Kaziranga National Park [ Assam ]
Lying
along the mighty Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga National
Park covers an area of about 430 sq. km. Its swamps and
grasslands with tall thickets of elephant grass and patches
of evergreen forest, support the largest number of rhino in
the subcontinent. It was an alarming depletion in their
numbers, due to hunting and poaching that led to the
conservation of this area in 1926. In 1940, Kaziranga was
declared a sanctuary. Though poaching still constitutes a
major threat to the rhino population, the numbers of this
species are fairly healthy. At Kaziranga, the open country
makes wildlife viewing fairly easy. A day's outing is often
sufficient for visitors to see most of the major species
here.
Elephants take them into the Park at dawn. As the mist lifts
and the rising sun touches the hills in the distance, herds
of barasingha and wild buffalo are to be seen in the
marshes. 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 greyheaded 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.
Located along the main highway, Kaziranga is easily
accessible and the chance to see animals in the wild at such
close quarters, makes a visit to the Park a very rewarding
experience.
General Information
Best time to visit :
November-April
Accommodation :
Forest Rest Houses and Tourist Lodge (ITDC)
Nearest Town :
Bokakhat (23 km)
How
to get there :
Air-Jorhat (84 km) Rail-Jorhat
Park Entry Fee
Rs. 10 per day / person.
Elephant ride
Rs. 100 per person for Indian Tourists. (3 or 4 seats on an
elephant)
Rs. 5O for children.
Rs. 700 per person for foreigners.
Jeep ride
Rs. 450 per jeep.
Camera fee
Ordinary camera - Rs. 10
Telephoto Lens - Rs. 5O
For Professionals still camera - Rs. 150
Video Camera - Rs. 1500
