Best months
Per-day budget
₹3,200–5,900/day
Getting there
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is the most important habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros in the world. The park covers 430 sq km of elephant grass, wetlands and forest along the Brahmaputra River and holds over 2,400 rhinos — roughly two-thirds of the global population. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with significant populations of tigers, elephants, wild buffalo and swamp deer. The park is divided into four safari zones — Kohora, Bagori, Agaratoli and Bura Chapori — each offering different wildlife experiences. The town of Kohora at the park entrance has the most budget accommodation and easy access to the central zone. The park is accessible from Guwahati by road and is best visited between November and April.
Plan your trip to Kaziranga Travel Guide — Rhino Safari on a Budget
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
Kaziranga offers the most reliable rhino sightings in India. The animals graze in the open grasslands and are easily visible from the safari vehicles. The park's tiger population is also significant, though harder to spot due to the tall grass. The elephant safari option — available in the Kohora zone — takes you deeper into the grassland where the animals are less disturbed by vehicles. Bird-watching in Kaziranga is world class, with over 500 species recorded, including the Bengal florican and the great Indian hornbill. The park remains open from November to April, with the central zone (Kohora) offering the most consistent sightings.
How to reach
Kaziranga is about 200 km east of Guwahati. Trains from Delhi to Guwahati take 12-14 hours (sleeper class ₹600-800). From Guwahati, buses to Kaziranga depart from the ASTC bus stand and take about 4-5 hours (₹200-400). Confirm current fares and frequency locally before setting out. Shared sumos from Guwahati to Kohora charge ₹400-600 per person and are faster at about 4 hours. The nearest airport is Jorhat, about 90 km from Kaziranga, with flights from Delhi and Kolkata. From Jorhat, a shared taxi to Kohora takes about 1.5 hours. The park's main entry gate is at Kohora village, where most budget lodges and the forest department booking office are located.
What a day costs
| Budget lodge near Kohora | ₹500–1,000 |
| Food (Assamese thali) | ₹200–400 |
| Jeep safari per person | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Elephant safari per person | ₹1,500–2,500 |
When to go
November to April is the safari season. November to February has cool weather and the grass is lower, making wildlife spotting easier. March to April is warmer but has good sighting opportunities. The park is closed from May to October for the monsoon and the breeding season. The first-light safari (5:30 AM) offers the best wildlife activity and light for photography. The afternoon safari (1 PM) is hotter but sighting odds remain good. For the most comfortable experience, visit in November-December when the weather is cool and the grass is at its shortest.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Afternoon Safari
Arrive in Kohora from Guwahati or Jorhat by midday. Check into a budget lodge near the park entrance. Book your safaris for the next day at the Kohora forest office or online. Take a walk around the Kohora area in the evening — the small market and the tea estates nearby.
Day 2: Full Day Safaris
Take the morning safari (5:30-9:30 AM) in the Kohora or Bagori zone — this is the best slot for rhino and bird sightings. Rest at the lodge during midday. Take the afternoon safari (1-4 PM) in a different zone — Agaratoli or Bura Chapori. Return to the lodge by late afternoon.
Day 3: Elephant Safari and Depart
Take the early morning elephant safari in the Kohora zone (₹1,500-2,500, 1.5 hours) — the elephant ride gets you closer to rhinos without vehicle noise. Return to the lodge by breakfast. Visit the Kaziranga National Park museum and the nearby orchid park before departing.
Student hacks
- ▸Book safaris through the official Assam Forest Department portal rather than through hotel touts — you save ₹300-500 per safari.
- ▸The Kohora zone has the highest rhino density — book this zone for the best sighting odds.
- ▸Share a jeep safari with other travellers from your lodge to split the cost (6 people per jeep).
- ▸The morning safari (5:30 AM) has better wildlife activity and is cooler than the afternoon one.
- ▸Stay in Kohora village rather than inside the park — budget lodges start at ₹500 and are a short walk from the entry gate.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need a special permit beyond the safari booking. Safari slots must be booked online through the Assam Forest Department website or at the Kohora range office on the day before. The official portal is kaziranga.nptr.in (bookings also run through the Assam government Sewa Setu portal) — book two to three weeks ahead in peak season. Jeep safaris are shared (up to 6 people) and cost ₹1,000-2,000 per person depending on the zone and season. Elephant safaris cost ₹1,500-2,500 per person and are more limited. The park interior is safe inside the safari vehicles. The main safety concern is the elephant safari — the animals walk through tall grass and the ride can be bumpy. ATMs are available in Kohora. Mobile network is good in the Kohora area.
FAQs
How do I reach Kaziranga from Guwahati?
Buses from Guwahati ASTC bus stand to Kaziranga take 4-5 hours (₹200-400). Shared sumos from Guwahati to Kohora cost ₹400-600 and take 4 hours.
What is the best zone for rhino sightings?
The Kohora zone (central) has the highest concentration of rhinos. The Bagori zone (western) is also good. Agaratoli (eastern) is best for birds.
How do I book a safari at Kaziranga?
Book online through the Assam Forest Department portal. Slots open 30 days in advance. You can also book in person at the Kohora range office the day before.
Is the elephant safari better than the jeep safari?
The elephant safari gets you closer to wildlife because elephants are less disturbing to animals. But it is more expensive and seats are limited. The jeep safari covers more ground.
When is Kaziranga National Park open?
The park is open from November to April. It is closed from May to October for monsoon. All four zones operate during the open season.
Is Kaziranga safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Kohora village has budget lodges and the safari operations are well organised. Most safaris are shared, so you will join a group for each ride.