Kaziranga National Park: The Jewel of Assam

Kaziranga National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, is one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and is a biodiversity hotspot, offering an unparalleled experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Specialty and Locality

• Specialty: Kaziranga National Park is celebrated for its large population of one-horned rhinoceroses, which constitutes about two-thirds of the world’s population of this species. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various species of birds.
• Locality: Situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, Kaziranga spans an area of approximately 430 square kilometers along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. It is easily accessible from major cities like Guwahati and Jorhat.

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park

The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is from November to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the park is open to tourists. The monsoon season (June to September) causes flooding in the region, making it inaccessible.

Key Attractions at Kaziranga National Park

Wildlife Safaris

• Jeep Safari: Explore the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes through guided jeep safaris. These safaris provide opportunities to spot the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and other wildlife.
• Elephant Safari: Experience a unique perspective of the park by riding on an elephant, offering closer encounters with rhinos and other animals in their natural habitat.

Rich Biodiversity

• Fauna: Besides the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is home to Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and numerous bird species, including migratory birds during the winter season.
• Flora: The park’s vegetation includes dense tropical forests, tall elephant grass, marshland, and various species of trees and plants.

Bird Watching

• Avian Paradise: Kaziranga is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds recorded. Key species include the great Indian hornbill, white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, and several species of storks, pelicans, and eagles.
• Birding Tours: Specialized birding tours are available for enthusiasts to explore and identify the diverse avian population.

Visitor Facilities

• Interpretation Centre: The Kohora range office has an interpretation center providing information about the park’s biodiversity, conservation efforts, and history.
• Nature Walks: Guided nature walks are offered in designated areas, providing an immersive experience of the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Nearby Restaurants and Hotels

Restaurants near Kaziranga National Park

• The Wild Grass Lodge Restaurant: Offers a variety of Indian and continental dishes with a focus on local Assamese cuisine.
• Kaziranga Florican Lodge Restaurant: Known for its traditional Assamese meals and a selection of Indian dishes.
• Borgos Restaurant: A fine dining option offering a diverse menu with both local and international cuisine.

Hotels near Kaziranga National Park

• Wild Grass Lodge: A popular eco-lodge offering comfortable accommodation and wildlife-themed experiences.
• Iora – The Retreat: A luxury resort with modern amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, and excellent dining facilities.
• Borgos Resort: Known for its luxury accommodations, this resort offers top-notch services and easy access to the park.

Conclusion

Kaziranga National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable experience amidst its diverse flora and fauna. From thrilling safaris to serene nature walks, Kaziranga provides numerous opportunities to connect with nature and witness the majestic one-horned rhinoceros in its natural habitat. Plan your visit between November and April to explore this jewel of Assam and create memories that will last a lifetime.

What is Kaziranga National Park famous for?
Kaziranga National Park famous for its one-horned Rhinoceros is located in Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam. Kaziranga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

Which month is Kaziranga closed?
Kaziranga Park remain closed from 01 May till 31 Oct every year for the visitors. Therefore November to April is the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park.

What is the best time to visit Kaziranga?
The best time to visit Kaziranga is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and the park is open for visitors. During this period, you can enjoy wildlife safaris and bird watching to your heart’s content. The park remains closed from May to October due to the monsoon season.

Why do people visit Kaziranga?
Along with the great one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is also home to the Bengal tigers. Kaziranga National Park is famous for having the big five mammals which includes the royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, swamp deer, Asiatic elephants, and water buffalo.

Does Kaziranga have tigers?
Kaziranga National Park holds the distinction of having the highest density of tigers in the world (1 per 5 sq. km). According to the last census, there are around 135 tigers in Kaziranga National Park. Eastern Swamp Deer is a subspecies of Swamp Deer of the Terai arc landscape.

Which deer is found in Kaziranga National Park?
The Eastern Swamp Deer, with its elegant antlers and resilient spirit, is more than just an inhabitant of Kaziranga. It signifies the resilience of nature, the harmony of ecosystems, and the unity of purpose among the stewards of this land.

Why Kaziranga is a World Heritage site?
Kaziranga National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985 for its large population of one-horned rhino, tigers, elephants, panthers, bears and many birds, and its representation of the Brahmaputra floodplain and grassland ecosystem undisturbed by man.

How many days are enough for Kaziranga Tour?
You require two full days to explore the Kaziranga National Park – one day for Jeep Safari and second day for Elephant Safari and local visit to tea garden or Biodiversity park.

How long is the Jeep Safari in Kaziranga?
The Jeep Safari in Kaziranga takes around one and half hours of round trip that starts every day early in the morning and during the early afternoon.

Can I stay inside Kaziranga National Park?
Enjoy a paradisiacal stay in Kaziranga like never before at the exquisite Diphlu River Lodge. An oasis of luxury in a surreal landscape, this lodge offers comfort amid nature and wildlife in Kaziranga. Once you reach, you can select from the river-facing or the paddy-field facing cottages.

How to tour Kaziranga National Park?
Kohora is the main tourist hub for Kaziranga. Its on the National Highway 37 (NH 37) which is linked to Guwahati on the west and Jorhat on the east. From Guwahati, it can directly be reached by road (NH 37). It takes anything from 4-5 hours depending upon time of travel and traffic congestion.

Which range is better in Kaziranga?
The central zone or Kohora is great for tigers and rhinos. While tigers roam in all four zones, the central zone has the highest number and is the best for tiger sightings. The western or Bagori zone is good to spot rhinos, too, as it has a larger grazing area.

What is the Speciality of Kaziranga?
Kaziranga National Park famous for its one-horned Rhinoceros is located in Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam. Kaziranga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. The park has an area of some 430 square km and lies between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills.