What about quick facts?

- Park area: 430 sq km - Rhino population: 2,600 plus (highest in the world) - Tiger population: around 120 (one of highest densities in India) - Open season: November 1 to April 30 (closed in monsoon) - Nearest airport: Guwahati (GAU), 220 km, 4 to 5 hour drive - Nearest railway: Furkating (FKG), 1 hour by road

What about the four safari zones?

Kaziranga is divided into zones. Each has different wildlife density, terrain, and vibe.

What about 1. central zone (kohora)?

The most popular. Open grassland, highest rhino density, best overall animal sightings.

What about 2. western zone (bagori)?

Second most popular. Also rhino-heavy, with better chances of wild elephants. Slightly less crowded than Central.

What about 3. eastern zone (agoratoli)?

Quieter, forested, best for bird watchers and those wanting fewer safari jeeps around.

What about 4. burhapahar zone?

The least visited, most rugged. Forest and hills. Best chance for tiger sightings. Low animal density otherwise.

What about jeep safari?

Most popular. 2.5 hour slot per safari. Morning (6:30 to 9:30 am) and afternoon (1:30 to 4:30 pm).

What about elephant safari?

1 hour ride through the Mihimukh area. Only morning (5:30 to 7:00 am). Limited tickets, book the evening before.

What about boat safari?

Brahmaputra river safari. 1.5 hours. Great for dolphins, bird watching.

- Arrive Kaziranga by 4 pm - Check into your stay at Kohora - Afternoon elephant safari booking at the counter for tomorrow - Dinner

- 5:30 am: elephant safari at Mihimukh (if booked) - 8:00 am: breakfast - 9:30 am: Central Zone jeep safari - 1:30 pm: Western Zone jeep safari - Evening at the orchid and biodiversity park

- 5:30 am: Eastern or Burhapahar zone jeep safari - Return by 9 am - Drive to next destination (Guwahati or Shillong)

What about best time to visit?

- November to February: Dry, cool, clear days. Peak season. Book 3 weeks ahead. - March to April: Warmer, tall grass cut, good visibility, smaller crowds. - Closed: May 1 to October 31 (monsoon, park flooded)

What about where to stay?

Most stays cluster in Kohora (Central Zone gateway) and Bagori (Western Zone).

What about combining with meghalaya?

The most common route: Fly into Guwahati, drive to Shillong for 3 to 4 nights, then to Kaziranga for 2 nights, then back to Guwahati. Full 7-day Assam plus Meghalaya trip.

1. Book safaris through the Forest Department counter, not agents. Cheaper and legitimate. 2. Wear dull colours (khaki, olive, brown). Bright colours spook animals. 3. Bring a zoom lens. 200 mm is minimum for good rhino shots. 4. Carry cash. UPI works at the gate but not at the counter. 5. Do not feed or get close to the rhinos. They are fast and aggressive.

What about budget estimate (per person, two sharing)?

Not including the Guwahati flight.

What about what to skip?

- Shopping at the craft centres (overpriced) - "Gharial breeding centre" detour (not in the park) - "Tea garden safari" (it is just tea plants, not a safari)

What about for property owners?

If you own a homestay in any of the destinations covered above, Fursat lists you on Airbnb, Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Agoda, Expedia, and 60+ other booking platforms with one signup. Free channel manager, calendar synced, you earn the price you set.

Journal/Travel Guides

9 min read · 6 June 2026

Kaziranga Safari Guide 2026. Rhinos, Zones, Stays

Kaziranga has two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinos, four safari zones, and is 4 hours from Guwahati. Here is the real guide to planning the trip.

Sneha Surana

Operations lead at Fursat — curates every homestay on the platform and handles bookings end to end.

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