Kaziranga National Park lies on the south bank of the Brahmaputra and its boundary for the most part follows the Mora Diphlu river and runs parallel to National Highway No. 37. It covers an area of 688 sq. kilometres. The Park was first established in 1908, as a reserve forest with only about a dozen rhinos and was declared a National Park in 1974.
Kaziranga is famous for the great One-Horned Rhinos. Tigers which are natural enemies of rhinos are also there in sizable numbers in this area. Other attractions of this national park include the wild buffalo, magnificent swamp deer, hog deer, wild boar, Hoolok gibbon, capped langur and ratel (badger).
A wide variety of snakes including the rock python and the monitor lizard are also found here. Amongst the birds, the crested serpent eagle is common while palla's fishing eagle and gray headed fishing eagle are frequently seen. Others include the Great Adjutant Stork, crane, Bengal floricab, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, and pelican.
Mihimukh is the starting area for the park and elephants can be hired from here to enter the sanctuary. Jeep safaris and early morning elephant rides can be arranged for at the Tourist Centre here.
Access
Flights and trains start from Jorhat (94 kilometres) and Guwahati (220 kilometres), to the nearest town, Bokaghat which is 22 kilometres from the park.
Time of visit
The best time to visit the park is from November to March.
Accomodation
Forest rest houses and bungalows are available in the park area. Kaziranga Forest Lodge is also available with air conditioned rooms, bar restaurant and other facilities.
Contact
Director, Kaziranga National Park, PO Bokaghat, District Jorhat, Assam.
