Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

            This lovely area is formed from the watershed of the Manas, Hakua and beki rivers and borders with Bhutan. The bungalows at Mothanguri, on the banks of the Manas, offer views of jungle-clad hills. Established trails enter nearby forests and follow the riverbanks. Try to arrange a boat cruise. Besides tiger, the grassland is home to wild buffalo, elephant, sambar, swamp deer and other wildlife; the rare and the beautiful golden langur may be seen on the Bhutan side of the Manas.

           The only tiger reserve in Assam and famous for the rare golden langur, Manas national park is one of the best kept national parks in the country. Manas national park is located on the banks of the river Manas in the foothills of Bhutan. Far from the human habitation this park has a unique charm of its own. Manas is a very special biosphere, for it harbors twenty species of birds and animals that are highly endangered and listed in the IUCN red data book.

           Among the highly endangered species are the attractive Red Pandas which are occasionally in the higher elevation. Initially the park was a wild life sanctuary but in 1990 it was declared a national park. Today Manas national park spreads over an area of 2840 sq kms. But the core area is just 360 sq km.

           This park is well known as one of the world heritage sites having its unique combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wildlife.

           The park has eastern Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forests covering. The lush green park is densely covered by trees and growth which often prevents the sunrays from entering the forest. The eastern alluvial grassland also covers a major portion of the national park. These grassland are grazing grounds for many herbivores. Manas also shows variety by mixing low alluvial saranah wood land and Assam valley semi evergreen forests.

Park Population :
           Being a tiger reserve Manas is famous for tigers. The other exclusive specie is the pygmy hog. The park harbors about 20 species of animals. the range varies from Herbivores to omnivores. The animals include panther, clouded leopard, marbal cat and other variety of cats. Elephant, Rhino, swamp deer, sambar, barking & hog deer, dhole, binturong, otter, bison, buffalo, golden langur, spotted deers are some of the animals who roam the jungles.
           There are numerous species of feathered beings nest in the park. The reserve also receives many visitors from all over the world who come during the winters and fly back on the onset of summers. Along the river one can spot many water birds like mergansers, brahminy ducks and a range of egrets.

Park Trips :
           The park can be entered on elephant back or in a jeep or by car. These trips give you good opportunity to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. The ride on elephant is both exciting and pleasurable.

Climate :
           The climate of Manas park is tropical. the Summers are hot and winters cold. Take cotton cloths for summers and do not forget to pack woolens during winters. The average rainfall is 160 cms. But the monsoon months bring heavy downpours which often flood the park.

Best Time to Visit :
           The best season to visit Manas park is between October to April. Rest of the year it is off season for the park. Avoid monsoons as many parts of the park is flooded and animals are not easy to spot.

Accommodation :
           There are two lodges maintained and run by the tourism department. These lodges provide good and comfortable accommodation near the park. One of lodge is located at Barpeta Road and other is at Bansbari. The state department has two bungalows at Mathanguri inside the forest.
There is no catering services at these bungalows and lodges so visitors have to carry their own food stuff. But there are cooks at the bungalows who cook food for the tourists. These chefs are provided by the forest department.

Getting There :
           Manas national park is 176 km from Guwahati from where is easier to drive than to take any other transport. For Manas the nearest airport is Borjhar airport, Guwahati. This airport is connected with flights from other cities. The nearest railhead is Barpeta road. This station is 136 km from Guwahati.
           Manas is well connected with other cities and towns in the state by network of roads. There are regular bus services operated by state transport as well as the private operators. One can also hire taxis for the park from Guwahati.

For More Information :

• Field Director, Project Tiger,
  P.O Barpeta Road,
  Dist Barpeta, Assam (India) - 781315
  
  
• Reservation Authority --
  Tourist Information officer,
  Barpeta Road,
  Assam (India)-781315
  Tel : 03666- 32749
  
  
• For Conducted tours :
  Tourist Information Officer,
  Station Road,
  Guwahati,
  Assam (India) - 781001
  Tel : (0361)-547102
  Fax : (0361)-547102