Assam Government Launches Orchid Park to Boost Kaziranga Tourism
Inauguration of Orchid Park
Golaghat, March 3: To enhance visitor engagement at Kaziranga National Park, the Assam government has initiated several strategies, including the recent opening of an Orchid Park adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the significant increase in tourist numbers, particularly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the park last year.
“Kaziranga has seen a remarkable surge in visitors. After PM Modi's stay, the number of tourists has increased dramatically, with current figures approaching one lakh,” Sarma stated.
Official reports indicate that Kaziranga experienced a 35% rise in tourist arrivals, making it India's third most-visited national park in 2025, reflecting a notable improvement in its national ranking.
However, the Chief Minister pointed out that brief visits, primarily for jeep and elephant safaris, do not significantly contribute to the state's tourism economy.
“The limited time tourists spend in Kaziranga after their safaris does not greatly benefit our tourism sector. We need to explore ways to encourage longer stays, ideally up to three days,” he remarked.
The newly launched Orchid Park is designed to serve as a key attraction for visitors following their safari experiences.
Developed by the Agriculture Department after extensive planning, the park features over 900 species of orchids from both national and international sources, with plans to conserve up to 1,600 species in the future.
Chief Minister Sarma noted that the park will include seven specialized glass houses for the close study and preservation of rare orchid varieties.
The facility will also feature a children's park, an amphitheater, local food outlets, and educational resources aimed at raising awareness about orchids among students and visitors.
“While there will be an entry fee for the park, I encourage the Agriculture Department to waive this for school and college students on excursions, as well as for children under 12,” Sarma added.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined plans to develop additional attractions and properties around the park to create a comprehensive tourism circuit.
“We will enhance the Numaligarh temple and improve access roads to the Karbi Anglong waterfall. The construction of the world’s second rail-cum-road tunnel will also facilitate increased visitor numbers to Kaziranga,” he explained.
He further mentioned that new elevated viewpoints along the Kaliabor flyover will provide tourists with aerial views of Kaziranga, adding a unique experience.
The government is also contemplating the establishment of a large AI-based forest interpretation center featuring immersive experiences.
“Visitors will have the opportunity to take selfies and even interact with rhinos through AI technology. Our goal is to double or triple tourist numbers within the next five years,” Sarma stated.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a guest house for the Water Resources Department in Kohora, two model high schools at Methoni and Rangagara Tea Estate, and community centers in Numaligarh and Methoni tea estates.
He laid the foundation stone for a new high school building in Bokakhat and a Sub-Registrar’s Office in the same area.
Chief Minister Sarma recalled that the Orchid Park initiative was first proposed in the 2018–19 state budget.
“Orchids have a profound connection with Assam. The design of the newly inaugurated Terminal 2 at Guwahati Airport was also inspired by orchids,” he concluded.
In related news, renowned orchid expert Mohan Pradhan has successfully developed a new hybrid orchid named “Seujia Kaziranga” after eight years of dedicated research and cultivation.
Sharing this achievement on social media, Sarma expressed pride in this accomplishment, emphasizing that it is a tribute that brings honor to every Assamese.