In search of the Great Indian Rhinoceros

Assam, Destinations, India, Interests, Photo Essays, Wildlife

This week take a look at the lush grasslands of Kaziranga in Assam, as I search for the Great Indian Rhinoceros

On a whim, I decided to try and make it to Kaziranga this year and hopefully spot the Indian Rhinoceros in the wild. Luckily for me DCP Expeditions happened to have a photo expedition lined up for Kaziranga this year. With everything already organized, all I had to do was book a flight to Guwahati. What followed was a lovely three day trip with fabulous company, good sightings, lip smacking food and some great photographs. So join me and take a walk through the grasslands of Kaziranga.

We started our expedition in the wonderful Central Zone
We started our expedition in the wonderful Central Zone
One of the first raptors we spotted was this Crested Serpent Eagle
One of the first raptors we spotted was this Crested Serpent Eagle
This Red-Breasted Parakeet was feasting in the trees
This Red-Breasted Parakeet was feasting in the trees
This was one of the first Rhinos we saw up-close
This was one of the first Rhinos we saw up-close
Spotted this little stonechat on the way to the first rest stop
Spotted this little stonechat on the way to the first rest stop
Jeeps line up on the jungle trail towards the first rest stop
Jeeps line up on the jungle trail towards the first rest stop
We spotted this lone vulture in the trees
We spotted this lone vulture in the trees
This little Shrike sings its song
This little Shrike sings its song
This is a fine specimen of the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros
This is a fine specimen of the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros
A herd of Water Buffalo checks the road both ways before crossing
A herd of Water Buffalo checks the road, both ways, before crossing
The Rhinoceros gives us an intense stare
The Rhinoceros gives us an intense stare
The Rhinoceros crossed the road as a bird perches on its back and garishly dressed tourists look on in awe
The Rhinoceros crosses the road as a bird perches on its back and garishly dressed tourists look on in awe
An Emerald Dove forages along the Jeep trail
An Emerald Dove forages along the Jeep trail
Terrapins rest on a log in the water
Terrapins rest on a log in the water
A pair of otters frolic by the river bank
A pair of otters frolic by the river bank
A Lesser Adjutant Stork walks through the grasslands
A Lesser Adjutant Stork walks through the grasslands
Deer forage in the grasslands
Deer forage in the grasslands
A hornbill indulges in some extreme acrobatics to get at an itch (yes, we all know that feeling)
A hornbill indulges in some extreme acrobatics to get at an itch (yes, we all know that feeling)
An Open-Billed stork sits perched on a branch by the lake
An Open-Billed stork sits perched on a branch by the lake
A mahout leads an elephant and it's calf along the grasslands
A mahout leads an elephant and it’s calf along the grasslands

More Information

Getting There

Guwahati is the most convenient airport to get to for most travelers. From Guwahati, Kaziranga is about 190 – 200 km away and it usually takes about 4-5 hours to drive down this distance. Jorhat, which is about 2 hours or less away, is another option. However not many flights connect Jorhat directly to other cities.

When to Visit

The park remains closed for about 06 months a year and these are usually the rainiest months. Usually the park is open from November to April, unless the park is closed due to unseasonal rains. I visited towards the end of March, where some rains had already started. I’d recommend visiting the park between December and February to maximize the chances of good animal sightings.

Where to Stay

There are multiple stay options available at Kaziranga to suit all budgets. Most resorts also help you with bookings for safaris and trips to nearby places. We stayed at the Agoratoli Eco-Tourism resort, which is just outside the Eastern Zone.

 

The turtles of Velas
Swimming in an active volcano

Comments

2 comments

  • Cherag Tantra

    Lovely photographs and well written.

    • Elroy

      Thanks for the kind words Cherag !!!

Comments are closed.