Useful Permit Tips for Kaziranga National Park
If you want to enjoy a thrilling and adventurous animal spotting time in Kaziranga, then you have to take a safari permit from the forest department. You can book a safari permit from kazirangapark.com and go on gypsy and elephant safari ride inside the park to spot one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, wild elephants, and exotic bird species in their natural habitat. Because of the popularity of Kaziranga National Park, the safari permits are limited, and for booking, you should know about the permit tips. This will allow you to enjoy your time there without any problems.
1. Book your permits online in Advance
The permits for Kaziranga National Park are booked 30 - 45 days before the actual date of the safari. This park is famous among people, and because of that, the safari slots are not easily available. Every traveler is advised to make their safari permit booking in advance so that they can get their preferred safari, zone, and time. If you reach the park without a prior booking, there is a high chance that all the slots will be full and you will be disappointed. Advance booking will ensure that you’ll get to enjoy a safari there, and then you can plan the rest of your trip according to your safari date.
2. Carry your ID Proof
On the permits, the ID details of passengers are included so that the government will have a record of who is going inside. Whenever you go for a safari, it is essential to keep your ID proof with you in a printed copy. For every safari entry, you must show a government-issued ID proof. It can be an Aadhar card, a Passport, a Driving License, or a Voter ID. And, it is important to carry the ID that you used for making the bookings. Carry the original ID, not just a soft copy on your phone. Without the original, entry is not allowed, and your booking can get canceled. If your ID details do not match the permit, you will face problems at the gate. So double-check the spelling of your name, date of birth, and other details while booking.
3. Separate permits for different zones and rides
Kaziranga National Park covers a large area, and it is divided into different safari zones. If you want to enjoy a safari in two zones of the park, then two permits will be required for it. For example, if you book a safari in Kohora but also want to visit Bagori, then you have to book two separate permits - one for each zone. Also, if you wish to enjoy both a Gypsy Safari and an Elephant Safari, you’ll need separate permits for both safari types. Each permit clearly mentions the safari type, zone name, date, time slot, and names of all visitors. You can only enter the zone written on your permit, at the mentioned time, and only with the people whose names are listed on it. Many tourists think that one permit allows entry to all zones, but that is not true. You are only allowed in the specific zone and time slot mentioned on your permit. So always plan your safari carefully and book accordingly.
4. Select your safari slot carefully
In Kaziranga National Park, pepe can enjoy a morning or evening safari ride. You can choose to make a gypsy safari booking for both slots. However, if you’re going on just one safari, then choosing the right time is essential for you. Morning safaris are usually cooler, quieter, and have a higher chance of spotting tigers and rhinos, while evening safaris are best for sunset photography and birdwatching. Choose the safari time carefully at the time of booking because once you book a slot, it cannot be changed. If you booked an afternoon safari, you cannot switch to the morning on the same permit.
5. Permits are non-transferable
The permit is issued in your name with your ID number, and it is only for you and your group members. The permit cannot be transferred to someone else if you are unable to go. It means that if you cannot go to the park, then you cannot give the permit to someone else. The person's details help the forest department to maintain strict visitor records for security and wildlife safety. Whenever you make a safari booking, double-check all details to avoid errors, because name or ID changes are not allowed later. Once the permit is booked, no changes can be made to it, and if you cancel the ride, then refunds are not given.
6. Reach the gate before your safari
You should arrive at the safari gate at least 30 to 40 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you enough time for ID verification and document checks. In that time, a gypsy or elephant safari is also allotted to you, and you have to make the payment of additional charges if the forest department has newly added them. Going early before the ride ensures that your safari will start on time and you don’t have to come outside in less time. This will make sure that you’ll enjoy a safari with maximum chances of animal sightings, and there will be no delays.
7. Time Gap in Safaris
If you are planning to do more than one safari in a day, for example, a safari in the Kohora Range and then in the Bagori Range, then always book them with a gap of 2 - 3 hours between them. This gives you time to relax, have lunch, and travel from one entry gate to another. The gates are located far apart, and back-to-back bookings can make your trip very rushed. It is always advised for tourists to make one booking in the morning and another in the evening so that you don’t have to worry about going to another gate in a hurry. A good plan is to do a morning safari, return to your hotel to rest and freshen up, and then go for another ride in the evening, which will ensure that you can enjoy both safaris without being tired.
8. Carry a Printed Copy of your permit
Many people think that if they have a copy on their phone, then it’s ok, but it's not! Even though you book online, you must carry a hard copy of the permit. The forest guards at the entry gate check this printed permit before allowing the vehicle to enter. Along with the permit, keep your original ID proof handy because both are verified together. Do not depend only on mobile screenshots because network issues are common in Kaziranga, and you may not be able to access your email at the gate. If you keep a printed copy, then you don’t have to stress about it at the last minute, and it ensures that you will get a chance to go inside the park.