Kaziranga National Park

Lying within the lush landscapes of Assam and nourished by the mighty Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is a shining example of India's wildlife conservation success. Spreading across 430 sq. km in the Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Nagaon districts of Assam, this popular wildlife destination in India is home to over 2,200 Indian one-horned rhinoceroses i.e. around two-thirds of their global population.

Established in 1908, following the initiative of Mary Curzon, wife of the then Viceroy of India, Kaziranga has evolved into one of the top wildlife tourism destinations in the country. In recognition of its ecological significance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and later a Tiger Reserve in 2008 due to its growing big cat population. Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, criss-crossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, and the park includes numerous small bodies of water, which is a thriving habitat for diverse species.

History of the Kaziranga National Park

  • 1905 : Baroness Mary Curzon visited the Kaziranga region and was disappointed not to spot a single rhinoceros. Her concern prompted her husband, Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, to initiate steps for its protection.
  • 1905 : The area was proposed as a reserved forest, initially covering 232 sq. km. The original plan to extend the boundary to the Bokakhat-Dhansirimukh Road was revised, and the boundary was set at the banks of the Brahmaputra River, which remains a vital lifeline for the park's ecosystem.
  • 1908 : Kaziranga was officially declared a Reserve Forest.
  • 1916 : It was renamed Kaziranga Game Sanctuary, emphasizing its importance for wildlife protection.
  • 1950 : Under the efforts of conservationist P.D. Stracey was upgraded to Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, marking a significant step toward stricter wildlife conservation.
  • 1974 : Due to its increasing ecological value and biodiversity, it was declared Kaziranga National Park.
  • 1985 : Recognizing its global ecological importance, UNESCO designated Kaziranga as a World Heritage Site.
  • 2008 : It was further elevated in status as a Tiger Reserve, solidifying its position as one of India's most important protected areas.
  • 2025 : The national park will be celebrating its 125th anniversary on 1st June 2025.
  • Present Day : Kaziranga has become the third-most visited national park in India

Quick Glance at Kaziranga National Park

Location Golaghat and Nagaon Districts, Assam, India
Established 1905 as a reserve forest; declared a National Park in 1974
UNESCO Tag World Heritage Site (since 1985)
Famous For One-horned Rhinoceros (largest population in the world) and Golden Tigers
Total Area 1,090 sq km (approx.)
Total Core Area 430 square kilometers
Total Buffer Area 548 square kilometers
Best Time to Visit November to April
Popular Wildlife One-horned Rhino, Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Wild Buffalo, Swamp Deer..etc
Park Closed (Monsoon) May to October
Nearest International Airport Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (LGB) International Airport, Guwahati
Nearest Dometic Airport Jorhat (Approx 96 Km from Kaziranga)
Nearest Railway Station Furkating Railway Station (Approx 75 km from Kaziranga)

Flora & Fauna in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Flora :

The diverse terrain of Kaziranga National Park, shaped by varying altitudes between its eastern and western regions, nurtures a rich mosaic of vegetation. The park features four major forest types: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and moist mixed deciduous forests. This lush environment supports distinctive plant life such as kumbhi, cotton trees, Indian gooseberry, and the tangy elephant apple. Adding to the beauty are patches of aquatic flora thriving in lakes, ponds, and along the Brahmaputra River shores. Together, these landscapes form an essential part of the ecosystem supporting the flora and fauna in Kaziranga.

Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga

The ideal time for visiting Kaziranga is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are at their peak. This period is perfect for enjoying a jungle safari in Kaziranga, spotting diverse animals in Kaziranga, and exploring its rich landscapes. Monsoons are best avoided, as the park remains closed due to heavy rainfall causing the Brahmaputra River to flood.

  • Winter (November to February) : Winter is the most popular and recommended time to visit Kaziranga National Park. The temperatures range between 8°C and 25°C, making it pleasant for safaris and outdoor exploration. The clear skies and dry weather improve visibility, making it easier to spot animals such as the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, wild buffaloes, and tigers. Birdwatchers will also find this time rewarding, as numerous migratory birds flock to the park's wetlands. This season offers the best overall wildlife viewing experience.
  • Summer (March to May) : During summer, temperatures rise and can range from 18°C to 38°C. While it can be quite hot during the day, early morning and late afternoon safaris are still possible. Wildlife sightings, particularly near water sources, are fairly common as animals venture out to drink. However, the heat and occasional dust may affect comfort, making this a less preferred but still viable time for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Safari Types & Zones in the Park

Kaziranga National Park

Safari Types in Kaziranga :

  • Jeep Safari : A wildlife jungle safari through a Jeep in Kaziranga National Park is perfect for exploring deeper forest zones. It covers longer routes, increasing chances of tiger sightings and gives travellers a thrilling view of the park's rich biodiversity.
  • Elephant Safari : An Elephant Safari in Kaziranga National Park offers a close-up experience with wildlife, especially the Indian rhinoceros. It's ideal for early morning rides through grasslands and spotting animals in their natural habitat.

Safari Timings in Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park

Jeep Safari timings in Kaziranga :

Period Time(Entry - Exit)
Morning 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Morning 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Afternoon 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Afternoon 2:35 PM - 4:35 PM

Major Attractions In and Around Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park's magic doesn't end with the jungle. Beyond the tall grasses and wild calls lies a vibrant world of ancient ruins, river islands, cascading waterfalls, and living cultures. Whether it's a tranquil tea estate or a hidden temple site, these places to visit near Kaziranga turn every journey into a multi-sensory adventure.

  • Deoparbat Ruins
  • Majuli Island
  • Kakochang Waterfalls
  • Addabarie Tea Estate
  • Bamuni Hills
  • Orchid And Biodiversiry Park
  • Orang National Park

Safari Booking Procedure & Tips

Safari Booking Procedure :

  • Provide full name, age, and gender of all participants exactly as mentioned on their official ID proof.
  • Select your preferred safari date and time slot - morning or afternoon, while booking.
  • Share a valid government-issued ID number (Aadhar, Voter ID, Driver's License, etc.) for every Indian traveller.
  • International visitors must submit passport details during the reservation process.
Kaziranga National Park

How to Reach Kaziranga?

flight
By Air :

To reach Kaziranga National Park by air, fly into Guwahati International Airport (217 km) or Jorhat Airport (97 km). Guwahati offers excellent domestic and international connectivity. From the airport, take a taxi or board a bus from Paltan Bazaar for a scenic drive to this incredible wildlife destination in Assam.

train
By Train :

The closest railhead to Kaziranga is Furkating Junction, just 75 km away. Well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, it's a convenient route for train travelers. Alternatively, Jorhat (90 km) and Guwahati (240 km) railway stations offer easy access, followed by taxis or buses for your wildlife jungle safari adventure.

bus
By Road :

Nestled along NH-37, the park's main gate at Kohora town is easily accessible by road. Regular buses and taxis connect Kaziranga with Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Nagaon, and more. Whether via private vehicle or public transport, visiting Kaziranga by road is smooth and ideal for exploring tourist attractions in and around the park.

Best Nearby Destinations to Visit

nameri national park
guwahati
shillong

Beyond the iconic one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga serves as a launchpad to Northeast India's most captivating gems. From serene wildlife sanctuaries and misty hill towns to vibrant cultural hubs, the surroundings promise more than just safaris. These nearby destinations enrich your journey, turning a visit to Kaziranga National Park into a full-fledged northeastern adventure.

  • Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
  • Guwahati
  • Shillong
  • Dibru - Saikhova National Park
  • Nameri National Park

Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Tucked amidst tea gardens and rainforest cover near Jorhat, this sanctuary is a haven for India's only ape, the Hoolock Gibbon. Dense canopies, chirping birds, and rare primates make it a must-visit. It's a compact yet thrilling escape for wildlife lovers after their Kaziranga jungle safari adventure.

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Other Information about Kaziranga