Kaziranga National Park
Tall elephant grass, wetlands and the Brahmaputra floodplain, home to about two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinos and one of the highest tiger densities anywhere.
- Established
- 1908 (reserve forest) · 1974 (national park)
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site since 1985
- Tiger reserve
- 2006
- Districts
- Golaghat, Nagaon & Sonitpur
- Safari ranges
- Central (Kohora) · Western (Bagori) · Eastern (Agaratoli) · Burapahar
- Season
- November to April
- Rhinos
- 2,613 (2022 census)
- Nearest airports
- Jorhat (about 2 hours) · Guwahati (about 5 hours)
How the park came to be
In 1904 Lady Mary Curzon, wife of the Viceroy of India, visited Kaziranga hoping to see a rhino and saw only footprints. Alarmed at how few were left, she urged protection, and in 1908 Kaziranga was declared a reserve forest. It became a game sanctuary in 1916, a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and a national park in 1974.
From only a few dozen rhinos in the early 1900s, Kaziranga now holds over 2,600. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and a tiger reserve in 2006, and is recognised as an Important Bird Area. Each monsoon the Brahmaputra floods most of the park, renewing the grasslands and forcing animals to higher ground.
FloraForest & landscape
A mosaic of tall elephant grass, short grassland, beels (wetlands) and tropical semi-evergreen forest. The grass can grow taller than a jeep, and the wetlands are covered with water hyacinth and lotus in winter.
FaunaWildlife you can see
- Indian one-horned rhinoceros
- Bengal tiger
- Asian elephant
- Wild water buffalo
- Eastern swamp deer
- Hog deer
- Sambar
- Gaur
- Wild boar
- Capped langur
- Hoolock gibbon
- Gangetic river dolphin
- Smooth-coated otter
- Indian rock python
Birds: Over 450 species, including the endangered Bengal florican, great hornbill, Pallas's fish eagle, spot-billed pelican, bar-headed geese and huge winter flocks of migratory waterbirds.
Ranges & safari types
The most popular range. Grassland, beels and good chances of rhino, buffalo, elephant and swamp deer. Elephant safari available in the morning.
Highest density of rhinos and wild buffalo; short drive from Kohora. Elephant safari available in the morning.
Wetlands and lakes such as Sohola beel. The best range for birding, pelicans and otters.
Hilly forest near the Guwahati side. Quiet, good for birds, primates and the giant squirrel.
Early morning rides through the tall grass in the Central and Western ranges, very close to rhinos.
Day-by-day plan
Our standard Kaziranga tour. We adjust safaris, stays and pickups to your dates.
Arrive in Kaziranga
- Pickup from Jorhat or Guwahati airport
- Check in near Kohora
- Evening walk at the Kaziranga Orchid & Biodiversity Park
- Assamese dinner
Central & Western ranges
- Early morning elephant safari, Central or Western Range
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Jeep safari in the Western Range (Bagori) for rhinos and buffalo
- Afternoon jeep safari in the Central Range (Kohora)
Eastern Range & tea gardens
- Morning jeep safari in the Eastern Range (Agaratoli) for birds and wetlands
- Tea garden walk and tea tasting
- Evening Assamese cultural programme
Gibbons or departure
- Option 1: drive to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (about 2.5 hours) for India's only ape
- Option 2: Burapahar range on the way to Guwahati
- Drop at Jorhat or Guwahati
Things to do
Four ranges, each with a different landscape.
Dawn ride in the tall grass, very close to rhinos.
Hundreds of orchid species near Kohora.
Walks and tastings in Assam's tea gardens.
Waterfall in the Karbi Anglong hills nearby.
See hoolock gibbons, India's only ape.
Travel tips
- Book elephant safaris early; morning slots are limited
- Late November is green; March–April has shorter grass and easier sightings
- Carry a light rain jacket even in winter
- Plan at least 2 full days to cover three ranges