Set in the foothills of the Himalaya, the Manas National Park is one of the
most beautiful national parks in India. The Manas river descends from the
Bhutan hills and runs through the 500 sq. km core area of the park . The
park, which spreads over 2,837 km, is a vast expanse of low-lying sal
forests and grassland. This National Park was once a hunting ground for the
royals and was formerly called as North Kamrup. It was transformed in to a
reserve forest in 1928 and was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger
in 1973 and a National Park in 1990. Manas is also classified as a World
Heritage site in danger because of the insurgency in the area that has taken
a heavy toll on the park.
Flora and Fauna
The vegetation that covers most of the park is of the mixed deciduous
variety. This mixed forest is interspersed by small glades of grass where
deer can be seen grazing in large numbers.
The animal population of Manas is very excitingly diverse. Some of the more
fierce or potentially aggressive creatures it shelters within it's region
are Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards
and the rare Black Panthers.
The park is also a haven for 22 highly endangered species of 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.
Straight Stuff
Location - Assam
Total Area - 391 sq .km
Declared As - A National Park in
Visiting Season - November to April
Baits - Tigers, red pandas and elephants
Entry Fee - Rs. 20 for Indians, Rs.250 for foreigners
Accommodation
The accommodation options are not in plenty here in Manas. Like:
Inspection Bungalow - The Inspection Bungalow is government run and one of
the picturesque places to stay.
Bansbari Lodge - This is the only run private hotel of the park and is
located just outside the entry gates of the park. The lodge offers excellent
accommodation and other facilities.
How To Roll In
Airport : Manas Park is 176-kms from Guwahati. The nearest airport
is Borjhar, which is situated, 5-km out of town, and can be reached by
rickshaw, auto rickshaw or airline buses.
Railhead : The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road.
Road Transport : Buses regularly ply from Guwahati to Barpeta Road
in 4½ hrs.
Ready for face to face encounter with the wildlife of Sanctuary. We can 
