Area: 39, 100 hectares
Declared As Sanctuary: October 1, 1928
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nestled at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Manas National Park is one of the most seraphic wildlife surroundings in India. Deriving its name from the Manas River, taken from the serpent goddess Manass, Manas National Park is the only home to many exotic animals, like the rare and endangered Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog.Manas National Park also extends to the neighboring country of Bhutan. Spread around a vast area of 39, 100 hectares, this sheltered abode is also home to a varied variety of flora and fauna species. Species like the Tiger, Wild Buffalo, Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Hog Deer, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris and Hoolock Gibbons and flora like Leea, Phyllanthus emblica, Bombax ceiba, Clerodendrum, Grewia and Premna are inhabitant to this rich heritage.
Called as North Kamrup, Manas was declared as a sanctuary on October 1, 1928 and later designated into a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1992. The rare scenic beauty and picturesque backdrop of the place, combined with the world heritage, an elephant reserve, a unique Project Tiger reserve and Biosphere reserve, proffers an unmatched mesmeric experience to the tourists.
Facilities
A number of rest houses, forest bungalows, lodge and campsites, situated in and around Manas National Park, make it an ideal place to visit for tourists. Elephant, boat and jeep safaris are conducted on regular basis by the Tourist department of Assam. However, a foreign visitor needs to take a special permit to enter the sanctuary. The ideal time to visit the Manas national park is during the months of November to April. The park is closed during the monsoon season.
How to get there
Manas National Park is well-connected by all the modes of commutation, thus making it a hot-bed of tourism. Just 176 km from Gowahati, the nearest airport connected to Manas National Park is Borjhar, a mere 5 km from the place and easily reachable by cabs, taxis, airline buses, and auto rickshaws. It is also well connected by rail and Barpeta road is the nearest railhead for Manas National Park. It can be reached by buses too, which ply regularly from Barpeta Road and Gowahati.
