NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Covering an area of approximately 321 sq km, Manas National Park is located in the Barpeta and Kokrajhar districts of Assam in the foothills of Bhutan-Himalayan mountain range.
 
History of the park
The park was once a hunting reserve of Raja of Gauripur and the Cooch Behar Royal family. It was deemed a Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a National Park in the year 1980. On December 1985, the UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site. The park is named after the famous Manas River, which is a prime tributary of Brahmaputra River and passes through the centre of the park.
 
Flora
Almost 50% of the reserve is covered with grasslands of Bhabar and Terai type. Dry deciduous forests, east Himalayan mixed-moist forest and sub-Himalayan light alluvial semi-evergreen forests are other vegetation covers of the area. Simul, Sissoo, Oxi, Gamari, Khaie, Kanchan, Sida, Udal, Khoir and Bohera are important trees of the park.
 
Fauna
Manas National Park is an important abode of the Royal Bengal Tigers and the Wild Buffaloes. The other animals of the park include One-horned Rhino, Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, Red Panda, etc. The park is the last home of the Pygmy Hog.
 
Avian-Fauna
It is home to some rare and colourful bird species such as Red Panda, Red-headed Trogo, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Jerdon's Babbler, Bristled Grassbirds, Ibis bill, Greater Adjutant, etc.

Transport
The closest airport is the Borjhar airport in Guwahati. From Guwahati (almost 176 km away) one can easily reach the park by road. The nearest railhead is at Barpeta Road (32 km).

General Tips
The government Inspection bungalow inside the park at Mathanguri provides lodging facilities to the visitors. Other lodging options are available at Barpeta, Bansbari, etc. Elephant and Jeep safaris and boat rides are organized for the visitors to enable them to experience the wildlife closely.

Tourist Information
Manas National Park, Barpeta-Manas Road, Barpeta, Assam - 781315, India.
Phone: 03666 261 413
Ideal time to visit: November to February
Timings of the Park: 5.30 am to 6.30 pm
Entry Fees applicable