Panbari Reserve Forest in Kaziranga Re-opens for Birding Tourism After 15 Years
Park Director Dr. Sonali Ghosh and Bokakhat forest officials officially inaugurate a regulated 6.7 km jeep circuit, restoring access to Kaziranga’s richest woodland canopy with strict wildlife safety protocols.
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Inauguration at the Panbari Beat Office
In a landmark development for wildlife conservationists and birdwatchers, the Panbari Reserve Forest within the Bokakhat Range of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve was officially reopened for regulated birding tourism on February 3, 2025.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 11:00 AM at the Panbari Beat Office, led by Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, alongside Acting DFO Champak Deka, Bokakhat Forest Ranger Manjit Sonowal, Range Officers Bibhuti Baruah and Bidyut Bikash Borah, accompanied by local birding guides, forest guards, and regional tourism stakeholders.
Historical Context: Why Panbari Was Closed Since 2009
Panbari Reserve Forest was traditionally explored on foot by ornithologists and naturalists. However, following a tragic incident in 2009 where a Dutch tourist was fatally trampled by a wild elephant on an unguided foot trail, park authorities halted all tourism activities to ensure visitor safety.
After 15 years of strict habitat preservation and infrastructure modernization, the Assam Forest Department has reopened the forest under a safe, vehicle-only protocol. Visitors are now required to remain inside registered 4x4 open-top gypsy vehicles, accompanied by an armed forest guard and a certified local naturalist at all times.
Official Regulations & Safari Guidelines
Maiden Exploration Drive Sightings
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting, park officials and naturalists participated in the maiden exploration drive along the 6.7 km canopy circuit. Participants recorded several rare canopy species within the first two hours:
- Capped Langurs (Trachypithecus pileatus): A mother with her golden infant observed resting in the high canopy near Modarjuri.
- Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis): Pair spotted in flight across the upper hill ridge.
- Pied Falconet (Microhierax melanoleucos): Observed hunting from exposed tree snags.
- Asian Fairy-bluebird (Irena puella): Multiple vibrant foraging individuals recorded in fruit-bearing trees.
- Other notable records: Black-crested Bulbul, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Oriental Honey-buzzard, and Blue-throated Barbet.
Plan Your Panbari Birding Experience
Because only 3 jeeps are permitted daily, permits must be reserved well in advance. Check full route logistics, species checklists, and photography guidelines in our master guide.