Lying along the mighty
Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga National Park covers an area of about 430
sq. km. Its swamps and grasslands with tall thickets of elephant grass and
patches of evergreen forest, support the largest number of rhino in the
subcontinent. It was an alarming depletion in their numbers, due to hunting
and poaching that led to the conservation of this area in 1926.
In 1940, Kaziranga was
declared a sanctuary. Though poaching still constitutes a major threat to
the rhino population, the numbers of this species are fairly healthy.
At Kaziranga, the open country makes wildlife viewing 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 dawn. As the mist lifts and the
rising sun touches the hills in the distance, herds of barasingha and wild
buffalo are to be seen in the marshes.
The most ferocious bovine
in the world, the massive wild buffalo is impressive and can weigh up to 915
kg. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as the visitors pass by and an occasional
herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted.
The grasslands are
raptor country and the crested serpent eagle, the Pallas fishing eagle and
grey headed fishing eagle can be seen circling over the marshes.
The water-bird variety includes swamp partridge, bar-headed goose, whistling
teal, the Bengal florican, storks, herons and even pelicans.
Located along the main highway, Kaziranga is easily accessible and the
chance to see animals in the wild at such close quarters makes a visit to
the Park a very rewarding experience.
General Information: Best Time to Visit: November to April Nearest Town:
Bokakhat (23 Km) How to Get Here:
Air: Jorhat (84 Km)
Rail: Jorhat (84 km).
