Assam

Assam is a state of breath taking scenic beauty, rarest flora and fauna, lofty green hills, vast rolling plain, mighty waterways and a land of fairs and festivals.

The ancient name of Assam was Pragjyotishpur. However, during the time of the Ahom conquest, Pragjyotishpur was known as Kamrup. In ancient Sanskrit literature, both the names Pragjyotishpur and Kamrup were used as a designation for ancient Assam. In 1228, the Ahoms, Shan tribe from North Thailand entered and defeated the Kamrup ruler and established a kingdom, which came to be known as Assam with its capital at Sivasagar (Sibsagar). Most probably, the modern name Assam comes from Ahoms, the dynasty that ruled from the 13th to early 19th Century. The ancient name Kamrup, is today confined to only a district of Assam.

The population of Assam as per the 2001 Census (Provisional) is 26638407. Summer months are from April to October and the winter months are from November to March.

LOCATION

Assam Situated between 90-960 E. Longitude and 24-280 N. Latitude. Assam is bordered in the North by Bhutan and in the east East by Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lies Nagaland, Manipur, and to the extreme south lies Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her Southwest, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.

For further information log on to http://assamgovt.nic.in/

Guwahati

Situated on the southern bank of the mighty Brahamputra river in Kamrup district of Assam, Guwahati is a fast growing premier city .It is the gateway to the North eastern states of India and a principal centre of socio-cultural, political, industrial and trade and commerce of the entire region. Dispur, the capital of Assam is a part of Guwahati. A reference of Guwahati has been mentioned in the Kalikapuran and Mahabharata. A copper plate inscription of Balavarman II, a king of Kamrupa distinctly states that "Naraka lived in the city named Pragjotishpur within Kamrup and that the city was full of areca nut trees wrapped by pan creepers". Hence, this city subsequently got the name Guwahati. The word `Guwa' in Assamese means areca nut and 'Hat' means market. The mighty river Brahmaputra passes through Guwahati and atop Nilachal Hills, 8 km. from the city centre lays the famous Shakti temple of Goddess Kamakhya, one of the 51 Sakti peeths in the country.

General Information

Area : 216.79 sq. km

Population : 584342(1991 census)

Altitude : 54 metres

Climate : Summer : Maximum 38 degrees C Minimum 20 degrees C

Winter : Maximum 30 degrees C Minimum 10 degrees C

Clothing : Summer : April to October - Cotton

Winter : November to March - Woollen

Language : Assamese, Hindi and English

STD CODE/AREA CODE: 0361

Access and Communication :

Air : The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati is well connected by air with New Delhi, KoIkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines operate regular flights to Guwahati and some other towns like Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Jorhat, Silchar, Agartala and Imphal.
Rail : Guwahati is well connected by train with Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Puri, Okha, Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvanthapuram etc. Other important towns in the state are also well connected by train from Guwahati.
Road : A network of roads connects Guwahati with all important cities in the neighbouring states and major cities in the country. Some of the road distances to important places in kilometre is as follows:

Road Distances from Guwahati : in kilometers

ACCOMMODATION IN GUWAHATI

Hotel Dynasty (4-star), S. S. Road, Guwahati- 781001. Ph. 2510496-99 E-mail dynasty_hotel@sify.com , Fax-2522112, Website- www.fhrai.com

Hotel Rajmahal (4-star), A. T. Road, Guwahati- 781001, Ph-2522476-483, 511602-607, Fax-639282, E-mail hotelrajmahal@vsnl.net , Website- www.fhrai.com

Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok (3-star), M. G. Road, Guwahati- 781001, Phone-2602281-85, Fax-2540870, E-mail brahmaputra@satyam.net.in , Website- www.fhrai.com

Hotel Nandan (3-star), G. S. Road, Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati-781008, Phone-2522464-66, 2521476-78/2540855, Fax-2542634, E-mail nandan1@sancharnet.in , Website- www.fhrai.com

Hotel Rituraj (3-star), Kedar Road, Guwahati-781001, Phone-2522495-99, Fax-2543314/2522780, Website- www.fhrai.com

Hotel Vikash International (2-star), Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati-781008, Phone-2600338/2635037/38/39, Fax-2545357, Email hpvikash1@sancharnet.in

STANDARD HOTELS :

Hotel Ambarish, G S Road, Ganeshguri, Ph. 23444526/2346709

Hotel Ambarish Grand Residency, MD Shah Road, Paltan Bazaar, Ph-2605701-05, Fax. 2517758

Hotel Mahalaxmi, Paltan Bazaar, Ph. 2602063/2602508

Hotel Landmark, Stadium Road, Ph. 2455248/2528218

Hotel Belle Vue, M. G. Road, Ph. 2540847/2540848(Telefax)

Hotel Prag Continental, MN Road, Panbazar, Ph. 2630930-3, 2540851

Hotel President, G N B Road, Panbazaar, Ph.: 2638141/ 2544911, Fax: 2520248

SUPPLEMENTARY ACCOMMODATION :

Assam Govt. Tourist lodge, Station Road, Guwahati- 781001, Ph. 2544475

Circuit House, M. G. Road, Near High Court, Guwahati-781001, Ph. 2602582

Railway Retirining Room, Guwahati Railway Station, Guwahati- 781001

Gurudwara Sahib, Fancy Bazar, Guwahati- 781001, Ph. 2518606

Hazi Musafirkhana, Near Nehru Stadium, Ph. 2667824

Y. W. C. A, Chatribari, Guwahati- 781001

OTHER HOTELS :

Hotels ranging from Rupees 150 to 500 are also available in and around Guwahati municipality area.

ASSAMESE CUISINE :

Assam's distinct cuisine is characterized by Khar (prepared from dried banana skin) and Pitika (mashed potatoes and other vegetables). It usually consists of fish, meat, rice, daal, vegetables and rice pudding.

RESTAURANTS :

Paradise, GNB Road, Ph.2266904

Woodlands Cafe (Vegetarian), Panbazar Overbridge

Dhaba, Silpukhur, Ph.22661944

Lilakung, Fancy Bazar, Ph.2524459

Ramble, Panbazar, Ph.2547692

Citi Dhaba, Near India Tourism Office, Govt. of India, Ulubari, Ph.2453173

China Town, Rajgarh Road, Ph.2523584

Chung Fa, Zoo Narengi Road, Ph.2589088

Ming Room, Below Chandmari Flyover, Ph.2524291

Xika (Thai, Mexican, Tandoori & Chinese), Chandmari Colony, Ph.2665259

The Wall, Guwahati Club, Ph.2266369

Punjabi Tandoor, Chandmari Colony, Ph.2661011

Pizza Hut, B.Baruah Road, Ph.2455459

SWIMMING POOLS :

Hotel Rajmahal Dolphin Swimming Pool
B.P. Chaliha Swimming Pool near Assam State Zoo
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sentinel Swimming Club

Narangi

GOVERNMENT EMPORIA : Pragjyotika, Jagaran, Purbashree and Artfed in Ambari area, Guwahati.

RIVER CRUISES : Jolporee and Alfresco vessels for cruising on the river Brahamputra in the evening. Vessels are also available for charter.

PACKAGE TOURS :

1. Package tour to Kaziranga.

2. Package tour to Shillong.

3. Guwahati City tour.

4. Temple tour in and around Guwahati.

The above package tours are regularly conducted by the Directorate of Tourism, Assam from the Tourist Lodge Ph. 2544475 Telefax: 2547102 and also by the approved Tour operators.
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BANKS (Foreign Exchange) :

Standard Chartered Bank, GNB. Road. Ph. 2540597
State Bank Of India, Panbazar. Ph. 2543576 /2540634/2510260

OTHER BANKS :

Allahabad Bank, Fancy Bazaar. Ph. 2554215
Bank of Baroda, Fancy Bazaar. Ph. 2540476
Bank of India, Kamarpatty. Ph. 2540480
Central Bank of India, Panbazar, Ph. 2543165
Canara Bank, Fancy Bazaar. Ph. 2560872
Indian Over Seas Bank, Panbazar. Ph. 2522562
Punjab National Bank, Ph. 2529962, 2529715
Punjab and Sind Bank, Fancy Bazaar, Ph 2540490
State Bank of India, Airport Branch. Ph. 2840253
UCO Bank, Fancy Bazaar. Ph. 2527558
Union Bank of India, Fancy Bazaar. Ph. 2540636
United Bank of India, Hem Baruah Road. Ph. 2546267
Vijaya Bank, Fancy Bazaar. Ph. 2541123
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HOSPITALS :

Guwahati Medical College, Bhangagarh, Ph. 2529457, 2528417
Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital, Panbazar, Ph. 2543996/2529561
Institute of Neurological Science and GNRC Heart Institute, Ph. 2567195, 2567198
Red Cross Hospital, Chandmari, Ph. 2665114
B.Baruah Cancer Hospital, Birubari, Ph. 2472636
Chatribari Christian Hospital, Chatribari, Ph. 2540193
Downtown Hospital, Dispur, Ph. 2332741
International Hospital, Christian Basti Ph. 2342560/2342561
Railway Hospital Ph. 2570432, 2570492
Sankardeva Netralaya, Basishta Ph. 2303382
Marwari Maternity Hospital, Athgaon Ph. 2541201
T. B. Hospital, Birubari, Ph. 2471980

CLUBS :

Guwahati Club, Chenikuthi, Ph. 2665131
India Club, G. N. B. Road, Ph. 2513586
Assam Flying Club, Dr. B. Baruah Road, Ph. 2547949
Planter's Club, Guwahati Tea Auction Center, Ganeshguri, Ph. 2472927, 2261832, Narangi Club, Oil India Ltd. Noonmati, Ph. 2540685
Racquet and Billiards Club, Bamunimaidam, Ph. 2557421

MISCELLANEOUS :

OFFICES OF THE NORTHEASTERN STATES IN GUWAHATI :

Arunachal Bhavan, RG. Baruah Road, Ph. 2412859, Fax. 2456720
Manipur Bhavan, Rajgargh Road, Ph. 2540707
Meghalaya House, AK. Azad Road, Rehabari, Ph.2544343
Mizoram House, ABC Bus stop, Ph. 2529626
Nagaland House, 6th Mile, Ph.2338426/2332158
Tripura Bhavan. Ajanta Path, Survey, Ph. 2223034/2620186

APPROVED TOUR /TRANSPORT OPERATORS (GUWAHATI) :

Bora Tours & Travels, MRD Road., Chandmari, Telefax: 2551848, 2591260
Blue Hills Travels, PaltanBazar, Ph: 2547911, 2601490 Fax 2524877
Green Valley Travels, GN.Bordoloi Road., Silpukhri, Ph. 2561881, 2606068 Fax 2664194
Jungle Travels, MD Road, Silpukhri, Ph.2660890 Fax 2662140/2640368
Network Travels, GS Road, Paltan Bazaar, Ph.2520719/2522007, Fax 2522105
Rhino Travels, Panbazar, Ph. 2540061/62, Fax. 2547025
Rajmahal Travels 'N' Tours, AT Road, Ph.2601132, Fax 2610282
Shivani Aviates Tours & Travels, 118 Shrimanta Market, Ph.2522847, 2548957, 2631756, 2605685, Fax 2639992

LOCAL TRANSPORT : Prepaid taxis are available from the airport to various destinations in the city. Approved Tour/Transport Operators also provide cars for local as well as for long distance tours. Auto-rikshaws/ cycle-rikshaws are also available within the city. Advisable to negotiate rates before hiring.

AIRLINES :

Indian Airlines, Ganeshguri, Guwahati, Ph. 2264420-25, Airport, Ph. 2840279, Fax. 2264400
Sahara Airlines, GS Road, Ulubari, Ph. 2548676, Fax.2547808, Airport Fax. 2840128
Jet Airways, Silpukhri, Guwahati, Ph. 2662396, Airport, Ph. 2840130/31, Fax. 2663358

RAILWAYS : Enquiry : Ph.131/133 Reservation: Ph. 2541799 Train status Ph. 2540330/136

POST OFFICE : General Post Office, Meghdoot Building, Panbazar, Guwahati, Ph: 2541294

TELEGRAPH OFFICE : Central Telegaph Office, Panbazar, Guwahati, Ph: 2542892

POLICE CONTROL : 2540138/2540113

FIRE BRIGADE CONTROL : 2340222

AMBULANCE : (24 hrs.) GLP Social Circle: 2544356/2544357

INFORMATION OFFICES :

INDIA TOURISM, GUWAHATI, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA,
REGIONAL OFFICE (NORTH EAST) G. L. PUBLICATION COMPLEX,
G. S. ROAD, ULUBARI,GUWAHATI- 781007 (ASSAM),
TEL. 2456158 : FAX. 2547407
E.mail indtour@asm.nic.in , website www.incredibleindia.org

DIRECTORATE OF TOURISM,
Government of Assam, Station Road,
Guwahati 781001,
Tel: 2544475, Fax 2547102.

Excursions

Batadrawa : Batadrawa or Bardowa is the birthplace of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardeva where one will find a Shrine and a centre of Vaishnava art and culture. It is about 140 kms from Guwahati and about 15 km from Nagaon town.

Bhalukpung : Lying on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Bhalukpung is known for its unique natural beauty and rafting. 56 km away from Tezpur town, Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquillity. It is also the entry point to Bomdila and Tawang. Minibuses ply regularly to Bhalukpung from Tezpur. Accommodation: Tourist Lodge, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Assam. There is also an Eco-Camp at Potasali run by Anglers' Club. For Booking Contact: Mr. K.K. Bhattacharjee - Ph (03712) 220041(O), 2210008 (R), 220004 (O).

Bogolamari : 120 km from Guwahati near Dudhnoi in Goalpara district, the Bodos, Rabhas, Garos and Rajbongshi tribals inhabit Bogolamari. The village is rich in tribal culture and ethnic traditions.

Dhubri : District Headquarters and a major commercial town, Dhubri is famous for the Gurudwara of Guru Teg Bahadur Singh, Rajbari and the ancient caves at Jagihopa.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park : Covering an area of 340 sq. km. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is famous for its semi-wild horses and other wildlife like the White-Winged Wood-Duck, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Asiatic Buffalo, Slow Loris, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon and more then 250 varieties of birds.

Air : Dibrugarh

Rail : Dibrugarh, Tinsukia

Road : Regular day and night deluxe buses available from Guwahati

Accommodation :

Hotels Natraj (3 Star), H.S.Road, Dibrugarh 786001, Ph: (0373) 2327275, Fax: 0373-2321375.

Digboi : Surrounded by numerous Tea Gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi is a major oil-producing town. One of the oldest refineries of the world exist here. There is also a War Cemetery and a Golf Course.

Diphu : This hilly town 269 km from Guwahati is the district head quarters of Karbi-Anglong district. Diphu is the centre of Karbi art and culture. Karbis are the indigenous tribe of the State and they are well known for their hospitality and colourful culture. Both day and night buses ply regularly from Guwahati.

Accommodation :

Tourist Lodge
Reservation. Tourist Information Officer,
Govt. of Assam,
Diphu,
Karbi Anglong
Ph (03671) 72694

Haflong : 9 km from Haflong town is Jatinga, famous for the birds mystery. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it is a paradise for the Ornithologists. From an elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to their death-wish and their little plumage dropping down.

Road : Haflong is 353 km from Guwahati. Bus services are available.

Rail : Railway station, Lower Haflong 285 km from Guwahati.
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Accommodation :

Tourist Lodge, Govt. of Assam, P.O Haflong, Ph. 03673-2468

Hajo : Often referred to as the cultural melting pot of Assam, Hajo around 24 km from Guwahati, is an interesting place where one can find the shrines of three different faiths namely Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist coexisting peacefully down the ages. Some Buddhist claim that Buddha attained mahaparinirvan in the present Hajo area and that the image inside the temple of Hayagrib Madhava is that of Buddha. Hindus worship Vishnu in his horse headed form at the temple of Hayagrib Madhava. Both the Hindus and Buddhist offer prayer in the temple of Hayagrib Madhava according to their own rites and customs.

Sri Surya Pahar : 14 kilometres to the east of Goalpara town, Sri Surya Pahar had been a major trade centre and the seat of administration in the past. It is the only place in the Northeast where one can see the sculptures and architectural remains of Buddhism, Jainism and the Hindu periods.

Sualkuchi : Lying on the northern bank of river Bramhaputra and about 32 km away from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is famous for the Assamese silk namely Pat, Muga and Endi.

Madan Kamdev : Approximately 35 km from Guwahati, Madan Kamdev is an archaeological site where erotic sculptures are found. It is often referred to as the miniature Khajuraho of Assam. A museum nearby is a must for tourists visiting this place. Madan Kamdev is also a picnic spot.

Mayong : Once a nerve centre for black magic, Mayong is to day an important tourist destination. A unique feature being the presence of so many temples in a small area.

Tezpur : Situated on the north bank of the majestic river Bramhaputra, Tezpur is considered as one of the most beautiful towns of the state. Tezpur is also remembered for the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. It is 181 km from Guwahati. Buses ply regularly from Guwahati and other towns of the State. The nearest railhead is at Rangapara and the airport is at Salonibari.

Majuli : The biggest riverine island in the World, Majuli is famous for its Satras or Vaishnava monastries, which are the center of learning, art and culture. It is also famous for migratory birds and Mising tribal culture. Nimatighat, the nearest ferry ghat is only a few km. from Jorhat town. Tourists intending to visit Majuli can stay at the Tourist lodge in Jorhat or in the Govt Guest House at Majuli.
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Accommodation :

Tourist Information Officer, Jorhat, Ph.-0376-2321579. Majuli Govt. Circuit House-03775-274439

Sivasagar (Sibsagar) : Sivasagar is 369 km from Guwahati. It is also a leading tea and oil producing district. Sibsagar was formerly the capital of the mighty Ahoms who ruled Assam at a stretch for over six hundred years before the advent of the British. It is a beautiful town located around the huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by queen Madambika in 1734 A. D. The Shivadol or Shiva Temple on the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.

Ancient temples and monuments to be seen at Sibsagar are

- Kareng Ghar Joysagar - Tank and Temple - Talatal Ghar - Namdang Stone Bridge
- Ranghar - Charaideo Maidam - Gargaon Palace - Ajan Pir Darga

Jorhat is the nearest airport (60 km.) and Simuluguri is the nearest railway station (20 km) Buses are available from Guwahati and other towns.

Accommodation :

Tourist Lodge, Govt. of Assam, Ph: 0376-2662437.

What to See

Kamakhya Temple
In and around Guwahati

Kamakhya Temple
Situated atop the Nilachal Hills, the foremost shrine of Assam, Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantrik and Shakti cults of Hinduism. A little distance from Kamakhya temple is Bubhaneshwari temple from where one can have a panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River and the city.

Sukreswar Temple
Close by the North Brooke Gate, built to welcome the then Viceroy of India, Lord North Brooke, Sukreswar temple is famous for the Sixth Jyotirlinga of India.

Umananda Temple
Umananda temple is situated on the Peacock Island, in the middle of the Brahamputra River, which is world's smallest river island inhabited by humans.

Navagraha temple
Situated atop Chitrachal hills this " Temple of Nine Planets" was a great centre for the study of Astrology and Astronomy.

Dighali Pukhuri
Opposite Assam State Museum, Dighali pukhuri is a historic tank where facilities like boating, video games parlour etc. are available.

Deepor Bil
A large natural wetland with an area of 4.14 sq. km, Deepor Bil is the state's first Bird Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary). A variety of local and migratory birds can be spotted here.

Assam State Museum
Situated in the heart of the city, the Assam State Museum is a well laid out complex displaying various aspects of Assam's culture, history and crafts. The various sections are epigraphy, sculpture, natural history, crafts, arms, manuscript, village, ethnography and a miscellaneous section. Ph: 2540651

Planetarium
The Guwahati Planetarium is the only one of its kind in the entire northeastern region. The intriguing aspects of the universe are brought alive and explained inside the planetarium. It is open for visitors on all days except the 1st of every month. Ph. 2548926.

Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden
Covering a huge area of 175 hectares of land, this Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden is a storehouse of endangered and rare species of wildlife and plants. Among the main attractions are the one-horned rhino, giraffe, zebra etc. It is open on all days except Friday. Ph.-2201363.

Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
Situated at about 10 km from the main city centre, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra is a modern cultural complex at Panjabari. Regular cultural events, musical recitals & dance performances are held every weekend. It is open to visitors on all days except Mondays. Ph. 2337382.

Science Museum (Regional Science Centre)
A few kilometres away from Dispur the Regional Science Centre houses many exhibits and models depicting various natural phenomenon and modern technological advancement. A great learning experience for students and professionals alike. It is open on all days except public holidays. Ph. 2361699.

Bashistha Ashram
Set in idyllic surroundings about 12 km away, this ashram was established by Rishi Bashistha in the remote past. It is now a pilgrim centre as well as a picnic spot for visitors.

Tirupathi Balaji Temple
This newly constructed temple with striking South Indian Architecture is around 11km away from the city.

Jolporee
The mighty Brahamputra river is amongst the greatest attractions of Assam. A pleasant river cruise on the Brahamputra aboard the Jolporee, a luxury cruise vessel, in the evening hours, is a thrilling experience. Cruise starts from 4 pm onwards.

National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

Manas National Park:The only Tiger Project in Assam, Manas, 176 km from Guwahati is one of the nine Tiger Reserves for conservation of wildlife in India. It is situated on the bank of the river Manas. Manas has its own peculiar faunal features, with the hispid hare, Pigmy hog and the fascinating Golden Langur. Other commonly seen animals are, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Water buffalo, Wild pig, Sambar, Swamp deer, Hog deer, During the winter, hundreds of winged species like Riverchats (White Capped Redstars), Forktails, Cormorants and various types of ducks including Rudly Shelducks migrate to Manas. The woodland birds are no less charming and include the Indian Hornbill and the great Pied Hornbill. Accommodation: Mathanguri Forest Lodge,
Accommodation: Mathanguri Forest Lodge,
Reservation: The Field Director, Project Tiger Manas, Govt. of Assam, Barpeta Road. Tourist Lodge, Barpeta Road,
Tourist Lodge, Bansbari
Reservation: Tourist Information Officer, Govt. of Assam, Barpeta Road, Ph: (03666) 260749.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: 60 km away from Guwahati is Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary where deers and rhinos can be seen. This Sanctuary is around 2 hours drive from Guwahati.

Orang National Park: A miniature Kaziranga covering an area of approximately 72 sq. km. Animals to be seen in this sanctuary are one-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Leopard, Sambar, Barking Deer, Tiger, varieties of water Birds, Green Pigeon, Florican, Teal, Goose etc.
Accommodation: Forest Rest House. Contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam Wildlife Division, Tezpur. Tourist Information Officer, Tezpur, Assam. Ph. (03712) 221016.

Nameri National Park: 35 km from Tezpur town, Nameri is the third National park of the State. Covering an area of 200 sq km, Nameri is the treasure house of many endangered species of wildlife like the White Winged Wood-Duck, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Elephant, Gaur, Indian wild Dog, four varieties of Hornbill and varieties of birds.

Assam Kaziranga National Park

In the heart of Assam, located on the banks of the mighty Brahamputra River, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds. With Open country covered mostly with elephant grass, Kaziranga gives visitors a chance to see the fauna at fairly close quarters.

Situated in Jorhat Nawgaon district, the Kaziranga National Park extends over an area of 430 sq. km. It is bounded by the Mikir Hills on the South and Bramhaputra River on the north. The park, 217 km from the capital of Assam, Guwahati was declared a Wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and accorded the status of a National Park in 1974. The park divided into central, eastern and western sectors consists of semi- evergreen-forested highlands, rivulets, marshes and extensive plains covered with tall elephant grass up to 6 metres high.

The park is famous for Indian one horned rhinoceros, which can reach a height of over two metres and weigh more than two tonnes. The area was declared a game reserve in 1908 to save the one-horned rhino. The total number of rhinoceros in the park totals more than a thousand which is 70 percent of the total population of this species in the country.

The park also has elephants, swamp or wild buffalo (Over 70% of the world population), swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, sambar/ Hoolock gibbon, pythons, civet cat, wild boar and tigers. There is a rich variety of fresh water fowls, over 450 species of woodland and grassland birds of which 18 species are globally threatened. Birds like the egrets, pond herons, river tern, black necked storks, pelican, partridges, Bengal florican stork, pied hornbill, fishing eagle are found in abundance. The river here has the gharial (fish eating crocodile) and dolphins.

March - April is best for animal sightings. Trained elephants are available as mounts for seeing the rhinos at close range. Elephant rides which last around one hour, should be booked the previous evening at the park administrative Centre in Kohora.

How to get there

Air : The nearest airports are at Jorhat, 97-km and Guwahati, 217-km away from the park. Jorhat has direct flights to Kolkata.

Rail : The nearest railhead is Furkating, situated 75-km away from the park and Jorhat.

Road : The main gate for Kaziranga, at Kohora is on the National Highway. ASTC and private buses stop here on their way to and from Guwahati, Tezpur and Upper Assam; some private buses retain a seat quota for Kaziranga passengers. The 4-hour drive from Guwahati along the Bramhaputra south bank on the NH37 passes Dispur, Nowgong and Bagjan to the park entrances at Kohora and Baguri.

Accommodation :

- Govt. Tourist Lodge - Bonashree Lodge - Aranya lodge - Kunjaban lodg - Bonani Lodge

For reservation contact :

Joint Director of Tourism,
Govt. of Assam,
Kaziranga National Park,
Ph. (0376) 22662429 / 423

Other Accommodation :

Wild Grass Resort.
Ph. 2546827 (Guwahati), (03776) 262085 (Kaziranga), Fax. (0361) 2630465(Guwahati)

GL`s Resort
Ph. (0361) 2544355-57,

Phulaguri - (03672) 299263, 210001

Note : The Department of Forest, Government of Assam charges fees for toll, elephant ride and for cameras. For payment and rates, contact Forest Range Office, Kohora, Kaziranga National Park or India Tourism Guwahati.