HomeTravellingAll You Need To Know About Kaziranga National Park

All You Need To Know About Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park Situated in Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra, Kaziranga lies at the foot of the Mikir Hills that rise to a height of 1,220 m., some eight kilometres from Bokakhat. Wetlands, grasslands, forests and riverine habitats fed by the Brahmaputra River Kaziranga National Park has them all.

“No one can enter the place. It is all swamps and leeches and even elephants cannot go there”, was the response of a British forest officer in 1930 to the famous naturalist E.P. Gee, author of Wildlife of India, who had requested permission to visit Kaziranga National Park.

WSON Team

Today, Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site and is probably one of the richest, most picturesque wildlife habitats of southern Asia.
Best season

November to April is the best time to visit. These winter months are generally mild and dry with mean maximum and minimum temperatures at 250C and 50C respectively. The park is closed from June to September.The best distance visibility is between February and April when the tall elephant grass is burned.

Dry and windy summers extend from mid-February to May with mean maximum temperatures at 370C and minimum temperatures of 70C.

The Central (Kohora) Range

Mihi, Kathpora, Dafflong, Borbeel, Bhaisamari are some of the particularly rich bheels here. Rich in birdlife, these wetlands are among the most productive habitats around which to birdwatch.

Eastern (Agartoli) Range

Driving along a small stream with a variety of semi evergreen trees forming a closed canopies along its banks, you could see elephants swimming across in herds, or a young one enjoying a dust bath. Rotting logs are favourite spots for turtle to sunbathe. Perhaps the most magnificent part of Kaziranga, roads from this particularly rich area lead to tall grass habitats and the sandy banks of the Brahmaputra. This is Bengal Florican country. Mihimukh is a particularly good wildlife area.

Western (Bagori) Range

WSON Team

This range has a patch of semi evergreen forest near Baguri, Bimali and Haldibari and Dunga, Bimoli, Borbeel, Dafflong and Ramori. Outside the park, a walk along the NH7 from Kanchanjhuri, Burapahar and Amguri could give you a chance of spotting the Hoolock gibbon, capped langur or Giant Hornbill. Sometimes they rest up for the night at the edge of the forest near tea estates and a walk in the area before first light could be rewarding.

An overnight trip to Nameri National Park (and the orchidarium on the Arunachal Pradesh border), is highly recommended for a camping experience. For mild whitewater rafting, take a trip to Balukpung and raft down the river Jia Bharoli. The birdwatching along this riverine tract is probably among the best available anywhere in the world.

Useful Tips:

Book your jeep and elephant rides in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tall grasses that look flattened can tell you a story a herd of elephant that had camped perhaps.

Searching for such clues and asking lots of questions can multiply your pleasure manifold.

Take the time to go on a dolphin watch on the Brahmaputra. It is an incomparable experience.

Transport:

WSON Team

By Air: Jorhat is about 90 km away from Kaziranga and the closest airport. Transport should be arranged beforehand to receive one at the airport through the lodge. The drive from Guwahati airport is 220 km, but the road is picturesque and extremely motorable. Arrange a pickup and if not vehicles can be rented on the spot.

By Rail: Jorhat (90 km.) Furketing (75 km.) and Guwahati (200 km.) are the nearest stations from where you must take a bus or hire a private vehicle.

By Road: Bokakhat (23 km) is the closest town. State transport buses, A/C and non-A/C ply daily between Guwahati and Kaziranga.

Provisions may be obtained at Guwahati, or perhaps from Jorhat. Bokakhat, the closest town where chemist shops, clothing and shoe stores are found is 23 km. away.

Leeches are a reality in the summer months so don’t walk barefoot and always check your socks before removing them.

In the winter months, most lodges should be able to organise an exciting cruise (on country boats with very loud diesel engines!) down the Brahmaputra to watch river dolphins. The trip can be particularly unforgettable if you organise lunch in advance, which can be cooked by local fishermen and had on the banks of the river as you watch dolphins.

Since tea estates border the park, a visit to one can also be organised on request at your lodge. It might be worthwhile to take home a few packets of delicious Assam tea. Most private lodges can help arrange trips to village fairs and markets to imbibe a bit of local flavour.

- Advertisment -