India’s home to many beautiful wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. One of them is the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which is one of the 11 Project Tiger Reserves of India. Situated in North-Eastern India adjacent to Bangladesh and Bhutan, this national park was established on May 1, 1973. Kaziranga National Park covers an area of 1060 sq km and has a total population of around two thousand elephants until recently when they were hunted down by poachers as per reports. The park is also home to many other large mammals as well as more than 300 species of birds . There are also many endangered animals present within its boundaries like the Great Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Indian Fox, Asian Elephant and the Snow Leopard.
History of Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of the world’s oldest National Parks. The park’s history dates back to the year 1905, when the forest department first proposed the creation of a wildlife sanctuary in Assam. The proposal was approved by the government in 1917 and the Kaziranga National Park was opened to the public in 1950. The park is named after the famous Royal Bengal Tiger of the region. The park has become a symbol of Assam and is considered one of the world’s most bio-diverse places.
How to Reach Kaziranga National Park?
The park is located in the foothills of the mighty Barail range of the Eastern Ghats. It lies in the southern part of the state of Assam, adjacent to the Indian state of West Bengal in the North. The nearest major city is Guwahati. Guwahati is well connected with almost all the major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, etc. It is connected to major ports like Calcutta, Chittagong, Phulbani, etc. To reach the park, one can avail the services of private tour operators or travel on their own. Private tour operators offer a variety of options to visit the park. One can hire a local taxi or a cab or bus for the trip. If one is traveling by their own means, they can avail the services of a travel agent or a taxi driver. If a person travels with other people, the best option is to hire a guided tour.
Wildlife in Kaziranga National Park
The park is home to various endangered species of animals like the Great Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Indian Fox, Asian Elephant, Leopard, and the Snow Leopard. The park is an important habitat for over 300 species of birds, including the Red-flanked Bluetail, the Indian blue pigeon, and the Bar-headed goose. The park is also home to the endemic species of endangered wildlife like the Great Indian Asiatic Elephant and the Golden Langur. Kaziranga is also a wetlands and is a major home for several species of aquatic life like the Swamp Teal, the Little Coot, the Indian Roofed Turtle, the Colubid and the Mud Turtle.
Best Time to Visit Kaziranga
The best time to visit the park is between March and November. During this period, the park sees the presence of the migratory birds from Central and Southern Asia. The park is open for visitors throughout the year. However, during times of heavy rains, the park is closed. During the monsoon season, the park closes its gates to prevent the entry of wild animals and tourists into the area due to heavy rains. The park is located at a distance of 72 km from Guwahati, the state capital of Assam, which is well connected with major cities by air, rail and road. The nearest airport is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Tezpur, Assam, which is around 84 km from the park. Similarly, the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) runs a bus service for the visitors of the park.
Pila Upor Temple and the Night Safari at Kaziranga
The park is known for its numerous Pila Upor Temples dedicated to different Asura Gods and Goddesses. The Pila Upor Temple belongs to the Vaishnav tradition and is dedicated to God Krishna. The Vaishnav community of Assam has been worshipping this God since ancient times. The Pila Upor Temple is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. The Kaziranga National Park is also known for its famous Night Safari, which is conducted in the month of October. In this Safari, people can witness the Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, and the Great Indian hornbills.
Important tourist destinations in Kaziranga
While exploring the park, tourists can visit the Pobitora Temple, which is believed to have been constructed during the British rule in the 19th century. The Pobitora Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and is one of the most beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in Assam. The Pobitora Temple is also known as the Rangapara Temple. Another important tourist destination in Kaziranga National Park is the Kaziranga Railway Station. This station is one of the oldest railway stations in Assam and is currently served by the Assam Government Railways. The Kaziranga National Park is also home to the Kaziranga Adventure Park, which is situated at the edge of the park. This place is dedicated to the conservation of the wildlife and is run by the Government of Assam.
Conclusion
This is one of the most beautiful places in India and is also one of the oldest national parks in the world. It is a must visit place for those who want to experience wildlife and nature in its purest form. The park has numerous species of birds, animals, and plants and is a must visit for those who want to explore the diversity of nature. The best thing about the park is that it is open for the public and is accessible by bus, train, or a taxi.
