Kaziranga National Park, one of the most interesting sanctuary of India and host of a range of Bio-diversity which makes sure to thrill it’s visitors with it’s pristine form of nature. Kaziranga was identified and proposed as wildlife reserve in 1905. After that in 1950 it was declared as Wild life sanctuary. Currently it is covered around 430 square km.
Brahmaputra River on the North and the Karbi Anglong mounts in the South surrounds Kaziranga.The reserve area is near by the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries, and the Mora Diphlu, which makes the southern boundary. There’s abundance of water body within the reserve. Kaziranga has a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests. Savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests are common in this land.
What mammals are expected:
Kaziranga has the highest density of tigers in the world. Though it is more famous for the #one-horned rhinoceros. Apart from the iconic rhino it is the habitat of Indian elephants, wild water buffalo, wild boar and Swamp deer, Hog deer, Assam roof turtle . According to census of 2018 numbers of Rhino exceeds 2300 in Kaziranga. adult male Rhinos are bigger in size than a female one and weighs over 2000kg. Female rhinos weighs around 1600kg. Full grown Rhinos can be upto 6ft tall and 12ft in length.
This is also paradise for bird lovers. Even most of the migratory birds already started their voyage, I witnessed quite a numbers of native birds like Indian roller, great Indian hornbill, Emerald dove etc. To name a few like lesser white-fronted goose, black-necked stork, ferruginous duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant and Asian Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central Asia during the winter season.. Kaziranga has almost 450+ species of birds (both migratory and resident).
Where & how to reach:
Kaziranga had been declared as world heritage site by UNESCO for its unique bio-diversity. Kaziranga is situated in the north eastern part of India. It is in Golaghat and Nagaon district in state Assam.
Nearest airport is Jorhat(105 km approx) is around 2hrs drive through NH37. Road condition is fair throughout the stretch. Only some patches are rough.
Either you reach by train or flight to Guwahati International Airport it is of of 217 km drive approximately from the park. The main gate of the Kaziranga Park is situated in a small Kohora town lies on the National Highway NH 37. Kohora is called as Central zone of Kaziranga. We heard that siting of tiger very frequent in this zone but we were not lucky enough neither in our morning or evening safari.
Activities in Kaziranga:
You can and should take both Jeep and Elephant safari to get the most of Kaziranga’s jungle flavor.
Kaziranga Elephant Safari:
Currently only the morning safari shift at Western Range, Bagori begins from 05:30 Hrs to 07:30 Hrs.
Jeep Safari:
A Jeep Safari you can avail either in the morning from 07:00 Hrs to 09:30 Hrs or in the afternoon from 13:30 Hrs to 15:30 Hrs. Afternoon safari completes by 17:00Hrs.
You can take ride to any of the zone like Eastern Range, Agaratoli, Western Range, Bagori and Central Kaziranga Range, Kohora. eastern zone are mostly famous for migratory and native birds.
Other Activities:
There’s a Orchid Park near Kohra. If you get some time you can visit there for a afternoon break.
You will get to see some Orchid collection in nursery, buy some handicrafts, watch local dance program.
Where to stay:
There are many good accommodation of staying. But remember as the peek season for the reserve is in March, chances of getting discount are less ( until you are in group ) and need book few months early.
- Aranya Tourist Lodge
- IORA Jungle resort
- Diphlu River Lodge
- Resort Borgos, Kaziranga
- Wild Grass Lodge
We managed to get IORA, which was a pretty well managed property, having colonial feel in one of their building.
Wherever you are staying, don’t forget to try Assamese food. The taste and presentation of some of the items definitely awe you.
Bon Voyage…
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