Manas National Park

On a gentle slope in the foothills of the Himalayas, where wooded hills give way to alluvial grasslands and tropical forests, the Manas National Park in Bauxa District of Assam is home to a great variety of wildlife.

The name of the park is originated from the Manas River, which is named after the serpent goddess Manasa. The Manas River is a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through the heart of the national park. In 1992, UNESCO declared it as a world heritage site.

Manas is less known than its big brother Kaziranga National Park. But it’s the untouched and virgin beauty of North East.

Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, the park is flanked by the giant Manas River separating it from Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.

If you want a wholesome and fulfilling experience amidst nature, away from so-called tourist destinations – Manas National Park is the place to be.

There are two major biomes present in Manas:

• The grassland biomes – Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Florican, Wild Water Buffalo.
• The forest biomes – Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Black Panther, Elephant, Indian Gaur, Dhole(Wild Dog), Capped Langur, Wild Pig, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Great Hornbill, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Chinese Pangolin.

The park is well known for its rare and endangered wildlife which are endemic and not found elsewhere in the world for instance- the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog.

The Manas hosts more than 450 species of birds. It has the largest population of the critically endangered Bengal Florican. Other major bird species include great hornbills, brahminy ducks, kalij pheasants, egrets, pelicans, fishing eagles, crested serpent-eagles, falcons, scarlet minivets, bee-eaters, magpie robins, pied hornbills, grey hornbills, mergansers, harriers, Indian Peafowl, ospreys and herons.

Things to do at Manas-

• Jeep Safari(Sunrise and Sunset Safari) – Option to go for full day safari is also there, which, will take you through Royal National Park, Bhutan.
• Elephant Safari(Only in the morning) – Riding on an elephant’s back is itself an experience. The elephant ride gives you access to the regions of the park where it may not be accessible for the jeep.
• Birding – Time to take out your binoculars. If you are a bird lover, this place is a paradise.
• River Rafting – For the adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts, river rafting on the slow waters of Manas River is an exhilarating experience. The 35-km ride takes you through the wild deciduous forests which are home to 400 different species of birds. Rafting on the deep azure waters of the river is kind of experience you should really look forward to.