Manas National Park is located at the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas in Assam, it is a unique biodiversity landscape which is said to be one among the most stunning and pristine wildlife habitats of the world. It is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and a Biosphere Reserve in 1989, it was finally enlisted as a National Park in 1990. The Manas river, from which it derived its name, flows to the heart of the National Park. Total area of the park is about 500 square kms.
Manas is home to over 20 endangered species including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Manas National Park is densely forested and known for its endangered endemic wildlife like the Assam roofed turtle. Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Wild Water Buffalo. The last population of Pygmy Hog survives in the wild of Manas and no where else in the world. Manas is the only landscape in the world where pristine Terai grasslands are seen merging with the Bhabar grasslands interspersed with diverse habitats ascending ti semi-evergreen forests and then to Bhutan Himalayas.
The sanctuary has recorded 50 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 79 species of fish and over 200 butterfly species. Out of the mammals 21 are in Indian's Schedule I and 31 of them are threatened.
ANIMALS FOUND
Tiger, leopard, Indian Great One-Horned Rhinoceros, Golden Langur, clouded leopard, Asian Golden Cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Smooth- Coated Otters, Capped Langur, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Assamese Macaque, Slow Loris, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Gaur, Asiatic Water Buffalo , Asian Elephant,etc.
BIRDS FOUND
Bengal Florican, Great Indian Hornbill, Egret, Pelican, White-Winged Wood Duck, Merganser, Red Headed Trogon, Magpie Robin, Comb Duck, Ibis Bill, Pied Hornbill, Serpent Eagle, Swamp Francolin, Bee- Eater, etc.
REPTILES
Assam Roofed Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Gharial, various species if snakes, etc.
VEGETATION
Manas has a unique bio-geographical location, being at the confluence of the Indo-Malayan , Indo-Chinese and Australasian pathways, which make it an important refuge for several endemic and charismatic wildlife species. It also provide an ideal habitat ranging from high altitude Himalayan dense canopied forests to the sub-tropical woodlands and alluvial flood-plain grassland and riverine ecosystem in the lower elevations.
SIGHT SEEING IN MANAS
Tourists can enter the National Park either on Elephant back or in a jeep. Jeep safaris and Elephant safaris are possible in the mornings and early evenings when the animals are most active. It is mandatory for tourists to ensure that a Forest Department's guide accompanies them. Tourist can also experience thrilling river rafting adventure in the river Manas. Since there is only limited Elephant Rides it is advisable that prior reservations are made.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Manas National Park is open all year round, but the best time to visit Manas National Park is between November to April.
HOW TO REACH MANAS NATIONAL PARK
By Air: Nearest airport is LGBI Airport, Guwahati about 170 km from the Manas National Park and is well connected by road to Manas National Park.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Barpeta Road, about 20 km from the Manas National Park. The railway station is well connected by road to Manas National Park.
By Road: Barpeta Road is well connected to major cities and places by road network. There are a number of government and privately operated vehicles that go to Manas National Park at frequent intervals.
