Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve

Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve is one of India’s most important elephant landscapes. Located in central Assam, the reserve combines the floodplains of the Brahmaputra with the forested Karbi Anglong hills, providing elephants with a vast, connected habitat. During the annual monsoon floods, elephants and many other wild animals move from Kaziranga’s grasslands to the higher elevations of Karbi Anglong, making this landscape one of the country’s most critical wildlife corridors.

Location

The reserve extends across Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam. It lies between the Brahmaputra floodplains and the Karbi Anglong hill ranges.

Brief History

The reserve was officially notified on 17 April 2003 under Project Elephant. It was established to conserve elephant habitats, secure migratory routes between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong hills, and strengthen landscape-level conservation in central Assam.

Description

• State: Assam
• Notification: 17 April 2003
• Total Area: 3,270 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: North-East India
• Elevation: Approximately 27–1,361 metres above mean sea level

Forest Divisions

• Eastern Assam Wildlife Division
• Golaghat Forest Division
• Karbi Anglong East Forest Division
• Nagaon Forest Division
• Nagaon South Forest Division

Protected Areas

• Kaziranga National Park
• Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
• Several adjoining Reserve Forests

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve encompasses a remarkable variety of ecosystems, including tall alluvial grasslands, wetlands, riverine forests and evergreen hill forests. Major forest types include:

• Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
• Kayea Forest
• Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-evergreen Forest
• Secondary Moist Bamboo Brakes

The combination of floodplain grasslands and forested hills creates ideal habitat for elephants and numerous other large mammals.

Flora

Important vegetation includes Hollong, Nahor, Sam, Simul, Ajhar, Bamboo, Cane, Elephant Grass and extensive riparian vegetation along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
• Bengal Tiger
• Wild Water Buffalo
• Eastern Swamp Deer
• Leopard
• Clouded Leopard
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Capped Langur
• Gaur
• More than 500 bird species

Elephant Conservation

The Karbi Anglong hills serve as vital high-ground refuges for elephants during the annual floods in Kaziranga. Maintaining these natural corridors is essential for elephant movement, population connectivity and the long-term survival of wildlife across the landscape.

Weather

• Summer: 24–35°C
• Winter: 10–24°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 2,000–2,500 mm

Best Time to Visit

November to April, after floodwaters recede and before the onset of the southwest monsoon.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Jorhat
• Other Airports: Tezpur and Guwahati
• Nearest Railway Stations: Furkating and Jakhalabandha
• By Road: National Highway 715 connects the reserve with Guwahati, Jorhat and other major towns.

Where to Stay

• Assam Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to availability)
• Government-approved eco-tourism facilities near Kaziranga National Park

Nearby Attractions

• Kaziranga National Park
• Kaziranga Tiger Reserve
• Karbi Anglong Hills
• Kakochang Waterfall
• Orang National Park

Did You Know?

Every monsoon, elephants, rhinos, tigers and other wildlife migrate from Kaziranga’s floodplains to the Karbi Anglong hills. This natural movement is one of India’s most important examples of seasonal wildlife migration and highlights the importance of maintaining ecological corridors.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026