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> Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
> Kaziranga |
| Kaziranga |
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Birdwatching |
| More than 400 species have been recorded in Kaziranga.
This list includes over 100 migratory species from as far afield
as Siberia.
Red jungle fowl, grey partridge, swamp partridge, kalij pheasant,
pied hornbills, green Imperial pigeon, silverbreasted broadbill,
and Jerdon's bushcat are among the species here. The splendid
avifauna of Kaziranga also comprises some of the most brilliantly
coloured hill birds like the scarlet minivet, sunbirds and
bee-eaters.
Visible around the bheels (one the most important Indian
wintering grounds) are greyheaded and Pallas' fishing eagles,
cormorants, darters, pond herons, egrets, shags, night herons,
gadwall, barheaded geese, cotton and common teal, Brahminy
duck, common and demoiselle Crane and spotbilled pelicans.
Grey pelicans breed here in a rookery near the Kaziranga Village.
Other birds include the blacknecked stork (which also breeds
here), lesser adjutant stork, Pallas's fish eagle, whistling
teal and barheaded geese are the most commonly seen waterfowl.
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Best Time for Viewing |
| Trips on elephant back are recommended, especially
on winter mornings. Visitors are taken in two batches for an
hour into the forest, at 5.30 am and 7 am. Remember to book
in advance at Kohora. Although they do not go far into the forest
and only cover a 3-4 km radius, the wildlife viewing, especially
of rhino and buffalo, can be spectacular and the experience
is unparalleled.
Vehicles are allowed in the park between 6.30 am and noon
and then from 2.30 pm till sundown (remember the sun sets
early, sometimes around 5.30 pm!) Get permission from the
Deputy Director Tourism at Kohora.
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Climate |
| There are three clear seasons - summer, monsoon
and winter. Dry and windswept summers extend from mid-February
to May with mean maximum temperatures at 37°C and minimum
temperatures of 7°C.
The relatively long monsoon brings heavy rain from May to
September with warm and humid days and nights and most of
the region's annual rainfall (average 2,220 mm).
Winters (November to mid-February) are generally mild and
dry with mean maximum and minimum temperatures at 25°C
and 5°C respectively.
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Best time to visit |
November to April. Once the rains start, the
river overflows and the animals migrate to the higher reaches.
The park is closed from June to September. However, just prior
to this, in summer, orchids can be seen in bloom. During the
rains large numbers of animals can be seen from the National
Highway and from the Mahi Miri Watchtower (on the highway) on
a hillock near Haldibari. This is when poachers are also most
active and wildlife staff must patrol the boundary day and night.
Visibility is best between February and April when the tall
elephant grass is burned.
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Getting There |
| Air: Jorhat is about 90 km away
from Kaziranga and the closest airport. The drive from Guwahati
airport is 220 km, but the road is picturesque and motorable.
Arrange a pickup; alternatively, vehicles can be rented on the
spot.
Rail: Jorhat (90 km), Furketing (75 km)
and Guwahati (200 km) are the nearest stations from where
you must take a bus or hire a private vehicle.
Road: Bokakhat (23 km) is the closest town.
State transport buses, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned,
ply daily between Guwahati and Kaziranga. The Department of
Tourism, Government of Assam, conducts package tours to Kaziranga
from Guwahati every day except Tuesdays and Fridays. The buses
leave Guwahati at 10.30 am and return at 4.00 pm the following
day. Reservations can be made at the tourism office in Guwahati.
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Getting Around |
| Four-wheeled vehicles that can handle rough, though
motorable roads make the most sense. These can be rented on
a per kilometre basis plus a toll fee. Permission to enter the
park must be obtained from the Range Forest Office and an armed
forest guard must be present in every vehicle (personal vehicles
are also allowed on payment of a fee).
Mihimukh near Kohora is the most popular starting point for
most visitors. Early morning rides (5.30 and 7.00 am) on Forest
Department elephants (Rs 100 per person) can be booked here.
Plan on at least one elephant ride during your visit to Kaziranga.
Walking inside the park is strictly prohibited, but birdwatching
on foot (take a guide) outside the park boundary or even along
the national highway can be very rewarding.
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