Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Assam - Complete Travel Guide Near Nagaon

Historically famous for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Laokhowa continues to witness natural rhino movement from nearby protected areas. Today, the sanctuary shelters a wide range of mammals including Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, Asiatic water buffaloes, hog deer, barking deer, wild boars, fishing cats, leopard cats, civets, otters, and several nocturnal species. The grasslands and wetlands also support 39 species of fish, 9 amphibian species, and 14 reptile species, making Laokhowa one of the most biologically diverse wildlife sanctuaries in central Assam.

Birdwatchers consider Laokhowa a paradise, with over 225 recorded bird species, including migratory waterfowl and grassland birds. The critically endangered Bengal florican is among the sanctuary's most notable species, attracting ornithologists, photographers, and nature lovers from across India.

Park Area, Zones and Landscape

• Total Area: 70.13 sq km

• Landscape Type: Floodplain grasslands, riverine forests, wetlands, woodlands

• Eco-Zone: Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Corridor

• Protected Status: Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga Tiger Reserve buffer

The sanctuary consists of seasonal wetlands called beels, tall elephant grass zones, semi-evergreen forests, and sandy river islands formed by the Brahmaputra. These ecosystems provide grazing grounds for herbivores and breeding zones for fish and birds while also offering safe cover for predators.

Climate and Rainfall

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary experiences a tropical monsoon climate. Summers from April to June are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 35°C. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall averaging 2000 mm annually, causing seasonal flooding that enriches the grasslands but restricts tourism access. Winters from November to February are cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it the best season for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

The ideal season to visit Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is from 1st November to 30th April. During this period, weather conditions remain favorable for forest exploration, birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature trails. Monsoon months are avoided due to flooding, slippery terrain, and restricted forest access.

Safari, Activities and Things to Do

Although Laokhowa is less commercialized than Kaziranga, visitors can enjoy peaceful wildlife experiences through guided forest visits coordinated by forest authorities.

Popular Activities Include:

• Bird and butterfly watching

• Nature trails and eco-walks

• Wildlife photography

• River and beach tourism along Brahmaputra islands

• Study tours and research activities

Safari availability depends on seasonal forest conditions and permissions from the Forest Department. Jeep safaris, escorted nature trails, and wetland bird excursions may be arranged through authorized forest officials. Visitors must obtain permits before entering the sanctuary.

Entry Timings, Entry Fees and Parking

• Entry Season: 1st November to 30th April

• Entry Timings: Daytime forest hours only (as permitted by forest authorities)

• Entry Fee: As per Assam Forest Department guidelines (subject to change)

• Parking Facility: Available near forest entry points and range offices

• Permit Requirement: Mandatory

Visitors must be accompanied by authorized forest staff and adhere to eco-tourism guidelines such as maintaining silence, avoiding plastics, and not approaching wildlife.

How to Reach Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

By Road:

• 25 km from Nagaon town

• 148 km from Guwahati
  Regular buses and taxis operate from Nagaon, Guwahati, Tezpur, and nearby towns. NH 36 and NH 37 pass through Nagaon town, making road access convenient.

• Haiborgaon (1 km)

• Chaparmukh (30 km)

• Guwahati (120 km)

• Guwahati (120 km)

• Tezpur (68 km)

• Jorhat (186 km)

From these airports, taxis and buses are easily available to reach Nagaon town and then onward to the sanctuary.

Where to Stay Near Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Several hotels, lodges, and resorts are available in Nagaon, Kaliabor, Tezpur, and Kaziranga areas. Visitors may also arrange meals through local communities with prior booking.

Other Accomodation details:

1) Prashaanti Tourist Lodge Nagaon, MC Borah Road, Nagaon Assam Ph: +91 03672 - 2236446

2) Borduwa Guest House,PO Borduwa,Nagaon (Assam)

3) Downtown Holiday Resort,Samuguri Beelpar, Nagaon,Ph +91 03672 - 229812, 9954250621

4) GL Resort,Phulaguri ( Near Borapahar),Kaziranga Bagari Range,Ph: +91 03672 -  279116,/279002,

5) Diffolu Resort, Bagori (Kazaringa National Park),Ph: +91 9209200013

6) Jasingfa Resort,Dimoruguri,Nagaon.

Why Visit Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Explore one of Assam's most important wildlife corridors

• Spot rare species like Bengal florican and Asiatic water buffalo

• Enjoy peaceful wetlands, river islands, and grassland ecosystems

• Experience offbeat eco-tourism away from crowded parks

• Support wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism

Contact for Visit & Permits at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

A)Divisional Forest Officer
Nagaon Wildlife Division, Katimari, Nagaon – 782002
Tel: +91 3672 225632 (Office), 225003 (Residence)

B)Range Officer
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Garajan, District: Nagaon
Tel: +91 3672 247592 (Office)

OFFICE ADDRESS 

Office of the Tourist Information Officer Prashaanti Tourist Lodge Nagaon
MC Borah Road, Nagaon, Assam
Ph: (0367)2236446

Quick Info Table on Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

FAQs on Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Where is Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Nagaon district of Assam, around 25 km from Nagaon town, on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.

2. What is Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

The sanctuary is famous for its wetlands, bird diversity, grassland ecosystems, wildlife corridors, and historical population of one-horned rhinoceros.

3. What animals can be seen in Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Visitors may spot elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic water buffaloes, hog deer, barking deer, fishing cats, leopard cats, civets, otters, and wild boars.

4. How many bird species are found in Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?

More than 225 bird species have been recorded, including the endangered Bengal florican and migratory waterfowl.

5. What is the best time to visit Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?

The best time to visit is between 1st November and 30th April when weather conditions are favorable for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

6. Is safari available in Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Safari and guided forest visits are available seasonally through forest authorities with prior permission and escort.

7. How far is Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary from Guwahati?

The sanctuary is approximately 120 to 148 km from Guwahati, depending on the travel route.

8. Where can tourists stay near Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Tourists can stay in hotels, lodges, and resorts in Nagaon, Kaliabor, Tezpur, and Kaziranga areas.

9. Do visitors need permits to enter Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, visitors must obtain entry permits from the Nagaon Wildlife Division or local range offices before entering.

10. Is Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary good for birdwatching?

Yes, Laokhowa is one of the best birdwatching destinations in central Assam due to its wetlands and grassland habitats.