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Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is situated in the northeastern state of Assam in India. The sanctuary, which hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinos, is a World Heritage Site.

Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, criss-crossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra.

Kaziranga is visited by many rare migratory birds and provides habitat for many threatened species, including tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wild buffaloes, deer, elephants, and wild pigs,

It is the only place where you can find Eastern Swamp Deer. Popularly known as Barasingha, this species has yellow hair and distinctive white spots above their spine. In summer, their coat becomes bright brown.

An Elephant Safari is the best way to explore the park and see the areas hidden by tall elephant grass.

The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is between November and April.

The history of Kaziranga as a protected area can be traced back to 1904, when Mary Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, visited the area. After failing to see a single rhinoceros, she persuaded her husband to take urgent measures. On June 1, 1905, the Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was created with an area of 232 sq km (90 sq mi).

In 2015, the rhino population stood at 2401. Kaziranga was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. It is located on edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.

Mahout-guided elephant rides and Jeep or other 4WD vehicles rides are booked in advance. These trails are open for light vehicles from November to April. Visitors are allowed to take their own vehicles when accompanied by authorized guides.

Read about USA’s Yosemite National Park on pg. 38