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.
