The short answer
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
A day trip for birdwatchers and those curious about Assam's rhino landscape, not for anyone expecting big-cat or rhino sightings. Go between November and April, confirm access with the forest office, and combine it with Bura Chapori.
History and context
The story behind Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Laokhowa was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1972 and covers about 70 square kilometres on the south bank of the Brahmaputra. It is managed by the Assam Department of Environment and Forests.
The sanctuary lost its rhino population to poaching in the 1980s, and a 2016 reintroduction from Kaziranga did not succeed. It forms one ecosystem with the neighbouring Bura Chapori sanctuary.
Useful facts
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- South bank of the Brahmaputra, Nagaon district; about 40 km from Tezpur
- Area
- About 70 sq km
- Established
- 1972
- Known for
- 200+ bird species, Bengal florican, rhino history
- Best season
- November to April
- Managed by
- Assam Department of Environment and Forests
Why it matters
Why Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Laokhowa was once one of the better rhino habitats of the Brahmaputra floodplain. In the early 1980s it held more than 70 Indian rhinoceroses, and poachers killed every one of them. In 2016 a female and her calf were reintroduced from Kaziranga, but both died within months of natural causes.
That history makes the sanctuary a case study in how protection can fail and recover only slowly. Today it is valued as part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem, linked with the Kaziranga landscape, and as a birding site. Visiting responsibly supports local interest in keeping it protected.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Birds on the floodplain
More than 200 species have been recorded, including resident and migratory birds and the Bengal florican.
- 02
A landscape with a story
Understand the Brahmaputra floodplain's rhino history, from over 70 animals in the early 1980s to none.
- 03
Quiet river views
Open grass, river channels and big skies make this a calm half-day, especially at dawn.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Laokhowa is reached from Tezpur by crossing the Brahmaputra and driving along the south bank. Incredible India lists it at about 40 km from Tezpur, while it is administratively in Nagaon district, so distances vary with the route. Ask your hotel or the forest office to confirm the current approach and whether a guide or vehicle is required.
The terrain is flat floodplain of grassland, wetlands and scattered woodland beside the river. Binoculars matter more than a long lens here: more than 200 bird species have been recorded, including the Bengal florican, a critically endangered grassland bird. Early mornings in winter are best, when mist lifts off the river and migratory birds are present.
Be realistic about wildlife. The sanctuary is known more for habitat and birds than for easy big-mammal sightings, and large parts are low-lying and flood-prone. Treat it as a quiet, slow outing and pair it with Bura Chapori next door rather than stretching the day further.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm access and any guide requirement with the forest office before you go
- Carry drinking water, snacks and a hat; there is little shade
- Plan for a bumpy road and weak mobile signal
- Go in November to April; avoid the flood season
- Combine with Bura Chapori to avoid a second long drive
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- South bank of the Brahmaputra, Nagaon district, about 40 km from Tezpur by one tourism listing
- Time needed
- Half to full day
- Best time
- November to April
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Visitor facilities are limited and tracks are rough. The ride is long and bumpy with little shade, so it suits older visitors who are comfortable in a vehicle for several hours but not those who need frequent rest stops.
- Tickets and access
- Entry arrangements are run by the Assam forest department. Fees, permits and safari options are not published; confirm with the forest office in Tezpur or Nagaon before travelling.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Visitor facilities are limited and tracks are rough. The ride is long and bumpy with little shade, so it suits older visitors who are comfortable in a vehicle for several hours but not those who need frequent rest stops.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Are there rhinos at Laokhowa now?
The original population of over 70 was poached out in the 1980s, and two animals reintroduced from Kaziranga in 2016 died within months. Do not visit expecting to see rhino.
Is it open to tourists?
The Incredible India listing says it is open to visitors from November to April. Confirm current access and any permission requirement with the forest office.
How far is it from Tezpur?
Incredible India gives about 40 km; the sanctuary is in Nagaon district across the river. Check the route with a local driver.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
