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
