Located in central Assam, mainly along the southern floodplains of the Bramhaputra river, Kaziranga National Park spans an area totalling almost 860 sq km. The grassland dominated landscape is defined by marshes, and perennial water bodies called ‘beels’. Tropical forests also form part of this setting. The large flatlands are quite fertile due to the silt deposits by the river, and dense vegetation abounds with characteristic expanses of elephant grass thickets that grow up to towering heights. Over 32 species of flora are to be found within the park. Wildlife sighting, including birdwatching, is the mainstay tourism activity in the park. For administrative purposes, the park is divided into four ranges – Kohora (central), Baguri (western), Agoratoli (eastern) and Ghorakati (Burapahar). Assam being synonymous with tea, excursions to tea gardens/estates in nearby areas are also availed of by visitors to Kaziranga.
Wildlife attractions
This landscape makes for an ideal home to a complex ecosystem comprising a diverse range of plant, bird and animal and aquatic life. The most famous inhabitant of the Kaziranga National Park is the one-horned Indian rhinoceros. Once an endangered species with only a few dozen left in existence in the early 1900s, active conservation efforts have seen their numbers grow healthily. Kaziranga National Park is also very popular with wildlife enthusiasts for its varied population of wild elephant, wild buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, sloth bear, fox, jackal, gibbon, python, leopard and the Royal Bengal tiger. There are abundant sightings for birdwatchers too, with an estimated 480 species of migratory and resident birdlife.
Permits: Guided elephant and jeep safaris across various designated zones are available to visitors. Trekking or hiking through the park is not allowed.
When to visit: The best time to visit Kaziranga is between November and April. The park is closed to visitors during the long monsoon period due to large portions of the park being largely inaccessible.
Accommodation: Diphlu River Lodge, Infinity Kaziranga Wilderness, Dhanshree Resort, Jupuri Ghar, Wild Grass Lodge, Kaliabor Manor Resort, Aranya Forest Lodge
How to reach:
Air: The nearest airports are Guwahati (240 km) and Jorhat (95 km).
Rail: The nearest rail head is Furkating (75 km).
Road: Transport options are available from Guwahati, Jorhat and Furkating. Park entrances are located just off NH37 that cuts right through the Kaziranga National Park.
