| The oldest sanctuary in Assam,
Kaziranga, on the south bank
of the Bramhaputra River, is world famous for its great Indian,
one-horned rhinocerous, of which there are plenty. Spread
across 430sq km, the sanctuary is a dazzling mosaic of dense
rainforest, tall elephant grass and swathes of reeds interspersed
with vast tracts of marshes and shallow pools that are a favourite
haunt of this celebrity pre-historic beast. Wild elephant,
hog deer and bara singha also abound. Book in advance for
at least a night's stay at the forest lodge to catch those
early morning views of the rhino from elephant back. Jeep
safaris are also arranged. The sanctuary is 217 km from Guwahati
and 96 km from Jorhat.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary,
a project Tiger Reserve and a World Heritage Site, is 176
km northwest of Guwahati. Denizens of the dense jungles
here include the one-horned rhinos, tigers, hispid hare,
gaurs, pygmy hogs and rare golden langurs. It's a paradise
for birdwatchers for it has a stunning selection of avian
life. Manas also offers excellent angling opportunities.
You can stay at the forest bungalow at Mathunguri inside
the forest.
Nameri National Park
Straddling the lush vistas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh,
Nameri National Park is ideal
for a leisurely angling vacation. The mahseer of this region
is legendary, particularly the golden mahseer. You can also
go river rafting. Nameri is also home to the clouded leopard,
tiger, Indian bison and capped langur amongst its wild inhabitants.
Orang Wildlife Sanctuary
With conditions as ideal as Kaziranga,
Orang Wildlife Sanctuary (150 km from Guwahati) its
miniature edition is home to the one-horned rhino.
Pabitora Sanctuary
If you're short on time you can visit the
Pabitoro Wildlife Sanctuary (close to Guwahati) to
see the one-horned rhino.
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