Informatoin About Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A World Heritage Site in Assam, North India. A tiger reserve. Home to the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A land of magical safaris where majestic mammals can roam freely while protected. Created by the river Brahmaputra’s alluvial deposits, this ancient park is respected worldwide for its conservation efforts. Tours to this fine park will bring wildlife enthusiasts to the lush habitat of some endangered mammals, reptiles, primates, and migratory and resident birdlife.

History of Kaziranga National Park

Lying in the floodplain of the revered river Brahmaputra, this earthy haven invites an eco-system rich biodiversity hard to find anywhere else. In the early 1900s, the initiative was taken to ban hunting of the rhinoceros, which were on the brink of extinction, and protect this floodplain habitat.  Despite attaining the status of a wildlife sanctuary in the 1970s, there were continued threats from poachers. It took concerted efforts to protect the dwindling one-horned Indian rhinoceros. The sacrifices by the forest guards and the success of the conservation program did not unnoticed as Kaziranga National Park was inscribed in 1985 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One Horned Rhino at Kaziranga

Tourism in Kaziranga National Park

Whether one chooses a tour on an elephant ride or a jeep safari, wildlife lovers will get to watch the park's inhabitants to their hearts’ content. Kaziranga is famed for its successful conservation efforts of the Greater One-horned rhinoceros which thrives on this bountiful landscape for food and lolls in the streams. There are also other species including buffalos, elephants, hog deers, swamp deers, and wild boars, which exist harmoniously and interdependently in this rich ecosystem. Though there is a tiger reserve within the park, these majestic striped cats are rarely spotted as the tall grasslands provide excellent camouflage largely due to the tigers’ secretive nature. The wildly popular elephant rides cover different routes, bringing visitors to the various ranges in the park. Due to the high demand for elephant safaris, advance booking is highly recommended and the limited seats are reserved on a first come first serve basis.

The other alternative is to go on a jeep safari. The vehicle safaris also take visitors to the various habitats and ranges within the park, allowing nature lovers to appreciate the flourishing myriad of ecosystems. There is an option for a whole-day jeep safari, though the vehicle tours will end by sunset. Visitors to the park are not allowed to travel by foot within the park areas, for safety and have to remain in the vehicle or stay on the elephant throughout their tour. There are observation towers located at Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamari, and Harmoti for nature lovers to enjoy wildlife viewing.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Opening ceremony of Kaziranga National Park

Though hiking is prohibited within the Kaziranga National Park, trekkers can still get to enjoy some trekking experiences in Kukurkata Reserve Forest (RF) and Panbari Reserve Forest. The hilly terrain of Kurkurkata RF contrasts with the gentle slope of the Panbari RF. Both boast a diversity of birds- visiting and resident- and primates. The hilltop presents an excellent view of the Kaziranga National Park’s unique floodplain ecosystem. The Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros and Asian Elephants are frequent visitors to both the reserve forests and it is necessary to be accompanied by armed guards, made available by the park management. At nearby Karbi Anglong, tourists can extend their travel options with leisurely visits to the coffee and rubber plantations. Tea is popular all over India and beyond and travellers can enjoy an aromatic walk through the tea gardens.

Facts:

Area (square kilometers)- 430 sq km.

Elevation- 80 meters (260 ft)
Geographical Location (coordinates)- Latitude: 26°30N to 26°45N, Longitude: 93°08E to 93°36E
Climate- Sub-Tropical Monsoon with an average rainfall of 1320 mm and  temperature ranging from 8° C in Winter to 38° C in Summer
Primary Rainy Season- May to October when during the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River floods the low-lying grasslands and leads to the wildlife migration from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.
Languages- English, Hindi
Best Season- From December to early April months.
Places to Visit- Karbi villages, Observation towers are situated at Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamari, and Harmoti for wildlife viewing, Tezpur, Hollongpar gibbon Wildlife sanctuary