Kaziranga - Jeep Safari

 A couple of hours past midday, two open top Maruti Gypsy jeeps landed at the entrance to Borgos resort where we were staying. We got in while the forest officer explained the rigmarole. A short drive of 5 mins and we were entering the central part of Kaziranga sanctuary spread over 430 sq km in Assam.
The Forest officers examined our bags to ensure we carried no food. We drove into the forest at a slow speed keeping in the mind the speed limits so as not to disturb the animals. We stood on the open jeep which was a thrilling experience for us. There was dirt track to both our sides, the grounds were plain and we could see for stretches of miles. The shrubbery started growing taller and taller as we went deeper into the forest. The tree barks were brown in color with many branches that were bare of the leaves. The dense growth, dry now for several months without rain seemed to be waiting for the arrival of monsoon. Beyond the gnarled branches of the trees we could spot herds of deer grazing.

The brown twigs provided the perfect camouflage for the deer. A few deer with antlers steered on the road, looking at us with an expression of some wonder. The doe eyed mammal was beautiful. We spotted fawns standing close to the deer.

The jeep chugged quietly as the driver kept giving darting looks to spot wildlife. As the foliage closed in on us and the shrubbery grew in height affording protection for the hunters, we couldn’t help feeling a bit apprehensive jumping at the slightest sound as the sound of birds, insects and the rustle of the winds filled the space. We breathed enriched oxygen and didn’t even notice the dust from our jeeps tracks. The air was crisp and cool and the silence was deafening.

Around swamps and watering holes,we spotted wild buffalo, mother rhino with an adorable baby rhino. We spotted a a herd of swamp deer and other small animals all coexisting in perfect harmony. Wild buffaloes wallowed in the water and we could also post a Tusker bathing joyously in the water. Rhinos were dime a dozen.


The natural forest is a reserve to many birds of this region. Some of these birds are migratory and seasonal . We came across kingfishers, pelicans, cormorants, parrots, white necked eagles, and brown owlets.

The more we drove on, crossing wooden bridges, with small lookouts made with bamboo, the foliage few thicker and the air cooler. We felt that we had entered unfamiliar territory and at the mercy of nature.
Still trying to spot the elusive tiger, we came across a particular tree marked by sharp vertical marks in the bark. The forest officer pointed out that it is the tree used by tigers to sharpen their claws! The winding path wove us deeper and deeper into the forest. As we drove along side the river, we spotted turtles basking in a line and enjoying the setting sun. Across on the other side, hog deer and swamp deer enjoyed the banks along with rhinos and buffaloed and wild boars.

We also spotted a couple of otters. The Forest Officer spoke about spotting the tiger being a gift of nature ! While we were quite disappointed at not being able to spot one, it was not as disheartening and we felt comforted that at least his eyes may have been on us. As the setting sun rays started weakening the air became chiller. The rules of the sanctuary did not allow us to stay beyond 6pm. We had to exit the park before darkness descended. We stopped for a while and watched a flock of migrant cormorants swooping down towards the water.

Moving toward the exit, we saw 3 baby elephants, a mother deer and her lovely spotted fawn. The tiger remained elusive and remained a mystery! The sun set on Kaziranga for the day and bid adieu!

It was another terrific life experience amidst the spectacular flora spotting the available fauna. We resolved to do more wildlife tours.