The northeastern state of Assam is a culturally rich state with an abundance of flora and fauna. Serene greenery engulfs the state and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Out of many national parks in Assam, the Kaziranga National Park is one of the top attractions of the state, best known for being home to the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros. Any trip to Assam is incomplete without visiting Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of the very few places in the country that remains largely undisturbed by human interference; hence, exotic species of organisms freely thrive in their natural environment. Kaziranga National Park is located amidst two districts of the state, Nagaon, and Golaghat. Lying on the banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra in Assam, the picturesque beauty of Kaziranga National Park is a treat to the eyes.
INTERESTING FACTS
- > Kaziranga National Park houses two-thirds of the population of the one-horned rhinoceros.
- > Kaziranga National Park has been declared a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO.
- > Kaziranga National Park has the highest density of tigers among all protected areas across the world.
Mother and baby rhino strolling inside Kaziranga National Park
FLORA AND FAUNA INSIDE KAZIRANGA
Kaziranga National Park has a rich variety of wildlife. Not just rhinos and tigers, the majestic Kaziranga National Park also shelters huge numbers of elephants, buffalos, swamp deer, and other animals. Exotic species of bird reside in the park because of which Birdlife International recognized Kaziranga National Park as a prominent birdlife area.
Tropical broadleaf forest, tall elephant grass, and marshland engulf Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga National Park also has several small water bodies along with the rivers Brahmaputra, Mora Diphlu, Diphlu, and Mora Dhansiri flowing through it. The Kaziranga National Park is one of the popular and important places in Assam. Home to a wide variety of wildlife and biodiversity the Kaziranga National Park is one of the prides of Assam in India.
ACTIVITIES IN KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
The primary visitor activities in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, are observing wildlife and birding. Other outdoor activities such as hiking are prohibited in Kaziranga National Park to refrain visitors from getting into human-animal conflicts, which can get very dangerous. Visitors interested in photography must visit Kaziranga National Park during their stay in Assam. Safaris allow photography inside Kaziranga National Park. On the other hand, the forest department has set up several observation towers at Kathpara, Sohola, Mihimukh, Folamari, Harmoti, etc for better viewing of wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. Numerous ponds are spread across Kaziranga National Park adding to its beauty. Additionally, the forest department has set up an interpretation center at Bagori, Kaziranga, to let visitors learn more about Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
SAFARIS
The best way to experience the wilderness of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, is through an elephant safari or jeep safari provided by the park itself. The park offers safaris to its visitors letting them get an extensive view of the flora and fauna as well as animals that live inside Kaziranga National Park. One of the popular safaris of Kaziranga National Park in Assam is the elephant safari.
Elephant Safari
This popular elephant safari is organized by the forest department of Assam in Kaziranga National Park twice a day. Such a safari allows visitors to get a closer look at the famous one-horned rhinoceros as well as other animals and birds. Elephant safari is one of the things to do in Assam at Kaziranga National Park. To avoid the last-minute hassle, it is better to make advance booking of safaris at Kaziranga National Park as there is a lot of rush, especially during peak season in Assam. Kaziranga National Park also offers a jeep safari to its visitors. People who are not willing to ride an elephant can choose a jeep safari and spot animals and enjoy the views at Kaziranga National Park.
Elephant safari inside Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Jeep Safari
The forest department of the Government of Assam also arranges jeep safaris for the tourists inside Kaziranga National Park. There are usually two shifts during the day in the park. Unlike elephant safari, jeep safari covers a larger area of Kaziranga National Park.
Jeep safari fare
The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park is a recent set up at Durgapur village located in Chirang district in Assam. It is best known for housing over 500 different species of orchids, numerous varieties of fruits, vegetables, cane, bamboo, and even fish. The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park attract tourists in large numbers. It has become one of the latest attractions to tourists visiting Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
GENERAL GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
1. Maintain silence
2. Do not try to agitate animals
3. Do not leave litter behind
4. Do not get out of the vehicle except at designated areas
5. Do not leave the designated trails
6. Avoid wearing bright-colored clothing
BEST TIME TO VISIT KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Kaziranga in Assam receives a lot of rainfall, which sometimes leads to flooding in Kaziranga National Park. Hence, Kaziranga National Park remains closed for visitors from May to October. The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam is between November and April. You will be able to witness a wide variety of changes in the flora and fauna in Kaziranga depending on the month you visit.
HOW TO REACH KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Kaziranga National Park, Assam, is easily accessible through all transport modes. Traveling to Kaziranga National Park and exploring the place is as easy as can be.
- By air: The airport nearest to Kaziranga National Park, Assam, is Jorhat (Rowirah) Airport, which is located 96 kilometers away. To the west of Kaziranga is the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, located 225 kilometers away. These airports are well connected to most major cities of the country as well as international cities.
- By rail: The nearest railway station to Kaziranga is located at a distance of 40 kilometers at Jakhalabandha. Other major railway stations with proximity to Kaziranga National Park are Furkating Junction and the Guwahati railway station. Railways are also a great mode of transport to reach Kaziranga Park.
- By road: National Highway 37 connects Kaziranga with major cities of Assam as well as the rest of the country through roadways. Public and private road transportation services can be availed to reach Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Many tourists prefer road trips to Kaziranga National Park.
ACCOMMODATION IN KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Kaziranga has numerous government and private lodges, hotels, as well as luxury hotels close to Kaziranga National Park that promise a comfortable stay for all visitors. With the increase in tourism and travellers, you will be able to choose from several places to stay at Kaziranga within your budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. When is the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park?
Winters (November to February) is the best time to visit Kaziranga as the weather is mild and dry. Also, winter is a good time for bird-watching tours
Q. How many days are enough for Kaziranga National Park?
You require two full days to explore Kaziranga National Park.
Q. Which zone is better in Kaziranga National Park?
The western zone is a highly recommended safari zone in Kaziranga where there is a strong probability of spotting tigers and the most famous one-horned rhinos.
Apart from Kaziranga National Park, Assam has several other national parks you should check out:
Top 4 National Parks in Assam
