Manas National Park

Location: Assam
Main Attraction: Endangered wildlife species
Other Attractions: Boat rides
Best Time To Visit: From November to April

Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site is a Project Tiger Reserve nestled in the Himalayan foothill. It shelters rare and endangered wildlife such as Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog . The Park derives its name from the river Manas which in turn was derived from the serpent God Manasa. The Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1928 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1973. It was once the hunting ground of the Cooch Behar royal family and Raja of Gauripur. Spreading over an area of 950 sq km, some part of the Park extends to Bhutan.

The dense forest of the Park is a natural home of a wide variety of wildlife – Asian Elephants Indian Rhinoceros, Gaurs, Asian Water Buffaloes, Barasingha, Tigers, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Asian golden cat, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Barking Deer and Sloth Bears. The Park boasts of 380 species of birds, 55 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles and 3 species of amphibians. Out of 55 species of mammals 31 of them are threatened. Some of the birds spotted in the Park are Bengal Florican(endangered), Giant Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Magpie Robins and Grey Hornbills.

The boat rides on the Manas river flowing through the Park is an experience in itself. Jeep safari and Elephant Safari are the exciting ways of journeying through the Park. These safaris are organised by the Park authorities.

How To Reach:
Air: The nearest airport is Borjhar.
Rail: Barpeta is the nearest railhead.
Road: Good bus services from Guwahati to Barpeta road which is next to the park boundary.

Accommodation: