Facts and Figures Area 430 sq km Languages Assamese, Hindi, and English Best time to visit November to April STD Code 036776 INTRODUCTION Kaziranga National Park, situated in the northeastern state of Assam, is one of the most picturesque wildlife parks in India. The natural habitat of the one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), Kaziranga lies on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River, northeast of Assam's capital Guwahati. Originally established as a game reserve in 1908, which included specific portions of Assam's Sibsagar district, Kaziranga was declared a sanctuary in 1940 to counter excessive poaching. In 1974, the Indian Government declared it as a protected site.

The park's original inhabitants-the rhino and the elephant being the most noticeable-now thrive in a serene environment to the sheer delight of nature lovers. Viewing wildlife at Kaziranga Park because of its vast open spaces, the presence of the mighty Brahmaputra, and adjoining Mikir hills makes a trip to Kaziranga a complete 'jungle' adventure.

CLIMATE
Weather in Kaziranga is pleasant throughout the year. There are no extremities in terms of temperature variation; the winters (November-January) are cool and summers warm (temperature does not exceed 38°C). Monsoon (June-July) season is dominant and lasts for a long time in this area. Mild showers may be experienced throughout the year.

INDIAN WILDLIFE AT ITS BEST Apart from being the home of the one-horned rhino, it is also the natural habitat of wild buffaloes, wild boars, elephants, Barasinghas (swamp and hog deer), leopards, tigers, hoolock gibbons, capped langur, rock python, monitor lizards, various species of eagles, partridge, bar-headed geese, whistling teals, florican storks, herons, pelicans and water fowls. Large areas of the park comprise of marshland interspersed with large pools fringed with reeds, patches of elephant grass, scattered trees, and thickets. In November 1999, the Kaziranga National Park was selected for the millennium award by the World Wildlife Fund-Tiger Conservation Programme (WWF-TCP) for being one of the best-managed parks in the country. The Park earned this award for the second time in succession.

The areas adjoining the park, though they sound like tough terrains, are easily accessible on the backs of elephants. Mihimukh is the starting point for the park and elephants can be hired from here to enter the sanctuary. An elephant-ride during early hours of dawn awards an excellent opportunity for seeing wildlife at a close range. The elephants are managed by authorized mahouts (trainers), who guide visitors through the park. Contrary to what one may have heard, rhinos browse past visitors nonchalantly. The rhino is a peace-loving animal and, instead of batting an eyelid about peaceful tourists who have invaded its territory, it keeps itself busy grazing in the wild. Moreover, the conditions at Kaziranga are ideal for the rhino to survive. In addition to elephant rides, several watch towers have been set up for elevated viewing of the wildlife park. Pleasant boat rides at the nearby Rhinoland park can also be availed by tourists.

Sunset is a pleasant sight as well with the birds returning to their nests. After sunset, a pleasant conversation and personal experiences can be exchanged with other fellow tourists once the day's adventures come to a close.Convention and norms are limited and the beauty of the regional flora and fauna can be enjoyed at its closest best. It is precisely for this reason that many tourists feel drawn towards Kaziranga National Park.

REACHING THERE
The park can be approached by road from the nearest town of Bokakhat, which is about 23 km away. The nearest railway station and airport is Jorhat at a distance of 84 km. Jorhat is 303 km from the Assamese state capital of Guwahati. State transport buses ply between the two cities.

Nearest International airport is Calcutta. Direct flights are available between Calcutta and Jorhat (Rowriah) airport.

STAYING THERE
Accommodation at Kaziranga ranges from various forest rest houses and bungalows to the Kaziranga Forest Lodge owned by the ITDC (Indian Tourism Development Corporation), depending upon the budget. Rest houses and hotels are perched besides the main road at Kohora (near the southern boundary of the park), and, blessed with a clear sky, one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas from here. Indian cuisine and snacks are available at the forest lodge.

LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Nearest post office is at Bokakhat. Mail, if stamped, is also collected from the park itself. Bokakhat is well linked to the park, all medical (hospitals, chemists) as well as communication (fax, telegraph) facilities are readily available there.

Locals and park officials are warm, friendly, and helpful and have a welcoming attitude towards tourists.

TRAVEL TIPS
For summers light cotton clothing would be suitable, but in winters it is advisable to carry tough woolen clothing. Littering in the park (though it does not bear a penalty) is frowned upon by locals and park officials alike.

Mahout (or elephant trainers) act as efficient guides and their instructions should be followed at all times during the elephant ride.

Payment in foreign currency is acceptable at the park, but is advisable to carry a reasonable sum of local currency for tips and services at Bokakhat.

For additional information, contact:

Director,
Kaziranga National Park,
P.O. Bokakhat,
District Jorhat,
Assam, India 785612.