New Boutique Wildlife Retreat “Rhino & River” Opens Near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

A luxurious new riverside retreat, Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat & Spa, has officially opened its doors in the scenic plains of Mayong (Mayang), just minutes from Assam’s famed Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – home to one of the highest densities of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in the world.

Nestled between lush farmlands and the majestic Brahmaputra River, this 16-key boutique property is the first hospitality venture by SM JDB Estate Pvt. Ltd. (a collaboration between SM Developers and JDB Group) and is professionally managed by BluSalzz Hospitality.

Accommodation
The retreat offers beautifully crafted loghut-style rooms built primarily with local bamboo and timber. Guests can choose between:
- Tea Garden Rooms – inspired by Assam’s iconic tea estates
- Safari Rooms – reflecting the wilderness of Pobitora

Every room comes with a private balcony offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests, river, or farmland, blending rustic charm with contemporary comforts.

Immersive Experiences
Rhino & River positions itself as more than just a stay – it’s a gateway to authentic Assam:
- Jeep and elephant safaris inside Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Guided birdwatching trails with expert naturalists
- River cruises to spot the endangered Gangetic dolphin
- Village walks and visits to ancient temples
- Heritage excursions to mystical Mayong, known as the “Land of Black Magic”
- Cultural interactions with local communities

Dining & Wellness
- Baan Kaahi: A farm-to-table restaurant celebrating seasonal Assamese and Northeast Indian cuisine
- Apong Bar: Serving creative cocktails infused with traditional rice beer (apong) alongside premium spirits
- Nirban Spa: Treatments rooted in the ancient healing traditions of Northeast India using indigenous herbs and oils
- Temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking the Brahmaputra
- Rock Bar: An open lawn venue perfect for sundowners, intimate celebrations, or corporate off-sites

The property follows strong eco-conscious principles – solar-lit pathways, rainwater harvesting, community sourcing, and low-impact architecture designed by renowned Northeast designer Aku Zeliang.

Vision Behind the Project
Vikas Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of SM Developers, shared:  
“Rhino & River is our tribute to Assam’s incredible natural and cultural heritage. We want travellers to leave with stories, not just photographs – and in the process create sustainable livelihoods for the people of Mayong.”

Sanjay Sharma, Founder & CEO of BluSalzz Hospitality, added that the retreat offers “mindful luxury that respects the land and amplifies its voices.”

Why It Matters for Northeast Tourism
With improved air, rail, and road connectivity, Assam and the wider Northeast region are witnessing a tourism boom. Properties like Rhino & River are raising the bar for experiential, responsible, and high-end travel in a region long underrated on the global luxury map.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply craving a serene riverside escape, Rhino & River looks set to become one of Assam’s most sought-after addresses.

Location: Mayong, near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam  
Now Accepting Bookings for the 2025–2026 season.

A fresh benchmark in boutique wildlife hospitality has arrived in the heart of Assam!