MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Located on the bank of the River Manas, in the Baksa District of Assam along the Indo – Bhutan Border. The Manas National park was earlier known as Kamrup Wildlife Sanctuary. It was established as the core of the Manas Tiger Reserve from April 1973 and elevated to the position of a National Park status on September 7, 1990. It is a well known World heritage site with its unique combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wildlife.
Connectivity
By Road :
Manas is connected to all major cities of Assam by road. November to March is the best time. You can hire a cab from Guwahati and reach the national park, which 176 km away and would take you somewhere around 4 to 5 hours.
By Flight :
The nearest airport is at Guwahati (176 km).
By Rail :
Barpeta Road (32 km from Manas) is the nearest railhead.
Best Season to visit :
The best season to visit Manas National Park is between from Nov to April.
Jungle Safari
Jeep Safari is one of the best way to explore the large area of Manas National Park. Watching the wild animals from open-roof jeep is a thrilling experience and during you trip, you can also click some photographs. Park is divided intoranges: Western-Panbari, Central-Banasbari & Eastern Bhuanpara.
You can enjoy elephant safari in jungle to explore the jungle in different way. Elephant rides are offered in the grasslands close to the park gate and also at Mathanguri. Maximum 04 visitors are allowed to ride on an elephant, at a time.A ride on the elephant back provide you a nice opportunity to get a close look of the wildlife, intrude into grasslands and enjoy the wild photography.
Nature Walk
You can take a nature walk along a 5-km long trail by the river around Mathanguri. On your walk, you will see a large number of birds and flowers. Your guide may also take you along the water streams to spot the wild animals, which is a wonderful experience.
Village Visit
You can also take a walk through the Bodo villages like Raguhbil and Gyatigaon close to the park. These villages have a co-operative women’s weaving centre and you may also attend the music and dance session.
Boating
The Forest Department offer the boating facility in the river of the park. While boating through the river, you can see observe the wild animals. Boat riding charges are Rs. 2,000 for an 8-seater boat.
Mammals at Manas
Three unique residents of Manas are the rare Pygmy Hog, the Hispid Hare and the Golden Langur, and the park is a haven for no less than 20 highly endangered species. The diverse animal population of Manas includes some fierce or potentially aggressive creatures such as Tigers, Elephants, Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Golden Cat, Fishing Cat, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Civet Cat, Wild Dog, Indian Fox, Gaur and Himalayan Black Bear, as well as more timid creatures such as many varieties of deer.
Birds at Manas
Due to its climatic conditions, Manas is home to many bird species. These are the Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbill, Jungle Fowls, Bulbul, Brahminy Duck, Khaleej Pheasant, Egret, Pelican, Fishing Eagle, Serpent Eagle, Falcon, Bee-eater, Kingfisher, Magpie Robin, Buzzard, Sandpiper, Snipe, River Tern, Woodpecker, Tit etc.
