Location : Assam
Major Attractions : Rhino, Tiger
Best time to Visit : November to March
About Manas Tiger Reserve
Situated
at the foothills of the giant Himalayas in the north eastern state of Assam,
Manas is the only kind of reserve in the entire north east. The lush forest,
consisting of mixed deciduous forests stretches beyond Indian confines to
the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with only the shimmering waters of river
Manas demarcating the international border.
Earlier known as the north Kamrup, Manas was declared a wildlife sanctuary
in 1928 and further made a part of the project tiger in 1973. The entire
protected area, sprawling to around 360 sq. km was declared a national park
on September 7, 1990.
Wildlife Attractions in Manas Tiger Reserve
Owing to its unique geographical location, Manas harbours some of the most
enchanting and rare species of flora and fauna. According to a recent
survey, there are an estimated number of 20 species of animals which are
listed as highly endangered including the Red Panda, Hispid Hare, Golden
Langur and Pigmy Hog. Other animals found in the park include the king of
all wild beasts Tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, boar, sambhar, hog
deer and swamp deer.
Besides these rare animals, another thing
which makes Manas famous are the migratory birds, which arrive here during
the winter season. Prominent amongst the migratory birds found at Manas are
the riverchats, cormorants, ruddy shell duck and forktails. Other reptiles
and a few colorful species of butterflies are also found here.
Tourists can move around the park either in boats or on elephants. While
elephants are a good way to spot animals hidden inside the depths of the
jungles, a boat ride lets you spot animals which come near the river to
quench their thirst. While there are no jeep safaris offered by the forest
department, jeeps can be hired from the forest range office to move inside
the park.
Stay At
Amongst the best accommodation options at Manas are the Government run
Inspection Bungalow (situated inside the reserve, it offers six double rooms
and a 30 bed dormitory) and the Bansbari Lodge (situated just outside the
park, the lodge offers 24 double rooms that are packaged with all the new
age amenities).
Getting There
By Air : The nearest airport is Borjhar, located at
Guwahati, which is connected to other major cities in India through a number
of regular flights. The 176 km distance from Borjhar to Manas can be covered
by boarding a bus or hiring a private taxi.
By Rail : Barpeta Road, located just 32 km from Manas is
the nearest railhead. Daily trains connect Barpeta with Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai, Guwahati and Bangalore.
By Road : A network of well built state and national
highways runs across the state connecting Manas to all the major
neighbouring cities in and around Assam. State transport buses ply regularly
between Manas and other nearby cities including Guwahati and Kolkata.
Another option is to hire a taxi from any of the neighbouring cities and
reach Manas.
Important Information for Visitors
- Entry fee to the park is to paid at Bansbari range office, located 1
km from the entry gate at Baripada.
- Entry fee is Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners.
- Park timings are 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM everyday.
- The Makibana area in Bhuyan para is considered ideal for tiger and
other striped predators sighting.
- Safari timings are 5:30 to 10 AM and 2:30 to 5:30 PM.
