Manas National Park

Manas National Park of India boasts of amazing wildlife as well as picturesque beauty. The park is situated in the Kamrup district of the northeastern state of Assam. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary of India was established in the year 1928 and was declared as a tiger reserve, under Project Tiger, in 1973. It has also been given the status of biosphere reserve and claims the distinction of being accorded the status of a World Natural Heritage Site in 1985. In 1990, Manas Wildlife Park of Assam was elevated to the status of a national park.

The park stretches over an area of 519.77 square kilometers. Out of the total area, 360 square kilometers comprises of the core area. Manas Tiger Reserve of Assam stretches across the international border into Bhutan, where it has been renamed as Royal Manas National Park. The headquarters of the park are situated at Barpeta road, from where one has to take the permit to venture inside the park. The best time to visit Manas National Park of Assam is during the months of November to April.

Flora
The trees covering a major portion of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary are of the mixed deciduous variety. The entire vegetation is interspersed with small glades of grass. Small pastures, situated amidst thickly forested foothills, form the majority of the landscape. Apart from Manas River, numerous other rivulets, streams and natural drains also serve as a source of water for the sanctuary. The lower reaches of Manas Wildlife Park are covered with smooth sandy stretches, dotted with trees.

Wildlife
The wildlife present in Manas Tiger Reserve of India is rich and varied. Apart from the majestic tiger, one can also see Leopards, Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopards and even the rare Black Panthers. Other animals inhabiting the park include Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar, Chital, Smooth Indian Otters, Hoolock Gibbons, Assamese Macaques, Sloth Bears, Slow Loris, etc. Manas National Park also houses approximately 20 highly endangered species, such as Hispid Hare and Pygmy Hog.

Bird Species
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birds, both resident as well as migratory. The most common amongst these are Giant Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys and Herons.

How to Reach Manas National Park

By Air: The nearest airport is at Borjhar, approximately 5 km from Manas.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is situated at Barpeta Road.

By Road: Buses as well as taxis regularly ply between Guwahati and Barpeta Road.