Birding the beels of the Eastern range
The Eastern range lies about 30 to 40 minutes east of Kohora, entered at Agaratoli. It is wetter than the Central range, with larger beels and more forest along the edges, and it sees fewer vehicles. For birdwatchers it is the best part of the park, especially from November to March, when migrants arrive from Central Asia and the Himalaya.
Along the track you pass beels where bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks and pintails gather, and in the trees near the water a breeding colony of spot-billed pelicans nests in the winter months. Ospreys, Pallas's fish eagles and grey-headed fish eagles hunt over the water, and smooth-coated otters fish in the channels. Rhinos and buffalo are still common.
Your naturalist brings a spotting scope and a field guide, and we plan the drive for the afternoon, when the light over the water is warm. Serious birders may want a second visit or a morning in the Western range, which has excellent grassland species such as the Bengal florican.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What birds can I see in Kaziranga?
Kaziranga records several hundred bird species. In winter look for bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, many ducks, storks and spot-billed pelicans in the Eastern range. Resident highlights include the Bengal florican, swamp francolin, grey-headed fish eagle and many raptors. Bring binoculars.
When is the best time for birdwatching in Kaziranga?
November to March, when migratory waterfowl arrive and the beels are full. Early mornings and late afternoons are most productive. The Eastern range is the best area for waterbirds, while the grassland of the Central and Western ranges suits floricans and grassland species.
Is the Eastern range of Kaziranga worth visiting?
Yes, especially for birdwatchers and photographers. It has fewer vehicles, large wetlands, a pelican colony in season and good chances of otters, rhinos and buffalo. It complements a morning drive in the Central or Western range.
Also in Kaziranga National Park
More hours to plan around
