Manas National Park Assam
Factfile
Location : India- Bhutan border, Assam.
Area : 321 sq kms.
Major Attractions : One-horned Rhino, Red Panda, Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog, Golden Langur etc.
Best Time to Visit : November to February.
Timings : 5.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Entry Fee : Indians Rs. 20, Foreigners Rs. 250.
Camera Fee : Still Camera - Rs 50 for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners, Video Camera - Rs 100 for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners.
Vehicle Entry : Rs.300.
Safaris : Jeep Safari - Timings : 5.30 am to 10 am, 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
Elephant Safari - Timings : 5.30 am to 10 am, 3 pm to 5.30 pm.
Fees : Indians Rs 120, Foreigners Rs 750.
Introducing Manas National Park
An extremely beautiful park, situated on the foothills of the Great Himalayas, Manas National Park draws large number of tourists and wildlife lovers as well, from all over the world. Manas National Park spreads over an area of 519.77 sq. kms, out of which 321 sq. kms forms the main core area. Actually, the park extends to the neighbouring country of Bhutan, where it is known as the Royal Manas National Park.
Once a hunting ground for royals, known as North Kamrup, the national park was made a reserve forest in 1928. In the year 1973, Manas National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger and it became a National Park in 1980. Further, due to its beauty as well as significance to the environment, Manas National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1985.
The topography of the park consist of small meadows, densely forested foothills with many rivulets, streams and natural drains. Due to its unique topography, Manas National Park provides natural habitat to a variety of floral and faunal species. With its natural beauty and rare wealth of wildlife, Manas National Park offers one of the most enthralling lifetime experiences. In fact, when you visit this park, you feel a true outing into the lap of mother nature.
Flora of the National Park
Most of the park area is covered with mixed deciduous forest, sometimes dense enough to cut out all sunlight. The mixed forest is interspersed with small glades of tall grasses where you can see deer or other animals grazing in large numbers. In the eastern part of the park, there is also an alluvial grassland.
Fauna of the National Park
Due to its varied climatic conditions and topography, Manas National Park boasts of a very excitingly diverse animal population. Some of the popular wild animals which you can spot here are Tigers, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Elephants, Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Chital, Indian Bison, Sloth Bear, Gaurs, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaques, Hoolock Gibbons, Asiatic Wild Buffaloes, One-horned Rhinos and rare Black Panthers. Besides, the park also provides shelter to several endangered species like the Hispid Hare and the Pigmy Hog.
Manas is also a heaven for avian species, including both resident as well as migratory. Some of the popular bird species found in the park are Jungle Fowls, Egrets, Herons, Harriers, Ospreys, Falcons, Giant Hornbills, Khaleej Pheasants, Pelicans, Bulbuls, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Brah Gray Hornbills, Pied Hornbills, Miny Ducks, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Mergansers and Magpie Robins.
Activities You Can Take Part In 
Jeep Safari : Jeep Safari is one of the best way to explore the Manas National Park. Watching the wild animals from open-roof jeep is a thrilling experience and during you trip, you can also click some photographs. You can undertake jeep safari either in your own vehicle or in a hired one.
Elephant Rides : Elephant rides are offered in the grasslands close to the park gate and also at Mathanguri. In comparison to jeep safari, elephant rides are more enjoyable. A ride on the elephant back provide you a nice opportunity to get a close look of the wildlife.
Nature Walks : You can take a nature walk along a 5-km long trail by the river around Mathanguri. On your walk, you will see a large number of birds and flowers. Your guide may also take you along the water streams to spot the wild animals, which is a wonderful experience.
Village trip : You can also take a walk through the Bodo villages like Raguhbil and Gyatigaon close to the park. These villages have a co-operative women's weaving centre and you may also attend the music and dance session.
Boat Rides : The Forest Department offer the boating facility in the river of the park. While boating through the river, you can see observe the wild animals. Boat riding charges are Rs. 2,000 for an 8-seater boat.
Where to Stay
Limited accommodation options are available in Manas National Park, so it is advisable to make bookings well in advance. Inside the park, accommodation is available in government-run Inspection bungalow at Mathanguri. This tourist bungalow offers accommodation in its six double rooms and you have to bring your own supplies and rations for the duration of the stay. Outside the park, close to main gate, the Bansbari Lodge is the only private hotel, which provide good accommodation facilities. Manas Guest House, near the main market in Barpeta and Hotel Chitralekha are other good place to stay.
How to Reach
Borjhar airport in Guwahati (176 kms) is the nearest airport from Manas National Park. From Guwahati, a number of flights ply to major cities of India. You have to hire a taxi from this airport to reach the park. Barpeta Road (32) is the nearest railhead, which is connected by several train with important places of the country. Good motorable roads connect the national park with Barpeta Road and Guwahati. Guwahati is connected by National Highway 31 with the states of West Bengal, Bihar and other parts of country.
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