Explore Kaziranga National Park: A Biodiverse UNESCO World Heritage Site

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, providing 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. Stretching over 42,996 hectares in Assam, it stands as the single largest undisturbed representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. Here, the mighty Brahmaputra River shapes the landscape, its seasonal fluctuations carving out spectacular examples of riverine and fluvial processes. Vast tracts of wet alluvial tall grassland, dotted with broad shallow pools fringed with reeds and patches of deciduous to semi-evergreen woodlands, create a dynamic tapestry of habitats.

Each year, the park witnesses dramatic riverbank erosion, sedimentation, and the formation of new sandbars and water bodies. These natural processes go hand in hand with the annual flooding and burning that maintain the park’s vast alluvial grasslands, nearly two-thirds of its area. As grasslands give way to woodlands and back again, this dynamic landscape fosters a remarkable diversity of habitats and supports intricate predator-prey relationships throughout the ecosystem.

Such ongoing ecological processes not only create a constantly evolving mosaic of habitats but are also the secret behind its extraordinary variety of wildlife, making every visit a unique experience for nature lovers.

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 made possible through devoted efforts to defend this species from poaching and habitat loss. India’s role in saving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros from the brink of extinction at the turn of the 20th century to now harbouring the largest population worldwide is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable conservation success stories. The park today is celebrated as one of the finest wildlife refuges on the planet, teeming with life at every turn.

Beyond the charismatic Indian rhinoceros, Kaziranga is a rare haven where you can spot all five massive terrestrial mammals of India, also known as Kaziranga's "Big Five":

Other significant wildlife species include:

Avian Paradise:

Kaziranga is a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting over 480 species of birds, both resident and migratory. Its wetlands and water bodies teem with life, attracting species like the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, and a wide variety of waterfowl. The park is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.

Reptiles:

The park is also home to a diverse reptilian population, including some of the largest snakes in the world like the Reticulated Python and Rock Python. It famously houses the King Cobra (the world's longest venomous snake), the rare Monocled Cobra, and three of India's "Big Four" venomous snakes: the Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper, and Common Krait. Bengal and Water Monitor populations are also present, alongside various turtle species like the Assam Roofed Turtle and the endangered Ganges River Dolphin in the Brahmaputra.

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 ranging 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 the 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 maximise wildlife sightings, then winter and early spring months from November to April are suitable. On the other 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 Zones at Kaziranga

The tourism area of Kaziranga National Park is spread across four zones –

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 rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species.

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

By Air:

By Rail:

By Road:

Kaziranga is well-connected by a network of state and national highways. National Highway 37 (NH 37) runs right through the park's periphery at Kohora, its main entry point.

Major cities connected: Guwahati (approx. 200 km), Jorhat (approx. 90 km), Tezpur (approx. 60 km), Nagaon, Golaghat.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is more than just a wildlife destination; it’s a place where history, nature and adventure come together. Book your Bandhavgarh safari with Tigerwalah today. Simply fill out the form to check availability, get pricing details and secure your spot in this incredible wilderness.