Kaziranga National Park

Discovering Kaziranga National Park: A Testament to Nature's Splendour

Nestled within the northeastern kingdom of Assam India, lies a wonderful testimony to nature's splendour and resilience – Kaziranga National Park. Covering about 430 square kilometres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as an image of conservation fulfilment and a sanctuary for some of the most endangered species.

Biodiversity at Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is an organic treasure trove, proposing numerous ecosystems that aid an array of vegetation and fauna. The park's panorama is a mosaic of grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. The park is renowned for its sizeable population of Indian rhinoceroses, with over two-thirds of the world’s population of one-horned rhinoceroses dwelling right here. This great conservation achievement tale has been done via devoted efforts to defend this species from poaching and habitat loss. Apart from the charismatic Indian rhinoceros, Kaziranga is also home to quite a few other megafaunas, like Asian elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, and wild water buffalo. Kaziranga is one of the few places in India in which you can spot all of the massive 5 terrestrial mammals. These charismatic species draw natural world enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.

The park's wetlands and water bodies are teeming with life, harbouring several fowl species. Kaziranga is a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting over 480 species of birds, both resident and migratory. The Brahmaputra River, which flows along the park, is a lifeline for plenty of aquatic species and adds to the park's rich biodiversity.

Here are some of the notable wildlife species discovered in Kaziranga:

1. Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis):

Kaziranga is well-known for its populace of one-horned Indian rhinoceroses. The park is anticipated to be home to more than two-thirds of the world’s population of this species. The one-horned rhino is the park's flagship species and a symbol of successful conservation efforts.

2. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris):

Kaziranga is likewise recognized for its tiger population. While tigers are normally elusive, the park offers opportunities for visitors to see these majestic cats.

3. Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus):

The park is inhabited by a large population of Asian elephants. These mild giants roam the forests and grasslands of Kaziranga.

4. Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee):

Kaziranga is home to the largest population of untamed water buffaloes in the world. These massive creatures are regularly visible grazing inside the park's wetlands.

5. Swamp Deer (Barasingha):

The Eastern Swamp Deer, additionally called Barasingha, is found in Kaziranga. It's a unique species recognised for its superb antlers.

6. Leopard (Panthera pardus):

Not as commonly seen as tigers, leopards also inhabit Kaziranga. They are skilled hunters and often stalk prey inside the park's woodlands.

7. Indian Bison (Gaur):

Indian bison, additionally known as Gaur, is the most important wild cattle species. They can be observed inside the hilly areas and forests of Kaziranga.

8. Hog Deer:

This small deer species is normally determined in Kaziranga's grasslands and wetlands. It's a crucial prey species for predators like tigers and leopards.

9. Sambar Deer:

The Sambar deer, a bigger deer species, can also spotted in Kaziranga. They are frequently visible near water our bodies.

10. Wild Boar:

Wild boars are good-sized in Kaziranga and vital to the park's ecosystem.

11. Indian Python:

Kaziranga is home to plenty of snake species, which include the Indian python. These snakes are frequently found near water bodies.

12. Monitor Lizard:

These massive reptiles are often visible basking inside the solar close to water bodies in the park.

13. Assam Roofed Turtle:

Kaziranga's wetlands and water bodies provide habitat for various turtle species, including the Assam Roofed Turtle.

14. Birds:

Kaziranga is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 480 species of birds. Some exceptional avian species encompass the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, and a wide variety of waterfowl.

15. Reptiles:

Apart from pythons, Kaziranga is likewise home to diverse other snake species, in addition to crocodiles and turtles. The park is home to some of the largest snakes in the world, such as the reticulated python and the rock python. It also houses the king cobra, which is the longest venomous snake in the world. Bengal monitor and water monitor populations are also found within the park. Additionally, the park is home to the rare monocled cobra and three of the Big Four snakes, namely the Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and common krait.

16. Insects and Butterflies:

The park's diverse ecosystems help a rich range of bugs and butterflies, making it a haven for entomologists and nature enthusiasts.

Best time to visit-

The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India largely depends on your preferences and what you want to revel in for the duration of your visit. The park is open for a specific duration only due to monsoon flooding, park opening and closing dates may change each year and it is best to confirm the same before you plan. Here are the two primary seasons for visiting Kaziranga:

November to April (Winter and Early Spring): This is the peak traveller season in Kaziranga and is considered the best time to visit. The climate is noticeably dry and cool, with daylight hours temperatures starting from 8°C to 25°C. During this season, the floodwaters have receded, and the animals generally tend to accumulate close to the water bodies, making flora and fauna sightings extra frequent and reachable. It's an extraordinary time for birdwatching, as many migratory species visit the park at some point in the winter months.

May to October (Monsoon and Post-Monsoon): This is the monsoon season in Kaziranga, and the park remains closed from June to September due to heavy rainfall and flooding. May marks the transition from the monsoon season to up-monsoon. The post-monsoon season, from October to early November, is a superb time to visit in case you prefer lush landscapes and fewer travellers. The park reopens around October 1st after the monsoon.

The vegetation is vibrant, and you may see many newborn animals during this period, which adds to the appeal of the park. However, wildlife sightings can be much less during the post-monsoon season compared to the dry season.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Kaziranga depends on your pursuits and priorities. If your primary intention is to maximize wildlife sightings, then winter and early spring months from November to April are suitable. On the opposite hand, if you select lush landscapes and fewer crowds and are inclined to just accept the possibility of reduced flora and fauna sightings, the post-monsoon season from October to early November can offer a unique and exquisite experience.

Safari options at Kaziranga-

Exploring Kaziranga through a Jeep Safari is one of the most popular ways to experience the park's wildlife up close. These open-top vehicles provide a thrilling ride while offering the opportunity to spot a variety of animals such as rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species. The tourism area of Kaziranga National Park is spread across four zones – Central Zone or Kaziranga Zone, Western Zone or Bagori Zone, Eastern Zone or Agaratoli and Bhuraphar Zone. We organise jeep safaris with our expert team of Naturalists for all these zones.

Consider an Elephant Safari for a unique and unforgettable adventure. Riding atop a gentle giant through the tall grasslands of Kaziranga offers a vantage point like no other. It's an ideal way to observe animals in their natural habitat, especially when they gather near water bodies. Elephant safari is conducted before jeep safari in the morning in the Central and western zones of Kaziranga National Park. A pre-reservation is recommended for those interested in an elephant safari. Witness Kaziranga's aquatic life, including river dolphins, gharials, and birds, on a serene Boat Safari along the Brahmaputra River.

One can opt for any or all of the above-mentioned safari options to explore the beauty of Kaziranga. Please note that safari routes and timings can be changed by the local forest department depending on weather conditions.

How to Reach Kaziranga
Guwahati Airport (4.30 hours from Kaziranga) is well-connected with all the major cities of India.