few centuries ago, the Indian one horned Rhinocerous ranged across
Indian plains in the wetlands of the rivers Indus, Ganga,
and Brahmaputra. Today this survivor from the prehistoric times is
found only in pockets in the north eastern state of Assam and in
Nepal. In Assam, their Rhino habitat is limited to just two national
parks - Kaziranga and Manas.
Type of Rhinos
There are five kinds of Rhinos found in the
world - white rhino, black rhino, Indian rhino, Javan rhino, and
Sumatran rhino. The white and black Rhinos are live in Africa, while
Indian, Javan and Sumatran are Asian Rhinos, found in Noth Pakistan,
Assam in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
The usual weight of an Indian Rhino is 2,000 kg. The one way to
distinguish between a an Indian Rhino and an African Rhino is the
single horn. Both white and black African Rhinos have two horns.
Another distinguishing feature of the Indian Rhinoceros is its skin,
which is knobbly and falls into deep folds at its joints, giving a
look like the Rhino is wearing a coat of armour.
All the Rhinos are vegetarian and Indian Rhinos mostly eat grass,
fruits, leaves and crops. Their well developed upper lip helps them
to eat out tall elephant grasses, which they like the best. It also
helps them to pull out aquatic plants by the roots. Indian Rhinos
usually prefer to roam around in the morning and evening hours to
avoid the heat of the day and live for about 40 years.
Kaziranga National Park
Lying along the mighty Brahmaputra river, the Kaziranaga National
Park covers an area of about 430-sq-kms. Its swamps and grasslands
with tall thickets of elephant grass and patches of ever green
forest support the largest number of Rhino population in the whole
of Indian subcontinent. Once reached to an alarming point due to
hunting and poaching, this area came under wildlife conservation in
1926 and in 1940, Kaziranga was declared a sanctuary.
Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are a
raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable
experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard,
Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing
Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan
Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks
lakes and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese,
Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck,
Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.
Wild Attractions of Kaziranga -
The open county makes wildlife viewing at Kairanga fairly easy. A
day's outing is often sufficient for visitors to see most of the
major species here. Elephants take them into the park at the early
morning hours. Other wildlife attractions at Kaziranga include
Barasingha, Wild Buffalo, Wild elephants and Wild Boars. The
grassland area is a raptor country and the crested Serpant Eagle and
the Pallas Fishing Eagle and the grey-headed fishing Eagle can be
seen circling over the marshes. The water-bird variety includes
Swamp Parridges, Bar-headed Geese, Whistling Teal, the Bengal
Florican, Storks, Herons and even Pelicans.
Mid November to
Safari Timings :
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM & 2:00
PM - 3:30 PM (Jeep), 5:00 AM - 6:00 AM & 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Elephant).
Park Timings :
7:30 AM to 4 PM
(in Indian Rupees)
(Rates are subject to
Nearest airport Jorhat (96 km) is connected by Indian Airlines flights
with Calcutta. Calcutta in turn, is connected
with all the major Indian and International cities including Delhi, Mumbai,
Bangalore and Chennai. Another
major airport to access the park is Guwahati, well connected to
major Indian cities.
Nearest railway station Furkating (75 kms) is connected to Delhi
and Chennai. Another option
would be to travel to Guwahati and go by train.
From Kaziranga (Kohora) to Jorhat it is 96 km, and
Furkating is at 75 kms. The Assam Road Transport Corporation runs
regular buses from Guwahati, Jorhat, Furkating which stop at Kohora,
5 kms outside the Park. Long distance night coaches run by private
operators from Guwahati and Jorhat also stop here. To reach
by road from Guwahati, take the NH37 to Kaziranga via Dispur, Nagaon,
Jakhalabanda and Hatihkuli.
Distances from Major Cities
Guwahati : 230 km
Kolkata : 704 km
Tips & Important Information
The park is divided into
three main tourist ranges, Kohora, Baghori and Agaratoli. All the
major tourist facilities and entry formalities are based here. It is
also the point of start for early morning safaris, where as vehicles
can also be hired here for movement inside the park.
Reach half an hour before
the park gates open to complete the required formalities.
Although foreign currency
is acceptable, it is recommended to carry a reasonable sum of Indian
Binoculars and camera
will enhance your wildlife watching experience.
Foreign visitors are
advised to contact the tourist office to complete all the required
Consult the authorities
before moving to remote areas in Assam.
Wild Grass Lodge
Elephant & Rhinos (15 Days)