Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra
river in Assam, India. Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately
430 Sq. kms with its swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it
the ideal habitat for the Indian one-horned. The vast open country makes
Kaziranga very accessible and wildlife viewing fairly pleasurable. Here
one can leave in the early hours of the dawn for an elephant-back-ride.
Kaziranga is one of the largest Protected Areas in India and one of the most significant conserved forest areas on the earth. From the time it was declared as a Proposed Reserve Forest for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), it has become an exceptional model in conservation, also providing an ideal habitat for numerous other threatened species.
Kaziranga is an outstanding example of the ongoing eco-biological processes in the evolution and development of the flood plain ecosystem and its plant and animal communities. It is a symbol for the dedicated commitment of the people who work ceaselessly to protect and preserve this richly diverse biological heritage. Kaziranga has justly earned its place as the flag bearer among all the wildlife conservation efforts across the globe. Into its hundredth year of existence, the tradition continues.
The most ferocious bovine in the world, the massive wild buffalo is impressive and can weigh up to 915 kg. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as the visitors pass by and an occasional herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. The grasslands are raptor country and the crested serpent eagle, the Pallas fishing eagle and grey headed fishing eagle can be seen circling over the marshes. The water-bird variety includes swamp partridge, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, the Bengal florican, storks, herons and even pelicans.
The park contains about 15 species of India's threatened (Schedule I) mammal species. The best-known inhabitant of course is the Rhinoceros unicornis (rhino) and they make it their largest home anywhere in the world. The number of this once-threatened mammal has been regularly in the increasing order. From only a few dozen in 1908 to more than 1000 now, the route has been quite long.
The park contains about 15 species of India's threatened (Schedule I) mammal
species. The best-known inhabitant of course is the Rhinoceros unicornis
(rhino) and they make it their largest home anywhere in the world. The number
of this once-threatened mammal has been regularly in the increasing order.
From only a few dozen in 1908 to more than 1000 now, the route has been
quite long. Contrary to what one may have heard, rhinos browse past visitors nonchalantly. The rhino is a peace-loving animal and, instead of batting an eyelid about peaceful tourists who have invaded its territory, it keeps itself busy grazing in the wild. Moreover, the conditions at Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary are ideal for the rhino to survive. In addition to elephant rides, several watch towers have been set up for elevated viewing of the wildlife park. Pleasant boat rides at the nearby Rhinoland Park can also be availed by tourists.
The best season to visit Kaziranga is the winter- approximately November to April. The weather's hot and humid through much of the rest of the year. In particular, avoid the monsoons (June to September), when there's heavy rainfall and the park often gets flooded.