The Kohora range in the centre is the default and the most reliable for rhino, with open grassland and water bodies close to the main road. If you only do one drive, do this one.

The Bagori range in the west runs a close second and is often the better of the two for herds of elephant alongside rhino, on similarly open ground. Its jeep safaris start earlier than the other ranges, which suits birders.

The Agaratoli range in the east is the birding zone, with numerous water bodies drawing waterfowl, storks, and raptors, and it is the range that offers boat-based viewing. Come here for pallas's fish eagle and the wetland species rather than for mammal numbers.

The Burapahar range is hillier and quieter, better for forest birds and a walk-focused visit than for the classic rhino-and-elephant drive.

Across all ranges, wild water buffalo — the genuine wild species, not the domestic animal — and eastern swamp deer are Kaziranga specialities worth learning to recognise. Tigers are present at high density but very rarely seen in this grass.

Safaris run in two fixed shifts, early morning and mid-afternoon, and the morning shift is meaningfully better for large mammals.

Practicalities

The park closes annually for the monsoon, reopening around the start of October and running to late spring — when the Brahmaputra floods, much of Kaziranga goes under water and the animals move to higher ground outside the park. November to April is the reliable window, with the cooler months best for both wildlife and comfort.

Book safaris in advance through the official system rather than on arrival in peak season, and note that ranges are sold individually, so a two- or three-night stay lets you cover the complementary strengths of Kohora, Bagori, and Agaratoli. Jorhat and Guwahati are the usual airports, with a road transfer of a few hours.