INTRODUCTION

Kaziranga National Park, situated in
the northeastern state of Assam, is one of the most picturesque
wildlife parks in India. The natural habitat of the one-horned rhino
(Rhinoceros unicornis), Kaziranga lies on the southern banks of the
Brahmaputra River, northeast of Assam's capital Guwahati. Originally
established as a game reserve in 1908, which included specific
portions of Assam's Sibsagar district, Kaziranga was declared a
sanctuary in 1940 to counter excessive poaching. In 1974, the Indian
Government declared it as a protected site. The park's original
inhabitants-the rhino and the elephant being the most noticeable-now
thrive in a serene environment to the sheer delight of nature
lovers. Viewing wildlife at Kaziranga Park because of its vast open
spaces, the presence of the mighty Brahmaputra, and adjoining Mikir
hills makes a trip to Kaziranga a complete 'jungle' adventure.
CLIMATE
Weather in Kaziranga is pleasant throughout the
year. There are no extremities in terms of temperature variation;
the winters (November-January) are cool and summers warm
(temperature does not exceed 38°C). Monsoon (June-July) season is
dominant and lasts for a long time in this area. Mild showers may be
experienced throughout the year.
INDIAN WILDLIFE AT ITS BEST
Apart from being the home of the one-horned
rhino, it is also the natural habitat of wild buffaloes, wild boars,
elephants, Barasinghas (swamp and hog deer), leopards, tigers,
hoolock gibbons, capped langur, rock python, mo nitor
lizards, various species of eagles, partridge, bar-headed geese,
whistling teals, florican storks, herons, pelicans and water fowls.
Large areas of the park comprise of marshland interspersed with
large pools fringed with reeds, patches of elephant grass, scattered
trees, and thickets.
In November 1999, the Kaziranga National Park was
selected for the millennium award by the World Wildlife Fund-Tiger
Conservation Programme (WWF-TCP) for being one of the best-managed
parks in the country. The Park earned this award for the second time
in succession.
The areas adjoining the park, though they sound
like tough terrains, are easily accessible on the backs of
elephants. Mihimukh is the starting point for the park and elephants
can be hired from here to enter the sanctuary. An elephant-ride
during early hours of dawn awards an excellent opportunity for
seeing wildlife at a close range. The elephants are managed by
authorized mahouts (trainers), who guide visitors through the park.
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 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.
Sunset is a pleasant sight as well with the birds
returning to their nests. After sunset, a pleasant conversation and
personal experiences can be exchanged with other fellow tourists
once the day's adventures come to a close.
Convention and norms are limited and the beauty
of the regional flora and fauna can be enjoyed at its closest best.
It is precisely for this reason that many tourists feel drawn
towards Kaziranga National Park.
REACHING THERE
The park can be approached by road from the
nearest town of Bokakhat, which is about 23 km away. The nearest
railway station and airport is Jorhat at a distance of 84 km. Jorhat
is 303 km from the Assamese state capital of Guwahati. State
transport buses ply between the two cities. Nearest International
airport is Calcutta. Direct flights are available between Calcutta
and Jorhat (Rowriah) airport.
STAYING THERE
Accommodation at Kaziranga ranges from various
forest rest houses and bungalows to the Kaziranga Forest Lodge owned
by the ITDC (Indian Tourism Development Corporation), depending upon
the budget. Rest houses and hotels are perched besides the main road
at Kohora (near the southern boundary of the park), and, blessed
with a clear sky, one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas
from here. Indian cuisine and snacks are available at the forest
lodge.
LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Nearest post office is at Bokakhat. Mail, if
stamped, is also collected from the park itself. Bokakhat is well
linked to the park, all medical (hospitals, chemists) as well as
communication (fax, telegraph) facilities are readily available
there.
Locals and park officials are warm, friendly, and
helpful and have a welcoming attitude towards tourists.
TRAVEL TIPS
For summers light cotton clothing would be
suitable, but in winters it is advisable to carry tough woolen
clothing. Littering in the park (though it does not bear a penalty)
is frowned upon by locals and park officials alike.
Mahout (or elephant trainers) act as efficient
guides and their instructions should be followed at all times during
the elephant ride. |