Ensconced amidst the tall elephant grass and dense forests of Assam, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Kaziranga, first established in 1908 as a reserved forest, boasts the world's largest one-horned rhinoceros population. With over 1.8 lakh tourists visiting from October 2023 to till date, the Park's popularity is undeniable. Enhancing its charm, Kaziranga recently received a visit from PM Narendra Modi, further solidifying its status as a destination that allows you to witness the untamed beauty of India's wildlife up close.
During his inaugural visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, PM Modi spent two hours exploring the Park. He also engaged with the "Van Durga" team, a group of women forest guards at the forefront of conservation, elephant mahouts and forest officials.
Highlighting the diverse wildlife beyond Kaziranga's rhinos, the PM shared on X, "Kaziranga is known for the rhinos, but there are also a large number of elephants, along with several other species." Sporting a jacket and a hat, PM Modi embarked on the safari on an elephant named "Pradyumna," guided by mahout Raju. The safari route covered the Dagland and Foliomari areas, providing an immersive perspective of the Park's natural beauty.
The PM also fed sugarcane to three elephants: Lakhimai, Pradyumna, and Phoolmai. Following this, he went on a jeep safari within the same forest range. The journey included a stop at the Daflang Watch Tower, offering a panoramic view of the sanctuary. Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh and other senior forest officials and security personnel accompanied him on this visit.
With PM Modi's visit, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is expected to become a popular international tourism hotspot. The Park is already blessed with nature's beauty, and with the visit, it will become an international eco-tourism site.
"The National Park is a pristine natural site home to various flora and fauna. We are sure it will attract more tourists in the coming days," sources said. Furthermore, the PM undertaking safaris will not only make this place more popular but also result in the promotion of responsible wildlife tourism.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, situated in both Golaghat and Nagaon Districts of Assam, is the oldest park in the state, spanning 430 square kilometres along the Brahmaputra River to the north and the Karbi Anglong hills to the south. Crisscrossed by National Highway 37, it features sprawling tea estates. Notably, the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros is a highlight of this UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by dense forests, towering elephant grass, rugged reeds, and marshes. Designated as a National Park in 1974, Kaziranga remains one of the few untouched areas in eastern India, boasting the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses globally, alongside diverse wildlife such as tigers, elephants, panthers, bears, and a myriad of bird species. Open to visitors from November to April, the Park offers elephant rides and boat cruises along the Brahmaputra for a unique exploration of its rich biodiversity.
The most convenient air access is through Jorhat Airport, situated 96 kilometres away. Alternatively, Tezpur Airport, approximately 59.9 kilometres from the Park, is also viable. If opting for rail transport, the nearest railway station is Furkating Junction, just a two-hour drive from Kaziranga. For those journeying by road, the route involves reaching either Jorhat or Guwahati (240 km), followed by a cab or bus ride.
