Manas Tiger Reserve and National Park- The World Heritage

Manas positioned in Kamrup-Golapara district, on the foothills of the Himalayas south east of Manas River all along the Assam- Bhutan border. The gorgeous park previously known as North Kamrup is stretched over a region of 391 sq km and was affirmed a sanctuary on December 01, 1928.

It was recognized as the core of the Manas Tiger Reserve commencing April 1973 and became eminent to the status of a National Park category on September 7, 1990. It was positioned to the status of World Heritage Site in 1985 for its exceptional possessions of endangered species. The park has it’s extend far beyond the national boundary to Bhutan where it is identified as the Royal Manas Park.

Manas is home to 20 of the a good number endangered species of animals that includes the rare golden langur, hispid hare, pygmy hog, red pandas etc. The foremost emphasize of the park is the Giant hornbill, two subspecies of which, the pied and grey varieties originate here.

The park is affluent in mammals and birds, that includes elephants, tiger, panther, leopard, gaur, clouded leopard, wild-buffalo, great one horned rhinoceros, rare golden langur, civet cat, capped-langur, squirrel, sloth beat, sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, otter, monitor lizard, gharial, python, great hornbill, florican cormorants, ergets and many other species of migratory and predatory birds. The chief difficulty in the park is poaching of rhinos.

The forests at this juncture are tropical moist deciduous nature. They are interspersed with swamps. The wetlands are indispensable for the continued existence of the fast becoming extinct hispid hare. The Vegetation varies from Khairsissoo-bhabhar grass community to semi evergreens. There are intermediary stages of succession deciduous forests, Sal forests and swampy reed lands. The simul, khoir, udal, sida, bohera and kanchan are the widespread trees inside and in the region of the park.
Rides on boats, jeeps and elephants are available here. Elephant ride is the most excellent to observe the animals from close up range relatively than the boat rides. Nearly 3 hour journey on elephant ride commences from Mothanguri. All along the Manas River tourists can spot countless water birds like mergansers, brahminy ducks, an assortment of egrets etc and otters can be frequently sighted in the river.

How to Reach

Air : The adjacent airport is Borjhar, Guwahati which is situated, 5-km out of town, and can be reached by rickshaw, auto rickshaw or airline buses. Manas Park is 176 kms from Guwahati.

Rail : The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road

Road : Manas is well linked by network of roads which connect the place with other cities and towns in the state. There are usual bus services operated by state transport as well as the private operators. One can also hire taxis to visit the park from Guwahati.