The Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam are home to the Orang National Park, formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, which is situated around 140 kilometers from Guwahati. The Orang National Park, which covers an area of 79 square kilometers, is frequently described to as the “mini Kaziranga of Assam.” The terrain of Kaziranga National Park is similar to that of Orang National Park, which has a landscape made up of streams, marshes, and grasslands. The Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger can both be found in Orang.
| 1 | Name of the National Park | Orang National Park |
| 2 | Year established | 1999 |
| 3 | Area in Sq Km | 79 sq km |
| 4 | Elevation in m | 73m to 399m |
| 5 | State / States spread in | Assam |
| 6 | Main Animals found | Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic elephant, royal Bengal tiger, wild buffalo, hog deer |
| 7 | Main Birds found | Greater adjutant stork, pied harrier, white-bellied heron |
| 8 | Main reptiles found | Indian python, king cobra, common krait |
| 9 | Best time to visit | November to April |
The Orang National Park has historically been home to a variety of mixed settlement patterns. Up until 1900, members of the local ethnic community lived in the park. The indigenous population left the area because of an epidemic sickness. But in 1919, the British government designated the entire region as the Orang Game Reserve. As a result, the Game Reserve is directly under the State Government Forest Department’s management in order to satisfy all Project Tiger requirements for the National Parks. Later in 1985, the Park officially became a recognised wildlife sanctuary. But after being renamed Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992, it was later changed back due to popular outcry. The sanctuary finally received full National Park status in the year 1999.
Geology of the Park
The Orang National Park is situated in the alluvial floodplain of the Brahmaputra River. The park area is part of the vast alluvial plains that extend from the eastern Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. The soil in the park is rich in nutrients, which makes it an ideal habitat for various species of flora and fauna.
Type of Forests and Trees
Orang National Park has three main types of forests: tropical semi-evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and grassland. The semi-evergreen forest is dominated by trees such as the hollock, khair, and sam. The mixed deciduous forest is dominated by trees such as the simolu, mast, and the Indian gooseberry. The grassland areas are dominated by elephant grass and reeds. The park has a unique ecosystem, with several species of trees and plants that are endemic to the region.
Animals of Orang National Park
Orang National Park is home to a variety of animals, including the Indian rhinoceros, elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, wild boar, hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer, and leopard. The park is also home to many primates such as the Assamese macaque and the capped langur. The Indian rhinoceros is the flagship species of the park and is found in significant numbers here. Orang is also home to a high density of elephants, which is a sight to behold for the visitors.
Birds
The park is a paradise for bird lovers, and over 200 species of birds have been recorded here. Some of the most notable species include the great Indian hornbill, the pied hornbill, the osprey, the kingfisher, and the fishing eagle. Other species of birds that can be seen here include the white-winged wood duck, the Bengal florican, the black-necked stork, and the black-breasted parrotbill.
Reptiles
The park is home to several species of reptiles, including the Indian python, king cobra, and monitor lizard. Visitors can also see various species of turtles, including the Indian flapshell turtle and the Indian softshell turtle.
Best Time to Visit Orang National Park
The best time to visit Orang National Park is from November to April, when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, the park is open to visitors, and the animals are more easily visible due to the dry conditions. The park is closed from May to October due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Apart from wildlife, visitors can also explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. The park is located near the town of Tezpur, which is known for its ancient temples and historical monuments. Visitors can also experience the unique culture of the Bodo tribe, who inhabit the area surrounding the park.
In conclusion, Orang National Park is a unique destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s diverse ecosystem, including its forests, grasslands, and wetlands, supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for visitors to experience the beauty
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