Prime Minister Narendra Modi immersed himself in the natural splendor of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam on March 9, going on elephant and jeep safaris. It marked his first visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he dedicated two hours to exploring its scenic views. (Image: PTI)
Engaging with various officials in conservation, Modi met with the 'Van Durga' team, comprised of women forest guards, along with elephant mahouts and forest officials, during his excursion. (Image: PTI)
"Kaziranga is renowned for its rhinos, yet it also boasts a significant elephant population among various other species," Modi remarked on Twitter. His adventure commenced with an elephant safari in the Mihimukh area of the central Kohora range, accompanied by a convoy of 16 elephants. (Image: PTI)
Clad in jungle attire, complete with a jacket and hat, Modi rode atop an elephant named 'Pradyumna,' steered by mahout Raju, traversing through Dagland and Foliomari areas along the safari route, as reported by officials. Along the journey, he generously offered sugarcane to three elephants—Lakhimai, Pradyumna, and Phoolmai. (Image: PTI)
Transitioning to a jeep safari within the same forest range, the Prime Minister halted at the Daflang Watch Tower to relish the sanctuary's panoramic vista. Amidst the lush greenery, a tiger crossed paths with Modi's entourage, while sightings of one-horned rhinoceroses, wild buffaloes, deer, and myriad bird species further enriched his experience. (Image: PTI)
Captivated by the biodiversity, Modi captured several images of the forest and its inhabitants during the Kaziranga tour, joined by Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh and other officials. (Image: PTI)
Expressing admiration for the Van Durga team's dedication to safeguarding natural heritage, Modi acknowledged their bravery in conservation efforts via social media. (Image: PTI)
In light of security measures for the Prime Minister's visit, both jeep and elephant safaris in the central Kohora range were temporarily closed to tourists since March 7, with plans to resume on March 10. (File image: PTI)
Modi, who arrived in Kaziranga on Friday evening for a two-day state visit, is slated to inaugurate the 125-ft high 'Statue of Valour' honoring legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat later in the day. (Image: PTI)