MANAS NATIONAL PARK

Location of Manas: Assam, North East India

Nearest Access to Manas:Guwahari (176-kms)

Coverage Area of Manas:391-sq-kms

Climate of Manas: Winter Min. 11C , Summer Max.37C .

Major Wildlife Attraction in Manas:Great Hornbill, Tigers, Leopards

Best Time to Visit Manas:October to April.

About Manas National Park

Located in the foothills of the Mighty Himalayas, Manas has been designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Manas has unique distinction of being home of some of the highly endangered animals like Pigmy Hog, Golden Langur. Manas has a remarkable diversity of forest vegetation within the confines of the park. It is flanked by the sub-Himalayan mixed deciduous forests and Assam valley evergreen forests to the north and a combination of rich bhabar Sal, eastern wet alluvial grassland around the Benki and Hekua rivers and alluvial Savannah woodlands to the south. Manas also has a unique distinction of being a treasure house of plants and trees around 550 species, which include some rare varieties of wild orchid.

Manas has a relatively longer period of Monsoons resulting in creation of different types of terrain due to siltation from countless seasonal rivers and nalahs. The upper foothills are bhabar tracts and the lower one the terai tract. The terai tract contains plenty of ground water as a result the tall grasslands support an extensive number of wild animals and harbors some rare and endemic species. Manas is also home to 60 mammals, of which 41 have been listed in the IUCNs Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. They include Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and some of the smaller cats like Marbled, Leopard, Golden and Fishing. Other mammals are Great Indian Rhinos, Indian Elephant, Indian Wild Buffalo, Red Panda and Capped Langur. The most endangered animals in the park are Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and Hispid hare.

With its varied habitats, Manas has countless species of birds. Some of the bird species of interest are Assamese Myna, Indian Lorikeet, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Rubycheek, Crossbill, Malkoha, kalij Pheasant, Orange-bellied Blue Magpie, Blue-headed Flycatcher, Great Indian Hornbill, Indian Hobby and Blyths Baza. Large flocks of migratory birds like Large Cormorants, Grey Heron, Yellow Bittern, Lesser Whistling Teal and Comb Duck make winter home in Manas river and its tributaries.How to reach Manas National Park

Air : Manas Park is 176-kms from Guwahati.

Rail : The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road.

Road : Buses regularly ply from Guwahati to Barpeta Road in 4 hrs.

At a Glance A biodiversity hotspot, Manas National Park is famed for its endangered endemic wildlife; with the main attraction being the one-horned rhinoceros. This scenic sanctuary has earned the status of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. A famed Project Tiger Reserve, its lies alongside the majestic Manas River. Exceptionally important, Manas is situated in North-East Indias Assam and shares a northern international border with the kingdom of Bhutan. Being flanked on the northern end by the imposing Bhutan hills and presence of serene grasslands present a spectacular wilderness experience.

Manas River, along with influencing the parks name also serves as an international border between the sovereign states of India and Bhutan. The tumultuous river, rushing through the parks western end, joins the legendary Brahmaputra downstream. Awarded with several international and national designations, Manas national park is offered the highest legal protection under various provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A lot of renowned conservation organizations support the park in maintaining an efficient work procedure. Witnessing the royal tiger and the elusive rhinoceros in the environs sends a chill down the spine along with creating a mystical ambience.

Climate At Manas, the minimum temperature touches 15degree Celsius whereas in summers the mercury can shoot up to 37 degree Celsius. The period between May and September witnesses tremendous rains.

Flora Lush landscape of the national park is filled with Burma monsoon forests; located predominantly between the Indo-Gangetic and Indo-Malayan regions. Famed as one of the greatest biodiversity areas globally, its filled with major sorts of vegetation such as: Sub- Himalayan light alluvial semi-evergreen forests. East Himalayan mixed moist and dry deciduous forests. Low alluvial savanna woodland. Assam Valley semi-evergreen alluvial grasslands.FaunaThe wildlife savvy population will savor Manas due to its reputation as a treasure trove excelling in exceptional variety of fauna. Apart from its famed population of Wild Water buffalo, the sanctuary is home to approximately 60 mammal species, 42 reptile species, 7 amphibians and 500 bird species. Highly endangered and elusive wildlife exist and breed in these scenic surroundings.

The park has created a niche among wildlife reserves due to abundant populations of Asian Elephants, Indian Rhinoceres, Gaurs, Asian Water Buffaloes, Barasingha, Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Clouded leopards, Asian Golden cat, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth-coated Otters, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Black Panther, Sambar Deer and Chital.

Rare and endemic wildlife consists of the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur.

A bird watchers paradise, the sanctuary is filled with more than 450 species. Major species include the highly endangered Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Kalij Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Grey Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys and Herons.

Travel TipsThe park timings are 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Along with entry fees, separate charges need to be paid for video recorders and cameras.

Best Time to VisitThe best time to Visit the park is between the months October April.