Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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India itself is recognised as a sub-continent and there is a reason behind it. Geologically and geographically, India is distinct and exhibits all range of climates and temperate zones for all kind of animal and plant species to survive in this part of the world. India has the largest mountain range with snow covered hills, deserts, riverine systems, deltas, rain forests, cold deserts, sea shores and what not. Kaziranga National park is one of the rich biodiversity forest in India and is home to some of the endangered species such as Bengal tiger, asian rhino asian elephant, red panda, great Indian hornbill and many more. Dibrugarh University organised the largest Anthropological congress and we went to present our respective research papers. After the conference, we decided to visit this National park. Locals advised us to have a guide so that we can have the best information and experience. Our guide was a lady and she was reptile conservationist. They had a group who makes efforts to conserve reptiles in the forest and they provide vital information to the forest management about the capture and rehabilitation of reptiles especially snakes. They consistently making efforts to educate the local community about reptiles so that humans and wild animals can live together without any conflict. She told us that the national park is along the Brahmaputra river and is prone to frequent floods. This leads to lose of many animal habitats and provide opportunity for poachers who came from Bangladesh. This forest is home of One horned rhinos and their horn is favourite among poachers. Locals and forest work closely for the conservation of this rhino species. Kaziranga National forest is a Unesco world heritage. On the first day we did elephant safari. We saw water Buffalo, many species of deer, snakes, birds, rhino, wild hog, monitor lizard, wild fowl. Next day we did jeep safari. A forest guard accompanied us along the safari. we were in three jeeps and witnessed some to coolest animals. We saw the great Indian hornbill, which according to our guide is a rare sight. We wanted to have a look of Bengal tiger what in vain. We saw many other important habitats and animals. It was my life's first experience into the deep forest. Guide advised us to have stay for more days if we wanted to see tiger but we had to return to the department as we had few days left. I tried to capture maximum scenes so that I can relive those moments. I am sharing some of them so that you can to have a look what this forest offers. If you are going to have your vacation in the north east them Kaziranga should be on you bucket list. Thank me later. I wish you good luck. Have a safe journey.
Dr. Bahadur Singh FRAIDr. Bahadur Singh FRAI
10
Who doesn't know Kaziranga, if you visit this area by jeep safari or elephant safari, definitely you wish to visit the place for second time. Kaziranga National Park with an area about 430 sq. kms. is a protected area in the North-Eastern India, located in Golaghat and Nogaon districts in Assam. It is spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, its forests, wetlands and grasslands are home to tigers, elephants and the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. The park, which hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses, was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Over the time, due to increasing number of Tiger population, Kaziranga was declared as "Tiger Reserve" in the year 2006. Ganges River dolphins swim in the park’s waters. There are sighting of many rare migratory birds, gray pelicans roost nearby villages of Kaziranga. This place is one of the favourite places for wildlife photographers as well including butterfly enthusiasts. This is the real Wild India beyond your imagination. The vein like forest patches are spread across the Kaziranga which consist Tropical moist-mixed deciduous, semi-evergreen with alluvial savannah woodlands, some areas are fire prone in terrible heat of summer season. The wetland as well as swampy areas and the tall elephant grasses which cover the maximum area surely make your attention. But poaching is the major issue in Kaziranga though the forest officials are still working on it. There are many more things to explore, once you book the safari and reach there you will realize. During jungle safari you can easily spot the rhinos, tusker elephants, swamp deers and wild water buffalos. If you are lucky, you can also spot Assam's state bird 'Greater adjutant' (known as "Hargila" in Assam). Apart from this you can see many of the wilds roam freely around you, after all it is their land, we have no right to disturb or make them feel afraid. Kindly do not try to feed them from outside, do not pollute the environment by throwing plastics, just notice their sounds without making noise, feel the beauty of nature, then you will get the real achievement and realize our potential from the incredible world.
Santanu PaniSantanu Pani
00
One of the best known successes in wildlife conservation has been the Kaziranga National Park. This is despite the problems of rampant poaching which goes on and are yet to be encountered properly. Relentless hunting in the nineteenth and the early twentieth century had led to a dwindling population of the rhino . By 1908 only 12 were left in the wild and rhinos were almost on the verge of extinction. Legal hunting was banned since then and conservation efforts started but poaching continued to take it’s toll on the one horned rhino considered as the “Pride of Assam”, but to me the “ The Pride of India” as well . Despite all hazards the efforts continued and rampant poaching could not scupper the conservation success. It is really heartening to note that the Rhino population in Kaziranga alone as per Census 2015 stands at 2401. Particularly impressive are the records of the last 25 years during which period not only has the rhino population doubled but the numbers of the other Big Four of the Big five , the tiger,elephant,buffalo and swamp deer have also grown significantly. The density of tigers in Kaziranga is one of the highest amongst all the national parks in India. One of the most important aspects of conservation in Kaziranga is maintaining the seral nature of grasslands which is done through controlled burning of grass. Controlled burning not only facilitates the growth of new palatable sprouts for the herbivores but also arrests the growth of woody species and helps to eradicate harmful weeds. The controlled burning of grass normally takes place between February to March presenting an interesting sight and making it worth visiting the park during this time. Rhinos graze around unperturbed and very close to the fire. Rhinos are also called the fire brigade of the animal kingdom and are known to occasionally stomp out the fire if they find it a threat for their food. The drongo birds also flock in large numbers near the burning grass waiting to feast on the insects driven out by the fire.
Praveen GolaPraveen Gola
50
There are multiple elephant and jeep safaris available. I will share my experience where I tried to cover two ranges at the earliest possible time in morning to get the best possible shots. Aranya Lodge is the most convenient way to spend time in Kaziranga. They will arrange for all the safaris and guide you for any further steps. Just get a booking done in advance and tell them about the rides you want to take. First elephant safari starts is from 5am to 6am. You will have to reach the safari point (5-10kms from Aranya Lodge) at 4.45am by your own convince. This safari is best to spot Rhinos. They will be as close as cows in the streets and you will have plenty of time to get photos and selfies. Pay some extra tip amount to elephant rider and he will take you to some better spots and let you have some extra time. At the end you get to buy and feed bananas to the elephants. You can now return to the lodge for breakfast and get ready swiftly for the jeep safari. This safari is very good for spotting wild buffalo, Elephant with huge tusks, deer and bird watching. It will be about 2hrs ride. Do not expect to spot wild cats as the jeeps are quite noisy and they don't dare to come any closer. You might spot some paw prints if you are lucky enough. In the above mentioned way to cover the safaris, you will be able to see two ranges of the national park. There are a total of four ranges: Central Range, Western Range, Eastern Range, and Burapahar Range. Every range has its own specialty when it comes to sightings. Kohora or the Central Range is generally believed to be the best range for safari as it houses a dense population of rhinos and elephants.
Lakshit AgrawalLakshit Agrawal
40
Jewel of Assam, North East India and whole of India. Happened to visit on 25 Dec 22. Stayed in little known/ newly established Tiger's wood Glamping and Eco Retreat. Did not regret though. Only problem is it was about 20 km from the safari point. You have to go through Bagudi and Kohra multiple times to and fro . It was naturally crowded on 25 Dec 22. There are options of Elephant 🐘 Safari and Jeep Safari. Both have their beauty.. Total 45 elephant. Four guys can sit on one That makes 180 per trip. Three trips per day. That makes 540 guys can do 🐘 safari per day. Jeep Safari can accommodate more person but then guys when one lakh men present in Kaziranga on morning of 25 Dec, nothing can be done. I was lucky. Had some contact. Did both. But that is sheer luck. Gentlemen, if plan a trip make sure you don't go in mad season and leave things to luck. Pre book both safari. Two days are good enough. Sighting one horned 🦏 rhinos is a beauty and very satisfying. People are friendly but they have limitations to accommodate on a particular season/ day. I will share few pics and videos showing beauty of jungle but more about mad rush of crowds, Jeep into the Jungle. Pls plan well, in little off season date, in spite of minor compromise to children 's vacation dates. You don't have to fight with fellow tourists for a safari at least. And it will be really cheap. My expenses would have at least halved if I was not present there in 25.12.22. Rest up to the individual. In any case review by a unknown person is usually taken with a pinch of salt. Roads are good. Going to be better as per the plan of the state government.
prasenjit pandaprasenjit panda
20
Visited in December 2020. At present, Jeep Safari is available at Bagori and Kohora ranges. While coming from Guwahati, the Bagori entrance comes first. One needs to be attentive towards timings of safari as in morning, it is from 7 to 10 and then there is a break for around 3 hours and the jeep safaris restart at 1.00 p.m. So one can save time by avoiding reaching there after 10 or planning to reach there after 1 only. The safaris are available from private operators outside at fixed rates and private vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. The total duration of safari is around 1.50 hours and one can spot rhinos, elephants, deers and different species of birds, though from a distance, but it is a different and unique experience and the comfortable weather made it all the more better. The staff accompanying in the safari is well aware and able to spot different inhabitants of the sanctuary very fast and is patient to show you the same and allow sufficient time to take photos. There are a vast number of hotels and homestays available near the sanctuary and one can plan accordingly as per preferences, if required. The serene and vast junglescape, the expansive natural resources and environment, and the beautiful mountain ranges around make it a visual treat to capture in your cameras. Located at around 200 kms guwahati, it takes around 3.50 hours to reach there, and 1 day is sufficient to plan the trip to the sanctuary and other spots around, if started early and planned as per timings of sanctuary.
Pravin RaviPravin Ravi
20
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