Introduction
One of the most unique wildlife parks of India is Kaziranga National Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known for its great population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. But Kaziranga is not just about rhinos. It is a vibrant land filled with forests, tall grassland, rivers, birds, and wild animals that roam in this place like their natural habitat. This Kaziranga travel guide by Memorable India will help you know all you need to know before embarking on the adventure.
This landscape is most admirable through a safari that offers the perfect views of the landscape as well as the atmosphere.
Whether observing rhinos in the fog of the morning or walking along the herd of wild elephants in the fields, this park has images that you will talk about for all your life. Both a jeep ride and an elephant ride, each minute in Kaziranga is exhilarating and close to the wilderness.
Understanding Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga is divided into four main areas: Central, Western, Eastern, and Burapahar. The zoning provides a variety of wildlife and landscape experiences. The most popular one is the central zone due to the sightseeing of wild animals. Rhinos and water birds are familiar in the western zone. The eastern area is an ornithologist’s heaven, and Burapahar is a relaxing forested area.
Due to the one-horned rhinoceros, the park is also known, where wild elephants, tigers, swamp deer, wild buffalo, and a great number of various birds can be found. This renders it among the most ideal locations to have a wildlife safari within Assam.
Types of Safaris in Kaziranga
The park can be explored in two major ways, which include the jeep safari and the elephant safari. Their experiences are different, and most of the travelers can experience both of them.
1. Jeep Safari
The most common park exploratory tour is a jeep safari. It gives you the ability to travel a greater distance and also a greater opportunity to see the various animals. Jeep trails are found in grasslands, water bodies, and forested regions. It is possible to take pictures, observe wildlife remotely, and enjoy the emerging nature on the route.
It is so popular that most people already do their Kaziranga jeep safari booking ahead of time, particularly during the peak season. There are morning and afternoon times, and the safari takes about two to three hours.
2. Elephant Safari
A Kaziranga elephant safari is the best experience for most tourists. It is a personal experience to ride on the back of an elephant to have a close and intimate look at the park. Elephants may walk on tall grass areas that cannot be accessed by jeep vehicles, and thus it becomes easy to find rhinos and other animals closely.
Elephant safaris typically take place in the early morning; in addition, they have a limited number of seats, and therefore, the travelers are expected to book them as soon as possible through their hotels or official counters.
Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park
The Kaziranga is open between November and April. It is the most favorable time to watch wild animals. It has pleasant weather, the grass is shorter, and animals are near water bodies, and hence easy to see.
During the monsoon (May to October), the park is closed since heavy rain floods the grasslands,over which the road is unsafe.
When picking a variety of Kaziranga tour packages, attempt to select the time of year between December and March when the wildlife activity is the most active.
Timings of Safari in Kaziranga
The timings of Kaziranga are slightly altered concerning the season; however, the park almost always adheres to the following schedule:
Morning Safari: Approximately 7:00 AM to 10.00 AM
Afternoon Safari: Approximately 1:00 PM to 4.00 PM
The elephant safaris begin earlier in the day, with most beginning at 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM.
It is advisable to get to the point of entry a few minutes before the actual time in order to avoid missing the slot.
What to Expect During the Safari
A safari in the Kaziranga National Park is a surprise. As soon as you get into the park, the voices of the birds, the sound of leaves, and the open landscapes make you believe that you are in another world. Here is what you can expect:
- Rhino Sightings
Over two-thirds of all the one-horned rhinoceroses of the world are found in Kaziranga. They are observed near ponds, pools of mud, and grasslands. Rhino sightseeing, especially in the morning, is also an excellent time to view the animals as they graze.
- Elephants in the Wild
There is a high population of wild elephants in Kaziranga. You will find them with their herds walking or playing in the water, or eating tall grass.
- Birdwatching
The park harbors a large number of birds, such as hornbills, eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, and migratory species that come in winter. The eastern range is most favourable to lovers of birds.
- Occasional Tiger Sightings
Kaziranga has a healthy population of tigers, although it is also famous for rhinos. Tigers are still timid and are not necessarily easily visible, though occasionally visitors are lucky enough to encounter one that crosses the road or simply hangs in the shade.
- Scenic Landscapes
Kaziranga is beautiful in its diversity, and covers swampy wetlands, golden grasslands, and silent lakes. Your safari will be relaxing, peaceful, and full of the colors of nature.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Safari
The following are the easy tips to ensure that your safari is smooth and unforgettable:
1. Wear Comfortable Clothes
Use light and natural colors to blend in with the surroundings. The reason why comfort is significant is that the safari may take several hours.
2. Bring Binoculars and a Camera
The use of binoculars helps you to see animals and birds that are far away. A camera is ideal when it comes to taking memories; however, one should not use flash because it will scare away the wildlife.
3. Follow the Instructions of the Guide
Safari guides are conversant with the park. Hear them out in case of trouble and improve your view.
4. Stay Quiet
Animals are comfortable in silence. Do not talk loudly or move around.
5. Book Safaris Early
The vehicles and seats on elephants are fewer in number; thus, booking ahead spares you the trouble.
How to Reach Kaziranga
Kaziranga can be accessed by road. The closest airport is in Guwahati, which is approximately 200km. A taxi or bus can be taken there. The nearest railway station is Jorhat, which is approximately 90 km away.
The travel is also easy because most of the Kaziranga tour package tends to include transportation, accommodation, and even safari booking.
Where to Stay
The park has a lot of hotels, resorts, and eco-lodges. Depending on the choice, you can select budget, mid-range lodges, or luxury nature resorts. It is also good to stay near the gate of the park since the safaris start in the early morning.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Kaziranga is not only a visit to a wilderness experience. It is an adventure through one of the most prosperous natural landscapes of India, with animals roaming freely and nature being untouched. The experience will be long-lasting, no matter whether it is a jeep safari or an elephant safari.
This is the full guide that provides you with all the necessary data on the timing of Kaziranga, the safari experience, the zones, and the tips. By properly planning and booking your Kaziranga jeep safari in advance, you will have a great adventure and can do it comfortably. Kaziranga National Park safari is not a mere tour; it is a gorgeous reminder of the fact that it is crucial to preserve wildlife and natural habitats.