| 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.
How to Get There
By air and rail at Jorhat (94 kilometres) and Guwahati (220 kilometres) from the
park Nearest town is Bokaghat, 22 kilometre from the park. When
to visit November to March Where
to stay 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. |