Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasts the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, making it an iconic national park in India. Our ultimate guide to the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is here to help you plan a trip to this natural wonder.
Beyond the rhinos, Kaziranga offers diverse experiences — witness herds of elephants, water buffaloes and swamp deer, spot tigers and sloth bears, or marvel at the vibrant population of native and migratory birds. Spectacular sightings of Ganges dolphins add to the park’s allure.
Traverse the park on exciting jeep safaris or opt for the classic elephant safari — the choice is yours! Pack your binoculars and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Assam’s wilderness at Kaziranga National Park.
An adventurous safari: Best time to visit Kaziranga National Park
The national park is open from October/November to April. However, the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park depends on your preferences:
October-November: Following the monsoon rains, the park comes alive with verdant landscapes and cascading waterfalls. While these months offer breathtaking vistas, be aware that some areas might be inaccessible due to high water levels.
December-January: Temperatures can be cooler during this time. While still suitable for visiting, the weather might not be ideal for extended wildlife viewing excursions.
February-March: This is the best time to visit Kaziranga for pleasant weather, perfect for safaris and wildlife viewing. Expect clear skies and abundant animal activity.
April: Temperatures start to rise in April, making it less comfortable to explore the park.
Navigating your way: Reaching Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in Assam’s Nagaon and Golaghat districts. The park is divided into four ranges — Kohora, Bagori, Agaratoli and Burapahar — which serve as entry points for explorations.
Travelling to Kaziranga
Guwahati offers the most convenient access due to its seamless air and rail connectivity. While the Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 202 km away (about 3.5 hours by car), Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is approximately 224 km (about 4 hours by car) from the national park. Although Tezpur Airport is closer, around 72 km from the park and approximately 1.5 hours by car, it offers limited flight options.
Alternatively, travellers can reach their destination via Jorhat, approximately 100 km away and about 2 hours by car, or Furkating Railway Station, around 85 km from the park and approximately 1.5 hours by car.
Exploring Kaziranga National Park
Established in the early 1900s, Kaziranga was declared a national park in 1974 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Its ideal location along the Brahmaputra River in the North and Karbi Anglong hills in the South offers a diverse topography featuring lush grasslands and exotic flora and fauna. Spread over a sprawling area of 430 sq km, it has 37 highways passing through it, offering spectacular vistas and wildlife sightings to commuters.
Timings and safaris
The park is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and offers two safari slots:
Trip 1: 7:30 am to 10:00 am
Trip 2: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
The entry fee is INR 100 (HKD 9) per person for Indians and INR 650 (HKD 61) for foreigners (consistent across all ranges). Jeep hiring costs vary, and additional fees may apply for tolls, cameras, and other logistics. For more insights into the costs, click here.
While various portals offer booking on behalf of travellers, visitors can directly book their safari through the official website of the national park here.
Beyond Kaziranga National Park: Nearby tourist attractions
While exploring the entirety of Kaziranga National Park can take two days or more, depending on your interests, several picturesque tourist attractions in and around the park premises can also be visited:
- Hatimura – 36 km
- Silghat Trishuldhari – 44 km
- Laokhowa and Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary – 58 km
- Maha Mrityunjay Temple – 80 km
- Chapanala picnic spot (Champawati Waterfall) – 88 km
To explore more spots around the national park click here.
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Know before you go: Important tips for visiting Kaziranga National Park
For a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, remember the following:
- Entry is only permissible with pre-booked tickets.
- Maintain a low noise level to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Do not litter — dispose of waste responsibly in designated bins.
- Carrying items like arms, crackers, weapons, and matchboxes is prohibited.
- Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid approaching, feeding or teasing them.
- Collecting any type of flora from the park is prohibited.
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, and cooking inside the park is punishable.
For a more detailed list of park regulations, click here.
Accommodation options near Kaziranga National Park
The national park offers government-run forest guest houses at varying rates. For details and booking information, click here.
Many private accommodation options are also available near the park, including The Kaziranga Address, Kodom Bari Retreat, Kaziranga Eco Camp and Habitas Rhino By Nature Hunt.
Book your stay at The Kaziranga Address on Booking.com
Book your stay at Habitas Rhino By Nature Hunt on Booking.com
For more insights on the park, click here.
(Feature image credit: Mousam Ray/Shutterstock)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
Related: Study Reveals The World’s Best Wildlife Photography Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was Kaziranga National Park established?
It was declared a national park in 1974 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Are parking facilities available near Kaziranga National Park?
Yes, parking facilities are available near the park.
Which are the best restaurants near Kaziranga National Park?
Borgos The Wild Haven, Jajabor Restaurant, Hornbill Restaurant and Maihang Restaurant are some of the best restaurants near the park.
How much time is required to explore the entire Kaziranga National Park?
Ideally, one should give two full days, including four safaris of around three to four hours each, to explore the entire park. However, if time is a constraint, at least two safaris should be planned.
Which species are found at the national park?
The park is home to both rare and common animal species, including tigers, elephants, panthers, bears, and a wide range of birds. However, its highlight is the presence of the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world.
Should one hire a local guide to explore Assam’s Kaziranga park?
Hiring a local guide to explore the park depends on your preferences. Most safari jeep drivers guide travellers and educate them about the animals.
Is Assam’s Kaziranga National Park safe for kids?
Yes, if proper protocols are followed, it is safe for everyone.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelA journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express ..Read More
