Kaziranga National Park, the land of One Horned Rhinos, located in the Indian state of Assam on the lower banks of Brahmaputra river is any wild life enthusiast's delight . But in case you happen to be have a foodie in you, this place would prove to be a double treat for you as the place would satiate both your travel hunger as well as gastronomical cravings.
There are numerous Dhabas on the National Highway 37 which we had taken to reach Kaziranga from Guwahati as well as some Dhabas on NH 15 which we took on our return journey . Apart from the Dhabas, there are a few places that should not be missed for eating out.
Early Morning Breakfast at Kohora (near Curry in Hurry) - The Safari in Kaziranga as compared to other Parks in India starts slightly late and seems that no one is in real hurry to take you inside the national park. Even most eating joints are not open at this hour and while we waited for our Jeep driver to arrive, we found that only two small road side places we open. One of them was close to Curry in Hurry (strange name for a place where nothing seems to be in hurry ) along the highway in the main Kohora market. A couple duo were handling the place and there were only two itmes in the menu - Paratha and Bread Omelettes. We tried both these along with tea. The place was jam packed and maybe it had to do more with lack of other options available at that hour but still they were freshly prepared and looked tempting at the outset .
Location : On the Highway (Near Kohora Main Market )
Specialities - Plain Paratha and Bread Omelette
Price for Two - Rs 100
The Coffee Shop at Resort Borgos - As soon as one exits from the Central Range Gate at Kohora, one finds Borgos Resort on the left. Borgos is one of the most popular resorts of Kaziranga and since we could not stay there , we decided to halt there for some post Safari snacks. The place offers a wide variety of food including Assamese cuisine but would suggest that for Assamese food try a local restaurant rather than eating here . They also have an extensive range of mocktails , cocktails and other drinks available in their bar menu . We sat in their coffee shop outside which is nicely done up offering a nice view in their lush green gardens.
Location : Close to the Kohora (Central Range) Entrance Gate
Speciality - Offers a vast range of options
Price for Two - Rs. 800
Hornbill Restaurant - Hornbill restaurant is also located along the National Highway pretty close to the main Kohora market. It you are looking to taste some Ethnic Assamese cuisine, then this is the go to place. We went their for lunch and they offered some 15 different of vegetables in their Thali . Apart from that, they kept sending some new dish to our table continuously be it some chutney , local fish or banana leaves . The owner was quite friendly and even gave us a slight insight about their food and how it is made . The restaurant is quite basic as far as the facilities are concerned and nothing to boast about their ambience yet it is a clean restaurant and on hygiene levels one should not worry.
Location - On the Highway (1km from Kohora Main Market)
Speciality : Assamese Thali and Local Chicken
Price for Two : Less than Rs 500
Scarlet Flame in Iora Resort - Like Borgos , Iora is yet another quite popular property near Kohora Range in Kaziranga. The property boasts of two restaurants - one serves local Assamese cuisine and Scarlet Flame is multi cuisine . We went here for dinner after watching cultural show at the Orchid Park and the place was quite occupied . They have a nice sitting area outside as well apart from the spacious interiors. The restaurant offers both drinks and good variety of cuisine. If one is looking for a fine dine experience in Kaziranga, then this is the place where one should be headed. The food too does not disappoint and service should not be a problem as staff seemed aplenty.
Location : In Iora Resort located 600 meters off the highway
Speciality : Local Fish, Junglee Mutton
Price for Two : Rs. 1200
Apart from these places there are a lot of other restaurants near Kohora like Pelican, Maihang that can be tried to taste the local Assamese Thali, which I feel is a must to try if visiting this part of the world . For the fine dine experience, Borgos and Iora top the charts for that. In case , one does not want to venture out anywhere, do try the local food made at your resort, guest house or home stay and the same is no less scrumptious .
