|
|
 ne of the best
success stories of wildlife conservation in India is that of Kaziranga National Park. The Park has everything at odds against it. A very busy national highway passing through its periphery and fear of encroachment by farmers from all around for its rich flat land are dangers to the peace of this park. Over this the mighty river
Brahmputra at its north floods every part of Assam for weeks during every monsoon, thus aggravating problems
to its wildlife population. Still, the park has more than 80 tigers and 1400 one-horned rhinoceros in an area of 430 sq km (they were on the verge of extinction in 1926), a successful conservation effort
by every standards. Many of the conservationists and forest guards are working here since decades now; they know the animals by their nicknames- sure proofs of care and empathy to the animals
given by each of them.
There are organized safaris in the jungle in early mornings and afternoons. Those on jeeps makes you reach deeper in the park and those on elephants makes you reach nearest to the
rhinos. A mixture of both in a stay of a few days can be a wise option.
The park is largely made of tall elephant grasses. The dried grass is annually burnt in the month of February to let the fresh grass grow; the chances of sighting the wild animals are hence best just after that.
Besides the rhinoceros unicornis and tigers, the park also has sizeable population of wild buffalos, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, wild pig, hoolock gibbon, elephants, python and a whole range of waterfowls. The park has also been declared as the World heritage site for being one among the only
few homes to the
Asian rhino. The vast stretch of grassland is a beautiful landscape and worthy of several visits even for no other reasons. The southern boundary of the park is made of
Karbi Anglong hills and a visit to Karbi tribes village can be an added reward to the Kaziranga experience.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Nearest airport and important town is Guwahati. Furkating is nearest railway station though Guwahati is the railhead of major significance. The highway connecting
the Park with Guwahati is very good in condition. |
| Further connections |
Guwahati, Tezpur, Sibsagar and Shillong. |
| Best time to visit |
Generally pleasant but sometimes gets very cold due to surrounding jungles. Rains heavily during monsoons when the park remains closed to visitors (April to October). |
| Important |
It is important to book space on elephants (for wildlife viewing over elephants) at the park office at Kohora a night before you intend to visit the park. Mosquitoes can be irritating, bring your own mosquito repellents and creams. |
| TOURS TO KAZIRANGA | |
|
|
)
)
