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Kaziranga
National Park
[ Assam ]
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Lying
along the mighty Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga National Park
covers an area of about 430 sq. km. Its swamps and grasslands
with tall thickets of elephant grass and patches of evergreen
forest, support the largest number of rhino in the subcontinent.
It was an alarming depletion in their numbers, due to hunting
and poaching that led to the conservation of this area in 1926.
In 1940, Kaziranga was declared a sanctuary. Though poaching still
constitutes a major threat to the rhino population, the numbers
of this species are fairly healthy. At Kaziranga, the open country
makes wildlife viewing fairly easy. A day's outing is often sufficient
for visitors to see most of the major species here.
Elephants
take them into the Park at dawn. As the mist lifts and the rising
sun touches the hills in the distance, herds of barasingha and
wild buffalo are to be seen in the marshes. The most ferocious
bovine in the world, the massive wild buffalo is impressive and
can weigh up to 915 kg. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as the visitors
pass by and an occasional herd of elephants or wild boar is also
sighted. The grasslands are raptor country and the crested serpent
eagle, the Pallas fishing eagle and greyheaded fishing eagle can
be seen circling over the marshes. The water-bird variety includes
swamp partridge, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, the Bengal
florican, storks, herons and even pelicans.
Located
along the main highway, Kaziranga is easily accessible and the
chance to see animals in the wild at such close quarters, makes
a visit to the Park a very rewarding experience.
General
Information
Best
time to visit :
November-April
Accommodation
:
Forest
Rest Houses and Tourist Lodge (ITDC)
Nearest
Town :
Bokakhat
(23 km)
How
to get there :
Air-Jorhat
(84 km) Rail-Jorhat
Park Entry Fee
Rs. 10 per day / person.
Elephant
ride
Rs. 100 per person for Indian Tourists. (3 or 4 seats on an elephant)
Rs. 5O for children.
Rs. 700 per person for foreigners.
Jeep
ride
Rs. 450 per jeep.
Camera
fee
Ordinary camera - Rs. 10
Telephoto Lens - Rs. 5O
For Professionals still camera - Rs. 150
Video
Camera - Rs. 1500
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