Bhomoraguri Boat Safari

Bhomoraguri Boat Safari is an ecotourism activity located at the Bhomoraguri Ecotourism Zone in Tezpur, Sonitpur District, Assam. Managed by the Biswanath Wildlife Division of the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, it sits at 55 meters elevation and is renowned for close-range sightings of the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica).

A Historical Gateway on the Brahmaputra

The Bhomoraguri area carries deep historical weight, named after Kolia Bhomora Borphukan, an eminent 18th-century Ahom military general. Recognizing the strategic military advantage of connecting the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra, he attempted to build a bridge here, leaving behind massive stone inscriptions that visitors can still see. General Borphukan's dream was realized centuries later in 1987 with the opening of the 3-kilometer-long Kolia Bhomora Setu. As you sail under the massive concrete pillars of this modern engineering marvel, the scale of both history and the mighty river becomes humbling.

Cruising the Jia Bharali Confluence

The safari explores the waters near the confluence where the fast-flowing Jia Bharali River meets the Brahmaputra. The mixing of these two distinct river currents creates nutrient-rich, deep-water pools that are highly attractive to fish, making it a prime feeding ground for the Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica). Locally called the Xihu, these freshwater dolphins are functionally blind and navigate using echolocation. Sighting a dolphin involves watching for their smooth, dark backs arching above the water for just a second to breathe, accompanied by a soft, distinctive blowing sound.

Birding on the Dynamic Chaporis

During the winter months, the receding waters of the Brahmaputra expose expansive sandbars, locally known as Chaporis. These sandbars become vital stopovers for thousands of migratory birds traveling the Central Asian Flyway. Birdwatchers can spot large flocks of Brahminy ducks (ruddy shelducks), bar-headed geese, river terns, and endangered greater adjutant storks. White-throated kingfishers and grey-headed fish eagles are commonly seen scanning the river channels from semi-submerged driftwood.

What NOT to Expect

Do not expect a luxury river cruise or large passenger vessels with indoor seating and dining options. The Bhomoraguri safari is conducted on simple, open-air wooden country boats or small speedboats operated by local community members. Sighting dolphins requires patience, and because they are wild, free-ranging creatures, they do not perform jumps or surface on command like captive marine mammals.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Bhomoraguri?

The safari is active from November to April when river currents are mild and water levels subside, exposing the sandbars. During the monsoon season (May to September), the Brahmaputra River swells dramatically, making boat travel impossible, and all ecotourism operations are strictly closed for safety.

Getting There

Bhomoraguri lies just off National Highway 37A near Tezpur. It is about a 1.5-hour drive (65 km) from the Kohora range (Central Kaziranga) and 30 km from the Burapahar range. Cabs can be easily booked from Tezpur town or Kaziranga resorts.