Located on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is one of the finest and most picturesque wildlife parks in India. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is world famous for being the natural habitat of the Great one-horned Rhinoceros and Wild Buffalos. Spread over an area of approximately 430 sq km, chiefly comprising of the swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass and patches of evergreen forest, Kaziranga National Park offers ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife including the world renowned and endangered Indian One-horned Rhinos. Kaziranga was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940 and attained the status of a national park in 1976. Later in 1985, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The determined efforts of the Indian government and wildlife officials, the almost distinct population of one-horned Rhinos has risen from merely 12 in early 1990's to more than a thousand Rhinos now.
Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the region of very heavy rainfalls. The favorable climate with plenty of rainfall supports the growth of a very rich flora in Kaziranga National Park. The flora in Kaziranga National Park chiefly constitute of dense and tall elephant grass intermixed by small swamplands left behind by the receding floodwaters of the river Brahmaputra. The swamps have an abundant cover of water lilies, water hyacinth and lotus, providing a beautiful look to the surroundings of the park. Kaziranga National Park is also dotted with the large patches of semi-evergreen forests.
A suitable climate combined with the availability of enough food supports the survival and growth of a unique and diverse wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. Apart from being a rich natural habitat for the great Indian One-horned Rhinos, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary has sizable population of the Wild Buffalos and Indian Elephants. Herds of wild elephants, some times numbering up to 200, can be seen migrating from the Mikir hills to the bheels (marshes), offering the most spectacular view to the wildlife enthusiasts. Other most notable wildlife of Kaziranga National Park Small include the majestic Tigers, the main predator of the sanctuary and the only natural enemy of the Rhinos, Barasinghas (Swamp Deer), Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Pygmy Hog, Sloth Bears, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Leopard Cats, Chital, Para, Leopard, Gibbons, Capped Langur, Rock Python, Monitor Lizards, and the odd Wild Boar.
Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary also has a sizable population of exotic and rare birds. From a wide variety of Eagles to Swamp Partridge and from Red Jungle Fowl to Rose-breasted Parakeet, Kaziranga is home to some of the most endangered species of exotic and rare birds. The commonly seen birds in Kaziranga National Park include the Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Black-Shouldered Kite, Blue-breasted Quail, Himalayan Griffon, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, White Tailed Eagle to name a few. The prominent migratory birds that visit the park during winters are Graylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck and Red-Crested Pochard.
An exciting and enjoyable Elephant Safari is another major attraction for tourists visiting Kaziranga National Park. As the park is covered with extensive and tall elephant grass, the natural beauty and wildlife of Kaziranga can best be explored and enjoyed from the top of an elephant's back. Elephant Safari is the safest and most pleasurable way to observe the activities of the Indian Rhino, Tigers and the herds of Wild Elephants.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to Visit Kaziranga National Park is from November-April.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport from Kaziranga National Park is Jorhat (90 km). Guwahati, the major airport in the region lies at a distance of about 215 Km.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from Kaziranga National Park is Furkating, situated at a distance of about 75 Km.
By Road: Kaziranga National Park is well connected by road to major towns of the region. The NH-37 (National Highway) passes from the main gate of the park at Kohora. The private buses connect the national park to the major cities like Guwahati, Tezpur and Upper Assam.
Wildlife in Kaziranga National Park
Birds in Kaziranga National Park
Flora in Kaziranga National Park
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