Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Northeastern state of Assam and is home to the largest number of Great Indian Rhinoceroses in the world.
Once mistaken for the mythical unicorn, the one-horned Rhinoceros is seriously under threat from poachers. Kaziranga is a wild reserve where these large harmless vegetarian animals are protected and can be seen by tourists.
Stretching along the bank of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga extends over 430 km, and apart from Rhino's, which can be seen grazing amidst the tall grass, the park is also home to wild buffalo, elephants and wild boar. The park consists of marshy soil, with pools of water, bamboo clusters, tall elephant grass and tropical forest.
Many species of birds are also seen at Kaziranga, including eagles and other birds of prey. Many water birds such as storks, herons and geese can be seen along the Brahmaputra River.
The best way to see a rhino from up close is on elephant back. Trained elephants of the forest department are available for elephant safaris. There are also watchtowers from which the animals can be observed and boats in which one can venture out on the Brahmaputra River.
The best time to visit Kaziranga is during the winter - from November to March. During the monsoon season Kaziranga is often flooded by the Brahmaputra overflowing its banks. |
