Kaziranga National Park

Buffalo in watering hole Kaziranga National Park

The Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Indian state of Assam, which is located in the far north-east region of the subcontinent. Its positioning on the banks of the Brahmaputra River means increased resources for the plants and animals within its borders. It also implies added biodiversity as there are a larger number and variety of animals that can exist in these lush, well irrigated conditions. Its vegetation comprises swampy wetlands and dense elephant grass. This is ideal for the Indian Rhinoceros, which suffered extensive poaching in times past. After Kaziranga National Park was declared a sanctuary for wildlife in 1940, this beautiful, prehistoric-looking beast was somewhat protected within its borders, allowed to flourish and breed in safety.

The Kaziranga National Park in Assam enjoys a humid sub-tropical climate with wet monsoon seasons. Winter minimums are usually below 10 degrees Celsius, while summer highs can soar to almost 40 degrees Celsius. The best time of year in terms of weather conditions and opportunities to spot animals is between Mid-November and April. The monsoons yield much rain, which often causes Brahmaputra to overflow. Although this is an impressive and beautiful sight, the flooding usually causes the animals to flee to higher-lying, dry areas. Therefore, visitors will not have the opportunity to spot as many species as in the dryer seasons.

There is an abundance of exquisite and intriguing wildlife species that have made their home within the borders of this park and sanctuary. Although famous for the Indian Rhino (or the One-horned Rhinoceros), the park also boasts Indian Elephants, Swamp Deer, Hoolock Gibbons, wild boars, jackals, Sloth Bears, Capped Langurs, leopards, tigers, Wild Buffalo, many snake species, Hog Badgers, otters, Monitor Lizards, fishing eagles, kites, geese, ducks, the Himalayan Griffon and so on.

As with many other parks and reserves in India, Kaziranga National Park has implemented a tiger project, designed to protect these stunning cats and to educate the public about the important role they play in maintaining national biodiversity. Tigers have long been poached for their pelts and coats, which are used in the fashion industry, as well as for their bones and teeth, which are believed to have medicinal value. Although the hunting of tigers (and many other such valuable species) has officially been banned, it continues illegally. This has presented a huge threat to their population numbers. It is for this reason that parks like Kaziranga have implemented such initiatives. Project Tiger was started in 1972 and has moved across India to be used in several of its parks and reserves. It has been particularly successful in the Himalayan areas.

The Kaziranga National Park is not only abundant in fauna and flora, but it is also accessible. This means that it is ideal for local and international holiday-makers and nature enthusiasts that want a taste of natural India. Regular flights to Jorhat Airport from Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata are conducted. This airport is less than 100 kilometres from the park. Access via road is also available, and allows visitors to explore the area at a leisurely pace en route to Kaziranga.

For more information, please view: https://www.kaziranga-national-park.com/