Kaziranga National Park: The Rhino Land

Kaziranga is a massive park. However, the whole body of the Kaziranga national park consists of 3 districts. These are- Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts. Kaziranga is situated in the Indian state of Assam. In the early 19th century, the area around what is now known as the Kaziranga was not well settled by humans. It was still home to notorious wild animals, malaria, frequent floods, and the Brahmaputra River. 

The name Kaziranga was derived from a woman who used to rule the area in ancient times. Her name was “Karbi”. But several local legends relate the name Kaziranga to some local legends. Assam is famous for the Kaziranga national park along with its world-famous tea. In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know about Kaziranga.

Brief History

• The Kaziranga National Park was formally announced as a Reserve Forest in 1908.
• In 1916, it became a game sanctuary for the British. But it was closed officially for shooting in 1926. 
• Kaziranga National Park was declared open to visitors in 1938. 
• After the independence of India, Kaziranga was named a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950. 
• During the 1945 Assam Legislative Assembly, rhinoceros got legal protection through the Assam (Rhinoceros) Bill.
• In 1974, Kaziranga was appointed as a National Park. It was the very first national park in the state of Assam. 
• In 1985, UNESCO declared Kaziranga National Park a World Heritage Site.

State/District/Capital

Kaziranga is a massive national park. The whole body of the national park consists of 3 districts. These are- Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts. Kaziranga is situated in the Indian state of Assam. 

How to Reach Kaziranga National Park?

By Air

The closest airport to the Kaziranga  National Park is the Guwahati Airport. You can book a taxi or take a bus from there to Kaziranga National Park, which is only 295 Km from there.

By Train

The closest railway station closest to the national park is the Furkating railway station which is just 80 Km away from it. You can easily find a taxi or bus from there to the national park.

By Road

Who doesn’t love road trips? Everyone does, especially when you’re with friends. You can also take a road trip to Kaziranga. You can either bring your car or bike from your city directly to Kaziranga. Or you can go to Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat or Naogaon by rail or air and then book a taxi or bus to Kaziranga. Additionally, the roads are beautiful and free of traffic. 

When to visit Kaziranga National Park?

• Visitors love Assam all around the year.
• Yet, it is preferable by some to not visit Kaziranga during the monsoon season.
• Assam is prone to flash floods during monsoon seasons. That is why Kaziranga sees most of the visitors in March. 

Official Language

When you visit Kaziranga, you will notice people speak two major languages. 1. Assamese and the 2. Bodo. The majority of people say only Assamese. You will also be able to converse in Hindi and English as well. 

Weather

• Summer Season: March to May 
• Average Temperature: 23.9°C- 26.1°C

• Winter Season: December to February 
• Average Temperature: 18.9°C- 20.2°C

• Monsoon Season: June to September 
• Average Temperature: 27.3°C – 27°C 

• Post-Monsoon Season: October to November 
• Average Temperature: 25.2°C- 23°C

Transportation/Stay to Prefer

Essentially, there are two kinds of safaris available for visitors to enjoy at Kaziranga National Park. The first is the elephant Safari and the second is the jeep safari. You must be wondering when and how you can avail these two options in Kaziranga? Then you should know that the elephant safaris are only available in the Central and Western range. At the same time, the jeep safari is open in all areas of the National Park. We have compiled the timings of these both safari types here below:

1. Elephant Safari

• Timing: From 5:30 AM-7:30 AM and 3:00 PM -4:00PM.

1. Jeep Safari

• Timing: From 7:00 AM-9:30 AM and 1:30 PM-3:30 PM.

Kaziranga National Park Tickets Prices

• Entrance Fee: Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners.
• Vehicle entry Fee: Rs. 200
• Camera Use Fee: Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners.
• Video Camera Use Fee: Rs. 500 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners.
• Elephant Safari tickets: Rs. 280 for Indians Rs. 750 for foreigners.
• Jungle Jeep Safari Tickets: Rs. 1000 for the Central Ranges and Burapahar, it’s Rs. 2000.

Before your plan to visit Kaziranga with your friends or families, it is essential to know a few things. Firstly, the forest authorities divide the Kaziranga national park into four special zones for convenience. These are:

• Mihimukh in the Central Range at Kohora, Assam.
• Bagori in Western Range at Bagori, Assam.
• Agoratoli in Eastern Range at Agaratoli, Assam.
• Ghorakati in Burapahar Range at Ghorakati, Assam.

Places to visit in Kaziranga National Park

• Explore the Central range. It will provide you with the best elephant safari experience.
• The north-eastern side of the park has boat rides available for you.
• You can take a private vehicle into the park too! But the only if here is if an armed guard accompanies it because the forest can be dangerous.
• You can pick a group elephant safari. Group safari is a private safari, and it enables you to experience time cutting to take more groups on tour.

Things to Do in Kaziranga National Park

• Avoid wearing bright colours to blend in with the forest. Wear clothes that are light and comfortable.
• Do not carry any weapons or sharp objects with you. However, armed guards are allowed.
• Furthermore, do not harm or pollute the flora and fauna of the national park. It is a criminal offence, and you can end up with a heavy fine or jail.
• Silent your phones/speakers to avoid startling the wildlife. Remember, it is a no honking zone.
• Avoid early morning safaris as the fog obstructs your view during winters.
• Oh yes, don’t forget your camera. 

Other attractions nearby, Kaziranga national park to visit while you are there:

• Admire the Tea Gardens Of Kaziranga 
• Visit Kaziranga Golf Resort 
• Deopahar Geological Site is a worthy place to visit.
• The Orchid and Biodiversity Park is too beautiful to miss
• Ethnic Village is the new attraction near Kaziranga.

Souvenirs to buy in Kaziranga National Park

Buy Handicrafts, silk clothing and traditional artefacts sold in about 30 shops in and around the park

Furthermore, you can also check out our detailed article on Assam.

Assam: The Land of Blue Hills

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