Kaziranga National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Located in Assam near the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is a home of one-horned rhinoceroses, which are unique species around the world. The sanctuary is enlisted on the world heritage site by UNESCO in 1985. We come to know that the sanctuary has more than 2413 rhinos as of 2018. Not only rhinos, but the park is the home to tigers, elephants, wild buffalos, and swamp deer also. Surrounded by the rich natural beauty, this place is an attractive tourist place also. The sanctuary has been a great contribution to our climate change education. Today’s topic would be India’s well-known reserve forest which is Kaziranga National Park. Let’s know its significance in detail. 

A brief history of Kaziranga National Park

To know about any famous place, we should trace back the history also. This sanctuary is an old entity in India. An interesting story is connected to this place. It dates back to 1904 when Mary Curzon came to visit the place. She found the dwindling species of rhinoceros and persuaded her to make a protected area out of it. And in 1905, the forest was created. Over the next 3 years, the place saw an uplift in its structure. Instead of natural calamities, the sanctuary still holds the apple of the eye of India. After passing the Assam (Rhinoceros) Bill, the poaching of this animal was curtailed. We saw an increment since then.

Also Read: Pench National Park

The name “Kaziranga” also has an interesting story. Some say it was named after a romantic couple who lost in the jungle; some believe it was named after two sons who dug a big pond in that area, or even there are some interesting facts that the name was derived from Kajir-a-rong means the village of Kajir. However, the name became significant after its establishment. 

Kaziranga National Park Flora and Fauna

Being known as the Biodiversity Hot Spot, Kaziranga National Park has an important significance in handling and cultivating the ecosystem with proper care. Filled with ample natural beauty, the flora and fauna have been attracting wildlife lovers from every part of the world. This is one of the important features which increase the natural beauty of the place. The four types of vegetation are mainly available there. The flora includes alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical semi-evergreen forest, and tropical moist mixed deciduous forest.

Based on the study, vegetation coverage is classified as follows – 41% tall grasses, 11% short grasses, 29% open jungle, 4% swamps, 8% rivers and water bodies, and 6% sand. The altitude is divided into two parts – eastern and western. Tall grasses like sugarcanes, spear grass, and elephant grasses are found on the higher ground of the western part, whereas short grasses acquire the lower ground. Some of the scattered trees are found on the later ground, such as Kumbhi, Indian Gooseberry, the Cotton Tree, and Elephant Apple. Among the different aquatic floras, the invasive Water Hyacinth and Mimosa Invisa are very common. 

Kaziranga National Park and tiger reserve

The place is not only famous for its one-horned rhinos but also the tigers that make the place more attractive. Among 51 tiger reserves in India, Kaziranga is one of them. Around 103 tigers, as of 2014 analysis, are there in the park. Where there is still a death threat to the tigers, Kaziranga is the best place to live for them. Now, we have seen the increment of tigers over a few years. The place was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. 

Kaziranga National Park animals and birds

Including Rhinoceros and Tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer are notably seen here. There are ample amount of other species, such as Gaur and Sambar, also living freely in the jungle. Varieties of migratory birds come here. 478 species of birds, including migratory, are spotted here. The place has also been enlisted on the Important Bird Area (IBA). As you enter the sanctuary, you will be confronted with geese, ducks, kingfishers, herons, shanks, pelicans, etc. A large number of raptors, such as the greater spotted eagle, grey-headed fish eagle, and the lesser kestrel, are seen here. Also, you will get a glimpse of the red-headed vulture, pigeons, partridges, and bustards. 

Kaziranga National Park guest house

The intimidating question about staying there can come into a tourist’s mind. So, there no need to worry. You can stay in some of the most protected areas. Kohora and Bagori zone are the two main places where the tourists can spend a few days. You get government-run lodges as well as private accommodations also. If you are looking for some luxurious places to stay, then the outskirts of the park would be a greater place. Before boing there, a pre-booking is a must option. You will get some budget hotels there, which you will on any travel booking website.  

Why visit Kaziranga National Park?

As you see, it’s a place of natural beauty and the home of some of the endangered species in the world. The place has also been enlisted as the world’s heritage site. Then what else one needs to visit this place? And, of course, one has to be a true nature lover. The enriched beauty of the place will surely enchant everyone. 

Kaziranga National Park timings and entry fee

The fee depends on the number of facilities. All the frees are as follows- 

• The park entry fee

Indian – Rs 100 per person

Foreigner – Rs 650 per person

• Elephant Safari cost

Indian – Rs 900 per person

Foreigner – Rs 1950 per person

• Jeep fee

It depends on the ranges you want to travel to. Generally, the fee starts from Rs 1750 for the Central range to Rs 2750 for Burhapahar. 

• Camera fee 

Indian – Rs 100

Foreigner – Rs 200

Including these, one may record videos by giving Rs 1000 (Indian and Foreigner). Also, the guard fee is Rs 25 without a vehicle, and Rs 300 toll fee is a must. 

How to go to Kaziranga National Park from Guwahati?

Either you can take a taxi, bus or train according to your affordable budget and patience for the journey.