Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is a haven for wild life. Many different types of wild animals and plants are found only in this wild and unique national park. The dense forest and the tall elephant grass and numerous swamps make Kaziranga, an ideal habitat for wild life.
Kaziranga National Park is situated in the northeastern state of Assam in India. It covers an area of 430 sq km. with an additional area of 429 km. Kaziranga National Park was declared a protected wildlife sanctuary in 1940. In 1985, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its natural habitat and rich diverse wild life.
Kaziranga is famous for the great one horned Indian rhinoceros or the Asian rhino. It is the only place in the world where these majestic beasts are found in its natural habitat. Apart from the rhino, the park is also well known for its tigers. In fact it was declared a tiger reserve in 2006and boasts of the highest tiger density in the world. Besides these, a variety of animals like the Indian elephant, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, Indian bison, hog deer, sloth bear, leopard, leopard cat, jungle cats, otters, hog badgers, gibbons, wild boar, jackals, pythons, monitors, to name a few, are found in large number here. Apart from the wildlife, Kaziranga is a bird watchers delight. Many kind of rare birds can be seen here. Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’ Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon are some of the raptors who dwell in this park. During the winters, many migratory birds like the Greylag Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall and many other types of birds come to the numerous lakes, water holes and the swamps in the park.
The best way of observing this rich diversity of flora and fauna would be on an elephant back. There are regular elephant safaris in the park for visitors. Also, there are jeep safaris organized by the park. Observatory towers are set in different places for people to observe the birds and animals with out disturbing them.
Apart from the park, visitors can visit the nearby, coffee and rubber plantations of the Karbi people. The Karbis are tribal people of the northeast. Visitors can visit their houses and get a preview about their culture, lifestyle, traditions and their way of living.
Kaziranga is open from mid November to early April. During the rainy season, the park is closed for visitors.
As the place is well known among wildlife enthusiasts, there are many hotels outside the park for accommodation and food.
Kaziranga National Park can be reach by air. Guwahati which is 217 km away and Jorhat which is 97 km are the nearest airports. There are regular bus services from Kaziranga to Guwahati and Jorhat. The nearest railway station is Furkating which is 75 km from the park. The park is well connected by roads to all the major cities of Assam.
If you are nature lover who want to witness wildlife in its full glory or want to have a thrilling jungle safari, then there can be no other place better than Kaziranga National Park. Pack your gear and head straight to the great wilderness called Kaziranga.
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