We all belong in the wilderness, whether we believe it or not!
Our civilization has disillusioned us into believing that we’re different from the nature, from its plants and animals. But these are false perceptions which are all set to change in a land where animals reign and people enchantingly stare awestruck.
Welcome to Kaziranga National Park, one of the best national parks of India and a World Heritage Site.
Located in Assam, it is a paradise-on-earth for many endangered animal species including the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Interestingly, rhinoceros which were earlier found in abundance near most north Indian rivers, are now limited only to two national parks in India; Manas and Kaziranga, both in Assam!
Besides the Rhinos, this park is famous for its Elephants and Deer sightings. You can also spot many reptiles on the way, some of which may be eager to crawl over your shoulder and pose with you!
The national park is surprisingly very serene and calm, unlike the animal chases that are depicted on television! Everything and everybody is in harmony with each other. It’s as though the nature has magically tamed down the wild animals and excited visitors alike.
If you are under the impression that Kaziranga is just a Big Name, you’re wrong! It is indeed BIG, in every which way!
Ranging from its vastness in area and its 5 feet tall elephant grass, to the magnanus and overpowering Rhinos, Asian Elephants and Wild Buffalos, this place will make you feel like a dot in the ocean (read: wetlands!).
If you’re lucky, you can also spot the much endangered national animal, the Tiger, in this park.
The park also houses 52 odd mammalian species including 15 mammals you wouldn’t know even existed! For example, the Gangetic Dolphin, the Chinese Pangolin and the Flying Squirrel.
Also, if you’re willing to take your eyes and attention off the awe-inspiring animals, you can spot many of the 500 birds which have made this national park their home! So all you bird lovers out there, this is one of the best places for you to be in!
Animal sightings are commonplace at the Western and Central ranges of Kaziranga, whereas the Eastern range is mostly a niche reserved for a bird watcher’s delight.
This amusing experience of coming closest to nature can be enjoyed through a range of sight seeing options. You can choose to take a lazy river boat cruise or manoeuvre the park atop an elephant’s back. Many city-life-addicts would opt for the comfort of a jeep safari, also offered at the Park.
If you prefer the bird’s eye perspective, the Park Authorities have also built some observation towers around the Park to closely observe the wildlife.
Elephant safaris start at 5:15am and last for around 45 minutes. Tourists who take the elephant safari are accompanied by 1 to 2 armed rangers who safely escort the tourists around the park.
This is an ideal preference for people who want to go back in time and enjoy the safari, primitive style!
The jeep safaris, on the contrary, start at 7:00am and last for about 2 hours each, making it a preferred option for visitors who want to spend maximum time in the wilderness and probably never come out of it!
The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is in the summer months of February to April.
At this time, many visitors come to Kaziranga to capture in their minds, the Best of the Wild.
So what are you waiting for? Kaziranga is calling… where art thou?
I've been to Kaziranga and my experience there was amazing! While I read this article, I could actually recollect my trip to this magnificent national park... :)
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