Kaziranga
National Park
Area : 688 sq. km/ 42,996 hectares.
Established
: 1926 as a reserve forest,

1940 as a wildlife
sanctuary,

1974 as a national park.
Description
: Kaziranga National Park lies to the south of the
mighty Brahmaputra river and being on the floodplains is inundated heavily
by the monsoon rains. The predominant vegetation is a mixture of tall
grasslands and riverine forests. There are many marshes, interconnecting
streams and ox-bow lakes, known locally as 'bheels' or 'bils'. To the south
of the park lie the Mikir Hills which rise to over 1,000 metres elevation.
Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary is famous for its Indian Rhinoceros
population which is estimated at 1,100 + and is by far the best place to see
them in India. (this species in unique to the subcontinent, with the second
largest population of 400+ found in Chitwan, Nepal). Other large mammals
include the Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer and Gangetic Dolphin. The park may be
explored by riding elephant or 4-wheel drive motor vehicles. There are
several watch towers. The nearby Panbari Reserve Forest is the best place to
see the Hoolock Gibbon.
Kaziranga national park has a rich birdlife.
There is a colony of Spot-billed pelicans and the rare Bengal Floricans
inhabit the grasslands. This area is also known for the famous Assam tea and
during the winter and spring it is worthwhile visiting the nearby tea
plantations to see tea leaves being picked and processed.
Season
: November-May; the best period being January-April
Access : Drive to the park
from Guwahati (219 km, 6 hours) or Jorhat (96 km, 2 hours) airport
accessible by flights from Delhi and Calcutta respectively. The nearest
railway station is Jakhalabandha ( 43 km).
Nearby
Attractions: 
There
are many places which can be visited while you are staying at
Kaziranga.
The
Kakochang waterfalls is 13 kms from Bokakhat. Not far from the
park are the ruins of the ancient Numaligarh. These ruins are of great
archaeological importance. The tea gardens of Hathkhuli, Methoni, Difalu,
Behora Borchapori are also other local attractions. Also visit the coffee
and rubber plantations behind the tourist lodge.
Park
visits: The park can be visited on an Elephant back or in a
Jeep. There are trips covering Mihimukh, Baguri, Hole path, Arimarah, Kohora
Central path-Baguri all areas teeming with wildlife-all authentically wild.
Climate: The climate of
Kaziranga national park is tropical. Summers are hot and winters
cold. Take cotton clothes for summers and do not forget to pack woollens
during winters. The average rainfall is 160 cms. But the monsoon months
bring heavy downpours which often flood the park
Accommodation and
facilities : The Aranya Forest Lodge and two tourist lodges
run by the Assam government are 3 km from the park entrance at Mihimukh. The
Wild Grass Lodge is located a little further. Riding elephants are available
at the Mihimukh entrance.
| WILD
GRASS LODGE - KAZIRANGA |
 |
With an accommodation of 21 rooms, Wild Grass Lodge is a private
modern resort. It is situated by a stream in the paddy fields and forest.
The lodge has the facility of arranging elephant rides and walks through the
forest and tea plantations.
There is wide range of accommodation
facility at the park. There are rest houses, dormitory and lodges maintained
by the forest department and the ITDC. The forest department has two rest
houses and one dormitory. ITDC has three lodges, one dormitory and two
cottages. The lodges have A/C and non A/C rooms furnished with modern
accessories.
Mammals :
Suggested
Itinerary : Day 01 : Fly to Guwahati. Upon arrival
in Guwahati, met & transferred to
Kaziranga (250 km - 07 hrs
driving time approx.). Later, check-in to your hotel Wild Grass resort for
five nights. Overnight at the resort.
Day 02-05 : Enjoy
your morning and afternoon game drives along with an elephant ride in the
Kaziranga National Park. Overnight at the resort.
Day
06 : Morning depart by surface to Guwahati airport. Fly to Delhi/
Calcutta. Arrive Delhi/ Calcutta. Transfer to a hotel for day use. Later in
the evening transfer to the International airport to connect your flight for
your onward destination.