CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates Kaziranga Heritage
GUWAHATI: A landmark heritage hospitality initiative through Public–Private Partnership Kaziranga Heritage, a distinctive heritage hospitality destination located in the heart of Assam’s globally renowned Kaziranga landscape, was formally inaugurated on 3rd March 2026 by the Honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, in the presence of dignitaries, officials and distinguished guests.
The project marks a significant milestone in Assam’s tourism development, being a strategic Public–Private Partnership (PPP) between the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and Centre Point Hospitality Group. The initiative reflects a shared vision to strengthen heritage tourism infrastructure while celebrating the ecological, cultural and historical legacy of Kaziranga.
A Hospitality Experience Rooted in Landscape and History
Set amidst the floodplains shaped by the Brahmaputra River system and the Kohora River, Kaziranga Heritage has been envisioned not as a resort that competes with its surroundings, but one that quietly participates in the landscape. The estate sits within a region whose conservation story spans more than a century—from its early designation as a proposed reserve forest in 1905 to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a legacy that continues to shape the experience offered to visitors.
The property celebrates the intersection of heritage, ecology, and contemporary hospitality, offering guests a stay that is deeply connected to the rhythms of Kaziranga’s natural environment.
Bonani Bungalow: The Historic Heart of the Estate
At the centre of the estate stands Bonani Bungalow, the historic core of Kaziranga Heritage. Guest records preserved within the property date back to 1938, making it one of the earliest documented hospitality structures associated with Kaziranga’s tourism history.
Built in the colonial Assam-type architectural tradition, Bonani reflects a practical elegance shaped by climate and terrain—featuring raised plinths to accommodate seasonal floods, deep verandahs for shade, and steep sloping roofs designed to endure monsoon conditions. Archival registers and photographs preserved at the property quietly trace Kaziranga’s transformation from vulnerable grasslands into one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife landscapes.
An Estate Designed Around Heritage and Ecology
The estate comprises 28 thoughtfully designed rooms distributed across multiple
heritage-inspired living spaces:
Bonani Bungalow – 10 heritage rooms forming the historic core
Bonoshree – 8 rooms envisioned as a cultural salon, integrating curated literature, archival imagery, and art that explore Assam’s ecological and Vaishnavite traditions
Kohora River View Cottages – 6 cottages overlooking the serene Kohora River floodplains
Kunjobon Presidential Suites & Duplex – 4 luxury suites with private plunge pools, landscaped courtyards, and elevated views toward the Orchid Park
Across the estate, Assam-type architectural principles remain consistent, with elevated structures, transitional verandah spaces, and natural materials chosen for durability and climate sensitivity.
Culinary Heritage: Dining Inspired by Assamese Traditions
Kaziranga Heritage also introduces a 48-seater destination restaurant, where culinary traditions of Assam are interpreted through wood-fired chullah cooking techniques. The menu celebrates slow-cooked regional recipes prepared with locally sourced ingredients while drawing subtle inspiration from Southeast Asian influences that historically shaped Assam’s culinary landscape.
The restaurant’s architecture itself draws inspiration from the traditional Assamese Jaapi, an enduring symbol of hospitality and welcome. The roof design reinterprets the form through contemporary architectural expression, featuring a ceramic articulation along the ridge created by Assamese ceramic artist Jaya Boro, who also serves as Head of the Department at Shantiniketan’s ceramic studio. The roof is crowned with a copper pinnacle, reinforcing the cultural symbolism embedded in the structure.
Art, Culture and Conservation Narratives
Kaziranga Heritage integrates art and history as part of the guest experience. The estate’s curated art collection includes works by Assamese artist Mridu Moshum Bora, whose paintings depict Vaishnavite traditions, dance forms, and the wildlife landscapes of Kaziranga.
The property also features dedicated tributes to legendary Assamese cultural icons Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, acknowledging the profound influence of music and storytelling in shaping Assam’s cultural identity.
Historic wildlife photographs, including archival works attributed to noted conservationist Edward Pritchard Gee, are preserved within the estate. These photographs document a time when the survival of Kaziranga’s wildlife was uncertain and serve as a reminder of the conservation efforts that helped transform the region into one of the world’s most important wildlife habitats.
A Collaborative Cultural Endeavour
Kaziranga Heritage stands as a collaborative endeavour that brings together architects, artists, historians, naturalists, and craftsmen from Assam.
From the architectural language of the estate to the art installations and culinary traditions, the project reflects a collective effort by individuals deeply connected to the land and culture of the region.
Strengthening Heritage Tourism
The inauguration of Kaziranga Heritage represents a significant step toward enhancing Assam’s heritage and eco-tourism ecosystem.
Through its Public–Private Partnership model, the project demonstrates how thoughtful hospitality infrastructure can preserve historical memory, celebrate cultural identity, and contribute to sustainable tourism development. With its blend of history, architecture, art, and landscape, Kaziranga Heritage seeks to offer visitors not merely accommodation, but an experience that reflects the enduring spirit of Assam and the evolving story of Kaziranga.