Kaziranga Opening and Closing Dates 2026-27: Which Ranges Are Open Now?
Kaziranga reopened on 3 October 2026. Which safari ranges are open now, when elephant safaris start, when the park closes for the monsoon, and the best weeks to go.
Kaziranga National Park reopened for the 2026-27 season on 3 October 2026. Jeep safaris started in the Central (Kohora) and Western (Bagori) ranges, the Eastern (Agaratoli) range followed in October, and elephant safaris were scheduled to begin on 1 November 2026. The Burapahar range opens last. The park usually closes to safaris again for the monsoon from around May, with the exact date announced by the forest department each year.
This page tracks what's open, range by range. For timings, prices and booking, see our full Kaziranga safari guide.
Kaziranga range status, November 2026
| Range | Gate | Status | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | Kohora | Open since 3 Oct 2026 | First-time visitors, wetlands, watchtowers |
| Western | Bagori | Open since 3 Oct 2026 | Rhinos at close range |
| Eastern | Agaratoli | Open since late Oct 2026 | Birds, migratory waterfowl from November |
| Burapahar | Ghorakati | Opens last, in phases | Hoolock gibbons, forest, fewer vehicles |
Status as of mid-November 2026. Ranges open as the tracks dry out and repairs finish after the floods, so a range can open a few days earlier or later than planned.
Elephant safari dates
Elephant safaris were set to start on 1 November 2026, following the park's usual practice. They run in early morning slots from the Kohora and Bagori ranges only, last about an hour, and sell out first. They normally end before the park closes in spring.
When does Kaziranga close?
Kaziranga closes to tourist safaris every year for the monsoon, when the Brahmaputra floods most of the park and animals move to higher ground. In recent years, the park has closed from around 1 May and reopened in October. The forest department confirms the closing date each spring, sometimes with ranges closing in phases. If you're planning a trip for late April or May, check before you book.
Kaziranga season calendar
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October | Park reopens. Tall grass, some tracks still closed, fewer ranges |
| November | All main ranges open. Elephant safaris start. Migratory birds arrive |
| December and January | Peak season. Cold mornings. Book safaris 2 to 4 weeks ahead |
| February and March | Grass is burnt and short. Excellent animal sightings |
| April | Hot afternoons, very good sightings. Last full month |
| May to September | Closed to safaris for the monsoon |
When should you go?
- For the best sightings: February to April, when the grass is short.
- For birds: November to February, in the Eastern range.
- For all four ranges and elephant safaris: mid-November to March.
- Avoid: Christmas and New Year week if you haven't booked ahead, as safari slots sell out.
Book a Kaziranga safari
Our Kaziranga jeep safari is Rs 4,499 per jeep for up to 6 people in the Central or Western range, with the jeep, driver, park entry and guide included. For a full trip from Guwahati with stay and transfers, see our Assam tour packages.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kaziranga open in 2026?
Kaziranga reopened for the 2026-27 season on 3 October 2026, starting with jeep safaris in the Central (Kohora) and Western (Bagori) ranges.
Is Kaziranga open now?
Yes. As of mid-November 2026, the Kohora, Bagori and Agaratoli ranges are open for jeep safaris, and elephant safaris were scheduled from 1 November. Burapahar opens last.
When does Kaziranga close in 2027?
The park usually closes to safaris from around May for the monsoon. The forest department announces the exact date each spring.
When does the Kaziranga elephant safari start?
Elephant safaris were scheduled to start on 1 November 2026, in early morning slots from the Kohora and Bagori ranges.
Which Kaziranga range is best?
Central (Kohora) if you can do only one safari. Western (Bagori) for close rhino sightings. Eastern (Agaratoli) for birds.
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