Driving to Kaziranga: Scenic Routes and Travel Tips

Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Nestled along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, alongside tigers, wild elephants, swamp deer, and over 450 species of birds. The park is divided into four ranges—Kohora (Central), Bagori (Western), Agaratoli (Eastern), and Burapahar (Ghorakati).

While flights and trains offer partial connectivity, driving to Kaziranga offers unmatched flexibility, scenic beauty, and immersive travel through Assam’s countryside. From lush tea gardens and small Assamese villages to the riverine charm of the Brahmaputra, a road trip to Kaziranga is more than just transit—it’s an experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know about driving to Kaziranga, including best routes from major cities, road conditions, stopovers, refueling stations, safety tips, and things to pack for the trip.

1. Where is Kaziranga Located?

• State: Assam
• Districts: Golaghat and Nagaon
• Entry Point: Kohora (NH 37)
• Coordinates: 26.5775° N, 93.1711° E
• Altitude: 40–80 meters above sea level

2. Why Choose to Drive to Kaziranga?

• Flexible Schedule: No dependency on train or bus timings
• Scenic Landscape: Brahmaputra river views, tea gardens, forest roads
• Offbeat Stops: Explore villages, monasteries, and river islands
• Family Friendly: Comfortable for kids and seniors with rest stops
• Budget Efficiency: More affordable than multiple flight/train tickets for groups

3. Best Entry Gate for Road Trips: Kohora Gate

• Located directly on National Highway 37 (NH 37)
• Hub for hotels, jeep safaris, booking counters, and restaurants
• Ideal for first-time visitors and families
• Bagori and Burapahar gates are 10–30 km from Kohora

4. Major Road Routes to Kaziranga

Here are the best driving routes to Kaziranga from key Northeast cities:

A. Guwahati to Kaziranga

• Distance: ~220 km
• Time: 5–6 hours
• Route: Guwahati → Jagiroad → Nagaon → Jakhalabandha → Kohora

Why Choose This Route?

• Smooth and well-maintained 4-lane highway (NH 27, then NH 37)
• Several petrol stations, dhabas, and repair shops
• Scenic riverside stretches and forest patches
• Ideal for first-time road trippers

B. Jorhat to Kaziranga

• Distance: ~90 km
• Time: 2–2.5 hours
• Route: Jorhat → Dergaon → Numaligarh → Kohora

Highlights:

• Drive through tea estates, Assamese villages, and bamboo groves
• Stopover at Numaligarh Oil Township for a quick bite

C. Tezpur to Kaziranga

• Distance: ~75 km
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Route: Tezpur → Kaliabor → Jakhalabandha → Kohora

Why It’s Great:

• Shortest drive among major hubs
• Road crosses river bridges and mustard fields

D. Shillong to Kaziranga

• Distance: ~280 km
• Time: 7–8 hours
• Route: Shillong → Nongpoh → Guwahati → Nagaon → Kohora

Travel Tip:

• Break your journey with an overnight stay in Guwahati

E. Dibrugarh to Kaziranga

• Distance: ~250 km
• Time: 6–7 hours
• Route: Dibrugarh → Sivasagar → Jorhat → Numaligarh → Kohora

Road Type: National highway, mostly 2-lane but motorable

Scenic Points: Tea estates, temples, Brahmaputra bridges

5. Recommended Vehicles

6. Road Conditions and Tips by Segment

7. Fuel Stations and Mechanics

Tip: Keep tank at least 50% full between Nagaon and Jorhat.

8. Toll Gates and Costs

Ensure FASTag is active. Manual lanes are slower.

9. Suggested Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Start from Guwahati early morning

• Breakfast near Nagaon
• Arrive at Kaziranga by lunch
• Relax at resort, visit Orchid Park

Day 2:

• Early morning Jeep Safari
• Afternoon: Tea garden tour or visit Bagori range
• Local dinner at Kohora town

Day 3:

• Return to Guwahati or head towards Jorhat/Majuli

10. Food and Rest Stops

11. Accommodation Options for Drivers

12. What to Pack for the Drive

• Valid driving license, vehicle papers, FASTag
• Offline Google Maps
• Power bank, charger, USB music
• First-aid kit, torch, tissue roll
• Bottled water, dry snacks
• Printed hotel/safari booking vouchers

13. Safety & Emergency Contacts

14. Local Driving Guidelines

• Drive on the left side
• Avoid overspeeding in wildlife zones
• Don’t honk unnecessarily near animal corridors
• Use low-beam lights at night
• Check vehicle lights, tyres, brakes before starting
• Avoid driving after 7 PM, especially in fog or monsoon

15. Best Time for Driving to Kaziranga

16. Budget Estimate for Road Trip (from Guwahati)

Total (for 2 travelers): ₹7,000–₹12,000 (varies by hotel and car type)

17. Driving to Other Gates of Kaziranga

18. Final Thoughts: Is Driving to Kaziranga Worth It?

Absolutely.
Driving to Kaziranga offers not just the ease of flexible travel, but also a chance to experience Assam’s countryside, local culture, and landscapes at your own pace. Whether you start from Guwahati, Jorhat, or Tezpur, the journey is filled with scenic beauty, wildlife corridors, and heartwarming local hospitality.

From wildlife photographers to road trip enthusiasts and families looking for a comfortable getaway, Kaziranga by road is safe, enjoyable, and memorable—with well-developed infrastructure supporting your drive.

Zogyy Road Trip Tip

“Start your journey at sunrise, make breakfast stop at Nagaon, and reach Kaziranga by lunchtime. This gives you time for a short orchid park visit or a village walk before dinner by the forest.”