One of the most sought after wildlife holiday destinations in India, Kaziranga National park’s 430 square kilometer area sprinkled with elephant-grass meadows, swampy lagoons, and dense forests is home to more than 2200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros, approximately 2/3rd of their total world population. Formed in 1908 on the recommendation of Mary Curzon, the park is located in the edge of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots – Golaghat and Nagaon district.
In the year 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is said when Mary Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India – Lord Curzon of Kedleston, visited the park to see Indian one-horned rhinoceros; she wasn’t able to found even one. Then she persuaded her husband to take urgent measures to protect the dwindling species which he did by initiating planning for their protection. After a series of meetings and documentations, the Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was created with an area of 232 km2 (90 sq mi) in 1905.
Along with the iconic Greater one-horned rhinoceros, the park is the breeding ground of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Over the time, the tiger population has also increased in Kaziranga, and that’s the reason why Kaziranga was declared as Tiger Reserve in 2006. Also, the park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the conservation of avifaunal species. Birds like lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and Asian Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central Asia during the winter season.
Undoubtedly, the park is known for its good population of animals but more than that its the wildlife conservation initiatives that take place in the park are more popular. With its amazing wildlife conservation activities, the park has successfully managed to grow the population of Greater one-horned rhinoceros, an endangered species.
The vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests undoubtedly makes the park look beautiful but it’s the presence of Brahmaputra river, which makes it look enigmatic.
Arrive at Udaipur airport. Meet and assist and transfer to the hotel. Lunch enroute. O way the hotel, visit City Palace and the crystal art gallery( the gallery is inside the museum). Later (it is optional) take a boat ride to Lake Pichola and sound and light show at the museum ( it is optional). Check into the hotel- Jaiwana Haveli. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, set out for an excursion to Chittorgarh. ( 110 kms- approx 2-3 hours drive one way) . Enroute visit the Jagdish temple. The major attractions are the forts, towers and temples like Kalikamata temple, Vijay Stambh - the victory tower, Kirti stambh - the tower of pride and the Padmini Mahal, Chittorgarh fort, Meerabai temple. Lunch enroute. On the way back to Udaipur visit Sahelion Ki Bari in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, excursion to Haldighati, Eklingi and Nagda ( 70 kms- one way)
Haldighati is a historic site which witnessed the great legendary battle fought between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor- Akbar. Eklingi- complex of 108 temples which is worth watch. Nagda- Saas Bahu temple. On the way back visit Maharana Pratap memorial and Fateh Sagar Lake. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Mt. Abu.( 200 kms approx 4 to 5 hrs drive) On arrival, check into the hotel – Kishangarh house . Rest of the day for leisure/ rest. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, set out for Abu sightseeing:- Visit Nakki lake ( boat ride is optional) , Dilwara Jain temples- famous for its marble carving, Guru Shikar, Adhar Devi temple and Brahma Kumari Ashram. In the evening enjoy the sunset at the Banas river valley. Back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and leave for Udaipur airport. Lunch enroute. Depart for Mumbai...Tour ends...!!!
