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SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT
Manas National Park
Bordering Bhutan and formed by the watershed of the Manas, Hakua and the Beki rivers, the Manas National Park is the only Tiger Reserve in Assam. It has a wealth of wildlife and is picturesque. Twenty species of birds (including the rare Bengal florican) and animals that figure in the highly endangered list of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) red data book make these jungles their home. Migratory birds come here during winter and fly back at the onset of summer. Along the river banks one can spot water birds such as mergansers, Brahminy ducks and egrets.
The park covers an area of 2,840 km, but its core area is 360 km. While tiger sighting is rare, you might just catch sight of the golden langur, the Asiatic buffalo, wild bison, wild dog (dhole), otter and civet. The rare red pandas are also found here but on the Bhutan side.
The park has eastern Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forests. The eastern alluvial grassland also covers a major portion of the park. These grassland are grazing grounds for many herbivores.
Park trips: The park can be entered on elephant back or in a jeep or by car.
Climate: The climate of Manas is tropical. The average rainfall is 160 cm. The monsoon months bring heavy downpours which often flood the park.
Best time to visit: The best season to visit Manas is between October and April. Avoid monsoon as many parts of the park flooded and animals are not easy to spot.
Accommodation: There are two lodges maintained and run by the tourism department. They provide comfortable accommodation near the park. One is located at Barpeta Road and other at Bansbari. The State department has two bungalows at Mathanguri inside the forest. Visitors have to carry their own food. But there are cooks (provided by the forest department) at the bungalows.
Getting there: Manas is 176 km from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar airport, Guwahati. 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 a road network. There are regular State transport buses as well as those run by private operators. One can also hire taxis from Guwahati.
Contact: The Field Director's Office at 03666-260289/261413 or write to
- Field Director, Project Tiger, P.O. Barpeta Road, District Barpeta, Assam (India) - 781315; Reservation authority — Tourist information officer, Barpeta Road, Assam (India)-781315, ph: 03666-32749.
Conducted tours: Tourist Information Officer, Station Road, Guwahati, Assam (India) - 781001, ph: (0361)-547102.
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