Kaziranga National Park

Home of most of the world's one-horned rhinos

Kaziranga, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra in Assam, protects about two-thirds of the world's greater one-horned rhinoceros. The park opens in phases from October and closes for the monsoon around May. Stay three nights at Diphlu River Lodge and drive at least two ranges by jeep.

Photo: Anupom sarmah · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Kaziranga is a long strip of floodplain between the Brahmaputra and the Karbi Anglong hills, a landscape of tall elephant grass, shallow lakes called beels, and patches of semi-evergreen forest. Each monsoon the river floods much of the park and the animals move to higher ground; when the water drops, it leaves fresh silt and new grass. This cycle supports one of the richest concentrations of large mammals in Asia, and in 1985 the park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The rhino is the reason most people come, and you will see many, often within metres of the jeep. But Kaziranga also holds wild water buffalo, eastern swamp deer, Asian elephants, hog deer, wild boar and a healthy tiger population, though tigers are seen only occasionally in the tall grass. In winter its wetlands fill with migratory ducks, storks and pelicans, and the park is a major bird area.

The park is divided into four ranges, each entered from a different point along the NH-715 highway. Central (Kohora) and Western (Bagori) have the most open views and densest rhino numbers; Eastern (Agaratoli) is best for birds; Burapahar in the far west is hilly and quiet. Three nights let you drive each of the main ranges without rushing, and still leave time for a tea estate or a slower morning.

Highlights

What Kaziranga National Park does best

Rhinos at close rangeKaziranga's rhinos graze in the open around the beels, and on a morning drive in the Central or Western range you may see twenty or more. They often stand near the tracks, unbothered by vehicles, giving a sense of their bulk and armoured skin that no photograph conveys.
Four ranges, four charactersCentral (Kohora) is open grassland and lakes; Western (Bagori) has the highest rhino density; Eastern (Agaratoli) is wetter, with pelicans and waterbirds; Burapahar is forested and hilly. Driving at least two gives a far fuller picture of the park than one.
Wild buffalo and swamp deerKaziranga holds the largest population of wild water buffalo in the world and a major population of eastern swamp deer. Herds of both gather near the water in winter, along with hog deer, which are common and easily seen.
Winter birds on the beelsFrom November to March the park's lakes host migratory ducks, bar-headed geese, storks and pelicans, and resident species such as the Bengal florican and grey-headed fish eagle. The Eastern range has a breeding colony of spot-billed pelicans.
Tea gardens on the boundaryThe southern edge of the park is lined by tea estates, and the drive along the highway passes through the bushes with the hills behind. A walk through a working garden makes a quiet midday break between safaris.

Experiences

Four hours to plan around

wildlife · 2.5–3 hours Morning jeep drive in the Central range Kaziranga National Park, North East India

wildlife · 3 hours Birding the beels of the Eastern range Kaziranga National Park, North East India

culture · 3 hours Orchid park and an Assamese village lunch Kaziranga National Park, North East India

wildlife · Half day Hoolock gibbons at Hoollongapar Kaziranga National Park, North East India

Getting there

How to reach Kaziranga National Park

Air

Jorhat (JRH) is the nearest airport with regular flights, about 2 hours from Kohora. Guwahati (GAU) has more flights and is about 5 hours by road. Tezpur (TEZ) is about 2 hours away with limited services. Flight routes change, so check current status before you travel.

Rail

The nearest useful station is Furkating, near Golaghat, about 75 km from Kohora. Most guests arrive by road from Guwahati or by air at Jorhat.

Road

NH-27 and NH-715 link Guwahati to Kohora, about 195 km and 4.5 to 5 hours, passing Nagaon. The highway runs along the park's southern edge, and the range entry points sit just off it. Speed limits apply in animal corridors.

Where to stay

Rooms we book

Diphlu River Lodge is the best luxury stay at Kaziranga: stilted cottages along the Diphlu river on the edge of the Central range, with full board, naturalists and safari logistics included. Most other lodges and resorts cluster around Kohora and Bagori, in the tea gardens and villages along the highway, and range from comfortable to simple. We book Diphlu wherever possible and confirm dates early, as it fills fast from December to March.

safari lodge · Kaziranga National Park Diphlu River Lodge

The leading safari lodge at Kaziranga, with stilted cottages along the Diphlu river on the park's southern boundary. Stays are full board, with park jeep drives …

From our planners

Five things to know

The park opens in phases from late September or October and closes around May; dates are set each year, so check current status before you travel.
Morning drives give the best light and animal activity; afternoons are good for birds in the Eastern range.
Entry is about ₹100 for Indian adults and ₹650 for foreign adults, plus camera fees and the jeep, from about ₹3,500 per jeep.
Wear muted colours and bring a warm layer for open jeeps on winter mornings, which can be cold and misty.
Binoculars matter more than a long lens; we provide a pair for each traveller.

Questions travellers ask

Questions about Kaziranga National Park

When is Kaziranga National Park open?

The park usually opens in phases from late September or October and closes for the monsoon around May, with dates set each year by the forest department. In 2025 the Western range opened on 26 September and the Central range in mid-October. Check current status before you travel.

What is the best time to visit Kaziranga?

Mid-November to April. From December to February the weather is cool and dry, and burnt grassland improves visibility. March and April are warmer, with fresh grass drawing animals into the open. October can have closed ranges and high grass.

How many days do I need in Kaziranga?

Three nights is ideal, allowing four or five jeep drives across the Central, Western and Eastern ranges. Two nights is the minimum for a good experience. One night is too short, as weather or a closed range can easily spoil a single drive.

Will I see a tiger in Kaziranga?

Possibly, but it is not likely. Kaziranga has a healthy tiger population, but the tall grass makes sightings rare compared with central Indian parks. You will almost certainly see rhinos, wild buffalo, swamp deer and elephants, and you may find fresh tiger pugmarks on the tracks.

Is the elephant safari at Kaziranga ethical?

Elephant rides operate in the Central and Western ranges early in the morning. Views of standards for elephant welfare differ. We do not include them by default and prefer jeep drives, but we can arrange a ride if you wish. Seats are limited and should be booked early.

How far is Kaziranga from Guwahati?

About 195 km to Kohora, which takes 4.5 to 5 hours by road via Nagaon. Jorhat airport, about 2 hours from Kohora, is closer if flights suit your plan. We often drive in from Guwahati and fly out of Jorhat, or the reverse.

What is the best lodge in Kaziranga?

Diphlu River Lodge is the leading luxury lodge, with stilted cottages on the park boundary, full board and in-house naturalists. It fills early in peak season. Other resorts around Kohora and Bagori range from comfortable to simple and suit those who cannot get Diphlu.

Is Kaziranga good for children?

Yes. Rhinos and elephants are seen on almost every drive, and the jeep safaris are short enough for children. Bring layers for cold mornings and snacks for the drive. Children under a certain age may not be allowed on elephant rides, and rules vary.

What are Kaziranga's entry fees?

Park entry is about ₹100 for Indian adults and ₹650 for foreign adults, plus a still camera fee of about ₹100 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners. Jeep hire is separate, from about ₹3,500 per jeep. Fees change, so check current status before you travel.