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Kaziranga National Park – A Traveller’s Guide 2024

In a realm where the ground is carpeted with luxuriant ferns, and every tree branch carries the burden of epiphytes and mosses, exists a sanctuary for diverse life forms. Here, grasses stand tall, veiling even the most formidable creatures like elephants, while the majority of inhabitants, from nimble primates to exotic birds, spend their entire lives amidst the foliage. Kaziranga, this enchanting territory, is where the splendid Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros freely roams, resembling a being from ancient legends. Adorned with a solitary horn on their nose, these majestic creatures are often revered as the unicorns of the tangible world, enhancing the park’s mystical ambiance.

The Majestic Indian One-Horned Rhino, a vulnerable species, finds refuge in the secluded regions of India and Nepal. Kaziranga National Park proudly boasts the distinction of harboring the world’s largest population of these remarkable beings.

Kaziranga, acknowledged as a national park, a tiger reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a component of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve, and a proposed Ramsar Site, stands as a sanctuary of unparalleled importance. Encompassing a total expanse of 1173.58 sq. km., including 625.58 sq. km. of core critical tiger habitat and 548 sq. km. of buffer peripheral area, this reserve teems with vitality. Nourished by the mighty Brahmaputra River and an intricate network of channels originating from the Karbi-Anglong Hills, Kaziranga’s ecological opulence knows no bounds. It serves as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of varied species, establishing it as a sanctuary where wilderness genuinely flourishes and rhinos roam freely.

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The Big Five’s at Kaziranga National Park

Celebrated for its rich biodiversity, Kaziranga National Park proudly hosts the impressive Big Five: The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, the Asian Elephant, the Asiatic Wild Buffalo, the Bengal Tiger, and the Common Leopard. Within its boundaries, Kaziranga claims the title of harboring the planet’s largest Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros population, with nearly 70% of these majestic creatures calling it home. The park also houses a substantial number of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes and Asian Elephants, enhancing its wildlife magnificence. Notably, it leads globally in tiger density, boasting an astonishing ratio of one tiger per every five square kilometers.

TIGER CONSERVATION EFFORTS: KAZIRANGA’S VITAL ROLE

Kaziranga National Park plays a pivotal role in tiger conservation, with an estimated tiger population of around 135 individuals in the last census. Additionally, the park is a sanctuary for the Eastern Swamp Deer, a unique subspecies found only in the Terai arc landscape. This rare species, now thriving in Kaziranga and recently introduced in Manas National Park, underscores the park’s essential contribution to the preservation of distinctive wildlife populations.

Types of Safaris at Kaziranga National Park

Jeep Safari

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL: Discovering the marvels of Kaziranga National Park becomes most exciting through a Rhino and Elephant safari in a robust four-by-four vehicle. Accommodating a maximum of six adventurers, each expedition is led by an informed park guide. The safari unfolds in two shifts, spanning one and a half to two hours each, allowing ample time for immersion in the park’s abundant biodiversity.

ENSURING SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT: Kaziranga’s jeep safaris adhere to a fixed schedule, operating exclusively from 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily. This structured timing preserves the natural habitat while offering enthusiasts the chance to observe the park’s wildlife during their most active periods. With the breeze in your hair and the excitement of exploration, a jeep safari in Kaziranga ensures an unforgettable adventure, providing glimpses of the park’s varied fauna and enchanting landscapes.

Elephant Safari

Explore the Western and Central Ranges of the park on a unique elephant safari, available solely during morning sessions. Accompanied by skilled mahouts, these magnificent creatures guarantee a secure and remarkable adventure. Carefully charted safari paths traverse the park’s expansive grasslands, offering close encounters with wild buffaloes and one-horned rhinos.

This distinctive prospect ensures an exhilarating rendezvous with Kaziranga’s extraordinary wildlife, ensuring an expedition brimming with natural marvels and indelible moments.

Zoning In: The Kaziranga National Park Experience

Kaziranga National Park, situated in Assam, India, offers an exhilarating wildlife experience through its four distinct safari zones. Each zone provides a unique encounter with the park’s rich biodiversity.

1. Bagori Western Range: The Bustling Hub of Wildlife Activity

The Bagori Safari Zone is renowned for its lush grasslands, providing a natural habitat for the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. It is a prime spot for animal sightings, particularly One Horned Rhinos and Wild Buffaloes. Tourist facilities, including a souvenir shop, add convenience to the experience.

2. Kohora Central Range: Tranquil Wilderness and Diverse Wildlife

Favored by tourists for its sparse crowds and diverse wildlife, the Kohora Safari Zone offers captivating scenery and abundant animal sightings. It’s particularly known for Eastern Swamp Deer sightings and is a hotspot for tiger sightings. Exclusive elephant safari points cater to VIPs and foreign visitors.

3. Agratoli Eastern Range: A Tranquil Haven for Nature Enthusiasts

Less frequented by visitors, the Agratoli Safari Zone provides a quieter and more exclusive Kaziranga safari experience. Ideal for birdwatchers, this zone is suited for observing otters, great hornbills, and various bird species. The picturesque Sohola Lake, formed after an earthquake, attracts migratory birds.

4. Burapahar Range: Hilly Terrain and Serene Wilderness

Encountered first when traveling from Guwahati, the Burapahar Safari Zone features hilly terrain and lower visitor numbers. A haven for bird enthusiasts, it offers excellent opportunities for observing primates and giant squirrels. The designated trekking routes provide panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River.

Embark on a Kaziranga safari adventure across these diverse ranges, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wildlife At Kaziranga National Park

Diverse Mammals of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve exhibits remarkable diversity in its fauna, harboring a total of 35 mammalian species, including 15 endangered species safeguarded by Schedule 1 of India’s Wildlife Protection Act. Notable carnivores roaming the reserve encompass tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. The habitat is also shared by a variety of herbivores such as elephants, rhinos, wild buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boar.

Kaziranga is celebrated for its primate inhabitants, featuring a small Western Hoolock Gibbon community, India’s sole ape species, easily spotted in the lush evergreen forest patches. Additionally, the reserve hosts Bengal Slow Lorises, Assamese Macaques, Capped Langurs, and Rhesus Macaques.

In the realm of smaller mammals, Kaziranga shelters Eurasian Otters, Smooth-Coated Otters, Hog Badgers, Indian Crested Porcupines, and Black Giant Squirrels, all commonly sighted in the vicinity. Explore the diverse mammalian tapestry that makes Kaziranga a unique and thriving wildlife sanctuary.

 

Diverse Reptiles at Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

Discovering the world of reptiles at Kaziranga Tiger Reserve reveals a habitat that shelters the endangered Assam Roof Turtle and the formidable King Cobra, alongside various snake and turtle species. The reserve hosts common reptiles such as the Cat Snake, Python, Bengal Monitor, Indian Softshell Turtle, Indian Flapshell Turtle, Peacock Softshell Turtle, Spotted Pond Turtle, and Indian Roofed Turtle. These varied reptilian inhabitants significantly enhance the reserve’s abundant biodiversity.

Avian Diversity in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga proves to be a haven for bird enthusiasts, showcasing an incredible array of bird species, exceeding 500, within its confines. Notably, 27 endangered species thrive here, elevating its status as a prominent Important Bird Area (IBA), especially for birds inhabiting expansive, damp grasslands. Out of the 500 species, 200 are permanent residents, while the rest, including indigenous migratory birds, visit during specific seasons.

Among the remarkable year-round inhabitants in Kaziranga are Spot-Billed Pelicans, Lesser Adjutants, Swamp Francolins, Bengal Floricans, Grey-Headed Fish Eagles, Black-Breasted Parrotbills, Great Hornbills, and Finn’s Weavers. Furthermore, seasonal migrants like Himalayan Rubythroats, Chestnut-Crowned Bush Warblers, Brown-Headed Gulls, Grey-Backed Shrikes, and Slaty Blue Flycatchers add to the vibrant avian population, including various water birds. Particularly celebrated is Kaziranga’s water bird community, notably the Bar-Headed Goose, attracting thousands annually. A recent census recorded over 20,000 waterbirds, featuring 2,000-3,000 Bar-Headed Geese.

Reasons To Visit Kaziranga National Park

Situated within the vast Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, Kaziranga is part of one of the planet’s most extensive hotspots among the 36 recognized globally. This hotspot spans a considerable portion of Northeastern India, celebrated for its abundant biodiversity. It serves as a meeting point for diverse temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions – the Indian, Sundaic, Sino-Himalayan, and Indochinese. This unique convergence significantly contributes to its remarkable species richness.

Kaziranga, in particular, distinguishes itself as a premier location for observing Indian One-Horned Rhinos and Wild Buffalos in their native surroundings. It stands among the world’s finest places to witness these species in their natural habitat, showcasing the extraordinary wildlife diversity fostered by this hotspot.

Flora found in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga, situated in the Indo-Burma hotspot, showcases abundant floral diversity, particularly in plant families like Orchidaceae and Dipterocarpaceae, recognized for their extensive species richness in this region. The state tree of Assam, where Kaziranga is situated, is the magnificent Dipterocarp, commonly referred to as ‘Hollong.’ Hollong trees are widespread in the lush evergreen forests of Kaziranga.

A significant part of Kaziranga’s terrain is covered by grasslands, with grasses soaring to impressive heights of 5-6 meters. Annual floods and controlled burning practices play a vital role in averting woodland encroachment, ensuring a steady supply of grazing land for the herbivore population. Amidst these grasslands, Bamboo-leaved Galangal (Alpinia nigra) flourishes abundantly.

The dominant high grass species include Saccharum spontaneum, Saccharum naranga, Imperata cylindrical, Erianthus spp., Arundo donax, and Phragmites karka. In savannah woodland areas, the Silk Cotton Tree (Bombax ceiba) is the most prevalent, while in swamp forests, species such as Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica), Wild Guava (Careya arborea), and Amla (Emblica officinalis) thrive.

Places To Visit Near Kaziranga National Park

  1. Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as a premier destination in the Northeast for primate observation. It houses seven primate species, a rarity comparable to only a few other spots in the region. Renowned for being one of the best places to witness Hoolock Gibbons in their natural habitat, it’s a must-visit for primate enthusiasts and nature aficionados.

  2. Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park Located near the western range of Kaziranga, this orchid park boasts an impressive collection of 600 orchid varieties from across the Northeast. Orchids are maintained in a natural state, resembling their habitat. The park also features a rice museum, a medicinal plant garden, and a product outlet, offering a comprehensive experience showcasing the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region.

  3. Tea Estates Assam, famed for its tea industry, is dotted with picturesque tea gardens. Explore these estates, learn about tea-making, witness lush plantations, and purchase fresh tea directly from the source. It’s a delightful experience for tea enthusiasts and tourists, allowing immersion in Assam’s rich tea culture.

  4. Brahmaputra River The park, situated near the Brahmaputra River, offers boat safari services for visitors. Observe the Gangetic River Dolphin, abundant in this area, providing a unique opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat and enhancing the overall wildlife experience.

  5. Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Center This center, crucial for rescuing wild animals during floods and human habitation encounters, is operated by the Wildlife Trust of India and supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). It serves as a safe haven for displaced wildlife. Visitors, with prior permission, can tour the center and obtain detailed information by contacting the relevant authorities.

Trip To Kaziranga National Park: Faqs

What makes Kaziranga National Park unique among wildlife reserves in India?

Kaziranga National Park is unique for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It is also known for its diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. The park’s distinct ecosystem, comprising grasslands, wetlands, and forests, contributes to its uniqueness.

How does Kaziranga National Park contribute to the conservation of endangered species?

Kaziranga plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species, particularly the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park has been successful in implementing conservation measures, including anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community involvement. These initiatives have not only led to the recovery of the rhino population but have also benefited other endangered species in the region.

What are the key attractions and activities for visitors in Kaziranga National Park?

Visitors to Kaziranga National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris to observe the rich biodiversity, including the iconic Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, and numerous bird species. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and exploring the diverse landscapes. The presence of the Brahmaputra River adds to the scenic beauty of the park.

How does the tiger safari experience in Corbett National Park differ from other wildlife reserves in India?

Corbett National Park is renowned for its tiger population and is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country. The park offers a unique tiger safari experience where visitors can explore the diverse terrain, including dense forests and riverine landscapes. Corbett is not only a haven for tigers but also hosts a variety of wildlife, making it a sought-after destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

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