Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is piloting astro-tourism as a thoughtful way to extend visitor stays without increasing pressure on its core wildlife habitats. Officials say the initiative aims to diversify tourism while keeping conservation at its centre.
The park recently hosted an astro-guide training camp at Rhinoland Park in Burrapahar, positioning dark-sky experiences as an ecologically sensitive complement to daytime safaris. Drawing inspiration from global models in Chile, New Zealand and Namibia, the programme explored combining nature interpretation by day with guided stargazing after dark.
Park authorities highlighted that such experiences could encourage longer, more meaningful visits while easing stress on key wildlife zones. Experts also stressed the importance of managing light and sound pollution around protected areas, noting their impact on both wildlife and night-sky visibility.
Astronomy professionals from Pragjyotish Amateur Astronomers Association and specialists from the Andaman Islands led sessions on stargazing, astrophotography and cultural storytelling linked to the night sky. Officials said the “Cosmic Kaziranga” vision seeks to blend conservation, science, culture and local livelihoods through responsible, low-impact tourism.
