Henry and Margaret had always dreamt of an adventure. Married for over forty years, the couple had traversed much of Europe and America, but their wanderlust led them to a desire for something more exotic. So, when they stumbled upon an article about Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India—home to the renowned one-horned rhinoceros and the majestic Royal Bengal tiger—they knew it was the next destination on their list.

They arrived in Assam in early November, eager to explore the vast and vibrant landscape that promised to be unlike anything they had ever seen. The air was crisp and cool, a pleasant contrast to the oppressive summer heat they had left behind. Their journey to Kaziranga National Park started with a drive from the state’s capital, Guwahati. As they travelled, they were greeted by a kaleidoscope of lush green tea gardens, mist-covered hills, and vibrant local markets.

Upon reaching the park, Henry and Margaret were awestruck by the sheer beauty of Kaziranga. Spanning approximately 430 square kilometres, the park boasted a diverse array of flora and fauna. Tall elephant grass swayed gently in the breeze, and the air was filled with the melodic calls of exotic birds. The couple checked into a quaint eco-lodge that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The wooden cabins, set amidst verdant gardens, provided a rustic yet comfortable retreat.

That evening, as they sat on their porch sipping Assamese tea, the distant roar of the Brahmaputra River was a constant reminder of nature’s omnipresence. Their host, Mr. Dutta, a knowledgeable and passionate conservationist, briefed them about the park’s ecosystem and the challenges it faced, especially during the monsoon season when the river swelled and inundated large parts of the park.

The following morning, Henry and Margaret embarked on their first safari. Their guide, Rajiv, was a young and enthusiastic naturalist with a deep love for the park. They set off in an open jeep just as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape to the elephant riding point. Rajiv dropped them there and both of them took the Elephant ride to visit the park. The Mahut ( the elephant handler) can speak good English as he used to take foreign tourists for the safari. They started the tour and the mahut goes on explaining. Margaret asked him one question after another.

The couple’s first encounter with wildlife came in the form of a herd of elephants. Henry marvelled at their sheer size and grace as they moved through the tall grass. Margaret, an avid photographer, clicked away, capturing the gentle giants against the backdrop of the misty dawn.

As they drove deeper into the park, Rajiv pointed out various species of birds, including the Great Hornbill and the Crested Serpent Eagle. But the highlight of the morning was their sighting of a one-horned rhinoceros. The massive creature grazed calmly by a waterhole, its armoured body glistening in the sunlight. Henry and Margaret watched in silent awe, appreciating the tranquillity of the moment. They soon saw a lot of barking deer buffaloes and wild pigs. The mahout told them that the wild pig is a dangerous animal and to keep their distance from them

The couple’s quest to see the Royal Bengal tiger, however, proved to be more elusive. The Mahut explained that tigers were solitary and territorial creatures, often hard to spot due to their nocturnal habits and the dense foliage of the park. Undeterred, Henry and Margaret signed up for an evening jeep safari, hoping that dusk would bring them better luck.( TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat chandra sarmah

Guewahati 07/06/2024

Mail ID: rajatchandrasarmah@ gmail .com