The Realm of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
Spanning 430 square kilometers across Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting two-thirds of the world's entire population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (over 2,600 individuals), along with wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, elephants, and Royal Bengal Tigers.
The Four Safari Ranges Compared
- 1. Central Range (Kohora): The primary commercial zone. Excellent for mixed elephant safaris and jeep drives with lush wetlands, high rhino concentration, and scenic water bodies.
- 2. Western Range (Bagori): Highest rhino density in the park. Offers spectacular close-up photography of rhinos and wild buffaloes in open grasslands.
- 3. Eastern Range (Agoratoli): The birdwatcher paradise. Expansive water bodies hosting pelicans, storks, fishing eagles, and migratory waterfowl.
- 4. Burapahar Range (Ghorakati): Dramatic hilly terrain where the Mikir Hills meet the plains, excellent for spotting capped langurs and woodland mammals.
Elephant Safari Timings & Booking Rules
Elephant rides operate strictly in two morning shifts: 05:00 AM to 06:00 AM and 06:00 AM to 07:00 AM. Government quotas are limited to 40-50 seats per range and must be applied for 30 days in advance. Guwahati DMC holds daily verified allocations for partner agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kaziranga National Park open for tourists?
Kaziranga is open from November 1 through April 30 each year. The park is completely closed during the monsoon months (May to October) due to heavy Brahmaputra flooding.
How far is Kaziranga from Guwahati Airport?
Kaziranga is approximately 220 km east of Guwahati Airport (IXI/GAU), taking 4 to 4.5 hours via the smooth four-lane Asian Highway (AH-1 / NH-27).