Facts & Figures :
| Area |
: |
430 sq km |
| Languages |
: |
English,Hindi,Assamese, |
| Best Time to Visit |
: |
November to April |
| STD Code |
: |
036776 |
About Kaziranga.... Kaziranga
National Park, situated in the northeastern state of Assam, is one of
the most picturesque wildlife parks in India. The natural habitat of the
one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), Kaziranga lies on the southern
banks of the Brahmaputra River, northeast of Assam's capital Guwahati.
Originally established as a game reserve in 1908, which included specific
portions of Assam's Sibsagar district, Kaziranga was declared a sanctuary in
1940 to counter excessive poaching. In 1974, the Indian Government declared
it as a protected site. The park's original inhabitants-the rhino and the
elephant being the most noticeable-now thrive in a serene environment to the
sheer delight of nature lovers. Viewing wildlife at Kaziranga Park because
of its vast open spaces, the presence of the mighty Brahmaputra, and
adjoining Mikir hills makes a trip to Kaziranga a complete 'jungle'
adventure.
Indian Wildlife at its BestApart
from being the home of the one-horned rhino, it is also the natural habitat
of wild buffaloes, wild boars, elephants, Barasinghas (swamp and hog deer),
leopards, tigers, hoolock gibbons, capped langur, rock python, monitor
lizards, various species of eagles, partridge, bar-headed geese, whistling
teals, florican storks, herons, pelicans and water fowls. Large areas of the
park comprise of marshland interspersed with large pools fringed with reeds,
patches of elephant grass, scattered trees, and thickets.
In
November 1999, the Kaziranga National Park was selected for the millennium
award by the World Wildlife Fund-Tiger Conservation Programme (WWF-TCP) for
being one of the best-managed parks in the country. The Park earned this
award for the second time in succession.
The areas
adjoining the park, though they sound like tough terrains, are easily
accessible on the backs of elephants. Mihimukh is the starting point for the
park and elephants can be hired from here to enter the sanctuary. An
elephant-ride during early hours of dawn awards an excellent opportunity for
seeing wildlife at a close range. The elephants are managed by authorized
mahouts (trainers), who guide visitors through the park. Contrary to what
one may have heard, rhinos browse past visitors nonchalantly. The rhino is a
peace-loving animal and, instead of batting an eyelid about peaceful
tourists who have invaded its territory, it keeps itself busy grazing in the
wild. Moreover, the conditions at Kaziranga are ideal for the rhino to
survive. In addition to elephant rides, several watch towers have been set
up for elevated viewing of the wildlife park. Pleasant boat rides at the
nearby Rhinoland park can also be availed by tourists.
Sunset is a
pleasant sight as well with the birds returning to their nests. After
sunset, a pleasant conversation and personal experiences can be exchanged
with other fellow tourists once the day's adventures come to a close.
Convention
and norms are limited and the beauty of the regional flora and fauna can be
enjoyed at its closest best. It is precisely for this reason that many
tourists feel drawn towards Kaziranga National Park.
Climate
Weather in Kaziranga is pleasant throughout the year. There
are no extremities in terms of temperature variation; the winters
(November-January) are cool and summers warm (temperature does not exceed 38°C).
Monsoon (June-July) season is dominant and lasts for a long time in this
area. Mild showers may be experienced throughout the year.
Outside
World Nearest post office is at Bokakhat. Mail, if stamped,
is also collected from the park itself. Bokakhat is well linked to the park,
all medical (hospitals, chemists) as well as communication (fax, telegraph)
facilities are readily available there. Locals and park officials are warm,
friendly, and helpful and have a welcoming attitude towards tourists.
Getting there The park
can be approached by road from the nearest town of Bokakhat, which is about
23 km away. The nearest railway station and airport is Jorhat at a distance
of 84 km. Jorhat is 303 km from the Assamese state capital of Guwahati.
State transport buses ply between the two cities. Nearest International
airport is Calcutta. Direct flights are available between Calcutta and
Jorhat (Rowriah) airport.
Where to stayAccommodation
at Kaziranga ranges from various forest rest houses and bungalows to the
Kaziranga Forest Lodge owned by the ITDC (Indian Tourism Development
Corporation), depending upon the budget. Rest houses and hotels are perched
besides the main road at Kohora (near the southern boundary of the park),
and, blessed with a clear sky, one can have a panoramic view of the
Himalayas from here. Indian cuisine and snacks are available at the forest
lodge.
Travel Tips For summers
light cotton clothing would be suitable, but in winters it is advisable to
carry tough woolen clothing. Littering in the park (though it does not bear
a penalty) is frowned upon by locals and park officials alike. Mahout (or
elephant trainers) act as efficient guides and their instructions should be
followed at all times during the elephant ride. Payment in foreign currency
is acceptable at the park, but is advisable to carry a reasonable sum of
local currency for tips and services at Bokakhat.
