Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park – Assam

Located in Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Kaziranga is Assam’s oldest national park, spread across 430 sq km. Declared a national park in 1947, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park’s rich landscape includes forests, grasslands, marshes, and pools, and it’s one of the few untouched wildernesses in eastern India. It’s home to rhinos, tigers, elephants, panthers, bears, and countless birds.

Open from October to April, Kaziranga offers elephant rides, jeep safaris, and boat cruises on the Brahmaputra.

Safari Zones:

• Mihimukh (Central Range)
• Bagori (Western Range)
• Agaratoli (Eastern Range)
• Ghorakati (Burapahar Range)

How to Reach Kaziranga (Kohora)

By Air:
Fly to Guwahati (best for travelers from outside Northeast India), then drive 4–5 hours to Kohora. Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Silchar also have flights, but road travel from these can be longer and more tiring.

By Rail:
Take a train to Guwahati or Jorhat, then drive to Kohora. Guwahati is well connected to major Indian cities.

By Road from Guwahati:
Kohora lies on NH 37, about 4–5 hours from Guwahati. The route passes through Sonapur, Nagaon (bypass), Kaliabor, Jakhlabandha, and Bagori.

From Golaghat:
Drive north via NH 39 to Numaligarh, then take NH 37 to Kohora (approx. 50 km).

From Silchar:
Take NH 54 via Haflong, Lumding, and Nagaon (bypass) to reach Kohora.

From Shillong:
Drive via NH 40 to Jorabat, then follow NH 37 through the same route as from Guwahati.

Elephant Safari – Kaziranga
Elephant Safari runs only in the early morning (5:30 AM to 7:30 AM) for about an hour. Tickets must be booked the night before at Kohora Range. Safaris operate from Mihimukh (Central Range) and Bagori (Western Range). Bagori elephants are privately owned and trained.

Visitors must fill out a form before the ride.

Note: Avoid the safari if you have back issues, joint problems, are elderly, or physically challenged. Though rare, wildlife encounters may occur. Safety is always a priority.

Jeep Safari – Kaziranga

Jeep Safari takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours per circuit. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Tourists must hire registered Maruti Gypsys from the Jeep Safari Associations at Kohora or Bagori, run by local youth.

Safari hours: 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM (or till dusk).

Only limited stops are allowed; getting down elsewhere is at your own risk. Armed escorts accompany all safari vehicles for safety.

Entry fees apply for the vehicle, camera, and video equipment.

Safari Zones:

Mihimukh (Central Range)

Bagori (Western Range)

Agaratoli (Eastern Range)

Ghorakati (Burapahar Range)

Best Time to Visit: November to April. The park is closed from May 1 to October 31.