Facing the rhino
Imagine standing face-to-face with the majestic one-horned rhino as it grazes gracefully among the tall elephant grass. Welcome to Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, one of the last refuges of the one-horned rhinoceros in Assam, India.
During our Assam tour, we explored Pobitora and Kaziranga wildlife sanctuaries, both home to a thriving population of Indian one-horned rhinos. Welcome to the kingdom of the rhino, the proud abode of Assam’s state animal. With a thriving population of these majestic creatures, Kaziranga stands as their ultimate sanctuary.
We started our journey from Guwahati, the state capital, and headed first to Pobitora, a wildlife sanctuary nestled along the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra.
We joined a thrilling jeep safari operated by the Assam Forest Department. Though smaller than Kaziranga, Pobitora boasts the world’s highest rhino density, ensuring an unforgettable sighting. These majestic creatures roam freely, grazing leisurely on the tall, lush grass nourished by the Brahmaputra’s waters.
There is a dolphin viewing point in Pobitora, but be sure to check the season. Local guides recommend visiting after October, post-monsoon, for the best chance to spot these elusive creatures. Since we traveled in summer, the low water levels had already pushed the dolphins deeper into the river.
Next, we explored the famous Kaziranga National Park. While most visitors recognize it for its rhinos, few realize that it also serves as a tiger reserve and a key site for Project Tiger. In 2006, authorities designated it as a tiger reserve after the tiger population increased. As in every tiger reserve, spotting the elusive big cat depends on luck. One group from our tour was lucky enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of India’s national animal.
Visitors to Kaziranga can choose between two safari options: the elephant safari and the jeep safari. Elephants carry two to four people and offer a shorter yet more immersive experience, venturing into marshes and grasslands where jeeps cannot go. Unlike jeeps, which follow designated roads, elephants navigate diverse terrains, providing a closer look at wildlife. The initial movements may feel jerky, almost as if you might topple over, but once you adjust, the elephant ride becomes an unforgettable adventure.
Rhinos roam everywhere, either as solitary wanderers or mothers with their young. After a while, you might start seeing them as casually as village buffaloes wallowing in a pond.
During both the jeep and elephant safaris, we spotted bison, gaur, wild elephants, tortoises, and various species of deer.
It’s not just the vast greenery and fresh air that leave you mesmerized. In the expansive grasslands, elephants gather in large numbers, creating a breathtaking sight—like a grand conference of elephants.
Kaziranga is more than just a rhino haven; it also shelters Indian gaur, elephants, bison, jackals, spotted deer, swamp deer, water buffalo, and diverse bird species. During our visit, we spotted Siberian cranes and several other migratory birds, adding to the park’s rich wildlife experience.
Kaziranga National Park features a mixed tropical deciduous forest, blending vast grasslands and dense woodlands. Common trees include the cotton tree and elephant apple tree. The park is also home to expansive grasslands with tall reeds, known as elephant grass, which provide a natural habitat for wildlife.
About rhinos
Rhinoceroses are large, thick-skinned herbivorous mammals. The name ‘rhinoceros’ comes from the Greek words rhinos (nose) and keras (horn). Today, five rhino species exist—three in South and Southeast Asia and two in Africa.
The Indian rhinoceros stands out with its single horn, while African rhinos have two. Poachers once hunted them relentlessly due to the high demand for their horns. Made of keratin—the same protein as human hair and nails—the horns hold no medicinal value, despite widespread myths. This false belief led to mass killings, pushing them toward extinction.
Thanks to conservation efforts by the government, locals, and forest workers, the Indian rhino population has made a remarkable recovery. Today, Kaziranga National Park is home to around 2,200 rhinos. To protect them, Kaziranga’s forest guards carry machine guns and take a zero-tolerance approach toward poachers.
The other parks where one-horned rhinos are found in India are:
- Orang National Park, Assam
- Manas National Park, Assam
- Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam
- Gorumara National Park, West Bengal
- Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal
- Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
Chitwan National Park, Parsa National Park, Bardia National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in Nepal, and Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan are a few of the wildlife sanctuaries that host one-horned rhinos in the Indian subcontinent.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kaziranga is from November to April, with winter being the most preferred season. During summer, the landscape dries up, drawing animals toward water bodies, making wildlife sightings easier. After May, the park usually closes for the monsoon season as the Brahmaputra River floods the area.
How to reach
Guwahati serves as the gateway to Northeast India, offering excellent connectivity by road, rail, and air. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, located about 20 km from the city, operates flights to and from major cities like Bengaluru. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary lies around 50 km from Guwahati, with taxis being the preferred mode of transport. From Pobitora, Kaziranga National Park is approximately 150 km away, requiring a scenic 3.5-hour drive.
Safari gates
Kaziranga National Park spans a vast 430 square kilometers and offers entry through four main gates across different ranges: Bagori, Mihimukh, Ghorakati, and Agaratoli.
Timings
- Elephant safari is from 5:30 to 6:30 am, and 6:30 to 7:30 am
- Jeep safari is from 8:00 to 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Pobitora or Kaziranga – Which is better?
If you want a quick wildlife experience and a chance to see one-horned rhinos, Pobitora is ideal due to its proximity to Guwahati. For a longer safari and the opportunity to spot our striped king, the majestic tiger, Kaziranga is the perfect destination.
Nearby attractions
After visiting Pobitora and Kaziranga, you can visit some other nearby attractions. They are Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Kakochang Falls, Deopahar (an archaeological site), and Addabarie Tea Estate.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging
on websites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be exciting to read
articles from other writers and practice a little something from other web sites.
I really like what you guys tend to be up too.
This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the
superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.
Good photos
Your site is underrated. All blog articles are wonderful.
Good info about rhinos in India. Must visit someday, and your beautiful country.
Will visit Kaziranga when I visit India
Nice info and photos
It’s amazing for me to have a web site, which is helpful in favor of my experience.
thanks admin
It is in reality a great and helpful piece of info.
I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful info with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Hello to every one, it’s genuinely a good for me to pay a visit this web site, it consists of priceless Information.
What’s up, this weekend is fastidious in favor of me,
for the reason that this occasion i am reading this wonderful educational article here
at my house.
Very good blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring
writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m
a little lost on everything. Would you propose
starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
Any tips? Kudos!
Got some good info about rhinos and the sanctuary in India. Would like to visit some day. Keep writing of more such places in your wonderful country.
Simply desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is just cool and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.
Do you have any video of that? I’d like to find out more details.
Thanks for another excellent post. Where else may anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect method ofwriting? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the look forsuch info.
Major thanks for the article. Much thanks again. Cool.
What’s up, I read your blogs daily. Your writing styleis awesome, keep up the good work!
I am reading this piece of writing to improve my know-how.
I like this blog very much so much wonderful info .
What’s up colleagues, its impressive paragraph about education and entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never manage to get anything done.
Incredible. Master. You’re a good master. Appreciate you.
I relish, result in I discovered exactly what I was having a look for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Nice
As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling fantastic , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
There are definitely a lot of particulars like that to take into consideration.
You made a few good points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found mainly people will agree with your blog.
Awesome.
This is one awesome post. Great.
Much thanks again. Much obliged.
I am so grateful for your blog. Really thank you! Will read on…
Awesome blog article.Really thank you! Cool.
Say, you got a nice blog article. Really Cool.
Makes me want to visit Kaziranga
Thanks for the blog post. Really Cool.
Major thanks for the blog. Really thank you! Much obliged.
Hi friends, how is all, and what you want to say concerning this piece of writing, in my view its actually remarkable for me.