Manas Wildlife Park

“We love animals, don't we?”

Set in the foothills of the Himalaya, the Manas National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in India. The Manas river descends from the Bhutan hills and runs through the 500 sq. km core area of the park . The park, which spreads over 2,837 km, is a vast expanse of low-lying sal forests and grassland. This National Park was once a hunting ground for the royals and was formerly called as North Kamrup. It was transformed in to a reserve forest in 1928 and was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973 and a National Park in 1990. Manas is also classified as a World Heritage site in danger because of the insurgency in the area that has taken a heavy toll on the park.

Flora and Fauna
The vegetation that covers most of the park is of the mixed deciduous variety. This mixed forest is interspersed by small glades of grass where deer can be seen grazing in large numbers.

The animal population of Manas is very excitingly diverse. Some of the more fierce or potentially aggressive creatures it shelters within it's region are Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards and the rare Black Panthers.

The park is also a haven for 22 highly endangered species of Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog.

Some of the other animals sighted while exploring the park are Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth Indian Otters, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Chital.
Straight Stuff
Location - Assam
Total Area - 391 sq .km
Declared As - A National Park in
Visiting Season - November to April
Baits - Tigers, red pandas and elephants
Entry Fee - Rs. 20 for Indians, Rs.250 for foreigners

Accommodation
The accommodation options are not in plenty here in Manas. Like:
Inspection Bungalow - The Inspection Bungalow is government run and one of the picturesque places to stay.
Bansbari Lodge - This is the only run private hotel of the park and is located just outside the entry gates of the park. The lodge offers excellent accommodation and other facilities.

How To Roll In
Airport : Manas Park is 176-kms from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar, which is situated, 5-km out of town, and can be reached by rickshaw, auto rickshaw or airline buses.
Railhead : The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road.
Road Transport : Buses regularly ply from Guwahati to Barpeta Road in 4½ hrs.