Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, which lies in the northeastern state of India, is a shining example of this country’s abundant biodiversity and different ecosystems. One of India’s most significant protected areas, Kaziranga National Park covers more than 430 square kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kaziranga National Park is a wildlife paradise that attracts nature lovers and environmentalists from all over the world with its distinctive scenery, varied flora and fauna, and conservation initiatives.
Location and Landscape: Kaziranga National Park
The Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam in northeastern India are home to Kaziranga National Park. The park’s distinctive environment is shaped by its location on the Brahmaputra River’s floodplains. The park’s tall elephant grass, marshes, and deep woods, together with its numerous lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, make it the ideal home for a diversity of wildlife.
Flora and Fauna:
Kaziranga National Park is famous for its varied vegetation, which consists of evergreen forests, tropical wet mixed deciduous forests, and alluvial grasslands. More than 1,200 different plant species, many of which are indigenous and endangered, may be found in the park.
The abundance of animals in Kaziranga National Park, however, is truly its greatest asset. The big Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which have the world’s highest population of this species, may be found in the park.
Significant populations of other endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Asiatic water buffalo, and eastern swamp deer, are also present in Kaziranga. With over 480 species of birds documented in the park, including the critically endangered Bengal florican, great hornbill, and various kinds of eagles, owls, and herons, it is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Conservation Efforts:
An extensive history of conservation initiatives has been made to safeguard the distinctive biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park. The big Indian one-horned rhinoceros’ declining population was the reason the park was created in 1905 as a reserve forest.
Since then, it has served as a model location for rhinoceros conservation and has been crucial in India’s population recovery. More than 2,400 rhinoceros, or two-thirds of the species’ global population, may be found in the park today.
Kaziranga National Park has been actively involved in the preservation of other endangered species, such the Bengal tiger and Asian elephant, in addition to the protection of rhinoceros. In order to involve the neighborhood in conservation efforts, the park has developed a number of conservation initiatives, including as anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, community-based conservation programs, and education and awareness campaigns.
These programs have been effective in reducing poaching and habitat devastation, and the park has received national and worldwide recognition for its conservation accomplishments.
Ecotourism:
In addition, Kaziranga National Park has grown to be a well-liked ecotourism destination in India, giving tourists an opportunity to take in the country’s abundant wildlife and scenic splendor. The park provides a variety of activities that let visitors explore its many ecosystems and view its distinctive species, including as vehicle safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises.
Additionally, the park contains well-kept hiking routes and observation towers that offer fantastic chances for birding and animal photography. To lessen the influence on the park’s delicate environment and wildlife, and to protect the safety of both tourists and animals, ecotourism in Kaziranga is controlled under rigorous rules.
Challenges and Future Conservation:
Despite its achievements in conservation, Kaziranga National Park still has a number of obstacles to overcome in order to safeguard its distinctive biodiversity. Conflict between humans and animals is one of the biggest problems.
Due to the park’s proximity to thickly inhabited communities, elephant crop raiding events sometimes result in clashes between people and animals. The park’s wildlife is still at risk from illegal poaching for rhino horns and other wildlife goods, despite the fact that strict anti-poaching measures have been put in place by the park authorities.
Another issue Kaziranga National Park faces is habitat deterioration brought on by encroachment, deforestation, and riverbank erosion. The topography of the park is always under risk from the Brahmaputra River, which causes erosion of its meadows and woods. Floods and shifting weather patterns have an impact on the park’s flora, wildlife, and general environment, raising concerns about climate change.
The Kaziranga National Park needs ongoing efforts in anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, community participation, and awareness initiatives in order to solve these issues and preserve the park’s long-term protection.
Promoting ecotourism as a means of income and involving local communities in conservation efforts through sustainable livelihood alternatives can help prevent conflicts between people and animals and foster a sense of community ownership over the preservation of the park.
How to reach Kaziranga National Park?
Kaziranga National Park is well-connected by air, train, and road, making it accessible from various parts of India. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach Kaziranga National Park:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kaziranga National Park is Jorhat Airport, which is approximately 97 kilometers away from the park. The airport has regular flights connecting it to major cities in India, such as Kolkata and Guwahati. From Jorhat Airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kaziranga National Park.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kaziranga National Park is Furkating Junction, which is approximately 75 kilometers away from the park. From Furkating Junction, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kaziranga National Park.
By Road: Kaziranga National Park is well-connected by road and can be reached by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from nearby towns and cities. The park is approximately 217 kilometers away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, and the nearest major city. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey to the park is usually scenic, passing through tea gardens and forests.
Local Transportation: Once you reach Kaziranga National Park, there are various modes of local transportation available to explore the park. The park offers jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat cruises for visitors to experience its wildlife and natural beauty. These safaris and cruises are conducted by the park authorities and need to be booked in advance.
Elephant safaris are a unique and popular way to explore the park and get up close to its wildlife. Jeep safaris are also a convenient option for exploring different parts of the park. Boat cruises on the Brahmaputra River provide an opportunity to spot river dolphins and other aquatic species.
Note: It’s recommended to check the latest information on transportation options and availability before planning your visit to Kaziranga National Park, as it may vary depending on the season and other factors. Also, make sure to follow the park’s rules and regulations, and respect the local wildlife and communities during your visit to help preserve this unique and precious natural heritage.
Fee Structure
| Sl. No. | Particular | Price Per | Foreign Price (in ₹) | Indian Price (in ₹) |
| 1 | Park entry fee per person per trip/day | PERSON | 650 | 100 |
| 2 | Fee for elephant seat per trip/day | PERSON | 1250 | 750 |
| 3 | Toll for road per trip/day | VEHICLE | 300 | 300 |
| 4 | Toll for river cruise per trip/day | VEHICLE | 1000 | 1000 |
| 5 | Still Camera | UNIT | 200 | 100 |
| 6 | Movie/Video Camera | UNIT | 1000 | 1000 |
| 7 | Still Camera (Professional) | UNIT | 3000 | 1000 |
| 8 | Movie/Video Camera (Professional) | UNIT | 30000 | 10000 |
| 9 | Welfare Society fee per jeep per trip/day | VEHICLE | 100 | 100 |
| 10 | Welfare Society fee per seat per trip/day | PERSON | 50 | 50 |
| 11 | Feature film | DAY | 200000 | 100000 |
| 12 | Documentary Film | DAY | 75000 | 15000 |
| 13 | Security Money for feature film | DAY | 200000 | 100000 |
| 14 | Security Money for documentary film | DAY | 75000 | 15000 |
| 15 | Jeep hiring Fee | VEHICLE | 2200 | 2200 |
Kaziranga Elephant Safari Price
Elephant Safari slot 5 AM to 6 AM | 6 AM to 7 AM is decided one day previous to your safari date and same will be informed accordingly. Advance Booking is Suggested for Confirm Booking of Elephant.
| Kohora (Central) | 3200 / Person | 1 hour |
| Bagori (Western) | 1400 / Person | 1 hour |
Timing
7.00AM to 5.00PM
Advance Safari Booking Procedure :-
1. The full name, age, sex of each visitor as printed same on the identity cards to be provided along with the confirmatory amount
2. Preferred travelling date & Safari timing (Morning/Afternoon)
3. Specific ID card number of your ( Voter Id, Aaadhar No, Driving license No etc)
4. Safari charges paid in advance
5. Please carry the same ID card submitted during online booking
6. Passport details are mandatory for making reservation of foreigner tourists 7. Safari is alloted on first come first serve basis (subject to availability)