One of the most trending tourism themes in current times is nature-based or eco-tourism and our country has a lot to offer in this sector. If you too keep an interest in exploring and witnessing our country’s diverse flora and fauna, then visiting the renowned Kaziranga National Park would be a great choice. This national park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Indian state of Assam, covering the districts of Nagaon and Golaghat. The Kaziranga National Park is famous for housing two-thirds of the total greater one-horned rhinoceroses population in the world. There were around 2,613 rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park as per a joint report conducted in 2018. It is a treasure trove in terms of flora and fauna, allowing tourists to observe various types of majestic creatures and beautiful trees and plants in the wild. Besides the renowned Kaziranga National Park One horned rhino population, other animals in Kaziranga National Park Assam are tigers, wild water buffalos, Asiatic elephants, leopards, a variety of local and migratory birds and so on. Being just a 5 hours drive away from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park is a popular northeastist destination for individuals visiting Assam on a holiday. Enjoying safaris, photography, wildlife observation and exploring nearby attractions are some fun things one can do during their Kaziranga National Park visit.

If this floats your boat, then consider marking Kaziranga National Park as the destination for your next holiday. To make the most out of your visit, you can go for the popular Kaziranga National Park tour package options offered by SOTC. Our travel experts have created a variety of Kaziranga tour package choices to suit different tourism needs. Each Kaziranga tour package is unique, featuring interesting itineraries and useful amenities, like optional flights, meals, hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, etc. Whether you are looking for a standalone Kaziranga short trip or a long tour, you can find Kaziranga National Park tour package options in all budget categories on our website. 

Quick Facts about Kaziranga National Park

It is a good decision to learn about the destination before visiting. It will help you plan your trip accordingly and opt for the right Kaziranga National Park tour package options. Here are some quick facts about Kaziranga National Park that you can go over;

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga 

One of the most important aspects of planning a Kaziranga National Park trip is to choose the right time for the visit. You see, the region is prone to flooding, which is why the park usually stays closed from May to October. Thus, it is important to decide the time before looking for available Kaziranga tour package options. For better clarity on this subject, go through the following pointers carefully; 

Kaziranga National Park in Summer

The summer season in the region usually starts in February and ends in May. While the weather remains hot and humid, the initial days feature quite favourable weather for tourism and general exploration. Those who like to avoid peak tourist crowds can consider visiting this national park during this season. Summer is popularly considered the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park for budget trips. Even though the national parks stay open for the most part of this season, consider planning your Kaziranga trip in early summer for the best experience. Make sure to book Kaziranga National Park accommodation in advance for the visit. Find Kaziranga tour package options for this season on SOTC.

Kaziranga National Park in Monsoon

Similar to other regions in the Northeast, the Kaziranga National Park and other regions in Assam are also affected by the heavy rainfall that comes along with monsoon. This season ranges from June to October, bringing around 2,220 mm of rainfall in the region. The heavy rainfall gives rise to various problems, including the Brahmaputra basin flood, where water reaches various parts of the Kaziranga National Park, making it impossible to conduct tourism during this season. Hence, monsoon is not the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The water levels start to go down in September and October, after which the park re-opens for tourism. Talking about monsoon, if you love to explore the ethereal natural beauty of the Northeast, try opting for a Kaziranga Meghalaya tour package.

Kaziranga National Park in Winter

The winter season is popularly considered the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The average temperature hovers between 5°C and 25°C and features overall pleasant weather for all kinds of tourist activities. There’s no obstruction due to rainfall during winter, meaning you can explore the region to your heart’s content and observe a variety of animals in Kaziranga National Park Assam. Many prefer visiting the Kaziranga National Park in winter, especially for birdwatching adventures. To avoid unavailability issues during the peak season, make sure to look for and book Kaziranga National Park hotels in advance. Get deals on Kaziranga National Park tour package options for this season on our website. 

How to reach Kaziranga? 

There are a lot of transport options tourists can opt for to reach Kaziranga National Park in Assam. For example;

By air

One of the most popular choices of transport that many tourists visiting Kaziranga National Park prefer is air travel. There are a number of airports in the region, with the closest ones being Jorhat Airport, around 97 km away, and Guwahati International Airport, around 217 km away. Both these airports feature great air networks, connecting the region to major cities in India. For travel reference, a direct flight from Kolkata to Jorhat takes roughly an hour and 30 minutes. Once at the airport, tourists can simply continue their journey to Kaziranga National Park by road via a bus or taxi. Find Kaziranga National Park tour packages from Guwahati on SOTC.

By rail

Those planning on travelling to Kaziranga National Park by train should know that the nearest railway station is Furkating, which is well-connected to major cities in Assam and other parts of India. However, tourists can also consider travelling to Jorhat railway station or Guwahati railway station, both of which feature great railway connectivity. After reaching the railway station, tourists can continue their journey to the national park by road.

By road

There is a comprehensive and well-maintained road network in the state that connects Kaziranga National Park to major cities in Assam as well as India. Tourists can consider driving to the destination in their private vehicles or rental cars or opt for travelling by bus. One can easily find state-run buses and privately-run buses to the national park from Guwahati, Golaghat, Jorhat, Tezpur, Dimapur, and other major cities in Assam. On your way to the park, you can easily find and book Kaziranga National Park accommodation in off or shoulder-tourism season. 

We hope this offers a satisfactory answer to your question, “How to visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam?”.

Best Places to Visit in Kaziranga

The Kaziranga National Park is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Assam. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts love to explore and take part in fun adventures during their visit to this national park. Following is a list of some well-known places in and near the Kaziranga National Park that you can consider visiting;

Kaziranga National Park

The key attraction of Kaziranga tourism is the Kaziranga National Park. Covering an area of approximately 430 square kilometres, the place is home to a wide range of flora and fauna that you can check out while on a safari. The region is divided into four safari zones, namely Kaziranga (Central Range), Bagori (Western Range), Agratoli (Eastern Range) and Burapahar Range. During your visit, you can get a chance to observe rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, various water birds and more. There are tons of choices in terms of Kaziranga National Park hotels if you intend to spend a few days here. Make your Kaziranga trip memorable by going with the Kaziranga tour package options by SOTC.

Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park

Next on the list of places to visit in Kaziranga National Park, is the famous Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park. Located just 2 km from Kaziranga’s Kohora zone, the park is a favourite of those who love flowers and gardening. With over 600 varieties of Orchids and a soothing atmosphere, clicking memorable pictures at this destination has become a bucket-list item for many. A visit to the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park is often included under sightseeing in popular Kaziranga National Park tour package options. Looking for affordable Kaziranga tour package options online? Check out our website.

Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Located in Assam’s Jorhat district, the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is one of the best places one can visit while on their Kaziranga National Park tour. Surrounded by evergreen forests, quaint villages and vast tea gardens, it will feel like a breath of fresh air as you explore the region. Besides offering scenic views of the Patkai Mountain Range, the sanctuary is well-known for being home to around 106 Hoolock Gibbons, which is the only species of apes found in India. If this piques your interest, consider adding it to your Kaziranga National Park tour plan or picking a Kaziranga tour package that features this site.

Hathikuli Tea Estate and other tea estates

There are several tea gardens located across various parts of the Kaziranga region. Among them, the Hathikuli Tea Estate and the Borchapori Tea Estate are very popular. If you want to spend some time in peace and tranquillity while being surrounded by the pleasant fragrance of tea leaves, then these gardens are the places to visit in Kaziranga National Park. In addition to exploring the garden, clicking pictures and learning about tea cultivation, tourists can try and shop for different varieties of tea at the garden. Note that many tea estates in the region offer stay options to tourists. Many consider a tea estate to be the best place to stay in Kaziranga National Park.

Deoparbat Ruins

Though a bit off-course, if you keep an interest in history and archaeology, consider visiting the famous Deoparbat Ruins. It is one of the best places to visit near Kaziranga National Park. Located in Golaghat District, roughly 40 km from Kohora, visiting this hidden gem will surely add a flavour of history and culture to your nature-based Kaziranga trip. The ruins consist of statues, brick-built temples, and various other ancient structures, most of which are decorated with complex carvings and sculptures from Hindu Mythology. Want to visit Kaziranga National Park but have no time to plan for the trip? Go for the professionally-designed Kaziranga National Park tour package options by SOTC.

Things to do in Kaziranga 

It is best to learn about the popular things to do at the destination in advance so you can make the most out of your Kaziranga trip. There are a lot of fun activities and adventures that tourists can participate in during their Kaziranga National Park visit, such as; 

Jeep Safari

Kaziranga National Park is famous for its traditional jeep safari. It is considered the best way to explore the national park as it lets you enjoy its lush greenery and wildlife from a safe distance and in a timely manner. As mentioned above, there are four safari zones that you can choose from, the Central, the Western, the Eastern and the Burapahar Range. For elephant and rhino observation, consider sticking to the Western Zone. For birdwatching, you can consider a safari of the Eastern Zone. Note that safari of one zone at a time is allowed in the Kaziranga National Park. The Kaziranga National Park safari timings for jeep Safari are from 7 AM to 9:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The Kaziranga National Park safari cost for a jeep safari is INR 4000 for Kohora and Bagori Ranges, each. On the other hand, the Kaziranga National Park safari cost for the Eastern Range is INR 4600 and for Burapahar Range is INR 5400. Most popular Kaziranga tour package options have this activity as a standard feature.

Kaziranga National Park elephant safari

If you are looking for a more adventurous way to explore the majestic Kaziranga National Park, consider opting for a Kaziranga National Park elephant safari. While it's not as prompt as jeep safaris, a Kaziranga National Park elephant safari lets you witness and observe the flora and fauna of the park from a close distance. Besides, the thrill that you will get riding on an elephant's back is unmatched. For the best experience, opt for the early morning Kaziranga National Park elephant safari at the park. The zones covered under this Kaziranga National Park Safari include the Western Range, Eastern Range, Burapahar Range, Central Range, and the Panbari Reserved Forest. The Kaziranga National Park safari timings for elephant safari usually are from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For travel convenience, consider booking a Kaziranga National Park elephant safari package during the trip planning. 

Birdwatching

Prepare your binoculars and camera lenses when visiting Kaziranga National Park if birdwatching is your cup of tea. Located by the side of the Brahmaputra River, it is now a wonder that the park is home to a wide number of regional birds as well as a seasonal home to various migratory birds. A few examples of Kaziranga National Park birds that one can spot within the vicinity include water lagoon, whistling teal, pelicans, great adjutant stork, etc. Birdwatching can be easily found as a standard activity in popular Kaziranga tour package options

Tribal village tour

Besides exploring nature and its wilderness, tourists can go for a tour of the local tribal villages, where they will be able to witness and understand the local culture, traditions, practices and lifestyle. It will add a cultural flick to your eco-tourism and help you expand your knowledge about the destination. So, consider adding this activity to your Kaziranga National Park tour plan. Check out SOTC for Kaziranga National Park tour package options in all budget ranges. 

Famous Foods in Kaziranga 

In addition to taking tours of the local tribal villages, tasting the local cuisine of the region is a great way to experience Assam’s culture and traditions. So, satisfy your hunger and curiosity with the following dishes during your Kaziranga trip; 

Pitika

Pitika or Aloo Pitika is Assamese-style mashed potatoes prepared by mashing potatoes with pumpkin, eggplant, and a few other vegetables. On top of this, green chillies, fresh coriander, mustard oil, etc., are added to the mix to enhance its taste. Aloo Pitika is basically a side dish that you can enjoy along with some steamed rice and is considered an essential part of a traditional Assamese Thali. 

Masor Tenga

If you enjoy non-veg, especially seafood, then don’t forget to try Masor Tenga during your Kaziranga National Park tour in Assam. Known for its mouth-watering fragrance, rich colour and tangy taste, Masor Tenga is a fish curry dish prepared with catla or rohu fish, potatoes, kokum, ridge gourd, tomatoes, etc. It is an iconic dish in the region, best served on the side with steaming Joha rice.

Paror Mangxo

Up for some new experiences food-wise? Explore traditional Assamese cuisine by trying Paror Mangxo during your Kaziranga National Park trip. It is a non-veg dish, made by cooking pigeon meat, which is a delicacy in the region, with peppercorns and banana flowers. It is believed that eating this meat helps keep the body warm during winter months. You can easily find this dish at restaurants and local eateries around the Kaziranga region. Most Kaziranga National Park tour package options offered by SOTC come with meals included. 

Haah Joha Kumura

Next on the list of traditional Assamese dishes that tourists can try during their Kaziranga National Park tour is Haah Joha Kumura. It is a non-veg curry dish, prepared with duck meat during special occasions. Its tender texture and spicy flavour have made it quite popular among tourists visiting the region. It can also be enjoyed on the side with some Joha rice. 

Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura

Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura is a traditional Assamese dish that combines the taste and delightfulness of lentils, bamboo shoots and chicken. It is truly a thrilling dish to try, considering you haven’t already tried any food with bamboo shoots in it. You can enjoy Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura alongside some rice and Aloo Pitika. Find a Kaziranga tour package that suits your travel requirements on our website. 

Must Visit Restaurants/Resorts in Kaziranga 

Now that you have a fair idea of the popular Assamese dishes available in Kaziranga, it is time to know about the renowned restaurants and resorts that you can check out in the region;

Hornbill Restaurant

Located at a mere distance from Kohora, the Hornbill Restaurant is one of the best places to visit in Kaziranga if you are planning on dining out. It is a place where many tourists gather to grab a delicious bite right after finishing their Kaziranga National Park Safari. This quaint restaurant is known for its delicious food options, value-for-money menu and good service. Mainly serving Indian and Asian cuisine, the Hornbill Restaurant is also an ideal location if you are looking for vegan food options. During your visit, don’t forget to try their affordable yet delicious Assamese Thali, which features over 20 items.

Scarlet Flame, Lora, the Retreat, Bogorijuri

Another great place to hang out and dine with family and friends after your Kaziranga National Park safari is Scarlet Flame, Lora, the Retreat, Bogorijuri. It is a great place to visit if you are looking for a luxurious lunch or dinner, thanks to its delicious range of foods, posh interior and prompt service. Besides, they also have indoor and outdoor seating arrangements along with options for drinks.

Ethnic Village Resort

If you are looking for a resort stay experience with your family in Kaziranga, there’s no better place than to visit the famous Ethnic Village Resort. Known as one of the most popular Kaziranga National Park resorts, they offer tons of amenities for their guests, including luxury accommodations, Kaziranga National Park Safari, hiking in the national park, birdwatching, etc. One can also grab breakfast, lunch and dinner at their renowned restaurant, serving Assamese and Continental dishes. The resort is just 6 km from Kohora, which is the most popular entrance of the Kaziranga National Park. It is considered one of the best places to stay in Kaziranga National Park. 

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Kaziranga 

For newlyweds, who consider themselves nature lovers, there’s no better place to start your honeymoon than Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Here are some additional locations in and near Kaziranga that you can consider making a part of your Kaziranga honeymoon trip itinerary; 

Kakochang Waterfall

The Kakochang Waterfall is among the most renowned places to visit near Kaziranga National Park. It is a famous picnic spot that tourists can check out during their Kaziranga National Park tour. Nestled roughly 13 km from Bokakhat in the Jorhat Region, the site of this waterfall offers an enchanting view comprising the cascading falls and the surrounding greenery. Honeymooners can consider going on an adventurous trek to this waterfall and enjoy its romantic charm and beauty upon reaching the destination. While visiting the Kakochang Waterfall, don’t forget to click some memorable pictures for the honeymoon album. 

Guwahati

The city of Guwahati is often seen as the starting point of a honeymoon itinerary centred around the Kaziranga National Park. The Kaziranga National Park location is roughly 200 km from Guwahati, which is popularly termed as the getaway to India’s North-East. It is home to Dispur, which is the state capital and features tons of key tourist attractions that are popular among honeymooners, such as Umnanda Temple, Guwahati Zoo, Kamkhya Temple, Guwahati Planetarium, etc. Many prefer going for a one day trip to Kaziranga from Guwahati. Find both honeymoon special Kaziranga trip packages featuring Guwahati and Kaziranga National Park tour packages from Guwahati on SOTC. For a long and memorable vacation, you can also opt for the Guwahati Shillong Kaziranga Kamakhya tour packages offered by SOTC.

Manas National Park

If you and your significant other are looking to enhance your nature-themed honeymoon trip experience, then Manas National Park can truly be considered one of the best places to visit near Kaziranga National Park. The Kaziranga National Park location is roughly 280 km from Manas. This national park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, known for being an elephant, tiger and biosphere reserve in the state of Assam. Similar to Kaziranga, you and your spouse can enjoy Kaziranga National Park Safari and explore the rich flora and fauna of the region, which will surely add to the overall experience. 

What to Shop in Kaziranga? 

Even though there are a handful of major shops and markets in the region, shopping in Kaziranga is still a fun activity that you can partake in during your visit. Among the various products and items on offer, the following are the most popular; 

Handicrafts and souvenirs

There are multiple tribal villages spread across the region, housing skilled artisans. So it's no wonder that the local handicrafts and souvenir products in Kaziranga are quite popular among tourists. If you too are looking for gift and souvenir shopping during your holidays in Kaziranga, consider purchasing these items, which consist of miniature figurines, wooden sculptures, wall hangings, etc.

Where to buy: Some of the best places to shop for such products are the Kohora Market, Kobita Craft Shop in Kaziranga, Souvenir Shop in Sildubi, Kohora, etc.

Tea

A visit to Kaziranga National Park in Assam is not complete without buying some fresh tea from the local tea gardens. These sites are not just popular tourist attractions but are also renowned around the globe for their high-quality tea leaves. And, to put cherry on the top, you can first taste a variety of teas before purchasing them to get the best idea of the product you are going to buy. Want to explore more of India’s Northeast? Book a Kaziranga Meghalaya tour package from our website.

Where to buy: Most of the local tea estates in the region surrounding Kaziranga National Park are ideal places to shop for high-quality, organic tea.

Clothing and apparel

For general shopping, mainly for clothing items and apparel, the local markets and stores around the region should be good enough. You can find all types of articles at these markets, however, their main showstopper items are the traditional handloom products. Looking for a short vacation? Consider a one day trip to Kaziranga from Guwahati.

Where to buy: Some of the best places in Kaziranga for clothing and apparel shopping are Kaziranga Haat (Village Weaves), Kohora Market, etc.

Interesting Facts about Kaziranga 

Here are some enticing facts about Kaziranga National Park that will surely pique your interest in the place in case you are having some doubts;

• The largest population of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros in the world can be found within the Kaziranga National Park. As per the latest reports, there are an estimated 2,613 such rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park. Besides, other animals in Kaziranga National Park Assam include leopards, elephants, deer, buffalo, etc.
• Two of the world’s largest snake species have made the region of Kaziranga National Park their home. They are the reticulated python and rock python. The King Cobra, known as the longest venomous snake in the world, is also common in the park. 
• Kaziranga National Park is famous for its diverse landscape, which also features a significant amount of grasslands. These common tall grasses are also known by other names, like spea grasses, elephant grasses, common reeds, etc. These grasslands are popularly said to resemble the famous African Grasslands.
• The Kaziranga National Park once was the home of seven distinct species of Vultures. However, at present, only three of the seven species have survived namely Slender-Billed Vulture, Indian White-Rumped Vulture and the Indian Vulture.
• Assam’s Kaziranga National Park is one of the rare places in the world that naturally houses multiple big cat species, such as leopards and Royal Bengal Tigers.
• One lesser-known fact about the national park is that in 1904, Lord Curzon’s wife, Mary Curzon, convinced him to take measures to safeguard the local population of rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park. This is how the Kaziranga National Park, that we know now, came into existence.
• Due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall, the Kaziranga National Park stays closed during the monsoon. Usually, the national park reopens for tourism every year from November to April and November to March is considered Kaziranga National Park best time to visit.

Kaziranga souvenir 

Looking to exclusively shop for souvenir products in Kaziranga during your visit? Here are some popular items that you can consider purchasing; 

Indigenous Assamese silk fabrics

One of the most iconic products you can look for during your Kaziranga visit is the indigenous Assamese silk fabric works. There are mainly three types of silkworks you can find in the region, Muga Silk, Pat Silk and Eri Silk. Each of them possesses unique traits and differs in quality. They also have their own significance in society and local traditions. You can find shops and markets selling these products across the region.

Bamboo and Cane handicrafts

Talking about souvenirs, the local handicraft works made of bamboo and cane are true examples of fine craftsmanship. Practised by Assam’s indigenous people, the art of bamboo and cane handicrafts has been ongoing for ages and is quite popular across the country. To name a few products that fall under this category, night decor lamps, designer furniture, cradles, birdhouses, etc., are the most popular. If you are interested in Kaziranga, you may also find the Shillong Cherrapunjee Kaziranga tour package options interesting. 

Water Hyacinth handicrafts

Another popular type of local artwork that you can consider purchasing as souvenirs is water hyacinth handicrafts. Water hyacinths are widely available in the state of Assam and artisans have found a way to utilise them to create beautiful artworks and utility items that people can use in their daily lives or keep as souvenirs. Some examples of water hyacinth handicrafts found in and near the shops and markets of Kaziranga are purses, handbags, hand fans, slippers, etc.