Image Source: Assam Higher Secondary Council
About Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Assam, is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Famous as the home of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, it is a symbol of Assam’s natural heritage. The park is spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, featuring lush grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests. It is not only a haven for rhinos but also a thriving ecosystem for tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, and countless species of birds.
Layout and Landscape
The park is divided into four ranges – Kohora, Bagori, Agoratoli, and Burapahar – each offering unique wildlife sightings and landscapes. Vast elephant grass meadows dominate Kaziranga’s scenery, interspersed with swamps and oxbow lakes that are replenished by seasonal floods of the Brahmaputra. This landscape supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the Indian subcontinent.
Flora and Fauna
Kaziranga is synonymous with its population of over two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses. Apart from rhinos, it is also a Tiger Reserve, home to a healthy population of Bengal tigers. Herds of Asiatic elephants, swamp deer, and wild water buffalo are commonly seen. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 450 bird species including migratory waterfowl, pelicans, and rare species like the Bengal florican.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Kaziranga has deep cultural importance for Assam. Local folklore connects the park’s name to the legend of Ranga and Kazi, symbolizing eternal love. The Assamese community celebrates the park as a guardian of nature and an integral part of their identity. It is often highlighted in literature, folk songs, and regional art, adding cultural richness to its ecological significance.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport (97 km), well connected to Guwahati and Kolkata. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (217 km), is another major option.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Furkating Junction (75 km), while Guwahati Railway Station is a more convenient hub for long-distance travelers.
By Road: Kaziranga is easily accessible by road via NH37, with frequent bus, taxi, and cab services from Guwahati, Tezpur, and Jorhat.