Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

Facts & Figure

Location: Golaghat & Nagaon Districts, Assam, India
Established as National Park: In 1974
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985
Declared as Tiger Reserve: In 2006
Nearest City: Golaghat
Area: 430 Square Kilometers

About Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is one of the most famous national parks and tiger reserves in India. It is located in the districts of Golaghat and Nagaon in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. It is a UESCO world heritage site in natural category. It is one of the most sought after destinations for eco tourism and wildlife tourism in India. The park is best known for one horned rhinoceroses. About two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinos are found at this park. The park is also known for having the highest density of royal Bengal tigers among protected areas in the world. The park is also known for a home to large breeding populations of wild water buffalo, swamp deer and Indian elephants. The park is also internationally famous as an Important Bird Area recognized by Birdlife International. The Kaziranga National Park has attained a remarkable success in wildlife conservation.

Flora and Fauna of Kaziranga National Park

Flora of Kaziranga National Park mainly consists of four main types of vegetations – tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, alluvial inundated grasslands and alluvial savanna woodlands. Common tall grasses found at this park are spear grass, elephant grass, sugarcanes, and common reed.

Fauna of Kaziranga National Park mainly consists of different species of mammals and birds. Major animals at found at this park include one-horned rhinos, wild water buffalos, Indian elephants, swamp deer, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar, sambar, deer, hog deer, Indian Muntjac, tigers, leopards, fishing cats, jungle cats, leopard cats, small Indian civets, large Indian civets, Indian gray mongooses, small Indian mongooses, sloth bear, hispid hare, Chinese pangolins, Indian pangolins, Chinese ferrat badgers, flying squirrels, golden jackals, Bengal foxes, golden langur, capped langur, monkeys, Hoolock Gibbon, etc. Rivers of Kaziranga are also known for having the endangered Ganges Dolphins.

Kaziranga also has rich avifauna. It has been one of the most popular places for birding in India. It is home to different species of migratory birds, water birds and game birds. Migratory birds are found in winter season which come here from Central Asia. Major migratory birds include Ferruginous Duck, Baer's Pochard Duck, Lesser Adjutant, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Black-necked Stork, Greater Adjutant, and Asian Openbill Stork, etc.

Out of seven species of vultures, only three species of vultures have survived at Kaziranga National Park. They are Indian Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, and Indian White-rumped Vulture. Game birds at Kaziranga include Pale-capped Pigeon, Bengal Florican, and Swamp Francolin. There are many other species of birdlife found at this park.

Apart from wildlife viewing and birding, tourists can also enjoy here amazing nature tourism watching fantastic beauty of nature in surroundings. Tourists can enjoy best of the park by elephant safari. Tourists can also enjoy trekking and take excursion to nearby places.

Access From Airport

Nearest airport Jorhat (96 km (W)/2 hrs) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Calcutta (11:30, Tue & Sat). Calcutta in turn, is connected with all the major Indian and International cities including Delhi (daily at 7:00, 17:00 & 20:00), Mumbai (daily 6:10 & 18:15), Bangalore (daily 6:05) and Chennai (daily 10:30 & 17:00). Another major airport to access the park is Guwahati, well connected to major Indian cities.



Access From Railways

Nearest railway station Furkating (75 kms from Kaziranga) is connected to Delhi through the Brahmaputra Mail (daily 20:55) and Chennai through the Dibrugarh Exp. (Tue, 22:55). Another option would be to travel to Guwahati and take the Intercity Exp. (20:30) or the Kamrup Exp. (16:45). Major trains plying to Guwahati include the Guwahati Exp. (Mumbai-Guwahati, 7:45, Wed, Fri & Sat) and Guwahati Exp. (Bangalore-Guwahati, 23:45, Wed, Thu & Fri).



Access From Roadways

From Kaziranga (Kohora) to Jorhat it is 96 km, and Furkating is at 75 kms. The Assam Road Transport Corporation runs regular buses from Guwahati, Jorhat, Furkating which stop at Kohora, 5 kms outside the Park. Long distance night coaches run by private operators from Guwahati and Jorhat also stop here. The Tourist Department, Kaziranga Forest Lodge, has a reservation quota of 10 seats on the Kaziranga Express from Golaghat to Guwahati. To reach by road from Guwahati, take the NH37 to Kaziranga via Dispur, Nagaon, Jakhalabanda and Hatihkuli.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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