Kaziranga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is globally famous for its two-thirds population of the world's great one-horned rhinoceros. Its vast grasslands,...

Kaziranga National Park at a Glance

Location
Northeast Frontier, India, South Asia
Coordinates
26.642452, 93.300040
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Kaziranga National Park

Nearest airport: Gelephu (GLU), 283 km away.

Nearest international airport: སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌། (PBH), 393 km away.

Big Five in Kaziranga National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Indian Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Kaziranga National Park

The warmest temperatures in Kaziranga National Park occur in August, averaging 28.7°C (up to 31.9°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 16.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 7.8mm. Average humidity: 81.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 16.9°C (rainfall: 20.1mm)
  • February: 18.6°C (rainfall: 58.5mm)
  • March: 22.5°C (rainfall: 81.3mm)
  • April: 24.3°C (rainfall: 213.2mm)
  • May: 25.9°C (rainfall: 367.1mm)
  • June: 27.4°C (rainfall: 649.5mm)
  • July: 28.5°C (rainfall: 429.1mm)
  • August: 28.7°C (rainfall: 354.2mm)
  • September: 28.6°C (rainfall: 223.6mm)
  • October: 25.9°C (rainfall: 225.9mm)
  • November: 21.7°C (rainfall: 11.9mm)
  • December: 18.3°C (rainfall: 7.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park

The best months to visit Kaziranga National Park are November, December, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 16.89°C, rainfall 20.1mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 18.61°C, rainfall 58.5mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • March: Good, temperature 22.47°C, rainfall 81.3mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 75.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 24.34°C, rainfall 213.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 78.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 25.95°C, rainfall 367.1mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 83.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 27.43°C, rainfall 649.5mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 28.52°C, rainfall 429.1mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 28.69°C, rainfall 354.2mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 85.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 28.62°C, rainfall 223.6mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.93°C, rainfall 225.9mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.74°C, rainfall 11.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.32°C, rainfall 7.8mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 81.3%

Wildlife in Kaziranga National Park

Home to 73 recorded species including 27 waterbirds, 18 iconic birds, 17 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 4 big herbivores, 1 big cats.

Recommended Packing List for Kaziranga National Park

Based on average temperature of 24.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 83%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Kaziranga National Park

20 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northeast Frontier

Visitor Tips - Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a truly special place, a testament to successful conservation efforts, and we love the unique opportunity it offers to witness the majestic greater one-horned rhino in its natural habitat. The expansive grasslands and wetlands create a distinct safari experience, feeling both wild and incredibly vibrant, especially during the early morning elephant safaris where you can get incredibly close to these magnificent creatures.

Gate Times

Kaziranga National Park typically operates from November to April or early May, closing during the monsoon season. We recommend checking specific dates as they can vary annually based on weather conditions. For jeep safaris, there are usually two slots: morning (around 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) and afternoon (around 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM). Elephant safaris, which we highly recommend for an intimate rhino viewing experience, run in early morning slots, usually from 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM. Permits are mandatory and should ideally be booked in advance, often arranged through your lodge or tour operator, especially for the popular elephant safaris.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated. For your safari guide and driver, we suggest a combined tip of 500-1000 Indian Rupees per safari vehicle per day, depending on the service and duration. For lodge or camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, or we recommend around 100-200 Indian Rupees per guest per day for general staff. Always tip discreetly and with a smile; it's a gesture of gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Kaziranga National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park, and what are its typical operating months?

The ideal time to visit Kaziranga National Park is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing is at its peak. The park typically opens in November and closes by May, as heavy monsoon rains from June to October make large areas inaccessible and difficult for safaris.

What types of safaris are available in Kaziranga, and which offers the best chance to see the one-horned rhinoceros up close?

Kaziranga National Park primarily offers jeep safaris and elephant safaris. For an unparalleled close-up encounter with the great one-horned rhinoceros in its natural habitat, the early morning elephant safari is highly recommended, providing access to areas inaccessible by jeep through tall grasslands.

Given the moderate malaria risk, what specific health precautions should I take when visiting Kaziranga National Park?

Due to the moderate malaria risk, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip to Kaziranga. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if available to minimize exposure to mosquitoes.

Are there different safari zones in Kaziranga, and which one offers the best opportunity for tiger sightings or diverse birdlife?

Kaziranga is divided into four main safari zones: Kohora (Central), Bagori (Western), Agaratoli (Eastern), and Burapahar (Western). While tiger sightings are rare and opportunistic across all zones, Agaratoli is often favored by birdwatchers for its diverse avian population, while Kohora offers excellent general wildlife viewing, including rhinos and elephants.

What are the typical accommodation options near Kaziranga National Park, and how far in advance should I book my safari and stay?

Accommodation options near Kaziranga range from government-run lodges to private resorts and eco-camps located just outside the park gates. Due to the park's popularity, especially during peak season (December to March), it is highly recommended to book your safaris, accommodation, and any internal travel at least 3-6 months in advance to secure availability.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.