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Manas National Park

Manas National Park is located amidst the backdrop of the foothills of the Himalayas and a part of it lies in Bhutan. Declared a sanctuary on October 01, 1928 the forest was designated a World Heritage site in December 1985. The Manas National Park houses a great variety of wildlife, including tiger, Golden Langur, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Capped Langur, Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, etc.

Location : Kamrup district in Assam, India
Established In: 1928
Tiger Reserve: 1973
World Natural Heritage : 1985
Main Attractions : Tigers, Black Panthers, Clouded Leopards, Rhinoceros, etc
Best Time : November to April

About Manas National Park
The pictorial beauty along with the rare wildlife distinguishes this unique jungle which has been proving to be one of the most famous tourist destinations in north India.

The name : The name ‘Manas’ is derived from the name of Goddess Manasa, the daughter of Lord Shiva.
Manas Tiger Reserve: Manas Tiger Reserve, the only tiger reserve of its kind in the entire northeast is positioned amidst the mild undulation at the Himalayan foothills. The forest is extended beyond Indian territory to Bhutan. Manas River: The crystal waters of the Manas River demarcate the international border. For a brief period, some areas adjoining the river path get flooded; the water level subsides as soon as the rainfall stops because of the slope. The dense forest cover often prevents the sunrays from reaching the forest ground.

The Flora in the Manas National Park
The vegetation that covers most of the park is of the mixed deciduous variety. This mixed forest is intermixed by small glades of grass where deer can be seen grazing in huge numbers. Altogether, Manas National Park Assam offers some of the most eye-pleasing natural surroundings in the country.

The Fauna in the Manas National Park
The animal population of Manas is very excitingly diverse and excitement is the key world while exploring the park. Some of the more fierce or potentially aggressive creatures it harbours within it's confines are Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards and the amazingly beautiful and rare Black Panthers.

The park is also a haven for highly endangered species of which it houses 20. Two of the unique residents of the park are the Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog. Some of the other animals sighted while exploring the park are Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth Indian Otters, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Chital

The Avifauna in the Manas National Park
Some of the rare species that can be seen at this wildlife sanctuary during your wildlife tours are the Bengal florican and the great pied hornbill. Quite a few migratory birds visit the Manas National Park during the winter months. Some of these birds are Forktails, Riverchats, Ruddy Shelduck, Cormorants and Ducks. You can spot different species of water birds and woodland birds during your wildlife tours to the Manas National Park in Assam, India.

Major Attractions :
Golden langur: This mammal is found only in Assam and adjacent Bhutan, and is said to have evolved only on the western side of the Manas River. Rich golden to bright creamish hair cover the coat of golden langurs, and they have a long tail measuring up to 50 cm in length. Wild Buffaloes: These are endangered species and the third biggest land mammal. Wild Buffaloes feature a wide horn span, which is more than 6.5'.

Bird population : The Park provides shelter to some the rare and endangered species of birds, and is considered an important birding area. Around 383 species of birds have been recorded.

Elephant Safari : Watching the splendour of Manas National Park sitting on a trained elephant is a thrilling experience.

How to Get there
Air : For Manas the nearest airport is Borjhar airport, Guwahati. This airport is well connected with flights from other major cities of the state.

Rail : The nearest railhead is Barpeta road, located 136-km from Guwahati.

By Road : Kaziranga (Kohora) to Guwahati 217 km, Jorhat 96 km, Furkating 75 kms.