Manas National Park

Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary or Manas Tiger Reserve is located at the Indo-Bhutan Himalayan Foothills, in the state of Assam India. In the year 1985 it was announced as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site because of its unique biodiversity. The park is a Project Tiger reserve, a biosphere reserve and an elephant reserve. Manas National Park covers 2837 Sq. Km from Sankosh river in the west to Dhansiri river in the east. The core area of the park is around 500 Sq. Km which attracts jungle safari booking in Manas.

The Manas National park has been named on the Goddess Manasa, who is worshipped in this part of the region. Many mythologies and folktales are devoted to this goddess among the residents of Manas. Assam is said to be a land of Shakti–Peetha, so the female divinities are worshipped. Furthermore, the Manas River passes through the region of the Manas national park. The forests of the reserve were traditionally colonized by the Bodo, Adivasi and Koch Rajbongshis communities. The area of National park was also protected as the royal hunting ground for royal families of the Cooch Behar royal family and the Raja of Gauripur.

History of Manas National Park

In the year 1907, the park was declared as a Reserve Forest. It became wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1950. In 1973, the reserve was declared as Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. It got the accreditation of Biosphere Reserve in 1989. In 1990, it got the recognition as a National Park and in 2003 it was announced to be an Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant.

Flora

Manas Tiger Reserve comprises an amalgamation of East Himalayan mixed Moist and Dry Deciduous forests, Low Alluvial Savanna Woodland, and Assam Valley Semi-Evergreen Grasslands. The combination of such different floral exclusivity, makes it one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. A total of 543 plants species have been recorded from the core zone.

Funna

Manas has recorded 55 species of mammals, 50 of reptiles, and 3 species of amphibians. It is densely populated with Royal Bengal Tigers. The park is famous for its host of endangered species such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is also well known for rich population of Asian water buffalo. The animals of the sanctuary are Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, barasingha, Indian leopards, golden langurs, sloth bears, barking deer, black panthers, chitals etc. Manas Tiger Reserve also hosts more than 450 species of birds. The largest population of the endangered Bengal florican are found here.

Online jungle safari booking is recommended as the sanctuary expects maximum tourists during peak season. The park also allows sports activities such as river rafting, elephant safari in Manas, trekking etc which is also activities of interest for the tourists.

Jungle Safari In Manas National Park

The Jeep safari and elephant safari are the modes of forest excursion in Manas National park. The park entry permits are to be needed to enter to the wilderness of Manas National park. There is no provision of guide and jeep from forest department unlike other forests, tourists have the choice of taking private jeeps on hire or take their own four wheeler. The jungle safari charges in Manas National Park are different for Indian National and for foreign nationals. Jeep safaris are recommended to enjoy a wildlife safari tour in Manas National Park. The safari cost in Manas National park is different for Jeep safari and Elephant safari trips.

Elephant safari in Manas Tiger reserve is more exciting for the tourists, it covers the unexplored part of the forest, which increases the chances of sightings in the wild. The best time to visit Manas National Park is from October to April. Morning & evening safari slots are available for game drive in Manas National Park.

Jungle safari Timings in Manas National Park:

Morning Safari Timings in Manas national park: 9:00 AM to 12:00PM
Evening Safari Timings in Manas national park: 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Types of Jungle Safari in Manas National Park

Tourist Places to visit in Manas National Park:

During the plan to visit Mans National Park, these places are the added attraction along with Jungle safari trip to Manas National Park.

Tiger and Elephant Reserve in Manas: The open Jeep jungle safari in Manas ensure the awe-inspiring sightings of the wild beast the King “Tiger” and the Giant “Elephant”. Elephant safari in Manas National park is the major attraction for the tourists.

Guwahati: The state capital Guwahati is worth visiting, can be planned either on arrival or departure day. Guwahati is situated on the banks of the river Brahmaputra, and is known for the temple of Goddess Kamakhya, the Shakti-peeth built by the Koch king Naranarayan.

Orang and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary: These two wildlife sanctuaries can be visited during the Jungle safari trip to Manas National Park. Tourists can sight the one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) and various species of deer in these sanctuaries.

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary:

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Udalgiri and Baksa districts of Assam. The sanctuary is located 120 Kms from Manasa National Park, this was set up especially to conserve the pygmy hog and hispid hare, which were on the extinct. Along with these, sanctuary is also the home to white-winged wood duck, hoolock gibbon, golden langur and clouded leopard. Migratory and local birds enhance the beauty of sanctuary, especially Bengal florican, kingfisher, woodpecker, hornbill, swamp partridge etc.

Village and tea plantation Visit:

One must visit Bansbari Tea Plantation during a safari tour to Manas National Park. This is located at the entry point to Manas National park. The lush green plantations delights the tourists. The sanctuary is home to local Bodo villages where native communities of Ghatigaon and Ragu Bil lives in harmony. If the luck favors, you may get a chance to join them in their music and dance gatherings, which shows the tribal culture of the Manas National Park.

How to reach Manas National Park

By Airways to Manas National Park:
The nearest airport to the national park is 180 km away in Guwahati. There are regular flights from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore. Take a private taxi from the airport to reach here.

By Railways to Manas National Park:
The nearest railway station from Manas National Park is Barpeta Road at a distance of 32 Kms. Guwahati railway station is another option, which is well connected from all the major cities.

By Roadways to Manas National Park:
Manas National Park is 180 km away from Guwahati, around 5 hours of travel time by road journey. NH 27 joins Barpeta Road to Bansbari, the entry point to Manas National Park. Local bus transport is also available as an economical option to travel to Manas national park.

Distance between major cities and Manas National Park

Guwahati to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~150 km
Kolkata to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~750 km
New Delhi to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~1,800 km
Mumbai to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~2,600 km
Bangalore to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~2,800 km
Shillong to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~230 km
Tezpur to Manas Tiger Reserve: ~210 km

Best Season to Visit Manas National Park

Mahadeva temple: This is one of the famous religious place near Manas National Park, is at a distance of 25 Kms from Manas, in the town of Hajo. Hajo is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists.

Manas River: The Manas River is a border between India and Bhutan. It has been named after the God Manasa in Hindu Mythology. This is an attraction for wildlife fanatics and adventure explorers. River rafting on Manas River is a thrilling experience. The 35-km ride in the river takes you to the wild deciduous forests, which are a home to 400 unique species of birds. Rafting on the deep azure waters of the river is an experience, one must enjoy during a safari trip to Manas National Park.

Nature walk & Birdwatching in Manas National Park: This is a must do activity along with Jungle Safari trip to Manas National park. one can explore the flora and different colourful species of birds. The chirping of birds during morning hours is so melodious and pleases the individual.

Shrine of the Vaishnavite reformer: The nearby town Barpeta is known for the monastery and shrine dedicated to the Vaishnavite saint, Sankardeva. This place is recommended to visit during the safari tour to Manas national park.

Other nearest tourist places from the Manas national park includes Doars and Guwahati.