Manas National Park

Abode of tigers, elephants and rhinoceroses

The Manas National Park is located in Assam, India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya, this pristine national park is included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites along with being an elephant and project tiger reserve. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1928 and the biosphere reserve was created in 1973. According to the history, it was used as a hunting reserve by the Raja of Gauripur and Cooch Behar Royal Family.

This national park is known for preserving the endangered species of Hispid Hares, Assam Roofed Turtles, Pygmy Hogs, Wild Water Buffalo and Golden Langurs. The forests of Bhutan edge the northern side of the park with Manas River flanking it on one side. The name of the Manas River is derived from the name of the serpent Goddess Manasa. Along with the interesting history, Manas River is also known for being the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

Following are the main tourist attractions of the Manas National Park:

Flora: The distinct flora of the Manas National Park is characterised by the Burma Monsoon Forests. Small grasses along with the mixed deciduous forests are also present in the park. The four distinct forms of vegetation found in the park are the Assam Valley semi-evergreen grasslands, Low alluvial Savanna woodland ecosystem, East Himalayan dry and moist deciduous forests and finally the Sub Himalayan Semi-Evergreen forests. A wide variety of insect life is supported with the rich vegetation of the park. One can easily spot exotic flowers along with beautiful orchids and enraptured varieties of butterflies.

Fauna: The main highlights of the Manas National Park are its tiger, elephants and rhinoceros population. Over the years, the preservation of endangered species in the national park has grown more diverse. One can easily spot Clouded Leopards, Wild Buffaloes, Rhinos, Elephants and tigers in the territory of the national park. The two highlights of the park are definitely the Pygmy Hog and the Hispid Hare. The Avian population of the park consists of Fishing Eagles, Jungle Fowls, Khaleej Pheasants, Fishing Eagles and Bulbuls.

Excursions from the Manas National Park:

Bongaigaon: It is located 83 km away from the Manas National Park. The city is known for its virgin and untouched natural beauty. It is also known for the Bageswari Temple and Bageshwari Hill. One can also spot several migratory birds here.

Guwahati: It is located 147 km away from the Manas National Park. It is known for the religious temples such as Kamakya Temple, Bhuvaneswari Temple, Basistha Ashram Temple
and boating over the Brahmaputra river side.

Kaziranga National Park: It is located at a distance of 322 km away from the Manas National Park. The one horned Rhinoceros is the main highlight of this national park.

When to Reach: The best time to visit the Manas National Park is between November to April.

How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport to the Manas National Park is located at a distance of 176 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead is located at Barpeta Road which is at a distance of 32 km from the national park. Though, most tourists prefer to reach the Guwahati Railway station to start their journey towards the national park.
Road: Well paved roads connect the national park with Guwahati which is 147 km away from it.