Tezpur, Oct. 2: Only two ranges of Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site in Assam, reopened today for the new tourist season.

State forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma formally reopened Mihimukh gate at Kohora range, which is the main entrance for visitors. The two ranges of Kohora and Bagori draw a huge number of both foreign and domestic tourists.

Brahma said only two ranges were opened to visitors because of the bad road conditions after the floods and repairs are under way which will take some more time because of inclement weather. She also asked the park officials to assess if any new embankments need to be constructed to protect the park from flash floods.

During the floods, 85 per cent of the national park was inundated, 148 anti-poaching camps were affected and 31 rhinos lost their lives. Poachers have so far killed two rhinos this year as compared to 18 rhinos last year and 17 in 2015 during the floods.

During the period 2014-15, the park witnessed a record 1,23,360 domestic and 7,994 foreign tourists. Park authorities expect more this season.

Altogether 11 domestic elephants were used today for safaris at Kohora.

The forest minister also visited the park on a safari along with agriculture minister Atul Bora, divisional forest officer Rohini Ballav Saikia said.

Brahma said Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park will reopen on Thursday.

Two new museums displaying the history, life and culture of Moran, Muttock and Gorkha communities were opened at the Kaziranga orchid and biodiversity park today.

The biodiversity park, set up by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, houses various rare and endangered species of orchids, historical objects, life and culture of various ethnic communities of Assam.

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, 50km northeast of Guwahati, in Morigaon district was also reopened to tourists and visitors today.