manas_national_park_home_title
MANAS NATIONAL PARK

Manas National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site situated at the base of foothills of the Bhutan – Himalayas in the state of Assam in India, with unique bio- diversity landscape and is one of the first reserves included in the network of the tiger reserve under project tiger in 1973. It extends over an area 2837 sq km from Sankosh River in the west to Dhanashri River in the east with a core area of 520 sq km of the National Park which declared in 1990. With the Manas River exploding out of the foothills of Bhutan, the unique blending of dense forest and grasslands at the confluence of Indian, Ethiopian and Indo Chinese realms makes this one of the richest reasons for wild animals. The River Manas, flows into the National Park at an altitude of about 500 meter from the gorges of Bhutan and splits into two major streams of which the main course comes out of the park about 30 km downstream which is known as Beki and another has met up at River Brahmaputra named as Bholkaduba. The word ‘Manas’ derived from the name of a Hindu Goddess ‘Manasha or the Serpents God’. River Manas is a major tributary of River Brahmaputra and serves as an international border between India and Bhutan. The Forest department of Assam has divided Manas National Park into three parts; these are namely Bhuiyapara Eastern Range, Panbari Western Range and Bansbari Central Range.
The peace and tranquillity of Mathanguri Tourist site on the banks of River Manas close to Bhutan is a rarest gift of nature and in its finest form.
Manas National Park spreads across Baksa and Chirang districts in BTAD, Assam, where the Bhutan Hills rolls down to form an extensive Bhabar and Terai area on the north bank of the River Brahmaputra. The River Manas flows through, dividing the park into two halves, further drained by large number of rivulets and streams. Contiguous with the Royal Manas in Bhutan which is on the other side of the river, the park offers excellent Eco systems for the wild denizens of the area. The Manas National Park forms the core of the sprawling Manas Tiger Reserve on the Indo – Bhutan border and is one of the most important conservation areas in India. The park offers excellent habitats such as grasslands, forests, rivers and wetlands and low hills to different kinds of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians along with butterflies and insects. The central entrance of Manas National Park is Bansbari Range. The route to Bansbari passes through Khayerbari, Gobordhana of Baksha district. Bansbari is situated to the north of Fathemabad tea estate via Bangerabari. Among the watch towers located inside Manas National Park Buraburi watch tower is a special mention. This watchtower offers wide view of the wild landscapes of Manas National Park. From the Buraburi watchtower around 22 km is Mathanguri Forest Bungalow lies on the banks of Manas River. About 500 sq km of Manas National Park to the western side flows River Sankosh and to its eastern side flows River Dhansari. But due to the presence of poachers many wildlife species came under threat and the formation of ‘Bodoland Territorial Council’ (BTC) was formed. The main entrance of Manas National Park is Bansbari beside where lies the Fatehmabad tea estate. About 800 sq km area of the Manas National Park is under project tiger. From the main entrance of the national park around 21 km is Mathanguri Forest Bungalow near which flows Manas River. Manas National Park is a World Heritage Site that lies on the banks of River Manas sharing the Border with Bhutan. This national park is spread over an area of about 500 sq km within the boundaries of Assam and Bhutan. Manas National Park itself has a splendid lateral landscape. The wilderness of Manas National Park varies with the presence long old trees at some places and dense thick Savannah grasslands. From Bhuiyapara Eastern Range around 04 km away is River Pota. Manas is the only landscape in the world where pristine Terai Grasslands are seen merging with the Bhabar grasslands interspersed with diverse habitats ascending to Semi-Evergreen forests.

History of Manas National Park:
In 1905 Manas was proposed as a Reserve Forest.
In 1907 Manas was declared a Reserve Forest.
In 1928 Manas was declared as a Game Sanctuary.
In 1950 Manas was declared as Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (area 360 sq km).
In 1973 about 2837 sq km area of the national park was declared a center for Tiger Reserve (under project Tiger).
In 1985 Manas National Park was declared as a World Heritage site (Natural) by UNESCO.
In 1989 about 2837 sq km area Manas was declared as a Biosphere Reserve under Man & Biosphere Program of UNESCO for wildlife protection.
In 1990 this forest was named as Manas National Park (500 sq km).
In 2003, 2600 sq km area of Chiran district was declared a center for protection of elephants as Chirang – Ripu Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant.

Location of Manas National Park:
Manas National Park is located around 50 km from Barpeta Road. Manas National Park is divided into three ranges namely Panbari (the western range), Bansbari near Barpeta Rd (the central range) and Bhuiyapara (the eastern range).
From Bansbari range, the dense jungle of Manas National Park starts. From Bansbari around 22 km is Mathanguri. Before entering Manas National Park around 25 km away is Kakaijana Wildlife Sanctuary or Kakoijana Reserved Forest. From Bhuiyapara Eastern range around 05 km away there is a seed farm which is a popular to spot for sighting Bengal Florican. The area of Manas National Park covers six districts of Assam, these are namely Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Malaria, Kamrup and Darang.
Fringe villages: 62 villages on the southern side.
Ethnic Composition: Bodo, Assamese, Bengali, Nepalese and Adivasi.

Flora:
The forest type of Manas National Park comprises of Moist, Mixed, Deciduous Forest, Semi Evergreen Forest, Eastern Bhabar Sal Forest, Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands and Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland. A variety of aquatic flora is found along the river banks and wetlands and pools. More than 550 species of plants have been identified so far in Manas National Park. The forest is of mixed woodland – grassland ecosystem and due to the presence of long grasses (also known as elephant grass or savanna grasslands) are ideal place for Rhinos, Leopards and Tigers to hide themselves. The grasses of Manas National Park measures upto 07 to 08 ft in height. Manas National Park is also home to more than 347 species of trees and herbs.

Fauna:
Not only Manas National Park is one of the most beautiful reserves, it also harbours the largest number of protected species of India, ranging from large herds of Elephants and Buffaloes with smaller creature like Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare and Bengal Florican. Among the 60 species of mammals recorded so far in and around Manas National Park, 22 of them are placed in schedule I categories of Indian Wildlife (protection) Act.
The fauna diversity of the park is extraordinarily rich with more than 60 species of mammals, 312 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles, 7 amphibians and 54 species of fish recorded so far. Manas National Park is the common habitat of wildlife species like rare Golden Langur, Wild Water Buffalo, Jungle Fowl, Sambar, Swamp Deer, Gaur, Rhino, Tiger, Elephants, Black Panther, Leopard, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth-coated Otters, Capped Langurs, Asian Water Buffalo, Asian golden cat, Barking Deer (or Indian Muntjac), Indian Bison, Indian Buffalo, Indian Pangolin, and many others. Around the world Golden Langurs are only available in Manas National Park, Assam, India and in Bhutan which also forms the other end of Manas National Park known as Royal Manas. But due to poaching and habitat loss presently the population of Golden Lagur has become so less that it is declared as rare species by the Wildlife Protection Act.

Birding in Manas National Park:
Manas National Park is inhabited by more than 380 species of birds. Among these the most noteworthy is the rare species of Bengal Florican. International Union for conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared it as a most rare species and it is only seen in Manas National Park. Some of the noted species of birds those inhabit Manas National Park are Red Wag Tailed Lapwing, Great Horn bill, Silver Breasted Broad bill, Great Adjutant, Red Headed Trogan, Common Chestnut, Swamp Francolin, Jordan Babbler, Rufus Necked Laughing Thrush, Common Wood Shrike, Baikal Teel, Lesser Whistling Duck, Long Tailed Shrike, Great Egret, Purple Swamp Hen, Bengal Florican, Red Breasted Parakeet, Black Headed Ibis, Pin Tailed Green Pigeon, Indian Roller, Hoope, Citrine Wagtail, Grey Headed Lapwing, Black Tailed Bea Eater, Pochard, Gadwall, Black Francolin, Indian Pond Heron, Bazarad, Case trail, Grey Bellied Tessie, Scarlet Minivet, Pin Tailed Pigeon, Ashy Headed Green Pigeon, Babbler, Yellow Vented Flower Pecker, Crimson Sunbird, Scarlet Backed Flower Pecker, Leaf Bird, Oriole, Spider Hunter, Racket Tailed Drongo, Black Tailed Crick, Striated Babbler, Black Storks, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Stone Chat, Common Kingfisher, Lesser Adjutants, Red Jungle Fowl, Pea Fowl, Emerald Dove and many others. The area of the Savannah grasslands are inhabited by birds like Black Breasted Parrot Bill, Crested Banting and Golden Headed Sistikola. The River bed of River Pota lies within little distance from the local villages around Manas National Park. The river here is very narrow, only the gravels and sands are visible and is also the common sights of birds like Long Bellied Plover, Rosy Pipit, White Tailed Ruby Throat and others. On the route to Mathanguri range via Bansbari, tourists may often spot Silver Breasted Broad bill, White Throated Bulbul and Serpent Eagle. The smallest hunting bird named Raptor Collard Falcon is also found in Manas National Park.

Forest Safari and Timing:
Forest Safari in Manas National Park is divided into two different timings of the day in two different sections. One is the Jeep Safari and the other is the elephant safari.
Jeep Safari: 09.00 am to 12.00 Noon and 02.00 pm to 05.00 pm.
Elephant Safari: 06.00 am to 07.00 am.
Jungle safari starts from Bhuiyapara Gate.
In order to avail Elephant Safari tourists need to start early in the morning.
The permit for entering Manas National Park is issued from Bansbari Forest office.
Entry Fee: India @ 100/-, Foreigner @ 350/-, Vehicle Fee @ 300/-, Elephant Ride: Indian @ 300/-, Foreigner @ 1000/-, Camera Charges @ 100/- per camera.
Apart from the jungle safari, tourists can opt for a boat ride on River Manas.
Safari charges for Bansbari Range @ 2500/- per jeep and at Bhuiyapara and Panbari @ 3000/-
Guard charges varies between 250/- to 300/-.

Camps and watchtowers:
Around Manas National Park tourists and visitors can visit the nearby watchtowers, those offers long distance view of a wide area of Manas National Park. Some of the noteworthy watch towers located inside Manas National Park are Kuri Bill, Burabari, Uchila, Latamari and Rupahi Camp. The ‘Daimari Camp Safari’ is also among the notable camp sighting in Manas National Park.

Climatic conditions and Jungle Entry in Manas National Park:
Summer: March to May
Monsoon: June to September
Winter: December to February
The entry season to Manas National Park starts from October and it remains open till the end of April.
The temperature of Manas National Park is dry and humid and the fields are muddy.

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is Guwahati. Daily flight services are available from Kolkata and other major cities of India those reaches Guwahati. From Guwahati Airport around 176 km away is Manas National Park. But tourists need to avail this distance by road only.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is Barpeta Road. From Barpeta Road railway station around 40 km away is Manas National Park. As most of the trains do not reach Barpeta Road, in that case tourists can opt for Bongaigaon railway station. Manas National Park is located around 75 km from New Bangaigaon railway station and it takes about 1.5 hours by road.

By Road: Manas National Park is well connected by strong road networks with major cities and other spots of Assam and also with other major destination and cities of India. Kokrajhar Bypass road leads to Manas National Park. To reach this spot tourist need to come across Fatehmabad Tea Estate, Mayang Pass Bazaar, Saalbari Bazaar, Rupohi River Bridge. From Fatehmabad Tea Estate around 20 km is Bhuiyapara Entry gate.

Best time of visit:
Manas National Park generally remains open for tourists visit from mid-October to April. But it all depends on the season’s rainfall. Depending on the rainfall the opening and closing time of the forest depends.

Tourism Activities in Manas National Park:
Tourism is done to promote Manas as a popular tourist destination and also to support the local economy by opening up alternate livelihood options for the fringe community. The tourism activity received a boost with support from Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and WWF – INDIA.

MEWS:
Manas Ever Welfare Society (MEWS) established on 03rd January 2006, aims to work for the preservation of the rich bio- diversity in Manas National Park and also develop Eco- Tourism activities in the park especially in the areas under Bansbari Range. The society also aims to work with the fringe communities at different levels for the protection of Manas National Park and also promote alternate means of livelihood to develop the local economy.

CAMP BUFFALO RETREAT

Camp Buffalo Retreat is a wide spread staying option located at Bansbari Range of Manas National Park in Assam. Camp Buffalo Retreat offers tourists with calm and peaceful stay with the lush greenery of Manas National Park. From Camp Buffalo Retreat tourists can hear the sounds of flowing Manaah River during the night time. Camp Buffalo Retreat offers the facility of both camping and staying in rooms. Camp Buffalo Retreat is an Eco camp and it can described as a nature and adventure camp set at the vicinity of the towering Eastern Himalayas in the fringe areas of the forests of Manas National Park. Camp Buffalo Retreat offers tourists with three different types of staying options, these are namely camping tents, jungle tents and luxury cottages. The tents of Camp Buffalo Retreat are built in a unique and are put on elevated platforms with thatched roof. The tents at Camp Buffalo Retreat are built to cater small families and are also equipped with attached toilets.

Amenities available:
Well furnished tents and cottages.
All tents and cottages are equipped with attached western toilets.
Various adventure rides including jeep safari rides and elephant safari are conducted by Camp Buffalo Retreat for guests (chargeable).
Arrangement of river rafting on request (chargeable).
Arrangement of guides on request.
Evening camp fire is also arranged for tourists (chargeable).
Tourists are served with delicious meals.

Tariffs:
Jungle Tents (04 pax) @ 3500/-
Luxury Tents (03 pax) @ 2500/-
Camp Tents (02 pax) @ 1200/-
Dormitory Room (08 pax) @ 7000/-
Service charge @ 10% on the above room rent.
The above tariff are on EP basis (staying only).

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306 to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly. Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3)