Monday, December 26, 2005

Monday, December 19, 2005

The Magic of the Wild

The Kaziranga National Park is the only National Park in the State situated in central Assam with an area of 430sq. km. It is the home of the great Indian one horned Rhinoceros (Unicornis).
Kaziranga has a history of its own. Lady Curzon first heard about the Rhinos of Kaziranga from her British tea planter friends and came to Assam in 1904-05. Although she could not see the animal, she spotted hoof prints with three toes and believed that such an animal did exist. On her return, she persuaded Lord Curzon to do something to save this animal from total annihilation. Lord Curzon set the wheels of the British bureaucracy rolling, and on June 1, 1905, a preliminary notification announcing the intention of the Government to declare 57,273.60 acres of Kaziranga as a reserved forest was issued. Finally, Kaziranga was declared as reserved forest on January 3, 1908, and was officially closed for shooting. On January 28, 1913 the area of reserved forest was expanded with the inclusion of another 13,506 acres. Kaziranga was declared a Game Sanctuary on November10, 1916. In 1938, the then conservator of forest, A.J.W. Milroy stopped all poaching and opened Kaziranga to visitors. Because the word 'game' connoted animals for hunting, in 1950, the then senior conservator of forest Mr P D Stracey, changed the term to 'wildlife sanctuary'. Gradually the sanctuary, begun as a nucleus encompassing a small area, expanded to its present size. Finally on February 11, 1974, the name was changed to Kaziranga National Park. Today, Kaziranga is one of the biggest success stories of wildlife protection in the country.
The one horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Indian bison, Swamp Deer, Samber, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Hog badger, Capped langur, Hollock gibbon, Jackal, Goose, Hornbills, Ibis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron fishing eagle etc. all form a part of the very complex ecological balance of the park. During winter a large number of migratory birds are also seen here.
There are more than 1200 rhinos in the Park. It is believed that the rhino-horn (actually a massive overgrowth of hair) has unique medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. A rhino-horn can fetch as much as 5,000 U.S. Dollars in the international market. It is in great demand with Chinese and ancient Indian medicine practitioners. The rhino’s blood and flesh is considered to possess magical qualities and even its urine is used as an antiseptic. No doubt, poachers see the rhino as an easy source of income and ‘power’.
Though Kaziranga's visiting season is from mid-November to early April months, the best month to visit the Park is December and January, when the bird population touches a peak. Elephants are the best way to commute in the jungle. Jeep can also be hired.
Accomodation
GL's Resort is the best place of leisure while visiting Kaziranga (a unit of GL's Resort, joint venture with Assam Tourism Development Corporation). The Resort offers relaxed elegance, fine dining, efficient service and all the latest amenities to ensure the best in comfort.
A major attraction of the resort is the new safari route starting from Ghorakhate (1 km from the resort) which goes through the less explored, virgin territories of Kaziranga National Park.
The cottages aimed at cozy twosomes and family affairs are replicas of feelings called home and human sentiments attached to it.
The cottages don’t merely symbolize surroundings to keep you safe and happy, but a world where you can explore and experience love in the realms of natural beauty. The scenes from the cottages are simply mind-blowing; as if whole of nature’s beauty has ascended down to greet the people of the resort. As the main motive of the resort is to “come and stay in the lap of the nature”, you will find cottages made in tune with the same exuberance of experiencing nature at its very best.
All rooms are as exotic as their names - Karbi, Cluster, Honeymoon etc. They have the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern amenities and offer a panoramic view of Kaziranga forest and the lush green Mikir Hills.
Events:
GL's Resort hosts one of the most awaited annual events of the year. Extremely popular and highly appreciated by the public, the GL's winter carnival has become one of the most talked about events of recent times. It is a week of non-stop fun and partying, a melee of show ranging from live performances, rock shows, fashion shows, DJ nights, magic shows, fun fiesta, cultural shows etc. with a free flow of food and drinks.
Celebrities and Statesmen, all those who have visited the resort have nothing but praise, encouragement and support for the honourable task that GL’s Resort have undertaken - Promotion of Eco-tourism in the North East. The hospitality and service provided at the GL's Resort makes a favourite getaway for most of the known faces of the North East.
Conferences
With the new age work culture making its presence felt in the Indian corporate sector, the concept of 'business with pleasure' is fast becoming the mantra of every progressive organization. You can enjoy the best of both worlds under one roof at GL's Resort which boast of a sprawling 2000 sq. ft conference hall with all the latest technology.
Educational Tour
Students from all over the nation above the age of 10 are offered great concessions as a part of the student packages offered by GL's Resort. The excursion organized by GL’s Resort includes a visit to the Kaziranga National Park, personality development activities, screening of wildlife documentaries and special tours of tea gardens as well.
Elephant Safari
The sounds of the songbirds at sunrise and explore the jungle on elephant back as its inhabitants go about life as usual.
Jeep Safari
For those who are less adventurous, the Resort has the special Jeep Safaris twice a day - Morning and Late afternoon.
Children's Park
Children can have fun filled frolic time at the exciting and picturesque at the children's park inside the Resort.
The other things offered by the Resort are Horse Ride, Elephant Ride, Boating, Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Indian Restaurant, Bar & a Gift Shop.
Those who have in them an adventurous mind and an itch to explore the unexplored needs not worry about the comfort as GL’s Resort is there to take care of them in a most sophisticated Rajah style. For a fun-filled time in Kaziranga one can contact:
Kaziranga Resort (a unit of GL's Resort)
NH-37, Phulaguri, Kaziranga, Assam
Ph: 03672-299263 / 299486
Head office
Kaziranga Resort (a unit of GL's Resort),
C/o G.L. Publications Complex
G.S. Road, Ulubari
Guwahati-781007
Phone No. - 0361-2527455/ 2521556
Fax - 0361-540664
Email- info@kazirangaresort.com
The Meghalaya Guardian
Lower Lachumiere, Shillong
Phone: 2223143/2224086