that the state's emphasis on conservation had played a crucial role in Kaziranga's success.
Referring to anti-poaching measures, Sarma said Assam had demonstrated that determined governance could effectively tackle wildlife crime, pointing to years in which the park recorded zero rhino poaching incidents.
Looking ahead, the chief minister highlighted the proposed Kaziranga Elevated Corridor as a key project aimed at balancing development with environmental protection.
He said the corridor would facilitate safer movement of wildlife across critical habitats while enhancing connectivity for residents and tourists.
According to Sarma, the project reflects the government's broader vision of ensuring that conservation and development progress hand in hand, creating long-term benefits for both people and wildlife.