Assam is synonymous with the picturesque Brahmaputra Valley and the Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the Indian one-horned rhino. This park is so rich in bio-diversity that it has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site. You can also see the wild buffalos, large herds of elephants, several types of deer, hoolock gibbons, and the rare tiger, if you are lucky.

An elephant-back safari on the banks of the Brahmaputra is a must and it is also the best way to observe the rhinos from extremely close range. The lush greenery all around you and the enormous river, which is so wide that you cannot see the other bank, is an experience you will never forget. Birdwatchers also have a field day here as the park has over 300 species of birds, including the rare Bengal Florican.

How to get to Kaziranga:
Nearest airport: Guwahati or Jorhat

Nearest station:  Jorhat - taxis and buses available from there.
By road: Take the NH37 from Guwahati or Jorhat.

When to go:
Nov to Apr.

Permits:
DFO Forest Office, Bokakhat, Tel: 03776-268007.

MANAS NATIONAL PARK

This is another beautiful National Park of Assam on the north bank of the Brahmaputra. Tragically due to rampant poaching the rhinos have become extinct here. The tiger population is quite high, however, and you can also see the rare golden langur, hispid hare, red panda, wild buffalo, hog deer and other deer species. It is also an excellent place for bird watching.

Apart from wildlife watching you can also visit the neighbouring tea estates, visit Bodo villages where you can shop for handicrafts and see folk dances, and go for boat rides on the Manas river. 

How to get to Manas:
Nearest airport: Guwahati ( 5hrs road journey from here).
Nearest station:  Barpeta  - taxis and buses available from there.
By road: Take the NH31 from Guwahati.

When to go: Nov to Apr.