Orchid Garden 6

Kaziranga Orchid Park: Trying to Save What We Are Losing

The Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park is an interesting addition to the tourism scene in the already popular Kaziranga National Park. It is a brainchild of Akhil Gogoi, who is generally known for his confrontational brand of street politics although he has not participated in electoral politics of Assam so far (As of December 2019, he is in custody due to the CAA protests but I will write about that issue some other time). Anyway, beyond the politics, he has been able to set up this park, a constructive effort for a welcome change. I visited it during the Kaziranga trip last November as it is located nearby. But let me first discuss why is it important.

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In the olden day, travelling to exotic places during a vacation was never an option. Back then in the 90s, the Indian middle class had not yet discovered the joy of travelling, let alone glorify it. During most of the big holidays, the only place I got to visit was the ancestral village. Nevertheless, such trips introduced me to a few things such as local farming practices and types of crops. The villages were mostly poor and modern equipment was rare. I never saw a tractor and people mostly tilled the land with oxen and plow. However, it was still rich in something. It was biodiversity. You may think of those paddy fields as a generic lot but actually, a vast array of different crops were regularly being cultivated.

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Of course, I did not realize it back then. But as I moved out of the state later, I realized the variety that was available back home and was surprised to see that some of things that we took for granted were hard to find in other parts of the country. Now, I do no want to say much about biodiversity as I am not really an expert but I am sure everyone is aware of its importance and also about the gradual decline in the number of species of all kinds apart from our own. Most of the native crops and cattle species are being gradually replaced by lab-created hybrids that offer short-term benefits by no one exactly knows the long term implications. This park is an attempt to preserve the biodiversity we seem to be losing.

The first thing I came across is a big greenhouse full of orchids, collected from all over North East. Some local youth have been employed here to tend to and guide the visitors.

Rest of the plot is full of another type of herbs, plants and flowers. There is also a photo gallery of orchids with names. Among other things, I learned the name of one particular orchid that has been maintained for decades by my parents back at home. We never knew its name but now we do. It is, Phaius Tancarvilleae and here is a picture from home and not from that park. It blooms in spring (March-April) every year.

phaius tankervillea banks
Phaius Tankervillea Banks

Apart from that there is also a “seed bank” that intends to protect the aforementioned local crop species as well related information such as their names in local languages. There is also a provision for local food and performances by folk artists although it did not particularly interest me.

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So, this park is an attempt to collect scores of native crops and plants, preserve and cultivate them and increase awareness. We will have to wait for some time to see how far it goes but let us just say that it is an important task that requires attention. Also, let the name not mislead you. It is not only about orchids but intends to collect all sorts of plant species and educate visitors about local farming practices. It is located slightly ahead of the main entry point to Kaziranga at Kohora. In case you do not find it, just ask the locals.

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On the flip side, they were charging INR 500 to anyone with a DSLR apart from the entry fee. I am just getting tired of this increasing hostility towards DSLR owners at many tourist spots in this country. First I faced it in Namdapha. Everyone owns a DSLR nowadays and that does not make them professionals. (From what I have heard, they have reduced the rate to 300 nowadays).

Kaziranga Orchid Park Travel Guide

How to Reach Kaziranga Orchid Park?

The Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park are located around 2 KMs from Kohora, which is one of the most popular entry points for the national park. Naturally, this stretch is also full of resorts and guesthouses targeted at visitors to the national park and you can always club this orchid park with the rest of the wildlife safari.

Is there an entry fee and Camera fee?

Yes, there is an entry fee that varies. For local visitors of Assam, it is INR 130 while for visitors from other parts of India it is INR 250 while for foreign nationals it is INR 600. Rickets are cheaper for children and students. There is also a fee for cameras. INR 150 for digital cameras, INR 300 for DSLRs and for INR 1000 for professional video cameras.

What will be a good season to visit this Park?

While most people visit it during the winter because they club it with the national park, for orchid blooms, spring (March-April) is the best season. April is also the festive season in Assam.

 

Jitaditya Narzary

4 thoughts on “Kaziranga Orchid Park: Trying to Save What We Are Losing”

  1. Ananya Saikia

    Dear Jitaditya,
    I am working as a summer intern for a social enterprise which has been working for promoting traditional handicrafts for 4 years. I have come to know that at Akhil Gogoi sir’s Orchid bio-diversity Park there are weavers showing handicrafts.So, would you kindly give me their contact details if you have any? Please help.
    Yours sincerely,
    Ananya
    Phone no-9854069774

    1. Hi Ananya…
      Sorry I do not have contact details… I just visited it during a Kaziranga trip…
      But I did see an effort to preserve and promote local arts and craft… so if you just visit the place, I think you will find the rest of the information…

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