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| Kaziranga |
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Vegetation |
| Kaziranga is an international Biosphere Reserve
with the largest unspoilt grassland of its kind still surviving
in the Northeast of India. The tall grasses and reeds also called
'elephant grass' grow up to a height of five metres during the
rains. In the Western Range these grasslands predominate with
shorter grasses growing around the bheels. Locally called Ekra,
Khagori, Nal and Ulu Kher, tall grasses cover 41 per cent and
short grasses 11 per cent of Kaziranga, with open jungle extending
across another 29 per cent, swamps four per cent, rivers and
water bodies eight per cent and sandy banks six percent.
Deciduous woodland with Karori, Ajhar, Simul, Oxy, Chida
and Bogori trees are scattered through the grasslands. A fine
patch of semi-evergreen forest with Cham Kothal, Hollock,
Bhelu, Banji-ou, Ficus and other miscellaneous species thrive
near Baguri, Bimali and Haldibari in the Western range. The
tropical wet evergreen forests that are found in the Eastern
range are often thick and impenetrable.
In the summer months a variety of orchids can be seen on
display. They are epiphytes and take their sustenance from
nutrients that gather high up on tree branches. In summer,
the silk cotton tree, Simul, disperses its seeds in white
balls of fluff that float through the air and add considerably
to the charm of Kaziranga.
The water hyacinth, an exotic that was introduced into the
park, is now found everywhere, strangling other aquatic flora
in the bheels. At first most animals would not consider feeding
on it except wild boar, which would eat the roots; now buffaloes
and elephants have been seen reluctantly chewing on it.
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Take a Break |
| Outside the park, a walk along the NH7 from Kanchanjhuri,
Burapahar and Amguri could give you a chance of spotting the
Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur or Giant Hornbill. Sometimes they
shack up for the night at the edge of the forest near the tea
estates, and a walk in the area before first light could be
rewarding.
An overnight trip to Nameri National Park (and the orchidarium
on the Arunachal Pradesh border), is highly recommended for
a camping experience. For mild whitewater rafting, take a
trip to Balukpung and raft down the river Jia Bharoli. The
birdwatching along this riverine tract is probably among the
best available anywhere in the world. Contact the Forest Department
or your lodge manager for details on how to do this.
In the winter months, most lodges should be able to organise
an exciting cruise (on country boats with very loud diesel
engines!) down the Brahmaputra to watch river dolphins. The
trip can be memorable if you organise lunch in advance, which
can be cooked by local fishermen and had on the banks of the
river as you watch dolphins.
Since tea estates border the park, a visit to one can also
be organised on request at your lodge. It might be worthwhile
to take home a few packets of delicious Assam tea.
Most private lodges can help arrange trips to village fairs
and markets to imbibe a bit of local flavour.
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Contacts |
Director, Kaziranga National Park,
P.O. Bokakhat, District Jorhat,
Assam 785 612
Telefax: 91-03776-68095
Deputy Director of Tourism, Kohora Range,
P.O. Kaziranga National Park,
Dist. Golaghat,
Assam 785109.
Directorate of Tourism, Bonani Lodge
All visitors have to sign in here before making for the Park
headquarters alongside.
Visitors to Kaziranga may wish to support local Non Government
Organisations and the Forest Department by way of donations
in cash or kind.
Volunteers at the Wild Grass Lodge are in close contact with
officials and other NGOs and can be relied upon for advice
in this regard. For more information about NGOs contact:
Manju Barua,
Barua Bhavan, 107,
M C Road, Uzanbazar,
Guwahati - 781001
Tel: (Guwahati) 91-0361-546827;
Fax: (Guwahati) 91-0361-541186.
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Survival Guide |
• If there are provisions that you simply
cannot do without, try and get them from Guwahati, or perhaps
from Jorhat. Bokakhat, the closest town where amenities such
as chemist shops, clothing and shoe stores are found, is 23
km away.
• Leeches are a reality in the summer months
so don't plan to walk about where they can get to you. In any
event, it is always a good idea to check your feet when you
take off your socks.
• Check your shoes to ensure
that no unwelcome guest (as in scorpions) have taken up residence
there.
• Always carry water and some dry food with
you on forest trips on the off chance that your vehicle breaks
down.
• Make it a habit to inform the guards at the
gate in case you intend to take a less-travelled route.
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