Manas
National Park
| General
Information |
| Total area |
642 sq. km. |
| Altitude |
100 - 250 metres |
Manas is situated in Assam spread over an
area of 391 sq km, earlier it was known as North Kamrup, declared
as a sanctuary on December 01, 1928. It was accorded the status
of World Heritage Site in 1985. Manas houses 19 of India's
most endangered animal populations. It has the largest population
of tigers among Indian reserves. It is a home to the rare
golden langur . The prominent fauna here are the rhino, wild
buffalos, elephants, gaur, swamp deer, capped langur and clouded
leopard. . The main highlight of the park is the giant hornbill,
two subspecies of which, the pied and grey varieties are to
be found here.It extends into the foothills of Bhutan where
it is called the Royal Manas National Park. Its wetlands are
of international importance and essential for the survival
of the fast-vanishing hispid hare and pygmy hog. November
to March.Golden Langur, rhino, wild buffalos, elephants, gaur,
swamp deer, capped langur and clouded leopard, giant hornbill.
Guwahati is the nearest airport, which is 176 kms away. If
people wish to come through train then the nearest railhead
or town is Barpeta Road, which is 41 kms away and after reaching
the park even the facilities within the park are riding elephants
and boats on the rivers available for transport.
Manas National Park was established as
a national park in 1973. This Picturesque park is nestled
near the foothills of the Kamrup district in the state of
Assam and famous for its majestic tigers and Golden Leaf moneky.
Named after Manas river, which separates bhutan from India,
the manas national park has dense deciduous forests spread
over an area of 2840 sq km which provide a sanctuary to twenty
highly endangered species of birds and animals, including
the hispid hare, pygmy hog and the red panda which can be
seen occasionally at higher altitudes. The sanctuary is situated
in both India and Bhutan, the two parks, both named Manas,
being contiguous. The National park has also been declared
a biosphere reserve along with being a world natural heritage
site. It is one of the 19 parks under the watchful eye of
the Project Tiger. A visit here feels a true outing into the
lap of nature due to it's distance from any kind of proper
civilization. It is located at around 40km from the first
hint of civilization at Barpeta. The park actually continues
across the international border into Bhutan, where it is known
as the Royal Manas National Park. Birds which can be seen
here are the giant hornbills, both pied and gray varieties,
pheasants, jungle fowl, scarlet minivet, partridge, florican,
and a variety of water birds like the brahminy ducks, mergansers
and a range of egrets, herons and pelican. Visitors to the
park especially mention the stunning sight of large numbers
of hornbills flying over the Manas river early mornings and
evenings. Best Season : The best time to visit this sanctuary
is from November to April, with the best period being January
toApril. Access : The nearest airport is Guwahati, a distance
of 176 km and about 6 hours away while the nearest railway
station is Barpeta Road, about 40 km from the park. The headquarters
of the manas national aprk are located at Barpeta road and
the necessary clearances and permits should all be arranged
from here before venturing further to the park. The nearest
town to the park is Barpeta Road (41km) The nearest Railway
Station to the park is located at Guwahati (186km) The nearest
Airport to the park is also located at Guwahati, which is
a 3 hour drive or train journey from the park. The best time
to visit the park is between November and February. A majority
of the year, the climatic conditions are not really suitable
for visits due to the excessively heavy rainfall.
Climate
Winter minimum 11, Summer maximum 37 degrees.
Monsoon from May to September.
Access
The drive from Guwahati, the nearest airport,
takes 4-hours. The route, after crossing the Brahmaputra river,
is on National Highway 31 via Rangia and Balbari to Barpeta
Road where the field director's office is located. Barpeta
Road, the nearest town and railway station, is a half-hour
drive (21 km) from Bansbari, the park's entrance. District
headquarter Barpeta is another 20 km from there.
Best Time
October to April. Best season Mid January
to April.
ACTIVITIES
Jeep Safari: The ideal
way to explore the Park is in a open jeep. You will be escorted
by the resident naturalist accompanied by a forest guard.
Jeep rides are regularly arranged
River Rafting: Some of
the animals that come out on the banks of the river Manas
can best be seen from the safety and serenity of a rubber
boat which commences its ride from Mathanguri and ends around
35km away at Bispani.
Elephant Ride: A visit
to the Park on elephant back is a popular way of seeing wild
animals. However elephant rides are always subject to availability
on that day, as first priority is given to patrolling by the
park authorities.
Nature Walk: The walking
route starts near the Mathanguri Forest Lodge on the banks
of the Manas river.
Tribal Dance: Local Bodo
and tea tribes perform their traditional dance in the evening.
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