Exploring Kaziranga National Park: An Unforgettable Adventure

Written by Lalduhawmi

 Sixth semester

Department of Political Science

Govt. Hrangbana College 

The Journey Begins

Our journey to Kaziranga National Park was an adventure in itself! We set out from Vanapa Hall, eager to explore the natural beauty of Assam. Our group consisted of 30 students from five different colleges: Govt. Hrangbana College, Pachhunga University College, Govt. Khawzawl College, Govt. Zirtiri Residential College, and Govt. Saitual College, all under the Nature Learning Centre, Mizoram. Each college was represented by three male and three female students, accompanied by five guides from the Nature Learning Centre, Champhai, Mizoram. The journey was officially flagged off by the Honourable Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister, Mr. Lalthansanga, on the morning of March 18, 2025, at 6:45 a.m.

What was supposed to be a one-and-a-half-day journey turned into a two-and-a-half-day odyssey due to mechanical problems with our bus and prolonged traffic jams. Despite spending 30 hours on the road, the anticipation and excitement only grew stronger.

Days 1 & 2: The Long Road to Kaziranga

Our journey started with great enthusiasm, but unexpected delays, including mechanical issues and heavy traffic, slowed us down. After two days on the road, we finally reached our destination, the Forest Guest House in Kaziranga, at around 9:00 p.m. on the second day. Though exhausted, we were thrilled to begin our adventure the next morning.

Day 3: Elephant Ride and Jeep Safari

Our exploration of Kaziranga began early in the morning at 4:45 a.m. with an elephant ride. This provided a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife as we moved through the grasslands. We had the incredible opportunity to witness majestic rhinoceroses, graceful deer, and even a massive python basking in the sun.

Later in the day, we embarked on an exhilarating jeep safari, which allowed us to traverse diverse landscapes and spot a variety of animals, including Asian elephants, wild boars, and an impressive array of bird species.

Day 4: Orchid Park and Guwahati

On our final day in Kaziranga, we visited the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park. The park, home to over 600 species of wild orchids, left us in awe. We also explored the Assam State Museum, where we observed traditional Assamese cultural artifacts, including weapons and musical instruments.

A highlight of the day was visiting Bamboo Park, which featured over 70 species of bamboo. I personally had the chance to create a clay pot—a new and enriching experience—thanks to our wonderful guides!

During lunch, we were entertained by a captivating Assamese folk dance performance. This sparked a thought-provoking discussion among our group: why isn’t our rich cultural heritage promoted more extensively?

After a memorable morning, we bid farewell to Kaziranga and headed to Guwahati, arriving at the Assam Forest School around 10:00 p.m.

Day 5: Vulture Conservation, Assam National Zoo, and Departure

 Our final day in Assam was packed with enriching experiences. We started by visiting the Vulture Breeding Centre at BNHS Assam, where Mr. Sachin Ranade, Assistant Director of BNHS, gave an insightful PowerPoint presentation on the importance of vulture conservation and breeding efforts.

Next, we arrived at the Assam National Zoo around noon. The zoo staff presented another informative session on animal care and management, highlighting their initiatives in treating sick animals and ensuring their well-being.

We then explored the zoo, marveling at a diverse range of species, including birds, snakes, deer, monkeys, giraffes, leopards, bears, wild cats, black panthers, and ostriches. Unfortunately, we missed the lion and tiger enclosures, as they were closed on Fridays.

Before concluding our journey, we had some time for shopping, which was a welcome break in our packed schedule. We then returned to the Assam Forest School for a delicious dinner before setting off for Mizoram at 9:45 p.m. on March 21, 2025. After another long journey, we reached Aizawl on March 22, 2025 at around 8:30 p.m.

Reflections and Takeaways

As we concluded our visit, we reflected on the vital role of conservation in protecting biodiversity. Our experiences at Kaziranga National Park, the Vulture Breeding Centre, and the Assam National Zoo reinforced our appreciation for the natural world and the efforts made to preserve it. We also cherished the new friendships and unforgettable memories we made during the trip.

Recommendations

If you are a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or adventure seeker, Kaziranga National Park, the Vulture Breeding Centre, and the Assam National Zoo are must-visit destinations. These institutions provide invaluable opportunities to explore India’s rich natural heritage and learn about conservation efforts firsthand.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thanks to our college, Govt. Hrangbana College, our principal, and the Nature Learning Centre, Mizoram, for granting us this golden opportunity. Visiting such incredible places was a dream come true, and this experience will remain etched in our hearts forever.

List of student’s participants from Govt. Hrangbana College