Kaziranga (Part 1) | Meghalaya (Part 2)
As the saying goes, “All is well if it ends well. ” The year 2018 could not have ended better. It was a memorable trip that I will cherish for a very long time. This trip is surely a spoiler for me. It has given me a taste of luxury.
What else do you want to call a perfect holiday start – an upgrade to business class, a drink in hand, a menu card on your side, and a stunning view of Mt Everest? I couldn’t have asked for more.
We have been planning this trip for a long time. In 2012, our bookings to Kaziranga were canceled due to Rhino counting (census), and from that time, we knew we would come to Assam again only for Kaziranga.
So, we planned this week’s long trip to Assam (for Kaziranga) and Meghalaya (for Cherrapunji). We landed in Guwahati and immediately proceeded to Kaziranga. It took 7 hrs approx (lunch break in between) for us to reach our stay – Infinity Resort. It was a beautiful resort, and so was our room. As it was almost late evening when we reached the hotel, so we decided to have an early dinner and rest our day.
Day 2 – The next morning at 4.00 AM, a jeep came to pick us up for our Elephant Safari to the Western Region. The forest is divided into four regions for safaris.
- Western Region – Elephant safari is done only in this region. Jeep Safari is also available. It is the best region for spotting animals.
- Central – Region – Only Jeep Safaris.
- Eastern Region – Only Jeep Safaris. Best if one is fond of bird watching. Different types of migratory species of birds are spotted here.
- Burapahar – Best for trekking and bird lovers.
Our Safari started at 4.30 AM, it was still dark, and we were in the dense forest. Sitting on Elephant and exploring such a deep forest in the cold morning is itself an experience. And I would say it is a bonus if you spot animals. The tall elephant grass, marshland, and river were so beautiful. The water that was falling from the branches on your legs when the elephant was crossing the trees was simply amazing.
It is very easy to spot Rhinos, as the forest contains 2/3rd (approx. 1200) of the Indian Rhino (one-horned Rhino) of the World, but they are difficult to spot from close proximity.
We were very lucky to spot 8-10 Rhinos very closely.
After our successful Elephant safari, we returned to our Hotel. After breakfast, we went to Orchid & Bio Diversity Park.
After an early lunch, we went on our next round of Safari in a Jeep. We spotted many Rhinos, Wild Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Deer, and exotic birds.
Day 3- The Next morning, we went on a Nature Trail Walk. We later proceeded to our next destination, the state of Meghalaya.
Some Tips:
- Elephant Safari is a must; one should experience it.
- Carry Binoculars during Jeep Safari
- Always wear a jacket, cap, and gloves during elephant safari as iron rods get very cold to hold.