Assam is a hotspot for biodiversity, with 7 national parks and 16 wildlife sanctuaries situated in the state. The most prominent one is Kaziranga National Park, known for preserving the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, but the others are equally important and interesting and are best experienced through jeep and elephant safaris.
Top 7 national parks
of Assam:
Manas National Park
Manas National Park, Assam, covers an area of 500 sq. km. and is located in the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas in Assam; it touches borders with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, pygmy hog, golden langur, hispid hare, and wild water buffalo.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Manas National Park is between November - April
Activities at Manas National Park, Assam
There are a host of leisure and adventure activities provided at the park. Here’s what you can do during your visit:
How to Reach Manas National Park, Assam
Manas National Park is accessible by road from the nearest airport or railway station.
By air: Nearest airport- Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Guwahati Airport
By train: Barpeta Road Railway Station (22 km away from the park)
Entry to Manas National Park, Assam
Origin of the name (Manas National Park)
The park takes its name from the Manas River that flows through it. The Manas River flows from the gorges of Bhutan and splits into 2 streams, out of which the mainstream passes through the heart of the national park in Assam.
History of Manas National Park, Assam
Before Manas National Park was declared a sanctuary in 1928, it was a reserved forest called Manas R.F. and North Kamrup R.F. The royal family of Cooch Behar and Raja of Gauripur used it as a hunting reserve. Manas National Park was declared a World Heritage site in December 1985 by UNESCO.
Changeable Hawk Eagle Juvenile Manas, Assam
Geography of Manas National Park, Assam
The entire Manas National Park falls in the two districts of Chirang and Baksa in Assam.
The Manas National Park is divided into three ranges: The western range of Manas National Park, Assam is situated in Panbari, the central range of Manas National Park in Bansbari, and the eastern range of Manas National Park in Bhuiyapara. Though the ranges are not well connected, there is a rough trail (the daimAri road) connecting the centre to the eastern range. Tourists usually enter from Bansbari.
Besides the main river Manas, which flows through the west of the park, there are an additional 5 more rivers that make their way to the foothills of the outer Himalayas.
The bedrock of the savanna area in the north of Manas National Park is made up of limestone and sandstone, whereas the grasslands in the south of Manas National Park stand on deep deposits of fine alluvium.
Eurasian Teals in Manas, Assam
Climate of Manas National Park, Assam
The minimum temperature is around 15°C (59°F) and the maximum temperature is around 37°C (99°F). Heavy rainfall occurs between May and September.
General guidelines when visiting Manas National Park, Assam (or any wildlife parks)
1. Maintain silence
2. Do not try to agitate animals in the parks
3. Do not leave litter behind in the parks
4. Do not get out of the vehicle except at designated areas inside the parks
5. Do not leave the designated trails
6. Avoid wearing bright-colored clothing inside the parks
Accommodation at Manas National Park, Assam
To best enjoy the tranquility of the national park, stay a few days at the beautiful lodges and cottages available here. Each accommodation also provides a host of activities. Here are a few:
1. Musa Jungle Retreat: Enjoy a luxurious stay at its cottages. The in-house restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Bodo cuisine. They offer river rafting, jungle safari, and picnics.
2. Florican Cottages: Experience the simplicity of staying in Assamese thatched huts. They offer birdwatching tours, jungle rides, and cultural experiences.
3. Birina Tourist Lodge: The comfortable cottages provide a beautiful view of the tea gardens. They offer river rafting and jungle safari.
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