Kaziranga National Park is nature at its best. It is truly a haven for nature lovers. The national park is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It boasts of the highest number of One Horn Rhinoceros and is also a Tiger Reserve. The park is home to a wide variety of migratory birds during winters.
The tale does not end here, Kaziranga flaunts a National Orchid Park. From photographers to nature lovers to tourists, the park welcomes all. The best thing to do here is Kaziranga National Park Safari. The trip and the moments spent here in the clean air, tranquil sceneries and innocent animals are sure to create nostalgia whenever remembered again.
Also, read our articles on things to do and tourist destinations of Varanasi and McLeodGanj.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park:
Kaziranga National Park can be visited any time of the year except between 01 May to 31 Oct. During this patch of the year the park is kept closed for the visitors.
Summers:
Summer months stretch from April to May. This is the time of year when it is windy and dry. The animals spent most of their time near the water bodies to keep themselves hydrated.
Monsoon:
Monsoon season goes on from May to October. The park is closed at this time as there is a risk of flooding in the Brahmaputra basin.
Winters:
Winters range from November to February. This is the ideal time to visit the park as the tall elephant grass burns off and it is easier to spot the animals. Also, the climate is good at this time of the year.
How to Reach Kaziranga National Park:
By Air:
The nearest Airport is the Jorhat airport(97 km) and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Guwahati International airport(217 km). From here either a bus or a taxi can be hired to the park.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to the park is Furkating and the nearest major railway station from the park is Jorhat(90 km) and Guwahati(240 km). From here also road connectivity to the park is good, so you can take a bus or a taxi from here.
By Road:
The park is situated on National Highway 37 in a small town Kohora. Kohora is well connected with roads from all the major cities of Assam. You can take state corporation or private buses from anywhere to the park.
Places To Stay in Kaziranga National Park:
Resorts and Lodges and camps to Stay in Kaziranga are given below:
1. | Wildgrass resort | 2. | Bonhabi Resort |
3. | Aranya Resort | 4. | Green Reed Resort |
5. | Green Ashiyana | 6. | Kaziranga Florican Lodge |
7. | Kaziranga Restaurant | 8. | Nature-Hunt Eco Camp |
9. | United-21 Grassland |
All the resorts include basic amenities and are quite comfortable. The resorts/camps/lodges provide attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water, television, doctor, room service, in house laundry, etc. For more information about each option of stay, go to this link.
Flora and Fauna in Kaziranga:
The Park is home to a large variety of plants, animals, and birds. Due to the vast variety of flora and fauna found here, the park is also called ‘Serengeti of the East’ and rightly called so as you will see below:
Fauna:
The park is home to two-thirds of the world`s one horn rhinoceros population, making it the world’s largest. It also houses Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Indian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer among the big ones and Hoolock Gibbon, Sloth Bear among others.
Kaziranga is also a Tiger Reserve(declared in 2006). It is also a safe haven for migratory birds from Central Asia during winters. You can find common and rare birds.
Some of the species that migrate here are- Lesser white-fronted goose, Baer`s Pochard Duck, Ferruginous Duck, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Asian Openbill Stork, and Black-Necked Stork.
Flora:
Park has three major types of Flora- alluvial inundated grasslands, tropical wet evergreen forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests. The popular trees in the park are Elephant Apple, Indian Gooseberry, Kumbhi, and The Cotton Tree. Park also shows off its Lotus, Water Lily and Hyacinth covered ponds.
Things to do in Kaziranga National Park
1. | Elephant Safari | 2. | Jeep Safari |
3. | Kaziranga National Orchid Park | 4. | Guided Bird Watching |
5. | Visit Tea estates | 6. | Coffee and rubber plantation visit |
7. | Traditional Weaving Factory visit | 8. | Cultural show of Folk Dances |
9. | Participation in Ethnic lunch | 10. | Watch Gangetic River Dolphin and Boat Cruise |
11. | Elephant Joy Ride(in summers) | 12. | Kakochang Waterfalls |
Elephant Safari:
The park does not permit any vehicles inside except Safari Jeeps. So, elephant safari is an optimum and adventurous way to view wild animals in their natural habitat. The elephant ride lasts for 60-90 minutes. It is available in four different zones where Rhinoceros can be found.
The elephant safari timings for all of them are given below:
Range | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
Burapahar Range, Ghorakati | 5:30 – 7:30 am | 3:00 to 4:00 pm |
Eastern Range, Agaratoli | 5:30 – 7:30 am | 3:00 to 4:00 pm |
Western Range, Bagori | 5:30 – 7:30 am | 3:00 to 4:00 pm |
Kaziranga Kohora Range | 5:30 – 7:30 am | 3:00 to 4:00 pm |
2. Jeep Safari:
The open Jeep Safari is yet another way to enjoy the natural abundances of Kaziranga. Zones are the same as above but timings for jeep safari are different. It is a memorable experience to watch rhinoceros eating and having their gala time amidst the tall elephant grass.
Other animals as Indian elephants, swamp deer, and sweet chirping birds create a mesmerizing effect. You can click pictures to your heart’s content during the drive.
Morning Jeep Safari Timing: 07:00-09:30 am
Afternoon Jeep Safari Timing: 13:30-15:30 am
3. Kaziranga National Orchid Park:
In addition to the diverse fauna, the park flaunts of a beautiful Orchid Park. This Orchid Park is spread over almost 6 acres and there grow more than 500 species of beautiful orchids.
In addition to orchids, medicinal plants, vegetables, bamboo species, cane species and a cactus house can also be found. The list does not end here, Kaziranga National Orchid Park has a handicraft museum also.
It is situated 1.2 km east from the Kohora`s central crossroads. The best time to visit this park is in April when most of the flora is in its bloom.
4. Guided Bird Watching:
The River Brahmaputra feeds various water lagoons in the park. These water lagoons are the lifeline of birds residing here. The eastern part of the national park has many water lagoons and thus is a paradise for bird watchers.
One can spend hours watching and observing birds. If you are interested in photography, you are in for a treat! The best time to visit for birdwatching is winters as this place is a haven from winters for a vast number of migratory bird species. You can easily spot birds like Pelican, Whistling Teak and many more.
Trained guides can be booked who are trained to spot hiding birds in the nooks and also explain their features. Do remember to carry a pair of Binoculars. You will never where the hours slipped by.
5. Visit Tea estates:
Once in Assam, it becomes mandatory to visit its famous tea plantation sites. One such site is named Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat lying almost 116 km far from the National Park.
This research institute is responsible for development in tea quality and tea growing process. A tour of this site is a must to do for tea fans.
6. Coffee and rubber plantation visit:
Coffee and rubber are the other two things Assam is famous for. The coffee plantation can be found in the area close to Kaziranga in the Karbi Anglong region.
This area is covered with the lush greenery of Coffee Plants. Visiting these plantations also gives an opportunity for the sneak peeks in the lives of the locals working here. All the coffee enthusiasts must visit this place and see what goes in the preparation of their favorite beverage.
7. Traditional Weaving Factory visit:
Assamese villages are a hub for weaving shawls and saris. These talented craftsmen can be found weaving without electricity in villages near the park.
A trip here is a must if you want to absorb the daily life of the craftsmen. If you are interested in Assamese fashion, you can pick a beautiful piece of art from here at very less cost than from the market. Yes, because they sell at factory price.
8. Cultural show of Folk Dances:
Timings of the show: 6:30 pm onwards
Fee: Rs.200
Kaziranga National Park arranges folk dance shows for its visitors from November to February. The dance shows serve as entertainment for the guests as well as give an opportunity to absorb the culture of the state.
Dancers present bamboo and Bihu dance. The skill of the dancers is worth appreciating, especially the bamboo dance is quite unique in its concept and requires a thorough understanding of beats.
9. Participation in Ethnic lunch:
There aren’t many options inside the park. Only the restaurants offered by resorts inside the park can be availed. These restaurants serve Continental, Chinese as well as the delicious Assamese cuisine.
Another roadside restaurant but serving delicious food lies 450m east of Kohora`s central crossroads is Maihang. It offers tasty and authentic Assamese cuisine and some of the dishes served are- Fried duck, Pork with Bamboo Shoots, Fish in semi-sour Tenga sauce, stir-fried banana hearts and mustard greens, etc.
They also give a Thali with seven-eight samplers that cost less than Rs.200.
10. Watch Gangetic River Dolphin and Boat Ride:
Gangetic River Dolphin is a smaller version of the dolphins found in the oceans and is found in the river Brahmaputra. It is a rare and endangered species of Dolphins and it is a great experience to watch them play from the boats.
They look magnificent as they leap around in the water. The best time to go boating is in the evening when the sun is setting in front of you, creating hues of yellow and orange in the waters below. It is a magical sight.
11. Elephant Joy Ride(in summers):
Kaziranga National Park is situated in the state of Assam, which receives heavy rainfall in the monsoon time. The presence of Brahmaputra here in the area makes the problem more grave as flooding can happen at any time. Monsoon season stretches from June to October.
At this time the park remains closed for visitors. But the greenery is at its peak during this time. So, for any visitors that come during the monsoon season, a short elephant Joy Ride is arranged that does not go inside the park. The ride covers areas outside and surrounding the park.
12. Kakochang Waterfalls:
Kakochang Waterfalls lie 14 km away from the National Park. The waterfall is a serene and tranquil sight and the white gushing waters give a sense of purity to the place.
This place is a must-visit if you are in the National Park. The road to the falls is also beautiful. This place also serves as a stoppage for trekkers. The beautiful surroundings will leave their mark on you.
Some points to keep in mind while takingSafari:
- Elephant Safaris are better than Jeep Safaris as they give a chance of watching rhinos from very near.
- Second is that while going for Safaris do not go early morning in winters as it is very difficult to see ahead of the fog.
- Thirdly, If you are opting for Jeep Safaris, go for Central and Western both as they both are quite different from each other.
- Lastly, the boat rides can be taken from the Eastern Range.
So, this was all about the Serengeti of the East, Kaziranga National Park. The natural beauty of the park leaves everybody touched. The majestic animals, delicate flowers, chirping birds, and green trees all around take you to some other place. Fresh air and clean environment rejuvenate you for the work waiting ahead of the trip.
One cannot help but feel nostalgic whenever the moments are collected back. I hope your stay in this paradise is comfortable and pleasurable. Also, read our articles on things to do and tourist destinations of Varanasi and McLeodGanj. For more information, visit the Kaziranga National Park official website.