Picture 1 - Kaziranga National Park Map

How To Reach Kaziranga National Park

Transport

NH 37 is the common route for buses plying through different places like Tezpur, Dimapur, Jorhat, Guwahati and so on, which can take you to the park. Nearest airports to this sanctuary are Jorhat Airport, Tezpur Airport and Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. You can also hire cabs or board a bus from Guwahati for the trip. If you opt for the train, Furkating will be the nearest railway station, situated just 75 kilometers away.

Kaziranga National Park Location

Kaziranga National Park is located in middle Assam, amidst the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of the state, on the Brahmaputra rivers banks.

Kaziranga National Park Area

It is spread over an area of more than 400 square kilometers.

Kaziranga National Park Geography

This national park lies between 93°08' E to 93°36' E longitudes and 26°30' N and 26°45' N latitudes which covers the districts of Nagaon and Golaghat. It extends for around 13 km towards the west from the east and 13 km southwards in breadth.

Around 5% of the area consists of beels that are lakes formed by floods. Besides riverines, the park has elevated regions where the animals take refuge and roam around freely. The surface area is very fertile due to the deposition of silt by the river Brahmaputra. It has an elevation of 80 meters.

Kaziranga National Park Climate

It experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, wherein more than 2200 mm of rains sweep across the region every year. Starting from June till September, this rainy season is at its extreme during the months of July as well as August. Winters are dry and summers are hot with temperatures soaring as high as 38 degree C.

Picture 2 - Kaziranga National Park Entrance

Kaziranga National Park History

On Mary Victoria Leiter Curzon’s visit in 1904, the idea of a reserve forest was first conceived as the declining number of rhinos really perturbed her. This led to the creation of the Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest in the year 1905, comprising more than 200 sq km of area, which was later extended as more land was annexed to it.

From a Reserve Forest in 1908 to The Kaziranga Game Sanctuary, in 1916, the park underwent a long journey and finally in 1950, it was rechristened as a Wildlife Sanctuary where hunting was strictly prohibited. Over the years, some more achievements came its way, first the designation of a national park and second being the World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO.

Kaziranga National Park Conservation Management

Indian law has granted maximum protection to this park for conserving wildlife. Despite of that, several poaching incidents of the one-horned rhinos were on the rise that could be significantly curbed by initiating certain controlling measures.Maintenance and building of poaching camps along with extensive patrolling and alertness have been able to conserve wildlife to a great extent. Steps for checking the destruction left over by the floods have also been initiated.

Kaziranga National Park Attractions

It has captured the limelight due to the presence of the great one horned Rhino but other than that there are several other members of the fauna family that the Kaziranga National Park is famous for.

Picture 3 - Kaziranga National Park Image

Fauna

Indian Elephants, Eastern Swamp Deer, Sambar, Jungle Cats, Tigers, Barasingha, Hog Deer, Indian Bison, Wild Buffalo, Monitor Lizards, Wild Boars, Sloth Bears, Caped Langurs, Indian Grey Mongoose, Indian Pangolins, Chinese Ferret Badgers, Leopard Cats and Pythons are some of the several inmates.

This park abounds in plenty of beautiful and colorful birds that can be spotted during safari rides. Exotic and rare species of birds including Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Black-Shouldered Kite, White Tailed Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Brahminy Kite, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle and many more enhance the charm of the park manifold.

Winters are great time to visit the park with your loved ones as migratory birds flocking in large numbers to the marshes and swamps, are found in plenty. Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Greylag Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard, Bar-Headed Geese and Northern Shoveller are some of these migratory species which you can spot during your winter stint at the park. 

Flora

Not just fauna, it has remarkable riches of flora as well. Tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, tropical semi evergreen forests and alluvial inundated grasslands are the four distinct vegetation types in the park. Not those that grow on land but ones that survive in water also grow here. Invasive water hyacinth, Albizia procera, Cinnamomum, aphanamixis, Grewia serrulata are only a few of the names of the plants among a huge list of them.

Kaziranga National Park Activities

This national park in Kaziranga is an eminent wildlife sanctuary where camping and hiking is not allowed but the following activities certainly hog the limelight.

Wildlife Safari

Safaris offer unforgettable experience for birding and watching wildlife at a very short distance. You can enjoy these safaris from dawn and if you are lucky you would be able to spot some endangered species as well.

Elephant Safari: For touring the entire area, you can opt for the elephant ride which is fun and majestic. As you ride past trees and valleys, you will be glad to notice the birds and animals in their natural habitats. One hour of Elephant Safari can give you the chance to see the one-horned Rhino and herds of other animals from close quarters.

Jeep Safari: Starting from dawn, the jeep safaris are adventurous rides through the forest under guides. As it covers various ranges in the Kaziranga National Park Assam, you would be able to explore every nook and corner watching wild animals and birds. Mornings are ideal to spot birds like Whistling Teals, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Greater Adjutant Storks and Pelicans apart from many others.

From the various observation towers in Foliamari, Mihimukh, Sohola, Harmoti and Kathpara you can watch the wild animals feed and relax according to their whims. You can visit the park’s interpretation center for collecting information about the park. It is located at Bagori range.

Might sound disappointing but you will not be able to hike in the trails as they are meant for vehicle and not hikers for avoiding dangerous animal encounters.

Picture 4 – Kaziranga National Park Jeep Safari

Bird Watching Tours, Kaziranga Rhino tours and several other weekend tours are offered for visitors which consist of excellent packages that you can’t deny.

Kaziranga National Park Best Time To Visit

September till October and February to March can be considered to be the best time to visit the park. Monsoons are not a favorable time as with the onset of monsoons, the river banks and grasslands get flooded by the Brahmaputra, which compels the animals to find other places to reside.

Kaziranga National Park Hotels

On your visit to Kaziranga, you can book your stay at some of the nearby hotels like Wild Grass Lodge, Landmark Woods, Bonhabi Resort, Iora Resort, Kaziranga Resort, Aranya Resort etc. Tourist lodges run by the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Assam are situated within the confines of the park itself. A guest house available at affordable tariffs is Cottage Hrishikesh, ideal for families.

From super luxury resorts to affordable lodging, you can pick the ones most favorable to your pocket. They offer abundant modern facilities and amenities for their guests and are located in close proximity to the sanctuary, which saves a lot of commuting time.

Kaziranga National Park Restaurants

Dining options are available at nearby resorts and hotels. Food might tend to be expensive as eating options are limited in these hotels. National highway has some eating options as well.

Kaziranga National Park Facilities

Guided tours: Jeeps, 4WD vehicles and elephant rides guided by Mahouts that are trained in riding elephants are available for the tourists. Before reaching the park, ensure the booking of the vehicle which you would prefer on your visit.

Three trails have been designated for these vehicles and elephants which begin at Kohora, where the Park Administrative Center is located. Agartoli and Bagori are other two trails where vehicles are allowed, including the ones of the tourists.Your vehicles will be attended by a guide and these trails can be accessed till May, starting from November.

Picture 5 - Kaziranga National Park Tiger

Kaziranga National Park Entry Fee

Entry charges

 Rs. 250 (foreigners)

Rs. 20 (Indian citizens)

Safari Charges

Elephant ride: Rs. 750

Jeep ride: Rates vary for different ranges.

For more information about entry tickets, you might visit the Kaziranga National Park website or call them.

Kaziranga National Park Timing

Park: 7.30 am to 4.00 pm

Jeep Safari: Starts from 6.30 am

Elephant Safari: Starts from 5.30 am

For detailed timings please log on to the official website of the park.                           

Closing dates: The park remains closed from Mid April to Mid October.

Kaziranga National Park Contact

Kaziranga National Park,

Golaghat,

Assam- 785609

E-Mail: contact@kaziranganationalpark-india.com

Official website: http://www.kaziranganationalpark-india.com/index.html

One of the primary aims of this park is to preserve wildlife and for this they invite volunteer support. Kaziranga National Park’s enormous stretches is protected under law to let the animals roam free. Local tourist lodges arrange for musical evenings and great food to make your trip memorable.

This zoological park in Chennai strives to carry out off-site conservation of endangered species as a bid to counter extinction. It has a varied ecosystem, which allows the fauna to roam around comfortably in safe and protected environment. Through public education they seek to arouse empathy in them towards the wildlife in general. It has a record breaking footfall of more than 60,000 visitors on the Kannum Pongal day, in the year 2012.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park History

With the initiative of Dr. Edward Balfour, a small zoo was made out of the donated animals received from the Nawab of the Carnatic in 1854. Noticing a huge footfall that turned up to see the animals, it was moved to the People’s Park where it remained for a long time it plans were made to relocate it to the outskirts of the city. It was finally shifted to the natural retreats of the Vandalur Reserve Forest which opened its doors to the public in 1985.

Picture 1 - Arignar Anna Zoological Park Entrance

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Location

It is located amidst lush greens in the southwest regions of Chennai, at Vandalur. It lies on the Chennai-Tiruchi Highway, which is also popular as the GST Road.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Area

602 hectares of sprawling greens comprise the zoo which dedicates almost 93 acres for the rehabilitation of wild animals.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Direction

The zoo is just a few kilometers from the city’s airport and metropolitan area. You can avail the public buses which run every day from the city to the park. Opting for the railways is another convenient option as the station is just a kilometer away from the park’s main entrance. If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport is Meenambakkam.

 Arignar Anna Zoological Park Exhibits

Within the park’s periphery, more than 80 enclosures exist which is inhabited by birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in species above 170. Huge revenue is generated by these exhibits which include safaris, butterfly house, sanctuary aviaries, aviary walks, reptile house, amphibian house, crocodile enclosure, primate house, mammal house, aquarium etc.  Some of the exhibits in this zoological park include blackbucks, barking deer, wolves, leaf-capped langur, sambar, sangai, jackal, hyena, lion, Hanuman langur, giraffe, nilgai, tiger, jaguar, barking deer, hog deer, panther, camel, otter, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, llama, elephant, baboon etc.

It also houses many endangered and rare species of chimpanzee, monitor lizards, Nilgiri macaques, Bengal tiger, lemur, vulture, white tiger, star tortoises, Muscovy duck etc. To see some of the exotic species like cassowary and emu, you will have to come to this Chennai zoo. Not just rare and exotic fauna, it abounds in more than thousands of flora spread over the zoo.

One of the major objectives of the park is breeding some rare species like Asian palm civet, wild dog, Asiatic Wolf, bison, hippo, Malabar giant squirrel and ostrich apart from a host of others. Among the park’s many conservational efforts cross breeding is also included.

Picture 2 - Arignar Anna Zoological Park Photo

Safari: In the park’s hilly terrains, safari parks have been created where animals roam free and safaris comprise a ride through the area where you can watch them loitering in the wilderness. You can avail the night safari, elephant or gaur safari for a thrilling experience in the woods.

Butterfly house: Common Mormon, crimson rose, evening brown, mottled emigrant are just some of the many species of butterflies that get drawn to the diverse plant habitat in this butterfly house. It is a colorful treat vested in the huge 5 acres of land of the zoo. Ponds, waterfalls, streams and rock gardens that surround this place make it more attractive and serene.

Terrestrial Aviary: Cozily nestled on a slope is the 1.5 acre big aviary, through which you can walk amidst hundreds of birds of various species. This terrestrial aviary houses birds ranging from kingfishers, red-whiskered bulbuls, partridges, common myna, white-browed bulbul to pheasants, peacocks, blue rock pigeons and quails. To bring the effect of open sky, it is covered by blue and steel nylon net.

Sanctuary Aviaries: Watch gorgeous flamingos and seagulls dive and swim in the water bodies in the zoo’s aviary, all through the year. The aviaries are a unique mix of vegetation and water sources which provides an ideal setting for painted storks, white ibis, grey heron along with some others to inhabit.

Amphibian house: This exhibit is the first to keep amphibians as display in captivity. Common Indian toad (Bufo melanasticus), Indian tree frog (Polypedates maculatus), Indian cricket frog (Limnonectus limnocharis), Indian pond frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) and Indian bull frog (Rana tigirina) are some of the local species of amphibians that are displayed here.

Serpentarium: Modeled like a snake, this reptile house comprises different varieties of poisonous and non poisonous snakes. Tourists flock to this reptile house to take a peek at the King cobra, one of the major attractions in the park. These creatures are kept in scientifically controlled environments to ensure their complete wellbeing.

Crocodile enclosure: This is the abode of the laidback crocodiles of numerous species including marsh crocodile, American spectacled caiman and salt water crocodile. It houses seven of the eight major species of crocodiles from different parts of the world.

Primate House: Almost 26 % of the entire population of lion-tailed macaques has been bred under the Captive Breeding Program at this park. Endangered species of primates at this section include Nilgiri langur, chimpanzee and capped langur apart from the lion tailed macaque.

Small Mammals House: It is the park’s latest addition comprising creatures like Malayan giant squirrel and grizzled giant squirrel. It also has several species from the Western Ghats.

Nocturnal Section: Around 6 species of nocturnal animals are housed in here but their biological pattern has been altered to make them active during the day and sleep at nights.

Aquarium: Visitors, especially kids get amused by this aquarium modeled like a shark, containing more than 30 species of freshwater fishes.

Apart from these exhibits, you have many more sections to visit in the zoo. Prehistoric Animal Park, zoo school, children’s park, insectariums, interpretation center etc are places that interest the visitors.

Picture 3 - Arignar Anna Zoological Park Image

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Education

As a part of the initiatives taken by the zoo for conservation and rehabilitation of animals, a number of educational and awareness programs are held for teachers and students. Two of the zoo outreach and teacher training programs for are:

• Zoo Club Volunteer Programme
• Animal Keepers Training Programme

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Activities

A list of activities is undertaken by the Zoo Club formed with a host of college students who strive to maintain cleaner premises.

• It regularly hosts workshops for addressing several issues.
• Regular newsletters are published to express developmental tasks in the zoo.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Other Facilities

A host of facilities has been provided for the comfort and convinience of the travelers.

• To make your trip to the park comfortable, a number of battery operated vehicles have been stationed here which can be availed if you are not willing to walk through the vast expanse of the park.
• For satiating your craving for food, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has set up numerous snack bars where you can freshen up.
• There are plenty of well-maintained restrooms for the comfort of the travelers.
• The environment is secure as it has several patrolling security services officers.

Picture 4 - Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Conservation and Rehabilitation

Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at the zoo aims at caring for the endangered and rare species of animals, both short term as well as long term.

• For the inmates in captivity, the zoo veterinary hospital is well equipped to respond to any sort of medical emergency.
• The zoo has undertaken several measures to manage power, heat as well as water for the entire zoo. Energy efficient means have been adopted to save energy.

If you are planning for a weekend getaway or your next big holiday, a trip to this enormous zoological park can feature on your list. Take a look at some of the rare and exotic members of deep forests that will amaze you with their antiques for sure.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Admission

Till 5 years of age: Entry Free

Children – 5 to 12 years of age  : Rs. 10

12 years of age and above: Rs. 20

Days:

The park is open from Wednesday to Monday.

Closed: Tuesday

Hours: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Discounts

Discount is offered to children belonging to government schools.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Parking

For details about parking charges, kindly refer to the official website of the aprk.

Picture 5 - Arignar Anna Zoological Park Picture

Arignar Anna Zoological Park Contact

Address: Vandalur, Chennai,

Tamil Nadu – 600048, India

Ph: 044-22751089

 Fax: 044-22750741

Several stories circulate around this pillar that may seem to be mere superstition by many. Built thousands of years back, this structure has withstood the ravages of time.

Its flawless execution and metallurgical excellence have made scientists and researchers curious, who marvel at the scientific advancement of that era when it was built.

Picture 1 - Iron Pillar

Iron Pillar History

The pillar was not incepted in Delhi but it was originally erected in Vishnupadagiri (Madhya Pradesh) during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya(375CE to 414CE). It adorned the courtyard of an enormous complex of Jain temples from which it was transported to Delhi after the invasion of Qutb-ud-din Aybak.

Legend says it might have been removed by the Tomara King Vigraha Raja from its original position to Delhi. Inscriptions on the pillar bear testimony to the prominence and valor of the Gupta Emperor and Anangpal II, the Tomara King.

It is believed that the pillar served the purpose of a sundial which helped in the progress of astronomical studies practiced during the reign of the Gupta Kings. The pillar also has grave religious significance as it was built to show reverence to Lord Vishnu.

The pillar is highly regarded for its anti-corrosive qualities which still amaze the modern scholars. This is the reason why it is considered as one of the metallurgical wonders of the world.

Iron Pillar Location

The Iron Pillar is located in the courtyard of Quwwatu’l-Islam within the Qutb complex near Mehrauli in south Delhi which also houses several other historical structures. The place is located around 15 km from Connaught Place.

Iron Pillar Direction

This monument can be visited by taking local buses or hiring cabs from any part of the city of Delhi. Tourists can also avail the nearest metro rail situated next to the Qutb complex.

Nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport and railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

Picture 2 - Iron Pillar Picture

Iron Pillar Architecture

The pillar’s composition and architecture has been a matter of scientific researches since years. It surely speaks volumes about the blacksmiths of that era who without any latest technology came up with such a brilliant structure.

Height: The pillar soars to a great height of 7.21 m (23 ft 8 in).

Diameter: It has an upper diameter of 12.05 in and lower diameter of 16.4 in, making it appear slightly tapered towards the top.

Weight: It has a voluminous weight which exceeds 6 tons.

Base:  The base is formed upon a framework of iron bars soldered by using lead.

The capital at the top is like a bell which measures 1.07 m in height and the base shaped like a bulb has a height of 0.71 m. The bell shaped top has ornate engravings imparting impeccable beauty to the pillar.

There is an inscription in Sanskrit on the pillar which presumably glorifies the Gupta King Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

It was built with a Garuda or Chakra on the top the capital which is presently absent. The top of the pillar is highly ornamented and this decoration suggests the existence of the Sun Bird.

Almost entirely made of superior quality wrought iron, this structure has been considered for various scientific researches for its high resistance to corrosion.

The pillar now has a boundary around it to protect it from damages from the tourists.

Delhi Iron Pillar Architectural Composition

The pillar is significant of the skills of the local blacksmiths who were adept in their job. Materials that were used in the construction led to the structure’s inimitable corrosion resistance in the age when it was quite unthinkable.

The rich microstructure of iron and high phosphorous amounts followed up with various procedures like wetting alternated with drying under regular atmospheric conditions may have contributed to the excellent composition of the material.

In order to preserve the pillar and analyze its chemical composition it was dug out but then again reinstalled after it was treated. Scientists were amazed at the Pillar’s composition as it had traversed more than 15 centuries and still didn’t show mark of deterioration.

Scientific findings:

Findings stressed that such disposition was a result of effective forge-welding which may have been a highly daunting task. The process was surely not fabrication but step-wise welding with hammer. For completing such a task, more than 100 workers may have been employed who could complete the task with the available tools.

Good corrosion resistance of the pillar could be attributed to high slag components, high phosphorous content along with low manganese and sulphur content.

Picture 3 - Iron Pillar Image

Iron Pillar Myths

As the pillar stands through centuries and proven its strength over the years, stories have been woven about its powers to bring good luck. It can fulfill your wishes if you can join your hands by embracing it from the back, standing with your back pressed against the pillar. This may be superstition for some but people actually tried it whenever they visited the site before it was protected by a fence.

Iron Pillar Hours

You can visit the structure on any day of the week. You can visit from morning till late evening.

Iron Pillar Tickets

Entry to this monument is free.

Attractions Around Iron Pillar

On your visit to Delhi apart from the Iron Pillar you will be able to visit other monuments in Mehrauli located very close to it. Qutb complex comprises the Qutb Minar, tombs of Imam Zamin, Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji, Khilji’s Madrasa and Alai Minar.

Iron Pillar Accommodations

Close to this monument, there is an array of hotels in various categories from budget to luxury rated where you can stay while visiting the capital city of the country.

Picture 4 - Iron Pillar Photo

Iron Pillar Things to do

Shopping: After sightseeing you can also splurge in shopping in the adjoining areas having many fashionable boutiques and stores.

Eating: Drop in at one of the many famous eateries in the region churning out Indian and international cuisines. Besides you can always opt for the street food at the endless roadside food joints.

The Iron Pillar stands tall, reminding the present civilization of the bygone era, when it was created. For the intrigued mind the pillar is the fodder for new quests and for others this is yet another living example of the Golden Age.