About Kaziranga National Park
When
Marco Polo first spotted the one-horned Rhino, he thought it was the
legendary Unicorn. With a population of over a thousand, Kaziranga National
Park has the largest concentration of the one-horned Rhino in the
subcontinent, saving it from near extinction.
Lying along the mighty Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga National Park
covers an area of about 430 sq. km. Its swamps and grasslands with tall
thickets of elephant grass and patches of evergreen forest, support a large
number of wild animals. An alarming depletion in numbers of the rhino, due
to hunting and poaching, led to the conservation of this area in 1926.
The most ferocious bovine in the world, the rhino is impressive and can
weigh up to 915 kg. An occasional herd of elephants or wild boar is also
seen. The grasslands are raptor country and the crested serpent eagle, the
Pallas fishing eagle and grey headed fishing eagle can be seen circling over
the marshes.
Wildlife Attractions in Kaziranga National Park
The park houses around 15 species of India's threatened (Schedule I) mammal
species. The best-known resident of course is the
Rhinoceros unicornis
(rhino). The number of this once-threatened mammal has been regularly on the
increase. From only a few dozen in 1908 to more than 1000 now, the route has
been quite long.
Rhino
Contrary to what one may have heard, rhinos browse past visitors
non-chalantly. The rhino is a peace-loving animal and, instead of batting an
eyelid about peaceful tourists who have invaded its territory, it keeps
itself busy grazing in the wild. Moreover, the conditions at Kaziranga
Wildlife Sanctuary are ideal for the rhino to survive. In addition to
elephant rides, several watch towers have been set up for a bird's eye view
of the park. Pleasant boat rides at the nearby Rhinoland Park can also be
availed by tourists.
Avifauna
Kaziranga is also an ornithologist's delight and you can find a great
number of avifaunal species here. The numerous water bodies of Kaziranga are
rich reservoirs of food (including fish). Thousands of migratory birds visit
the park seasonally from as far as Siberia. Major migratory birds are the
grey pelican, black-necked stork, lesser adjutant stork, Pallas's fish
eagle, grey-headed fish eagle, about 25-30 Bengal floricans, swamp
partridge, grey peacock-pheasant, great pied hornbill, bar-headed goose,
whistling teal, green imperial pigeon, and silver-breasted broadbill. Sunset
is a pleasant sight as well, with the birds returning to their nests.
Kaziranga National Park is one of the most picturesque wildlife parks in
India. Apart from being home to the one-horned rhino, it is also the natural
habitat of wild buffaloes, wild boars, elephants, Barasinghas (swamp and hog
deer), leopards, tigers, hoolock gibbons, capped langur, rock python and
monitor lizards. Large areas of the park comprise of marshland interspersed
with large pools fringed with reeds, patches of elephant grass, scattered
trees, and thickets.
Safaris
The vast open areas make the sanctuary one of the best places to observe
wild animals. Elephant safaris during early morning or late in the evening
make it possible for visitors to observe the wild animals from close
quaters. The Elephants drivers of mahouts also act as guides, who provide
information about the park as you move along. Jeep safaris are also
available, and the timings are 7:30-9:30 AM & 2-3:30 PM (Jeep), 5-6 AM &
6-7 PM (Elephant).
By
Road: From Kaziranga (Kohora) to Jorhat it is 96 km, and Furkating is at
75 kms. The Assam Road Transport Corporation runs regular buses from
Guwahati, Jorhat, Furkating which stop at Kohora, 5 kms outside the Park.
Long distance night coaches run by private operators from Guwahati and
Jorhat also stop here. The Tourist Department, Kaziranga Forest Lodge, has a
reservation quota of 10 seats on the Kaziranga Express from Golaghat to
Guwahati. To reach by road from Guwahati, take the NH37 to Kaziranga via
Dispur, Nagaon, Jakhalabanda and Hatihkuli.
Distances from Major Cities
Guwahati : 230 km (E)/4 hrs.
Delhi : 1620 km
Mumbai : 2292 km
Bangalore : 2270 km
Kolkata : 704 km
Travel Tips/Important Information
- The park is divided into three main tourist ranges, Kohora, Baghori
and Agaratoli. All the major tourist facilities and entry formalities
are based here. It is also the point of start for early morning safaris,
where as vehicles can also be hired here for movement inside the park.
- Park charges are Entry Fee : Rs. 20 (Indians) & Rs. 250
(foreigners), Vehicle Entry : Rs. 200, Still Camera : Rs. 50 (Indians) &
Rs. 500 (foreigners), Video Camera : Rs. 500 (Indians) & Rs. 1000
(foreigners), Safari : Rs. 120 (Indians) & Rs. 750 (foreigners).
- Park Timings are 7:30 AM to 4 PM
- The forest guard (can be hired at Baghori & Agaratoli) traveling
with you on a safari doubles up as a guide. There are no fixed charges
and you can tip him anywhere between Rs. 50-200
- Reach half an hour before the park gates open to complete the
required formalities.
- When on an Elephant safari, follow the instructions of the mahout at
all times.
- Although foreign currency is acceptable, it is recommended to carry a
reasonable sum of Indian money.
- Binoculars and camera will enhance your wildlife watching experience.
- Foreign visitors are advised to contact the tourist office to
complete all the required formalities.
- Consult the authorities before moving to remote areas in Assam.
Visiting Kaziranga with us will be a more pleasant experience.
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Jungle
Resorts in Kaziranga
| Wild
Grass Lodge |
The Wild Grass lodge
is located outside Kaziranga National Park. Built in an attractive rural
style kind of architeture, the resort's surrounding ground is covered
with more than 40 species of trees and over 200 species of shrubs,
creepers and climbers.
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