If you want to meet the one horned rhinoceros then this
is the address that you are looking for. Located in the Bokakhat, Assam, the
Kaziranga National Park lies between Mikir Hills in the south and
Brahmaputra river in the north. The swamps and the dense bushes created by
elephant grass provide that ideal habitat for the rhinoceros. In the
wildlife conservation history, Kaziranga is one of the most remarkable
success stories as well as the last resort for the one horned rhino today.
Since
the great one horned Rhino is the most popular and well known wild animal in
the sanctuary, it often tends to overshadow the other wildlife attractions
which includes a large number of elephants, bison, swamp deer, sloth bears,
tigers, leopards, wild cats, otters, hog badgers, capped langurs, wild
boars, jackal, pythons etc. This National Park is a bird watchers paradise
as well which can be best experienced on an elephant safari.
Kaziranga Time line
In 1908 itself, Kaziranga was declared a reserve forest and shooting
activity was officially closed since then. There were about only a few dozen
rhinos here then. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and in
1974 it was declared a National Park. It was declared a UNESCO world
heritage site in 1985. Today, the rhino is endangered as well as a protected
wildlife animal.
Kaziranga Attractions
Indian One Horned Rhinoceros
There was a time when the one horned rhinoceros used to roam across the
north Indian plains from the wetlands of river Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra.
The situation has changed drastically now and the rhinoceros is now confined
to some pockets of Assam and Nepal. The animal has more than two tonnes of
fearsome muscles as well as some belligerence which is rarely seen
elsewhere. The exterior of the rhino is armour plated and its horn is prized
for the said medicinal values that it has.
Its horn was the very reason for which it was hunted mercilessly leading to
a sharp decline in the population of the rhino. It was about to become
extinct when the conservationists woke up to its plight and the result came
in the form of Kaziranga National Park.
Elephant Safari
There is a vast expanse of area in the Kaziranga National Park waiting to
be explored by you. An area that is easily accessible through elephant
safaris and if you can leave your bed at dawn, then nothing like it.
Kaziranga is the only wildlife sanctuary where you can view the wildlife
from such close quarters. Authorized and trained mahouts are available
who'll guide you through the park with seasoned ease.
Sightseeing in Kaziranga
There are lush coffee and rubber plantations nearby at Karbi Anglong and
you'll love to just walk through them. You can also choose to visit the
Karbi villages where it'll be a new experience to be introduced to a new way
of life. Also see the Assam tea plantations for then you'll get to know how
our daily cup of tea is prepared.
Visiting Season
The period starting from mid-November up to early April is the ideal season
to visit the Kaziranga National Park.
Entry Requirements
Those planning to visit the Kaziranga National Park have to first register
at the Tourist Centre in the Bonani Tourist Lodge. The entry fee for
foreigners is Rs 200 whereas for the Indians it is Rs 10 only. You will be
charged separately for the camera and vehicle.
