Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday inaugurated India’s largest integrated orchid park — the Kaziranga Orchid Park — at Kaziranga National Park, adding a news dimesion to nature tourism.
Located at Kohora, the park is poised to become a major tourism hub in the region, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
The project, developed by the Assam government’s Horticulture Department, seeks to strengthen eco-tourism while enriching the overall visitor experience around Kaziranga.
Speaking during the inauguration, CM Sarma said, ” The orchid park houses more than 900 species of orchids, including several rare and endangered varieties, showcasing the rich floral diversity of the region.”
Alongside its extensive orchid displays, the facility will offer accommodation and modern amenities, enhancing its appeal as a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists.
Assam itself is home to more than 300 orchid species, many endemic to the Northeast, underscoring the state’s rich botanical heritage. The new orchid garden is expected to function not only as a tourist attraction but also as a centre for conservation and research, reinforcing Assam’s status as a key hub of botanical diversity in India.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, noted orchid expert Mohan Pradhan from Sikkim has developed a new hybrid orchid named “Seujia Kaziranga” after eight years of sustained research and cross-breeding.
The name carries symbolic meaning — “Seujia,” meaning lush green in Assamese, reflects the state’s verdant landscape, while “Kaziranga” pays tribute to the globally renowned Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its biodiversity and the world’s largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros.
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Dr. Pradhan’s achievement is being hailed not only as a scientific milestone but also as a tribute to Assam’s ecological richness and enduring conservation legacy.
