UNESCO-listed grassland park on the Brahmaputra, home to most of the world's one-horned rhinos.
FamousWildlifeRiverVillage
Kaziranga covers about 860 sq km of tall grass, wetland and forest beside the Brahmaputra, and holds the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros anywhere. Jeep safaris in its ranges also turn up wild elephants, swamp deer, wild buffalo and many water birds. It suits wildlife lovers, photographers and families who can manage early starts.
Trip planner
Plan from your city
Photos
Grassland landscape in Kaziranga National ParkOne-horned rhino in KazirangaView inside Kaziranga National ParkRed junglefowl in Kaziranga
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
Best time to go
When
What to expect
November to February
Park open. The most comfortable weather and generally the clearest sightings; this is peak season, so book safaris and rooms early.
March to April
Park still open but warmer, with April reported at about 35 to 38 C. Animals gather near water, which can help sightings.
May to October
Park closed to tourists because monsoon floods cover much of it. Some jeep safaris may reopen in early October in a limited way, depending on water levels.
Sights and activities
1
Central Range (Kohora) jeep safari
The most visited range and the easiest for first-timers, with open grassland and good rhino sightings.
Distance
At Kohora
Entry
About 4000 per jeep for Indians, 7500 for foreigners (up to 6 people, includes entry permit)
Timings
Morning and afternoon slots, roughly 7:30-10:00 and 13:30-15:00 entry windows; park open 1 November to 30 April
State (ASTC-linked) and private buses run from Guwahati ISBT to Kohora in about 4.5-5.5 hours; buses also run from Jorhat. Tell the conductor where your lodge is, as drops are at Kohora or Bagori.
By train
Furkating Junction is the nearest major railhead, about 75 km from Kohora. Jakhalabandha station near the western end also has trains from Guwahati, followed by a taxi.
By air
Jorhat airport is about 95-100 km away (about 2 hours). Guwahati airport has many more flights and is about 220-250 km away (about 5 hours).
Where to base yourself
Kohora, beside the Central Range, has the most lodges and eateries and is the easiest base for safaris.
Getting around
Safari jeeps are hired through the forest booking system; the per-jeep charge of about 4000-5500 for Indians includes the entry permit, driver and service charges.
Buses between Guwahati and Jorhat stop at Kohora and Bagori, useful for moving between ranges.
Lodges can arrange cars for nearby tea estates and the orchid park.
Often combined with
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Guest houses, small lodges and forest department rest houses around Kohora
₹1,000 to ₹2,000
Mid-range
Eco camps, bamboo cottages and 3-4 star hotels
₹3,000 to ₹6,000
Luxury
Resorts and river lodges such as Diphlu River Lodge, Bonhabi and IORA
₹9,000 to ₹17,000
Food
Most visitors eat at their lodge or resort, since dhabas are few. Kohora has a handful of restaurants serving Assamese and Indian food.
Try these
Masor tenga (light sour fish curry)
Khar (alkaline dish made with sun-dried banana peel ash)
Pitha (rice cakes)
Bamboo shoot pickle
Vegetarian thalis and Indian dishes are available at lodges and restaurants.
Daily costs
Budget level
Stay per room
Food per person
Local transport
Budget
₹1,500
₹500
₹100 per person
Mid-range
₹4,500
₹1,000
₹1,500 per vehicle
Luxury
₹12,000
₹2,500
₹3,000 per vehicle
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Permits and documents
No special permit is needed for Indian visitors, but every safari needs a park permit, which is included in the jeep or elephant safari charge. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable once issued. Carry photo ID; safaris can be booked online in advance or at the range offices.
Safety
By day
Safe for visitors. Stay inside the safari vehicle, follow the guide, keep your distance from animals and never feed them.
At night
Entry to the park after sunset is not allowed. Wild animals can stray near roads and villages at night, so avoid walking along the highway after dark.
Solo women
Kohora is a busy tourist base and safaris run in groups with drivers and guides; normal precautions apply. No specific issues were confirmed online.
Roads
The Guwahati to Kohora road is a paved highway that runs along the park; drive slowly because animals cross it. Floods can affect access near the season edges.
Emergency numbers
112 (all emergencies)
Practical
Mobile network
Check with your lodge, as coverage inside the park can be patchy.
ATMs and cash
SBI has a branch at Kohora. Safaris and small shops are often cash only, so carry enough.
Fuel
Indian Oil's Kaziranga filling station is at Kohora on the highway; fill up in Guwahati, Nagaon or Jorhat if you are coming from further.