Kaziranga
in Central Assam is the state's premier wildlife habitat and stretches east
to west along the south bank of the Brahmaputra river. The national park
spreads along two districts Nagaon and Golaghat. A muddy land used as a
hunting and poaching ground by the local tribesmen upto 1905, was declared
as a reserve land by British raj in the same year. In 1950, post
independence it was given a stature of National Park by Assam government.
Declared a World heritage site by UNESCO in 1985 Kaziranga is
internationally renowned as one of the last undisturbed habitats of great
Indian one horned rhinos. Flat grassland with streams and large, landlocked
water bodies make up Kaziranga's terrain. Covered almost by unending tea
plantations in the past centuries currently the verdure of park constitutes
of tea estates. The forests sees a new replenishment every year with floods
recharging the land with fish stock, and brings in stilt of new grassland.
Wildlife Attractions
in Kaziranga
Fauna : Animals including Great Indian one-horned rhinos, wild
elephants, wild buffaloes, tigers, swamp deer, hof deer, wild boars, otters,
leopards, cats, monitor lizards and snakes
Avifauna : Over 450 species of birds including crested serpent
eagles, pallas, fishing eagles, grey-headed, fishing eagles, khalji
pheasants, pelicans, adjutant storks, balck breasted parakeets, emerald
doves, shrikes, drongos, Indian rollers.
Spreading over 480- sq kms of land Kaziranga is 1500 rhinos and over 70% of
the world's swamp or wild buffalo. According to the recent survey the park
sustains over 1,000 wild elephants and 450 species of wetland. There are
three tourist zone that you can opt for inside Kaziranga's spectacular
wildlife.
Wildlife
Safaris in Kaziranga National Park
Fee : Indians-Rs 120 foreigners : Rs 750
Jeep Safari Timings : .30 am, 2 - 3.30 am, 6 am, 6 - 7 pm
The jeep and elephant safaris are must dos in Kaziranga. In the right
season you can spot animals in just two days. Jeeps for wildlife safari at
Kaziranga Park can be hired at Kohora Chowk or arranged through hotels.
Other Attractions at Kaziranga
Baghori
This is in the western end of the park. This circuit is known for
guaranteeing sightseeing and its strategic watchtower. In the evening you
might spot swamp deer, hog deer, buffaloes, rhinos, and even some elephants.
Panbari Forest Reserve
In the east of Kohora is the Panbari Forest Reserve. This is approximately
10 kms stretch with thick canopy with winding steams and lots of green. You
might find lots of birds. To enter here you need a guard from the Kohora
Base. The whole trip can take 1 ½ hrs. Jeep Hire charges are between Rs
350 and 400.
Agaratoli
This is easternmost of the three routes and is 21 kms from Kohora Base.
This is more wooded than other two base and animal sightings. Birds are
abundant along this route and there is a pelican colony towards the end of
circuit.
How to reach Kaziranga Park
The nearest airport is Jorhat (97Kms/2km). Guwahati is another option
nearest railhead is Jorhat, Kaziranga is connected to other states by well
connected by efficient stretch of roads on NH37 to both Guwahati and Jorhat.
Wildlife Resorts in Kaziranga National Park
Jungle lodges at Kaziranga and wildlife resorts in Kaziranga are easily
available for accommodation. Some of the most preferred stay options at
Kaziranga are as follows.
» Aranaya Niwas Lodge
» Bonani Lodge
» Bonashree Lodge
» Wild Grass Lodge
