The park is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, with approximately two-thirds of the total global population. It also harbors significant populations of Asian elephants, royal Bengal tigers, and wild water buffalo. Other notable species include swamp deer, hog deer, sambar, hoolock gibbons, and various primates. The park is recognized as an Important Bird Area, hosting over 450 bird species including the Bengal florican, great hornbill, wreathed hornbill, and various types of eagles, storks, and waterfowl. The wetlands support numerous fish species and reptiles including the gharial and rock python.
Kaziranga's vegetation is characterized by tall elephant grass, dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, and semi-evergreen forests. The park features four main types of vegetation: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Notable plant species include the Bengal bamboo, Indian gooseberry, cotton tree, and various medicinal plants. The grasslands, dominated by species like Saccharum spontaneum, are crucial for herbivores and create the perfect habitat for the park's signature species, the one-horned rhinoceros.
The park's landscape has been shaped by the mighty Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, creating a unique ecosystem of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. The terrain consists of alluvial floodplains and flat lowlands, with numerous water bodies and sandy river islands known as chapories. The soil is primarily alluvial, deposited by annual flooding of the Brahmaputra, which contributes to the park's rich biodiversity. The elevation varies from 40 to 80 meters above sea level, with gentle slopes that create natural drainage patterns essential for the park's ecosystem.
Kaziranga was established as a reserve forest in 1908 after Mary Curzon, wife of the Viceroy of India, failed to spot the famous one-horned rhinoceros during her visit. The area was designated as a game sanctuary in 1916 and declared a national park in 1974. In 1985, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site for its unique natural environment. The park has been instrumental in saving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros from extinction, with its population growing from just a few dozen in the early 1900s to over 2,400 today. The park's management has successfully combated poaching through strict conservation measures and armed forest guards.
The park is divided into four ranges: Kohora (Central), Bagori (Western), Agoratoli (Eastern), and Burapahar (Western). Each range offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities through elephant safaris and jeep tours. The Kohora range houses the park's headquarters and main tourist facilities. Several watchtowers provide excellent vantage points for wildlife observation, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The park's unique ecosystem of grasslands and wetlands, combined with its successful conservation efforts, makes it one of India's most significant wildlife sanctuaries. The annual flooding of the Brahmaputra, while challenging for management, plays a crucial role in maintaining the park's ecological balance.
Kaziranga experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons. Summers (March-May) are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35-37°C, while winters (November-February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures between 8-25°C. The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall, often causing the Brahmaputra River to flood parts of the park. The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is dry and wildlife viewing is optimal. During this period, the grasslands are less dense and animals frequently visit the water bodies, making them easier to spot.
India
26.6670°, 93.3500°
1974
430
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for hosting two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceros. The park consists of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical forests. It also supports large populations of tigers, elephants, and water buffalo.