Can Kaziranga be Covered in a Day Trip from Guwahati?
Kaziranga is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Assam. It is known for its rich biodiversity and vast stretches of grassland. The park is home to rare and endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros that attract visitors from across the world. Its natural beauty and wildlife sightings make it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photographers. For tourists in Assam, the question often comes up – can you visit Kaziranga from Guwahati and return the same day? This idea is appealing to many. Guwahati is a major city with good road connectivity. A one-day trip seems like a quick way to enjoy nature without planning an overnight stay.
The thought of escaping the city and spending a day in the wild is exciting. People imagine spotting animals, clicking photographs, and returning home with wonderful memories. But the question is – is it really possible? Can you fit travel, safari, and exploration into a single day? In this blog, we will look at the distance, timing, safari schedule, and possible experiences. This will help you decide whether a day trip is worthwhile or if you should plan for more time.
The Total Travel Duration for the Round Trip
Considering the day, the total distance to be covered is approximately 408 km, and the travel duration is about 8-9 hours. If you’re planning for a day trip, a significant part of the day will be spent travelling. If you start early in the morning, you can reach by mid-morning. This allows you to catch the later safari slots. However, your return journey will also take 4 to 5 hours. Travel time can change with the seasons. During monsoon months, heavy rains can slow down the journey. In winter, there may be fog in the early morning that reduces visibility. Both can add extra travel time and make the trip longer. The overall day tour plan can get a bit hectic if the journey is delayed for any reason. The safari is the primary attraction of Kaziranga. If you fail to arrive on time, the safari can get cancelled, thus ruining the entire plan. Therefore, it is better to start the day as early as possible to bypass any unwanted circumstances.
What Exactly Can You Do in a 1-Day Kaziranga Tour?
With limited time, your main activity will be a single safari ride. This could be a jeep safari in the late afternoon, depending on when you arrive. Wildlife sightings depend on luck, but you may spot rhinos, deer, and various birds. The most thrilling part of your trip is where you truly experience Kaziranga National Park India. Even in a short visit, the sight of open grasslands, marshes, and distant hills is unforgettable. The fresh air and peaceful setting offer a break from city life.
Photography lovers can capture the beauty of the park. The light during early morning or late afternoon makes for excellent shots. Short walks around the designated visitor areas are possible, but exploring deep into the park will be limited to your safari ride. However, you should keep in mind that you won’t be able to experience the elephant safari as they are conducted quite early in the morning. Reaching Kaziranga so early from Guwahati is not possible. If you want to enjoy an elephant safari, you must stay at least one night and enjoy the ride in the early morning.
Kaziranga’s Safari Schedule & Entry Rules
Kaziranga offers both jeep and elephant safaris. Jeep safaris usually have two slots – one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Morning Slot | Evening Slot | |
| Elephant Safari | 5 am – 6 am 6 am – 7 am | NA |
| Jeep Safari | 7:30 am – 9:30 am 9:30 am – 11:30 am | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm 2:35 pm – 4:35 pm |
You need a valid entry permit for any safari. Permits can be booked in advance or arranged through authorized counters. The park opens in November and closes in May each year.
Kaziranga has different tourism zones such as Kohora, Bagori, and Burapahar. The choice of zone affects what you might see during the safari.
To Sum Up,
It is possible to cover Kaziranga in a day trip from Guwahati, but it will be a long day. You will spend more time on the road than in the park. If your goal is to get a quick glimpse of the landscape and possibly see some animals, then a day trip can work. However, if you want to explore different zones, take multiple safaris, and enjoy the park at a relaxed pace, then an overnight stay is better.
