Nature Hunt Tours and Eco Camp
Assam is well known for having a diverse ecosystem to sustain two of the most popular National Parks in India. That is Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this context, we have an overview of what makes Manas National Park so special. It was one of the first Tiger Reserves in India. Once Manas National Park was a victim of bad organizations with smugglers living inside the forests, etc. But that was a very long time ago. Since then the National Park has acquired numerous statuses and titles due to its brilliant sustenance. It was a sanctuary initially, then consecutively it was named Reserve Forest, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. In 1985, UNESCO declared the Park as a World Heritage site. Finally, in the year 1990, the site was named Manas National Park, after the Manas River. Currently, Manas National Park is the home for some highly rare and endangered species of the world. This is the perfect destination at an ideal location for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The Location
Manas National Park lies on the gentle slopes of the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas that fall under Assam’s jurisdiction. It is located in the two districts of Bongaigaon and Barpeta in Assam near Manas River, 180km from Guwahati. The river which is one of the tributaries of Brahmaputra River divides the National Park into two sections. Manas National Park is also adjacent to the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. Extending over an area of 2840 sq. km. Manas National Park is the rarest gift of nature to man in its finest form. Not only is Manas National Park popular because of its rich biodiversity. It is also famous for its spectacular scenery and picturesque landscapes and forested hills. The location makes it a perfect spot for trekking within safe boundaries and boating for people. It provides a range of scenic forested hills, with alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests.
Manas National Park bears immense significant importance among the protected areas within the Indian sub-continent. How? Well, it is one of the remaining natural areas in the region where a huge number of endangered species live. And still, they continue to thrive and survive within the boundaries of Manas National Park. The Park, basically a sanctuary, focuses mainly on maintaining the honor of being a protected natural site. The boundaries of the National Park is well separated and are under capable supervision and control. Manas National Park has the Royal Manas National Park in the north and Manas Tiger Reserve in the east. Manas Tiger Reserve spreads towards the west as well. Thus Inter-boundary understanding and coordination are very important for the protection and conservation of these natural habitats for the animals.
How To Reach Manas National Park
You can reach Manas National Park either by air, by train or by road from any nearby destination. But there are no flights or trains connecting directly to the gates of the National Park. The location falls on the highway NH-31 with well-connected roads to the major cities around Assam.
BY AIR:
The nearest airport to Manas National Park is the Guwahati Airport. It is approximately 150 km from the gates of the National Park. On reaching you can hire a cab or get on a bus to reach Manas National Park near the airport.
BY TRAIN:
Located at a distance of around 50km from Manas National Park, Barpeta Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the site. It is also easy to hire a cab or get on a bus to visit Manas National Park from here.
BY ROAD:
The road leading to Manas National Park is well connected with all the major cities in Assam. The nearest city is Guwahati which is 175km from Manas National Park. You can hire a cab or get on a bus from Guwahati, Jorhat, Barpeta (shortest distance) and other cities.
Flora And Fauna Within Manas National Park
FAUNA
Manas National Park is the habitat for 22 of the world’s endangered mammals and 26 of the endangered bird species. In total, there are more than 60 species of mammals, 380 species of birds, 42 reptiles and 7 amphibian species.
Mammals:
Some of the Mammals found roaming around the Manas National Park are:
Tiger, Leopard, Black Panther, Asian-Golden Cat, Gaur, Indian Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Barasingha, Hoolock Gibbon, Smooth-Coated Otters, Capped Langurs, Chital. Then Asian Water Buffalo, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaques, Indian Elephant, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Golden Langur, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear. Smaller animals like squirrels, Hispid Hare and Monkeys can also be found within Manas National Park.
Birds:
Some of the Birds found flying around and within Manas National Park are:
Jungle Fowl, Bulbul, Pelican, Giant Hornbill, Egret, Falcon, Bristled Grassbird, Fishing Eagle, Bee-Eater, Heron, Osprey, Harrier, Merganser, Brahminy Duck. Then Pheasant, Serpent Eagle, Scarlet Minivet, Magpie Robin, Pied Hornbill, Grey Hornbill, etc. Few migratory birds also visit the surroundings of Manas National Park during winters.
Reptiles And Amphibians:
Reptiles and Amphibians like Gharial, Common Wolf-Snake, Burmese Python, King Cobra, Assam Roofed Turtle, Brown Roofed Turtle, Indian Black Turtle. Then Bengal Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Khasi Bent-toed Gecko, Frilled Gecko, and many others are found within Manas National Park.
