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Manas National Park

Manas National Park is a wildlife sanctuary, located on the foothills of the Himalayas and a vital part of it extends to Bhutan. Apart from being a sanctuary, this park is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and an Elephant Reserve in Assam, India.

This national park is adjacent to the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The park is well known for its vast population of wild water buffaloes. People from all over the world visit Manas Park to experience an amazing wildlife scenario. The best time to visit Manas national park is during the months of November to April.

Picture 1 - Manas National Park Map

Manas National Park Location

The park is located in the northern bank of the great Brahmaputra River in Assam. The park is bordered in the north by the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, in the south by populous north Kamrup district and in both east and west by Buffer Forest Reserve.

Manas National Park Direction

Reaching the destination will not be a problem as it is located very near to Guwahati. There are both rail and road connections from Guwahati to Barpeta road.

By Road – Buses regularly ply from Guwahati to Barpeta and that also very frequently. It will take 4 ½ hours to reach your destination from Guwahati.

By Rail – The nearest railway station is located at Barpeta Road.

By Air – Manas Park is just 176 km away from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar, located 5 km from the main town. The airport can be reached by auto rickshaw and also by the airline buses.

Manas National Park History

It was on October 1, 1928 that the Manas National park was declared a sanctuary. The park covers an area of 360 km. In the year 1973, Manas Tiger Reserve was created and prior to the declaration the park was served as a Reserve Forest, termed as Manas Reserved Forest. In 1985, UNESCO declared this park as a world heritage site. It was declared a heritage site in danger because of some heavy poaching and terrorist activities. In February 2008, the overall area was increased to 950 km. The park’s name was removed from the List of world heritage in danger on June, 2011.

Picture 2 - Manas National Park Entrance

The sanctuary is home to wide variety of wildlife species. Manas also have notable diversity of forest vegetation within the confines of the park. Now the park serves as a popular tourist destination.

Manas National Park Weather

Assam is known for having a pleasant atmosphere throughout the year. In winter months, the temperature is near about 10 degree centigrade and in the summer months, temperature can rise above 35 degree centigrade.

Heavy rainfall occurs for a long period starting from the month of May to the month of September. The average rainfall recorded per year is 333cm.

Manas National Park Wildlife Attractions

Manas national park is home to two major biomes – grassland biomes and forest biomes. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of the park will help you have an enthralling experience. The sanctuary is home to some great wildlife species that includes tiger, golden langur, pigmy hog, capped langur, one horned rhinoceros, gaur, etc.

Picture 3 - Manas National Park Langur

Visitors can have a close look at the wild inhabitants in this park. The park is known for its rare and endangered species. Some of the rare species like Assam roofed turtle, golden langur and pygmy hog are found in this park and nowhere else. These species serve as a great attraction for the visitors.

Bird species

Manas national park is home to wide variety of bird species. Birds that are seen here are Scarlet Minivet, Jungle Fowl, Hornbills, Partridge, Florican and many more. There is also a wide variety of water birds seen in the park like the Brahmini Ducks, Herons and Pelicans. It’s really amazing to see such beautiful creatures and that too so up-close. In early morning you can see the hornbills flying over the Manas River. The park has all total of 100 different species of birds.

Picture 4 - Manas National Park Birs

Flora

The Burma monsoon forest of Manas lies on the borders between the Indo-gangetic and indo- Malayan realms of the Brahmaputra valley. The combination of Bhabar terai with riverine series has made it one of the most biodiversity-areas in the world.

The main vegetation types are:

Sub-Himalayan semi evergreen forests in the northern parts
Low alluvial savanna Woodland
East Himalayan mixed moist and dry deciduous forest
Assam valley semi evergreen alluvial grasslands.

The area in the park is covered with variety of deciduous forest. The park has overall 543 plant species. Of that 543 species, 374 are dicotyledons, 139 monocotyledons, the rest 30 are pteridophytes and gymnosperms.

Manas National Park Activities

Manas national park offers plenty of activities for the visitors. The finest way to explore the scenic beauty of this park is to carry a powerful binocular along with night vision facilities at night.

To enjoy more, take a ride on a 4 wheel drive petrol vehicle. The most exciting thing will be to go for an elephant ride. But this journey is restricted to few kilometers. Visitors can go for a raft ride on Manas River from Mathanguri. This will help you explore the wildlife of Mansi Park in a better way.

Manas River

The focus point of the manas park is the great Manas River. The river is named after the serpent goddess manas. The crystal clear water of Manas River will simply amaze you with its charm. Manas River runs through the heart of the 500 sq.km Manas Park.

Manas National Park Accommodation

Guwahati the only city located nearby the park. The central zone of manas is the most scenic and astounding place to pay a visit. Those wondering to cover both central and eastern parts are advised to make night stay at any of the following resorts.

Mothanguri Forest Bungalow
The Bansbari Lodge
Manas jungle camp

Picture 5 - Manas National Park Accommodation

Manas National Park nearby Attractions

There is no as such nearby attraction. But one can have a short trip to the town of Barpeta. The town has a remarkable monastery and shrine dedicated to the Vaishnavate saint.

Manas National Park Tickets

Indians: Rs. 20
Camera: Rs. 50
Video Camera: Rs. 60
Elephant Safari: Rs. 100 per person for 3 hours
Private vehicle Fee: Rs. 300 (light vehicle)

Travel Tips

Do not carry any kind of food items
Carrying plastic bags are not allowed
Smokers should not smoke inside the park
Do not irritate any of the residing creatures in the park

Plan a trip to Manas National park and experience a different world of wildlife species. Take your friends and family along with you to have an unforgettable experience.