Wild encounters

Taran and his family visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam

Taran clambered into the jeep, wondering where to sit. “Where will I get the best views from, Appa?” he asked.

Their driver replied, “The best views are got not when you sit, but when you stand up. Hold on to this handle bar and let’s go see some rhinos!”

The early morning air in Kaziranga was fresh and crisp after a night of rain and held the promise of a great day ahead.

“Would you need binoculars?,” asked the driver. “We can hire them ahead.” Appa and Amma nodded. They stopped at the jungle entrance to submit their IDs and check for plastic items, which were not allowed in the Kaziranga National Park. “ We are trying to keep this area of around 1000 sq.km. plastic free. Please cooperate,” said the lady at the ticket counter.

They hired two binoculars and went ahead once a forest guard with a gun joined them. “We have about 2,600 one-horned rhinos here,” he informed them, “and they are our star attraction. Of course, we also have other animals such as tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer and so on.”

The jeep halted by a water body where 10 rhinos were busy with their morning activities. “Look Amma, that one is a baby. It’s following his mama,” said Taran, peering through his binoculars.

Some were chasing each other, while others were splashing in the water. Appa was busy making videos when the forest guard asked them to look behind. He had spotted a rhino behind the vehicle in the rear-view mirror. “Someone has come to look at the humans,” smiled Appa.