Kaziranga National Park

Introduction

Kaziranga National Park, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. It was established as a reserve forest in 1905 and declared a National Park in 1974. Spanning an area of about 430 sq. km, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Kaziranga is world-famous as the largest natural habitat of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.

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Natural Vegetation

Kaziranga’s geography and climate nurture diverse vegetation:

• Tall Elephant Grasses (characteristic of Kaziranga)

• Swampy lands and wetlands

• Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

• Bamboo groves and cane vegetation

The grasslands and wetlands form the primary habitat of rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes.

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Wildlife

Kaziranga hosts a rich variety of mammals, including:

• Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (flagship, endangered)

• Asian Elephants

• Wild Water Buffalo

• Swamp Deer (Barasingha)

• Bengal Tiger (declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006)

• Leopard, Wild Boar, Hog Deer and others

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Birds

The park is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 450 species recorded:

• Great Indian Hornbill

• Black-Necked Stork

• Brahminy Duck

• Pelicans

• Bar-Headed Geese

• Fishing Eagle

During winters, migratory birds from Siberia and Europe flock to Kaziranga.

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Tourist Activities

Tourism in Kaziranga is regulated and eco-friendly:

• Jeep Safari – to explore grasslands and wetlands.

• Elephant Safari – most popular way to see rhinos up close.

• Bird Watching – around wetlands and marshes.

• Nature Walks & Photography – for experiencing scenic beauty.

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How to Reach

• By Air: Nearest airports – Jorhat (97 km) and Guwahati (217 km).

• By Rail: Nearest railway station – Furkating (75 km).

• By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from Guwahati, Jorhat, and Tezpur.

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Conclusion

Kaziranga National Park is a jewel of India’s natural heritage where nature and wildlife thrive in harmony. Famous for the One-Horned Rhinoceros, it also shelters an extraordinary variety of fauna, wetlands, and scenic landscapes. Recognized globally, it stands as a symbol of biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism, reminding us of the responsibility to protect such natural treasures for future generations.