Kaziranga National Park
A National Park, a Tiger Reserve and a World Heritage Site - Kaziranga is home to two-thirds of the population of the One-horned Rhinoceros and also boasts the highest density of Royal Bengal tigers in all protected areas of the world. Established in 1905, the 858.98 sq km park is located in the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam.
Recognition In the year 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. Kaziranga is also recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area for conservation of avifaunal species.
Biodiversity - What all you can see...
Kaziranga is a unique mix of wetlands, grasslands and forestlands and often draws a comparison with Africa for its rich natural bounty and quality of wildlife viewing.
The difference in altitude between the eastern and western areas of the park, is reason for four types of vegetation’ like alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Indian gooseberry, the cotton tree and elephant Apple are amongst the famous trees that can be seen in the park. A good variety of aquatic flora can also be seen in lakes, ponds, and along the river shores.
Other than the rhinos and the tigers, this park is home to 9 of 14 primate species found across South Asia. Primarily, the animals found are The One-Horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo and swamp deer, a.ka., 'The Big Five' of Kaziranga.
The park is also a haven for bird-watchers as it is the home to so many bird species which are inhabitants of the area as well as the vast number of species that migrate from Central Asia during the winter.
2 of the largest snakes in the world, the Reticulated Python and Rock Python, as well as the King Cobra, inhabit the park. Other snakes found here include the Indian Cobra, Monocled Cobra, Russell's Viper and the Common Krait. Monitor lizard species found in the park include the Bengal Monitor and the Asian Water Monitor. Other reptiles include fifteen species of turtle, such as the endemic Assam Roofed Turtle and one species of tortoise, the Brown Tortoise. Also, 42 species of fish are found in the area, including the Tetraodon.
Best Time to Visit
The Kaziranga Season 2017-2018 has opened from October 2.
November to April is the best time to visit Kaziranga as the climate is mild and dry. Chances of spotting rhinos are more in winter as the grass burn off and the background becomes clearer.
During Summer (April - May), the climate remains dry and windy; animals can be found around the water bodies.
The park remains closed from May to October due to warnings of Brahmaputra river floods.
How to Reach :
Reaching Kaziranga is pretty easy. By Air : Closest airport is Jorhat - 109 kms away. By Road : This is a personally recommended means of travel. Reach Guwahati and drive down to Kaziranga, 217 kms east. Buses and cabs are easily available. Also, you can drive from Jorhat or Tezpur (approx 85 kms). By Rail : Reach Guwahati and use the road.
Safari Timing:
Jeep Safari Timing
Morning Jeep Safari: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Afternoon Jeep Safari: 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Elephant Safari Timing
Morning- 05:30 / 06:30
Morning- 06:30 / 07:30
Safari Gate/Zones
The park is split into four areas; each with its own distinct feature regarding grasslands, the density of mammals & birds and land topography. Below are some points of the pre-defined tourist circuits where the jeep safari takes place:
Ghorakati in Burapahar Range at Ghorakhati
Bagori in Western Range at Bagori
Agaratoli in Eastern Range at Agaratoli
Mihimukh in Central Range at Kohora
Where you can stay...
Kaziranga has a few Forest IBs(inspection Bungalow) and Guest Houses are primarily meant for accommodating forest officers’ but, subject to vacancies, the available accommodation may be offered to others visiting the National Park.
The IB/ Guest Houses are:
Heritage IB, Kohora
Forest Guest House, Kohora
Forest IB, Bagori
Apart from these there are a fair number of other private accommodations like Hotels/Resorts and even Home-stays in & around Kaziranga National Park.
Popular Hotels and Resorts : The Iora Retreat , Borgos, Wild Grass Lodge, United 21 Grassland Resort, Bonhabi Resort, Nature-Hunt Eco- Camp, Kaziranga Golf Resort
Few Private Home-stays: Kaziranga Guest House, Sneha Bhawan, Bora's Home Stay, Deuta's Cottage
I do hope this was helpful. Please contact us for more information and for booking purposes. We conduct tours for all with guides who are fluent in Assamese, Hindi and English.
Team AdVenture NorthEast - Wander, Explore, Discover!!
