One
could see wild elephant herds roaming around or rhinos
browse past visitors unconcernedly. Since Kaziranga
is easily accessible, it provides a chance to see animals
in the wild at close quarters, thus making a trip to
this National Park a very rewarding experience. The
Park lies in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River,.
The Kabri Angling Hill ranges rise around the park pressing
it against the Brahmaputra River, flowing as its northern
boundary. Into the soup plate between the river and
the ranges, flow several rivulets. They bring down rich
silt and sand, spread in small lakes, silt up the lakes
to make swamp and marshes, alluvial grasslands rising
to alluvial Savannah woodlands; and then as the land
loses its moisture with height, rise to mixed deciduous
forests and finally, to tropical evergreen forests.
It is believed that if nature had not designed such
a breathtakingly beautiful habitat, it would have been
extremely difficult for man to create a national park
with such natural diversities suited to a diverse range
of animal species.
Certain Wildlife Attractions
The
park contains about 15 species of India's threatened
(Schedule I) mammal species. The best-known inhabitant
of course is the Rhinoceros unicornis (rhino) and they
make it their largest home anywhere in the world. The
number of this once-threatened mammal has been regularly
in the increasing order. From only a few dozen in 1908
to more than 1000 now, the route has been quite long.
Unique Attractions The
Rhino
Contrary
to what one may have heard, rhinos browse past visitors
nonchalantly. The rhino is a peace-loving animal and,
instead of batting an eyelid about peaceful tourists
who have invaded its territory, it keeps itself busy
grazing in the wild. Moreover, the conditions at Kaziranga
Wildlife Sanctuary are ideal for the rhino to survive.
In addition to elephant rides, several watch towers
have been set up for elevated viewing of the wildlife
park. Pleasant boat rides at the nearby Rhinoland Park
can also be availed by tourists.
The Avifauna
Kaziranga
is also an ornithologist's delight and you can find
a great number of avifaunal species here. The numerous
water bodies of Kaziranga are rich reservoirs of food
(including fish) and thousands of migratory birds, representing
over 100 species, visit the park seasonally from as
far as Siberia. Major migratory birds are the grey pelican,
black-necked stork, lesser adjutant stork, Pallas's
fish eagle, grey-headed fish eagle, about 25-30 Bengal
floricans, swamp partridge, grey peacock-pheasant, great
pied hornbill, green imperial pigeon, and silver-breasted
broadbill. Sunset is a pleasant sight as well, with
the birds returning to their nests.
Other Attractions
Kaziranga National
Park is one of the most picturesque wildlife parks in
India. Apart from being the home of the one-horned rhino,
it is also the natural habitat of wild buffaloes, wild
boars, elephants, Barasinghas (swamp and hog deer),
leopards, tigers, hoolock gibbons, capped langur, rock
python, monitor lizards, various species of eagles,
partridge, bar-headed geese, whistling teals, florican
storks, herons, pelicans and water fowls. Large areas
of the park comprise of marshland interspersed with
large pools fringed with reeds, patches of elephant
grass, scattered trees, and thickets.
There is a museum at Kanha depicting attributes and
activities of the park and tribal culture. It is closed
every Wednesday.
Climate The
climate of Kaziranga park is tropical. Summers are hot
and winters cold. Take cotton clothes for summers and
do not forget to pack woolens during winters. The average
rainfall is 160 cms. But the monsoon months bring heavy
downpours which often flood the park. |
