Pobitora by Scooty From Guwahati: A Half-Day Rhino Safari
Quick take: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is about 48 km from Guwahati, around 1.5 hours by road, and is known for having one of the densest populations of one-horned rhinos in the world in a small area. You don't need two days and a long drive like Kaziranga: leave Guwahati at dawn, take the morning jeep or elephant safari, and be back for lunch. A scooty (₹799/day) or bike (₹999/day) is all you need; our 7-seater (₹2,799/day) suits families.
Why Pobitora
Pobitora is small: a patch of grassland and wetland near the Brahmaputra. That's why it works so well for a short trip. The rhinos live in a compact area, so sightings are very likely on a single safari, and the wetlands bring birds, especially in winter. It's the easiest way to see a rhino from Guwahati.
Getting there
From our pickup in Maligaon, cross the city towards the east, then take the road through the Mayong area to the sanctuary gate. The last part runs through villages and fields, flat and easy, so it suits first-time scooty riders. Allow about 1.5 hours; more in morning city traffic.
| How you go | Per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally or TVS NTorq 150 | from ₹799 | Couples; the easiest half-day out |
| Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 | ₹999 | Two-up, or carrying on to Chandubi or Mayong |
| Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater | ₹2,799 | Families; your own vehicle stays at the gate |
Your own vehicle goes only as far as the gate. Inside the sanctuary you take the official safari.
Safari timings and the season
- Season: the sanctuary opens after the monsoon, usually around October or November, and stays open until about April or May. It closes in the monsoon, when much of it floods.
- Safaris: jeep and elephant safaris run in the early morning, with an afternoon slot on some days. In foggy winter mornings the first safari can start late.
- Booking: book at the gate or through the forest department. Third-party sites often charge much more than the official rate.
Timings and fees change from season to season, so check with the range office before you go. Plan to be at the gate by the first slot: the light is best, it's cooler, and the animals are out.
A half-day plan
- 5:30 AM: leave Guwahati (pick up the scooty the night before; it's free).
- 7 AM: at the Pobitora gate; take the first safari.
- 9 AM: breakfast near the gate or in Mayong village, known for its old tales of magic.
- 11 AM: ride back to Guwahati, or carry on to Chandubi Lake (about 64 km from Guwahati) for a full day out.
Our scooties
Helmet included, pickup in Guwahati
Tips
- Pick up the night before so you can leave at dawn. A night pickup before your rental starts is free.
- Carry a warm layer for winter mornings on two wheels; it's cold and foggy until about 9 AM.
- Bring cash for the safari and food; card payment isn't reliable at the gate.
- Wear muted colours on the safari and stay quiet; rhinos are calm but wild.
- Don't ride in the dark on the village roads; leave after first light.
More short rides like this are in our day trips from Guwahati post.
FAQs
How far is Pobitora from Guwahati? About 48 km, around 1.5 hours by road from our pickup.
Can I ride a scooty to Pobitora? Yes. The road is flat and easy, which makes it one of the best scooty trips from Guwahati. Your scooty stays at the gate during the safari.
When is Pobitora open? Usually from about October or November to April or May; it closes in the monsoon. Check the opening date for the season before you go.
Pobitora or Kaziranga? Pobitora for a half-day trip with a very good chance of seeing rhinos; Kaziranga for a bigger park, more wildlife and a two-day trip.
Contact / Book
Want to be at the gate for the first safari? Book a scooty or bike on WhatsApp and pick it up the night before.
