Manas National Park - The Crown Jewel Of Assam’s Wildlife Heritage
Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Assam, Manas National Park is one of the most breathtaking and ecologically rich wildlife sanctuaries in India. Spanning a vast 950 sq.km, this pristine park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve—a rare combination that makes it globally significant.
Nestled in the Brahmaputra Valley's semi-evergreen forests, Manas is home to some of the world’s rarest and most endangered species, including the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and the Pygmy Hog—all endemic to this region. The park also shelters majestic animals such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephants, Wild Water Buffalo, and Gaur.
A Brief History of Manas National Park
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1928: Declared as a wildlife sanctuary with an area of 360 sq.km.
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1973: Recognized as Manas Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
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1985: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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1990: Expanded with the inclusion of Panbari, Kokilabari, and Kahitama Reserved Forests.
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2008: Total area increased to 950 sq.km.
Originally used as a hunting ground by the Cooch Behar royal family and the Raja of Gauripur, Manas transformed into one of India’s most vital conservation landscapes. Despite challenges during insurgency and poaching in the 1990s, the park has since made remarkable strides in wildlife recovery.
Ranges and Zones of the Park
Manas is divided into three main ranges:
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Panbari (Western Range)
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Bansbari (Central Range, near Barpeta Road)
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Bhuyapara (Eastern Range, near Pathsala)
Most visitors access the central range and stay at Mathanguri, located beautifully along the Manas River, which also marks the border with Bhutan.
Biodiversity of Manas – Biomes & Habitats
1. Grassland Biome:
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Endangered Bengal Florican
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Pygmy Hog
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Indian Rhinoceros (reintroduced in 2007)
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Wild Asiatic Buffalo
2. Forest Biome:
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Slow Loris
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Capped Langur
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Malayan Giant Squirrel
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Sambar Deer
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Great Hornbill
Dominant Flora:
Includes Bombax ceiba, Dillenia indica, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Gmelina arborea, Syzygium species, Careya arborea, and extensive grass species like Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum naranga.
Fauna at a Glance
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Mammals: 55 species (including 21 Schedule I and 31 threatened species)
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Birds: 380 species
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Reptiles: 50 species
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Amphibians: 3 species
Key Wildlife:
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Tigers, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Hoolock Gibbons
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Asian Elephants, Indian Rhinos, Gaur, Barasingha
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Golden Langur, Assamese Macaque, Sloth Bear
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Hog Deer, Sambar, Chital
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Manas supports one of the largest populations of the critically endangered Bengal Florican. Other notable birds include:
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Great Hornbills
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Pied and Grey Hornbills
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Brahminy Ducks
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Fishing Eagles & Serpent Eagles
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Pelicans, Kalij Pheasants
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Magpie Robins, Scarlet Minivets
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Bee-eaters, Mergansers, Harriers, and Ospreys
How to Reach Manas National Park
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By Air: Nearest airport is Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (176 km)
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By Rail: Nearest station is Barpeta Road Railway Station (41 km)
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By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Guwahati and nearby towns.
Where to Stay in Manas
Inside the Park:
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Forest Bungalows at Mathanguri – Ideal for nature lovers (advance booking required, self-catering only)
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Forest Rest Houses – At Bansbari and Mathanguri (book through Forest Department)
Popular Lodges & Resorts Nearby:
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Bansbari Lodge
+91 361 2602223 / 2602186 / 99542 05360
assambengal@rediffmail.com -
Blue Hills Resort
+91 361 2543059 / 2547911 -
Kokilabari Eco Cottages
Contact Secretary/President, MMES, Kokilabari
More accommodation options are available on the Barpeta Road side of the park.
Best Time to Visit
The park remains open from November to April. The ideal time to explore is November to February when the weather is cool and dry. Heavy monsoon rains between May and October make the park inaccessible.
Climate:
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Minimum Temperature: 15°C
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Maximum Temperature: 37°C
Park Headquarters & Contact
Field Director, Manas Tiger Reserve
Barpeta Road – 781315
+91-3666-261413 / 260288 (Office)
Fax: +91-3666-261413
Email: abhijitrabha@hotmail.com
Website: www.manasassam.org
Photos Of - Manas National Park - The Crown Jewel Of Assam’s Wildlife Heritage
Entry gate of M...
Beauty of Manas...
Elephat safari ...
Birds at Manas ...
Butterfly at M...