Explore Kaziranga National Park: A Complete Travel Guide

The Brahmaputra river basin has bestowed the land of Assam with natural wonders. It has created an ecosystem so diverse around its belt that almost 80% of the flora and fauna that thrives here is unique to this region.When it comes to places to visit in Assam, one of the names always makes its impression. Located on the banks of The Mighty Brahmaputra and at a distance of almost 228 km from Guwahati, lies the Kaziranga National Park.

One of the most diverse forest areas of India, Kaziranga Tourism is famous because of the Great One Horned Rhinoceros. Apart from the Rhinos, Kaziranga has a huge and thriving population of Tigers, Swamp Deer, Leopards, Bears and Elephants.

If you are planning to move on from the regular crowded forest trails of India and see something unique and out of the world, then Kaziranga is the place to be.

Kaziranga is the British project coming to life

In the year 1904, Lord Curzon’s wife visited Assam to see the local population of Rhinoceros but couldn’t find any. Concerned about the dwindling population of The Rhinos, she persuaded her husband to create a safe haven for the local animal population. And this is how the Kaziranga tourism project came to life in the year 1905.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kaziranga Tourism has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Being one of the biggest natural landscapes of North East India, Kaziranga represents the Brahmaputra Valley Floodplains. The uniqueness of this region’s diversity prompted UNESCO to work towards its conservation and make necessary arrangements to stop hunting and poaching.

Today, a number of Kaziranga national park hotels have developed their operations in an eco-friendly way without harming the nature. North East- The land of scenic beauty pays special attention towards the conservation of this forest.

Read this: 21 National Parks In India For All The Wildlife Enthusiasts

The Local legends behind the name

North East is famous for its many legends. Kaziranga National Park is no exception. It is said that a girl Ranga, from a nearby village, and a boy named Kazi, from Karbi Anglong, fell in love. The local village authorities rejected this union and so the couple decided to run away. They wandered into the forest and no one saw them ever again. Thus the name Kaziranga Forest came into existence.

Another legend says that the sixteenth century Vaisnava saint-scholar, Srimanta Sankardeva, once blessed a childless couple, Kazi and Rangai. As a part of the blessing, they were asked to dig a big pond in the region so that their name would live on.

Although, the reason behind the name of Kaziranga Park could also be because of the abundance of Red Goats found in this region. Kazi in the Karbi language means “goat”, and Rangai means “red”.

Safari Options

Kaziranga National Park has divided its Safari Routes into three distinct zones. These routes are the Western Range, Central Range and Eastern Range. It is recommended to stay near the Central Gate as it is the most convenient among all the Kaziranga National Park locations.

Kaziranga Forest is probably the only national park in India which provides three Safari options. You can take a jeep safari, elephant safari and even a boat ride in the Brahmaputra Marshes as a part of your Kaziranga packages.

A treat for animal lovers

Being a part of Brahmaputra’s marshlands, Kaziranga Forest makes a perfect home to support the population of mammals and birds. Kaziranga National Park animals include 35 species of mammals found here. Kaziranga is also the home to about 500 species of birds. A birding enthusiast will find the greatest treats of their life and enjoy every moment of exploring the park. The population of tigers in Kaziranga goes up to 106, more than any other National Parks in India.

Here are some of the common animals found in the Kaziranga National Park

• One-horned Rhinos
• Bisons
• Tigers
• Gibbons
• Macaques
• Antelopes
• Himalayan Mole
• Gaur
• Sloth Bear
• Indian Porcupine
• Indian Civet
• Indian Mongoose
• Chinese Ferret Badger

Kaziranga is also the home to a thriving bird population, some of which includes

• Spotted Owlet
• Ruddy Shelduck
• Black Headed Ibis
• Spot Billed Ducks
• Greenshank
• Grey Headed Fishing Eagle
• Brown Fish Owl
• Bar Headed Geese
• Lesser Whistling Duck
• Bronzed Winged Jacana
• Greater Cormorant

Most of the Kaziranga National Park Resorts conduct their own package birding and photography tours. The beauty, the greenery and the weather makes Kaziranga counted among the most beautiful places to visit in Assam.

Must  Read: 14 Exhilarating Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks In India

Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary or Hoolock Gibbon Sanctuary is a special zone in Kaziranga park, created to conserve the unique species of Apes found in India – the Hoolok Gibbon. Their lack of tail makes them distinctly different from other primates and apes. Hooloks can also walk on their legs to a considerable distance.

The Dominance of Hollong Trees is the reason it is named Hoollongapar Sanctuary. It is easy to reach here as Kaziranga National Park resorts arrange for vehicles and permits to explore the sanctuary. This amazing diversity makes Kaziranga one of the best places to visit in North East.

Apart from the Hoolok Gibbon you can also find many other species of primates in this region. Some of them are –

• Stumped tailed macaques
• Northern pig tailed macaques
• Eastern Assamese macaques
• Rhesus macaques
• Capped langurs

Distance from Kaziranga – 3 km
Time required to explore – 5 to 6 hour

Explore the Tea Gardens of Kaziranga

Kaziranga and Brahmaputra’s unique landscape makes it an ideal spot for development of the tea gardens in this area. Tea gardens are one of the primary promotional initiatives for the North East Tourism. The local tea plantation tours are very common and highly popular among the tourists. A sip of tea in the natural charms as the sun goes down behind the hills is a moment to behold.

Tips to explore the Tea gardens – Local stay homes and Kaziranga National Park resorts take you on daily tours of tea gardens. If you are looking for something offbeat then you can also book the resort inside the garden and wake up to the nice, pleasant aroma of fresh tea plucked and brewed in the morning.

Explore the Pretty River Islands of Majuli

If you are done with Kaziranga National Park animals then you can explore one of the biggest largest River Islands of India. Majuli is often combined with the Kaziranga Trip and many hotels in Kaziranga arrange sightseeing to this place. This one of its kind spot in India is known for its lovely landscapes, tranquil views and the simple local lifestyle that you won’t find anywhere.

Among the many places, Garmur and Kalambari Satra are two of the popular heritage spots where one can have a nice time and take a glimpse into the local life.

Distance from Kaziranga National Park

Garmur – 114 km
Kalambari Satra – 144 km
Tengapania – 180 km

Things to do in Majuli

• Visit the temples of Garmur and see the ancient artefacts
• Local literature and artworks at Kalambari Satra
• Picnic and sightseeing at Tenpagania, often considered as one of the best places to visit in Assam
• Explore Machkhoa, Disangmukh, and Dhakuakhana

Things to Do in Kaziranga National Park

• Buy Handicrafts, silk clothing and traditional artefacts sold in about 30 shops in and around the park
• Go on a photography tour with wildlife experts
• Indulge in an elephant safari
• Visit nearby villages and understand local culture and lifestyle
• Stay in one of the many Kaziranga national park hotels and enjoy the local Assamese Cuisine

Stay Options in Kaziranga National Park

Stay options in Kaziranga vary between budget stay homes, shared dormitories and luxury five star resorts. You can also ditch the Hotels in Kaziranga and instead go for a local guest house at Kohora or a nearby village.

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga is very hot and humid during the summers (April – June), and experiences warm days and cold nights in winters (November – January). Apart from this, the rest of the months are not advisable to visit as the region experiences massive floods. November to April is the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park.

How to Reach Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park’s location is very convenient. The roads are well maintained and regular trains, buses and taxis run between the major areas of interest in Assam.

Flight – LGB Airport Guwahati is at a distance of 5 hours from Kaziranga National Park. A lovely scenic drive takes you all the way to this beautiful heavenly destination

Train – Guwahati Station is connected with the major cities of India. You can find trains from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi on daily, weekly and bi-weekly basis.

By Road – Private taxis are available from Guwahati station and airport. A little bargaining will help you find cheaper rates than what you are told. You can also take one of the North East tour packages which include Kaziranga in the itinerary

Regular buses run between Kaziranga and Guwahati (217 KM), Jorhat (96 KM), Nawgaon, Dibrugarh, Tezpur (75 KM) or Tinsukia. These buses drop you at Kohora and from here you need to take a personal ride to reach your destination. Most of the Kaziranga national park hotels are in the proximity of Kohora.

Also, check out our  Kaziranga Tour Packages and experience the bliss of Nature with the wildlife display.