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.
Meet and greet by our representative at Srinagar Airport. He will assist and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, set out for Srinagar sightseeing- Mughal Gardens, all the gardens are situated on the banks of the Dal Lake with Zabarwan Hills in the background. Visit Dal lake Shikara ride, speed boat ride, Char Chinar Island. Post lunch visit the highest point of Srinagar at Shankaracharya hill and the holy temple followed by the famous Nishat Bagh. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast set out for Sonmarg (Meadow Of Gold). The Distance of about 83 Kms, will be covered in approx 3 hrs. Sonmarg lies in the Sindh valley streamed with flowers and surrounded by mountains. Sonmarg is also the base for some interesting treks to the high altitude Himalayan lakes. One can take a horse ride to visit Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains throughout the year. In the evening drive back from Sonmarg. Dinner and overnight at the hotel..
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Pahalgam (The Valley Of Shepherds).The total distance is about 96 Kms, will be covered in approx 3 hours. En-Route, visit the Saffron fields of Pampore, Awantipura Ruins (1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by the King Awantivarman), enjoy the beautiful countryside. Drive through the pine forests. Arrive at Pahalgam and enjoy Lidder Stream. Optional – You can visit the 2 valleys- Aru and Chandanwari, do horse riding and view other valleys from these points. Later walk along the pony trails with a magnificent view of the mountains. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast check out of the hotel and leave for Gulmarg (Meadow Of Flowers) 2730 Mts. above the sea level. The distance of 130 kms will be covered in approx 5 hours. Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world and highest golf course with 18 holes. If the weather permits one can also take a view of the Nanga Parbat, the Naked Mountain that is over 26,000 ft and dominates the entire region, also (optional) enjoy a cable car (Gondola) for mountain ride upto Khilangmarg. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Gulmarg.
After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Srinagar Airport to take the return flight to Mumbai. Tour ends..
