About the Park

Set in the floodplains of the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam, Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s greatest wildlife treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 1,090 sq km, the park is a mosaic of tall elephant grass, marshlands, and tropical forests.

Established in 1905 and declared a national park in 1974, Kaziranga is world-famous for sheltering the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros. The park’s wild beauty, shaped by monsoon floods and river life, offers an unforgettable window into India’s eastern wilderness.

Wildlife & Habitat

Kaziranga’s ecosystem is teeming with life and biodiversity.

  • Key Species: One-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, wild buffalo, swamp deer, and wild boar.
  • Other Wildlife: Smooth-coated otter, hog deer, sambar, and Indian mongoose.
  • Birdlife: Over 500 bird species including the great hornbill, pelican, bar-headed goose, and Bengal florican, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
  • Habitat: A mix of alluvial grasslands, semi-evergreen forests, and wetlands, nourished by the Brahmaputra’s seasonal floods that sustain the park’s rich vegetation.

Safari Experience

Kaziranga offers both jeep and elephant safaris, each giving a distinct experience of the landscape and wildlife.

  • Safari Types:
    • Jeep Safari: Available in all major zones, offering wide access to the park’s habitats.
    • Elephant Safari: Early-morning rides that bring you up close to grazing rhinos in the misty grasslands, a signature Kaziranga experience.
  • Safari Zones:
    • Central Range (Kohora): Most popular and scenic, with high rhino density.
    • Western Range (Bagori): Excellent for elephants and birdlife.
    • Eastern Range (Agaratoli): Less crowded and rich in bird species.
    • Burapahar Range: Dense forests and good chances of spotting gibbons.
  • Timings:
    • Morning: 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM
    • Evening: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (varies slightly by season)
  • Booking: Jeep safaris can be booked online through the Assam Forest Department website or through registered lodges and operators near Kohora.

Best Time to Visit

  • Open Season: November to April.
  • Best Months: February to April, dry conditions and short grass make spotting easier.
  • Winter (Nov – Jan): Cool, lush, and great for photography and birdwatching.
  • Monsoon (May – Oct): Park remains closed due to heavy flooding.

How to Reach

  • Nearest Airport: Jorhat (97 km) and Guwahati (217 km).
  • Nearest Railway Station: Furkating (75 km) or Guwahati (220 km).
  • By Road: Well-connected via National Highway 37. Regular buses and taxis operate from Guwahati, Jorhat, and Tezpur.

Where to Stay

  • Near Kohora Gate:
    • IORA – The Retreat: Premium resort with modern comforts and local architecture.
    • Infinity Resort Kaziranga: Set amid greenery, known for excellent service.
    • Wild Grass Lodge: Classic wildlife lodge offering guided safaris.
    • Bonhabi Resort: Budget-friendly, close to the main gate.
  • Other Areas: Eco-camps and homestays around Bagori and Agaratoli for travelers seeking quieter stays.

Travel Tips / Park Rules

  • Carry photo ID for each visitor during safari entry.
  • Book permits in advance, especially for elephant safaris.
  • Follow your guide’s instructions and maintain silence in the park.
  • Avoid bright clothing, stick to neutral tones.
  • Don’t litter, feed animals, or smoke during safaris.
  • Carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Evenings can be cool; keep a light jacket handy.

Packing List

  • Light cotton or linen clothes in earthy tones
  • Light jacket or fleece (winter mornings)
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Binoculars and camera
  • Water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • ID proof and safari permit copies
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Visitor Statistics

Kaziranga attracts around 300,000 – 350,000 visitors annually, including a large number of international travelers. The Kohora Range receives the highest footfall, while the Agaratoli Range remains ideal for those seeking quieter wildlife experiences.

Conservation & Responsible Travel

Kaziranga’s conservation success is globally celebrated.

  • From just a few dozen rhinos in the early 1900s, the park now shelters over 2,600 one-horned rhinoceroses, thanks to strict protection and anti-poaching efforts.
  • It’s also part of Project Tiger and supports a healthy tiger population, one of the highest densities in India.
  • Local communities play a key role in tourism and conservation through eco-lodges and handicrafts.

To travel responsibly

  • Choose lodges that minimize plastic and waste.
  • Support local artisans and guides.
  • Respect wildlife viewing distances and park rules.
  • Refill bottles and avoid disposable plastics.