“From misty morning safaris to bonfire nights with friends, Day 2 in Kaziranga felt like reliving childhood dreams inside a real-life jungle documentary.” — TravelWithSurajit
🐘 Day 2 – Kaziranga Safari | Childhood Wonder in the Wild
🌅 Morning Wake-Up – When Excitement Defeats Sleep
We woke up around 6:00 AM, long before the sun fully rose over Kaziranga. Although the beds were comfortable, excitement was far stronger than sleep. After all, today was the day we had been dreaming about since planning this trip — our first Kaziranga Jungle Safari.
While the forest outside was still quiet, our hotel slowly came alive with footsteps, sleepy voices, and the sound of water running in bathrooms. After freshening up, we gathered for a simple yet satisfying breakfast. The hotel kitchen prepared roti, vegetable curry, and boiled eggs, which we finished by around 7:30 AM.
Interestingly, some of the kids — especially Ishan and Jiya — decided to skip their bath in the morning. Instead, they planned to freshen up after returning from the safari, because for them, wildlife adventure mattered more than morning routines.
🚙 Jeeps Waiting Under the Bright Assam Sun
By the time we stepped outside, the morning sun was already bright and cheerful. All three safari jeeps were waiting in front of the hotel, engines ready, drivers smiling, and the forest calling us.
Since a single jeep allows a maximum of six passengers, we divided ourselves into three groups:
- 🚗 Jeep 1: Joy and Indra with their families, so that Jiya and Ishan could be managed comfortably
- 🚗 Jeep 2: Sougata and Papai with the three kids — Diya, Titli, and Adrija
- 🚗 Jeep 3: Me, Babu, Suchismita, Monika, and Mou
However, reality has its own humor. While our jeep was full of enthusiastic travelers, our three ladies were too busy talking and laughing, and because of that, we missed spotting many birds. So later, for the afternoon safari, I switched jeeps with Sougata, while Papai joined the ladies.
While waiting for everyone to come out, I took the opportunity to capture candid moments with my DSLR — sleepy faces, excited kids, and the three jeeps lined up against the morning sky. These small moments later became priceless memories.
⛽ A Tiny Stop Before Entering the Wild
Around 7:40 AM, we finally started our safari journey. However, just two or three minutes later, our convoy made a quick stop at a nearby petrol pump. It felt funny to fuel up just before entering the jungle, but it also reminded us that even adventures need practical preparation.
🐯 A Dream Come True in Kaziranga
We had woken up before sunrise, not because we had to, but because we wanted to. For all of us, Kaziranga Safari was not just another tourist activity — it was a childhood dream coming alive.
From watching wildlife documentaries on television to finally entering a real jungle in open jeeps — this moment felt surreal. As the vehicles moved toward the forest gates, the excitement inside us was silent yet intense.
And this was only the beginning of a day that would stay in our memories forever.
🌳 Entering Kohora Range – Where the Forest First Spoke to Us
🚧 Mihimukh Checkpost – The Gateway to the Wild
By the time we reached Mihimukh Checkpost around 8:00 AM, a small queue had already formed for security passes. While the paperwork for all three jeeps took almost 30 minutes, none of us felt impatient. Instead, something magical was happening right in front of our eyes.
Just beside the road, we saw several wild elephants walking peacefully with their families. It felt unreal — almost like how cows roam freely in villages in West Bengal, but here it was elephants, in their natural kingdom.
Naturally, all cameras came out — mobiles, DSLRs, and even GoPros. At the same time, we spotted a forest hen crossing the road, and once again, everyone started clicking photos and recording videos like excited children.
Papai and I were carrying DSLR cameras, while Joy and Indra also brought their own cameras—though simpler ones compared to our DSLRs. Others preferred using their mobiles to capture spontaneous memories.
At that moment, we truly felt — this is not a zoo, this is real wilderness.
🌧️ When Rain Changed the Mood of the Jungle
As soon as we crossed the gate and entered deep into Kaziranga’s Kohora Range (Central Range), the sky suddenly turned dark. A light rain started falling, and sunlight disappeared completely.
At first, we were worried.
👉 Will rain spoil our safari?
👉 Will animals hide?
Although we had planned for an open jeep safari, we had to cover the jeeps with plastic sheets. The forest suddenly felt mysterious, silent, and cinematic — like a wildlife documentary scene.
However, due to the rain and gloomy weather, we couldn’t spot many animals during the initial drive toward the first watchtower.
🏞️ First Watchtower – Hope, Silence, and Disappointment
We reached our first watchtower around 8:55 AM. Because of the rain, only Joy, Indra, and I climbed to the top, while others stayed inside the jeeps. We promised them that if we spotted anything, we would call them immediately.
The watchtower was beside a large water body, where wild animals usually come to drink water. It looked perfect for wildlife photography. Unfortunately, bad weather meant no animals came out.
After waiting for a few minutes, we came back to the jeep.
It was a reminder that nature does not perform on demand.
🌫️ Second Watchtower – Open Grasslands & Silent Wilderness
We started toward the second watchtower around 9:10 AM. By the time we reached there at 9:55 AM, the rain had completely stopped. However, the sky remained cloudy, and sunlight never returned during the morning safari.
This watchtower was special.
Unlike the first one, it was surrounded by vast open grasslands with a large water body and fewer trees. From here, visibility was excellent, and we could see far into the horizon.
Everyone came out of the jeep, and many climbed to the top. With a zoom lens or binoculars, this place could be a wildlife photographer’s paradise.
We kept wondering —
👉 Is this tall grass food for rhinos and elephants?
Sadly, once again, we saw only birds. No rhino, no deer, no buffalo. So we spent time capturing landscape shots, group photos, and cinematic videos of Kaziranga’s raw beauty.
We stayed there for almost one hour, enjoying the silence of the forest.
🦏 Finally… Wildlife on the Return Journey
Around 10:45 AM, we started our return journey toward the hotel. And finally, Kaziranga decided to show us some life.
- 🦏 We spotted a one-horned rhinoceros, though very far away. Even with my 70–300mm lens, it looked like a pig in the frame.
- 🐗 A wild boar suddenly crossed the road in front of our jeep.
- 🦌 Three deer stood just beside our jeep, hesitating to cross. We waited quietly, and finally, they crossed the road, giving us beautiful photo and video moments.
Each jeep was moving separately now, stopping at different points depending on their guides. So we never knew who saw what.
And then came the funniest moment.
When we reached the hotel, the kids excitedly told us:
👉 “We saw a tiger!”
Of course, we laughed loudly. Childhood imagination always makes wildlife more magical.
📍 About Kohora Range – Central Range of Kaziranga
- 🌳 Range Name: Kohora Range (Central Range)
- 🚧 Entry Gate: Mihimukh Checkpost
- 🕘 Safari Timing:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- 💰 Safari Cost (Approx):
- Indian tourists: ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 per jeep (6 pax)
- Foreign tourists: ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 per jeep
- Guide fee: ₹300 – ₹500 extra
🐾 What You Can See Here
- One-horned Rhinoceros (very common)
- Wild Asian Elephant
- Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
- Wild Buffalo
- Hog Deer & Wild Boar
- Migratory and resident birds
- Occasionally Tiger and Leopard
🌟 Why Kohora Range Is Famous
- Most popular and tourist-friendly range
- Highest density of one-horned rhinos
- Close to resorts and Bokakhat town
- Best range for first-time visitors
📜 History & Interesting Facts
- Mihimukh is known as the VIP safari zone
- Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Kaziranga in 1986
- During monsoon floods, animals are often seen evacuating to nearby highways
🍛 Lunch Break – Refueling Before the Afternoon Safari
We returned to the hotel around 11:30 AM, tired, excited, and still talking about every animal we had seen (and the tiger that kids thought they saw 😄).
By 12:30 PM, lunch was ready, and honestly, it tasted heavenly. After a morning jungle safari, even simple food feels like a feast.
🍽️ Simple Yet Delicious Assamese Lunch
The menu was simple but perfect:
- Plain steamed rice
- Dal
- Local mixed vegetable curry
- Egg curry
The cook was excellent, and everyone loved the food. After hours in the jungle, fresh hot rice and curry felt like the best luxury in the world. Some of us even went for second servings because safari makes you seriously hungry.
😴 Short Rest Before the Next Adventure
After lunch, we had around 30 minutes to relax and refresh.
- Some people rested on the bed
- Some checked photos and videos from the morning safari
- Kids were still energetic, sharing stories and laughing
But we didn’t have much time to relax. Another exciting chapter was waiting for us.
👉 Our afternoon Kaziranga Jeep Safari was scheduled at 1:30 PM, and once again, three jeeps would take us back into the wild.
This part adds:
- Food + family travel emotion
- Smooth transition between safaris
- Natural pacing for blog storytelling
🌿 Afternoon Jeep Safari – Agoratoli Range & Sohola Beel (The Lungs of Eastern Kaziranga)
After a quick lunch and short rest, it was time for the second adventure of the day. At 1:30 PM, all three jeeps were ready again for our Afternoon Jeep Safari at Agoratoli Range, the eastern part of Kaziranga National Park.
This time I and Jiya was with Sougata and the children—Titli, Adrija and Diya—making our jeep full of laughter, excitement, and nonstop wildlife chatter. As usual, we stopped for a few minutes at a petrol pump, and then our journey continued through beautiful Assamese villages and endless tea gardens. The road itself felt like a scenic documentary.
🚩 Entry at Agoratoli Checkpost
We reached Agoratoli Checkpost at exactly 2:00 PM, and since there were no other tourists, the entry process was smooth and quick. By 2:05 PM, we were officially inside Kaziranga again.
Near the gate, there are government forest guesthouses. If anyone wants to stay inside the forest boundary with nature all around, these guesthouses are a great option.
The weather was cloudy but without rain—perfect for safari, though the sunlight was still missing.
🦏 Wildlife Encounters in Agoratoli Range
Within just 10 minutes, we stopped near a water body, and suddenly—a One-horned Rhinoceros just 50 feet away!
A huge bird was also resting near the wetland. That moment erased all the disappointment from our rainy morning safari.
Our guide even taught Sougata how to capture wildlife photos using a mobile camera with binocular zoom.
👉 Yes, each safari jeep provides one binocular for tourists, in case you forget to carry one.
As we went deeper, wildlife started appearing everywhere:
- Large herds of Wild Buffalo
- Hog Deer grazing peacefully
- Many species of birds flying around the grasslands
- A playful young elephant bathing and playing in water, just 20 feet away
- Another rhino with white birds riding on its back, a classic Kaziranga scene
It felt like a live National Geographic show.
🐘 Kaziranga Beat Office & Forest Officers
Around 3:30 PM, we reached the Kaziranga Beat Office, the last point of the safari route.
Here, we met several forest officers. We also saw three forest officers returning from deep forest on elephants.
We also saw forest rangers carrying guns while patrolling the deep forest. These weapons are not meant for wildlife but for protection against poachers. Their presence reminded us how much effort goes into protecting Kaziranga’s wildlife every single day.
These elephants are semi-domestic and are used for:
- Monitoring deep forest areas where jeeps cannot go
- Checking water bodies for animals
- Protecting wildlife from poachers
We spent about 30 minutes there, interacting and observing forest operations—an unforgettable experience.
🌅 Return Journey & Sunset Vibes
Around 4:05 PM, we started our return journey. Winter sunsets in Kaziranga are beautiful and peaceful.
On the way back, we saw a jalahasti (elephant) and a few birds, but no tiger this time.
On our return journey, we witnessed another breathtaking moment—a family of elephants crossing the road just about 500 meters ahead of us. Our driver immediately stopped the jeep and switched off the engine to avoid disturbing them. We watched in silence as the gentle giants slowly walked across, a scene that felt straight out of a wildlife documentary. That quiet respect for nature made the moment even more magical.
By 5:00 PM, we were back at the hotel—tired, happy, and full of wildlife memories.
🌊 Sohola Beel – The Lungs of Eastern Kaziranga
Many people think Sohola Beel is an official tourist name, but actually, it is a local Assamese name and not officially used for Agoratoli Range.
🧭 What Does “Sohola” Mean?
“Sohola” means the merging of six water bodies in Assamese.
📜 History – Born from a Natural Disaster
Sohola Beel was formed after the devastating Assam earthquake and floods of 1950 (8.6 magnitude).
Massive floods changed river courses and created new wetlands, and Sohola Beel was formed by the merging of six streams:
- Misamari
- Ghoramari
- Moamari
- Turturoni
- Duramari
- Kachomari
During monsoon, Sohola Beel expands up to 5.78 sq. km, becoming a lifeline for Kaziranga’s ecosystem.
🐦 Wildlife & Bird Paradise
Sohola Beel is home to:
- Eastern Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
- Elephants
- Hog Deer
- Smooth-coated Otters
It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, famous for migratory and resident birds like:
- Greater & Lesser Adjutant Stork
- Black-necked Stork
- Grey Pelican
- Whistling Teals
- Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Pintail
- Ferruginous Pochard
- Egrets and Eagles
That is why Agoratoli Range is considered one of the best birding zones in India.
🌱 Why Sohola Beel is Called “The Lungs of Eastern Range”
Forest officials call Sohola Beel the “Lungs of Eastern Kaziranga” because it:
- Stores floodwater
- Maintains groundwater levels
- Supports grasslands and herbivores
- Provides oxygen-rich vegetation
- Supports migratory birds and wildlife ecosystems
Nature literally breathes through this wetland.
📌 Agoratoli Range Quick Guide
Range Name: Agoratoli Range (Eastern Range)
Entry Gate: Agoratoli Checkpost
⏰ Safari Timing
- Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
(Morning safaris are limited here)
💰 Price (Approx)
- Indian tourists: ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 per jeep
- Foreign tourists: ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 per jeep
- Guide fee extra
🐾 What You Can See
- Large herds of Wild Buffalo
- Elephants
- Swamp Deer
- One-horned Rhino
- Rich birdlife and wetlands wildlife
⭐ Why It Is Famous
- Called the Lungs of Eastern Kaziranga
- Vast wetlands and grasslands
- Best for wildlife photography
- Less crowded than Kohora Range
📖 History & Flood Migration
- Severely affected by Brahmaputra floods
- Animals migrate towards Karbi Anglong hills via NH-37 wildlife corridors
- One of India’s richest bird habitats
🎥 Watch Our Kaziranga Safari Adventure
Morning & Afternoon Safari Video:
👉 Kaziranga Jeep Safari – Kohora & Panbari Zone Wildlife Adventure | Assam Vlog Day 2 Ep 1 – Coming Soon…
Afternoon Safari & Forest Ranger Conversation:
👉 World Ranger Day in Kaziranga – Honoring Wildlife Protectors | Assam Vlog Day 2 Ep 2 – Coming Soon…
🔥 Evening at Kaziranga – Tea Break, Bonfire Planning & Local Market Adventure
After returning from the afternoon jeep safari at 5:00 PM, the hotel welcomed us with hot tea and biscuits. We were tired but excited, and while others went to their rooms for some rest, we had another promise to keep—a special evening bonfire for the kids.
So, without wasting time, we started preparing for the night’s plan.
🛒 Visit to Local Kaziranga Market for Dinner & Bonfire Supplies
At 5:30 PM, I, Sougata, Indra, Papai, and Babu headed towards the local market using a shared auto. Before leaving, we took directions from the hotel manager, as Kaziranga’s local markets are small and not easily visible to tourists.
🍗 Buying Desi Chicken for Dinner
Our main mission was to buy desi murgi (country chicken) for dinner and bonfire barbecue.
Papai helped us identify the original desi chicken, which is very different from boiler chicken.
- We bought 2 desi chickens for dinner
- And 2 kg broiler chicken for the bonfire
Desi chicken is tastier and healthier, but it takes more time to cook—perfect for a proper Assamese-style dinner.
🌶️ Buying Assam’s Famous Bhut Jolokia & Chilli Pickle
From the Kaziranga local market, I also picked up Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Chilli)—one of the hottest chillies in the world—and a bottle of spicy chilli pickle.
It was a small souvenir, but it carried the true fire and flavor of Northeast India.
💰 Local Price Reference (Approx)
- Fresh green chilli: ₹150–₹300 per kg
- Dried Bhut Jolokia: ₹800–₹2,000 per kg
- Small packet (10–20 dried pieces): ₹100–₹300
- Chilli pickle (200–250 g bottle): ₹150–₹350
👉 We bought 50 grams of fresh green chilli, but by the time we returned home after the tour, they had spoiled.
So, if you want to carry chillies as souvenirs, always buy dried Bhut Jolokia instead of fresh ones.
We also bought a 100-gram chilli pickle bottle. It was extremely spicy, and honestly, I tried it only at my own risk 😄
✨ A Local Experience Beyond Safari
This market visit was not just shopping—it was a real local travel experience.
Walking through small Assamese markets, talking to villagers, buying local chicken and chillies—it made our Kaziranga trip feel authentic and connected us with the local culture.
🔥 Evening Bonfire at Kaziranga – Music, Stories & Roasted Chicken Under the Stars
We returned from the local market around 7:00 PM, and the hotel staff had already started preparing the marination for the chicken, as Sougata had instructed them before we left. Everything was perfectly arranged, and the excitement for the evening was building up.
However, our hotel did not have a proper bonfire facility. But when friends and family are together, creativity always finds a way.
🛠️ DIY Bonfire Setup – Making Children Happy
To make this evening special for the kids, Papai and Sougata took the lead.
They went to a nearby hardware shop and bought iron rod sticks, which we used to roast chicken over the fire.
👉 Fun fact: We carried those iron rods with us all the way till Guwahati Airport later, and they became a funny travel souvenir of this trip 😄
With the help of the hotel staff, we managed some bricks and firewood, and by 8:10 PM, Sougata finally lit the bonfire. The flames started rising, and suddenly the hotel lawn turned into a mini camping site.
🎶 Party Mood – Songs, Gossip & Chicken Roast
As soon as the fire started, everyone gathered outside the hotel lawn in full party mood.
Music started playing from mobile speakers, gossip began flowing, and the chicken roasting process officially started.
The kids were super excited to see the fire and the roasting chicken, while the adults were busy sharing travel stories, laughing, and clicking photos for memories.
Now the songs started, gossip flowed freely, and the chicken roasting began under the open sky. Cameras were busy capturing laughter, firelight, and our midnight village party mood. In between, the hotel staff prepared hot coffee and even joined us around the bonfire, making the moment feel like a family gathering rather than a hotel stay.
However, our handmade roasting setup was not perfect. Since it was built in a hurry, a couple of chickens slipped from the iron rods and fell directly into the fire. We lost them completely! The kids looked so sad—as if a treasure had vanished into the flames. But soon laughter returned, and we turned the mishap into a funny memory that we still recall with a smile.
☕ Coffee with Friends & Hotel Staff
In between, the hotel staff prepared hot coffee for us, and surprisingly, they also joined our bonfire party for some time.
It felt like a small family gathering rather than a hotel stay.
✨ Magical Moments Around the Fire
The flickering flames, cool Kaziranga winter breeze, and laughter of friends and children created a magical atmosphere.
Some of us were busy roasting chicken, some were busy with photography, and others were simply sitting near the fire, enjoying the warmth and silence of nature.
For a moment, it felt like we were not tourists anymore—we were living the jungle life like locals.
🔥 Evening Snacks & Bonfire Under Kaziranga Sky
The bonfire party continued till around 9:15 PM, and the weather was just perfect—not too hot, not too cold.
We enjoyed freshly roasted chicken and hot coffee, sitting around the fire, sharing stories, and laughing like old childhood friends reunited after years.
The children were the happiest, watching the flames and waiting eagerly for their turn to taste the roasted chicken. Meanwhile, adults were busy capturing photos and videos, knowing that these moments would later turn into priceless memories.
The crackling sound of firewood, the cool forest breeze, and the laughter of friends created a peaceful yet joyful jungle night atmosphere that we will never forget.
🍽️ Dinner with Desi Murgi – A Homemade Feast in Kaziranga
Around 10:00 PM, it was time for dinner.
Today’s special menu was Desi Murgi curry with plain rice, cooked by Papai himself in the hotel kitchen. The aroma of homemade chicken curry spread across the hotel, making everyone more hungry.
This time, we had already learned from yesterday’s experience, so we ordered extra plates of rice in advance. No one wanted to fight for the last spoon of rice again 😄
The Desi chicken was incredibly tasty, full of authentic village-style flavors. After a long day of safaris, wildlife adventures, and bonfire fun, this simple dinner felt like a royal feast.
🌙 Last Night in Kaziranga – Time to Rest
It was our last night in Kaziranga, and we were all extremely tired after a long and adventurous day.
The day started with early morning jeep safari, continued with afternoon jungle exploration, local market visits, and ended with a bonfire party and homemade dinner.
Slowly, everyone moved back to their rooms. The children were already asleep, and adults were also exhausted.
By the time we switched off the lights, the jungle outside was silent, and the only sound was the chirping of insects and distant forest calls.
🐘 Tomorrow Plan – Elephant Safari at Bagori Range
Tomorrow, the day was going to start very early.
We planned to wake up at 4:30 AM for the Elephant Safari at Bagori Range, located in the Western Range of Kaziranga National Park, near the Kohora area.
Bagori Range is famous for its close encounters with one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, deer, and grassland wildlife, and we were super excited to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
With this excitement in mind, we finally went to sleep, dreaming of elephants, rhinos, and the wild beauty of Kaziranga.
🧭 Day 2 Travel Tips – Kaziranga Safari Day
🕓 Wake Up Early for Morning Safari
Kaziranga safaris start very early, so it’s best to wake up before sunrise. Early morning safaris offer the best chances to spot rhinos, deer, elephants, and birds. Moreover, the jungle looks magical in the soft morning light.
🧥 Carry Light Jackets & Rain Cover
Weather in Kaziranga can change suddenly. Even in November, mornings can be chilly and light rain is common. Therefore, carrying a light jacket, poncho, or rain cover for camera gear is highly recommended.
📷 Bring Zoom Lens or Binoculars
Wildlife often stays far from the jeep. Hence, a zoom lens (70–300mm or more) or binoculars is extremely useful. If you forget, don’t worry—most safari jeeps provide binoculars, but having your own is always better.
💧 Carry Water & Snacks
Although safaris are time-bound, it’s wise to carry water bottles and light snacks. After the morning safari, hunger hits fast, so quick refreshments can be a lifesaver.
🚫 Follow Forest Rules Strictly
Do not get down from the jeep except at watchtowers. Also, avoid loud noises and flash photography, as it can disturb wildlife. Following forest rules ensures safety for both tourists and animals.
🐘 Plan Elephant Safari in Advance
Elephant safari tickets are limited and sold early in the morning. Therefore, ask your hotel or forest office to arrange tickets one day before to avoid disappointment.
🌶️ Shopping Tip – Bhut Jolokia
If you buy Bhut Jolokia or chilli pickle, prefer dried chillies instead of fresh ones. Fresh chillies spoil quickly during long journeys, while dried ones stay good for months.
🌄 End of Day Two Summary – Childhood Wonder in the Wild
Day 2 in Kaziranga was nothing less than a childhood dream coming true. From the misty morning jeep safari to the wildlife-filled afternoon in Agoratoli, every moment felt like a scene from a jungle documentary.
Although the morning safari started with rain and limited sightings, the afternoon safari rewarded us with rhinos, wild buffalo, deer, elephants, and countless birds. Moreover, learning about Sohola Beel and its incredible history made us realize how nature can transform disasters into lifelines for wildlife.
The evening local market visit, buying Bhut Jolokia, and preparing for the bonfire added a perfect village-life flavor to our journey. Finally, sitting around the bonfire with roasted chicken, coffee, and endless gossip reminded us why trips with friends and family are truly priceless.
As we went to bed that night, tired but happy, we knew the next day would bring another magical experience—the famous Elephant Safari of Kaziranga. With excitement in our hearts and the jungle silence outside, Day 2 ended as one of the most memorable days of our North East India journey.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Hotel Sneha Bhaban, Sildubi, Golaghat, Kaziranga, Assam
🦏 Day 3 – Kaziranga to Shillong | Entering the Scotland of the East – Coming Soon…
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