Kaziranga National Park is in Assam, on the northeastern bank of the Brahmaputra River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which lives here in the largest numbers in the world. The main tourist entrance is located at Kohora, along NH 715 (formerly known as NH 37). Reaching Kaziranga is easy because the park is connected by air, rail and road, and you can choose the option that fits your budget and time.
Where Is Kaziranga National Park Located?
Kaziranga lies in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of central Assam. It spreads across a large area of grassland, wetland and forest in central Assam. The nearest town is Bokakhat, about 26 kilometres from the Kohora gate, and the nearest big towns are Jorhat, Golaghat and Nagaon. The park is divided into four main tourist zones, which are Kohora (Central), Bagori (Western), Agaratoli (Eastern) and Burapahar. Most visitors first reach Kohora, because hotels, resorts, gypsy safari booking counters, and the main Kaziranga entry gate are all close together there. Knowing this layout early helps you choose the right route, the right stay and the right safari zone.
How to Reach Kaziranga National Park by Air
Jorhat Airport, also known as Rowriah Airport, is the nearest airport to Kaziranga National Park. It is about 97 to 100 kilometres from Kohora, and a taxi usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Jorhat has flights from Kolkata, Delhi and a few other cities, though the number of flights is limited, so booking early is wise. Many travellers prefer Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which has far more flights from across India and some international routes. Guwahati is about 204 kilometres from Kaziranga, so you need to add a road journey of four hours after landing.
How to Reach Kaziranga National Park by Train
Furkating Junction is the nearest major railway station to Kaziranga National Park, at a distance of about 84 kilometres. Trains from Guwahati, Dibrugarh and other Assam towns stop here, and from the station you can hire a taxi or take a local vehicle to Kohora in about two hours. Guwahati Railway Station is the biggest rail hub in the Northeast, and it connects directly with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and many other cities. From Guwahati, you can either take another train towards Furkating or go by road. Dimapur Railway Station in Nagaland is also a good option, about 151 kilometres away.
How to Reach Kaziranga by Road
Road travel is the most popular way to reach Kaziranga, because the route is smooth and the views are beautiful. The park lies directly on National Highway 715, which was earlier known as NH 37, and this highway links Guwahati with Upper Assam. The drive from Guwahati to Kaziranga is around 204 kilometres and takes four hours, depending on traffic and stops. You will pass through Nagaon and Bokakhat before reaching the Kohora gate. You can go by private car, taxi, self-drive rental or bus. The highway also runs along the edge of the park, so drive slowly, as animals sometimes cross the road, especially during the monsoon.
Other Airports Near Kaziranga
Apart from Jorhat and Guwahati, a few more airports can also work for your trip. Tezpur Airport at Salonibari is roughly 75 kilometres away, but flight services there are very limited. Dibrugarh Airport in Upper Assam is another option if you are combining Kaziranga with tea gardens or Majuli, though it is farther away. Dimapur Airport in Nagaland is around 158 kilometres from the park, and it can be useful when you are travelling from Kohima or Nagaland. For most tourists, Jorhat is the most comfortable choice for short travel time, while Guwahati is the best choice for cheaper fares and more flight options.
Guwahati to Kaziranga by Bus and Taxi
Many people ask how to travel from Guwahati to Kaziranga on a budget. Buses run from Paltan Bazaar and ISBT in Guwahati to Bokakhat, Golaghat and Jorhat, and Assam State Transport Corporation as well as private operators provide the service. If you take a bus, get down at Kohora or Bokakhat, and then use a local auto or taxi for the rest of the way. A private taxi from Guwahati is more comfortable, especially for families, and many drivers also offer Kaziranga packages with stay and safari. Starting early in the morning is a smart idea so that you reach the park by afternoon and can rest before your first safari.
Reaching Kaziranga from Other Cities in Assam and Northeast
Travellers often plan Kaziranga along with other places in the Northeast, so route knowledge matters. From Jorhat, the park is about 97 to 100 kilometres away, and the drive takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. From Tezpur, you can cross the Brahmaputra via the Kolia Bhomora Bridge and reach Kaziranga in about two hours. From Shillong in Meghalaya, the distance is nearly 270 kilometres through Guwahati, which means a long day on the road. From Dibrugarh, expect a drive of five hours. If you are coming from Nagaland, Dimapur is the closest starting point. Shared Sumo vehicles and buses also run on many of these routes.
How to Reach Kaziranga from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru
For travellers from far-away cities, the easiest plan is to fly to Guwahati or Jorhat and continue by road. From Delhi, direct flights to Guwahati take about two and a half to three hours, and some flights connect to Jorhat as well. From Kolkata, both Guwahati and Jorhat are reachable by flight in about one and a half hours. From Mumbai and Bengaluru, most flights go to Guwahati, sometimes with a stop. Long-distance trains such as the Rajdhani and Northeast Express services run to Guwahati, but the train journey from Delhi takes a full day or more. Flying saves time, while trains suit people who enjoy long scenic travel.
Local Transport Inside and Around Kaziranga
Once you reach Kohora, you will find auto-rickshaws, taxis and rented cars, and most resorts can arrange pickup and drop for you. To enter the park itself, you need to take a jeep safari, because private vehicles are generally not allowed inside the core area. Jeep safaris run in the morning and afternoon slots in the Central, Western and Eastern ranges, and you pay a separate entry fee, vehicle fee and guide fee. Elephant safaris, where available, are conducted early in the morning near Kohora and Bagori and should be booked in advance.
Best Time to Visit Kaziranga and Travel Conditions
Kaziranga is usually open for tourists from October to May, and the park is closed during the monsoon months because the Brahmaputra floods large parts of it. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is cool, the grass is thinner, and animal sightings are better. March and April are warmer but still good for seeing elephants, wild buffalo and swamp deer. Roads are in the best condition during these months, and train and flight tickets are also easier to plan. During the rainy season, the highway can face waterlogging, and animals move towards the Karbi Anglong hills, so always check the park status before booking.
Where to Stay Near Kaziranga National Park
Most accommodation is clustered around Kohora, Bokakhat and along NH 715, so it is easy to find a place that is close to the main gate. You will find budget lodges, homestays, mid-range hotels, jungle resorts and a few luxury properties, and many of them include meals, safari booking and airport pickup. Booking your stay in advance matters during the peak season from December to February, because rooms fill up quickly. If you arrive late at night, tell your hotel in advance, since the highway is quiet after dark. Staying near Kohora saves travel time, and it helps you reach the safari gate early, which is when wildlife is most active.
Travel Tips Before You Go
A little preparation makes your Kaziranga trip smoother. Keep these tips in mind before you leave:
- Carry a valid photo ID. It is required for booking safaris and hotels. Foreign visitors should carry their passport and visa.
- Book safaris early. Jeep and elephant safaris fill up fast in the season, and morning slots sell out first.
- Wear the right clothes. Choose light, earthy colours like green, brown or khaki. Avoid bright colours, because they can disturb the animals.
- Pack the basics. Carry a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens.
- Keep warm clothes ready. Winter mornings can be foggy and cold, so keep a jacket handy.
- Follow the guide’s instructions. Never step out of the jeep, and avoid loud noise or sudden movement.
- Plan for a weak mobile network. Signals can be poor in some areas, so download offline maps before you reach the park.
- Keep some cash. It helps for small purchases, local snacks and tips, since digital payment may not work everywhere.