Kaziranga National Park Tourism And Travel Guide

Sprawled across the floodplain of River Brahmaputra, the grasslands of Kaziranga is the habitat of a wide range of wild animals like the famous one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants etc. It is home to thousands of migratory birds who migrate to warmer climate of Kaziranga in winter. One can also spot the rare Gangetic Dolphins. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaziranga is the pride of Assam and the entire North Eastern states. Tourism in Kaziranga gives a taste of the Assamese flavour and an opportunity to see some rare wild animals in close proximity. Here is a snippet of travel guide on what to see in Kaziranga National Park.

Kaziranga is well connected by rail, road and air with neighbouring cities and major states of India.

By Air:

The Jorhat Airport and Guwahati International Airport are located at a distance of 97 km and 217 km from the national park respectively. From the airport tourists can take a cab or a bus to reach the park.

By Rail:

While Furkating, located 75 km from the park, is the closest railhead, Guwahati and Jorhat Railway Stations are also important as they are primary stations of Northeast railways. They enjoy better connectivity with other major cities of the country.

By Road:

National Highway 37 connects Kaziranga National Park with other neighbouring cities of Assam. Private carriers and state transport corporation operates regular bus services between the park and adjacent areas.

Getting by in Kaziranga:

Public and private transportation is not permitted within the premises of the national park. For moving around within the forest tourists have to rely on jeeps and elephants. Only cars authorised by the national park are allowed inside.

Summer (February ‒ May):

Summers are extremely humid and sultry in Kaziranga. While the park remains open it is difficult to move around with temperatures hovering near 37°C. However one may consider a trip to avoid the rush of the peak season.

Monsoon (June ‒ October):

Kaziranga receives heavy rainfall during this period. Major portion of the park remains submerged in water as the River Brahmaputra crosses the danger mark and floods. It is recommended not to visit Kaziranga. The safaris also remain closed.

Winter (November ‒ February):

Winter is pleasant and mild and hence considered the best time to visit Kaziranga. It is also the ideal time for bird watching as hundreds of migratory birds flock the lagoons within the park.

Enjoy Elephant and Jeep Safari:

These are the ideal ways of exploring the park and sighting animals from close proximity. They start early in the mornings and cover the Western, Eastern, Central and Ghoraketi Ranges.

Spot Birds:

Kaziranga forest has plenty of water lagoons. Hundreds of birds flock these areas and it is considered the bird watcher’s and photographer’s paradise. One can spend hours watching and identifying the birds in action.

Visit the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park:

Kaziranga also houses an orchid park which has become a major attraction over the years. Housing hundreds of species of orchids collected from all over the north east, the place is a delight. The park also hosts a cultural program in the evenings where the tourists are treated to some local bamboo and Bihu dances.

Visit Kakochang Waterfall:

The Kakochang Waterfall is located a mere 14 km from the park. The sparkling clean waters and the peaceful serene environs offer a lucrative getaway for the travellers.

Tour of Tea Estates:

A trip to Assam minus a visit to the legendary tea gardens is an incomplete one. A 116 km drive from the park will take tourists to the Jorhat Tea Research Institute where they are greeted by the lush green tea gardens offering a peaceful retreat.

Visit to a Tribal Village:

Kaziranga has a number of tribal villages in its vicinity. Travellers can plan a day out in one of those villages and see the lifestyle and culture of the tribal people from up close. They can also find these people at work, weaving beautiful shawls and sarees without use of modern technology. It is an experience of a lifetime.

Sail down Brahmaputra and watch Gangetic Dolphins:

Tourists can choose to spend a leisurely afternoon sailing down the mighty Brahmaputra and trying to spot some Gangetic Dolphins that it is famous for.

Within the national park, eating out options are rather limited. Tourists have to rely on the restaurants attached with the resorts and lodges. Nevertheless, some of these restaurants do whip up some flavourful dishes like the Wild Grass Lodge and Bon Habi Jungle Resort. It is recommended to try the Assamese Thali to get a taste of the local cuisine and flavours.