Manas Tiger Reserve

Manas Tiger Reserve

After Kaziranga the next famous forest reserve is the Manas Tiger reserve, or the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in what popularly called lower Assam in Barpeta district. This forest reserve is extended up to Bhutan too. Manas Tiger Reserve is situated amidst the gentle slopes at the foothills of the Himalayas in India. Manas derive its name from Goddess Manasa.

The forest stretches beyond Indian Territory to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, with the crystal waters of the Manas River demarcating the international border. For a brief period, some areas adjoining the river path get flooded; the water level subsides as soon as the rainfall stops because of the slope. Mixed deciduous type of vegetation is found in the park. The dense forest cover often prevents the sunrays from reaching the forest.

This beautiful park, previously known as North Kamrup, was declared a sanctuary on October 1, 1928, with parts of it having been notified as reserved forests as early as 1907 and 1927. It was established as the core of the Manas Tiger Reserve from April 1973 and consecutively inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985 and elevated to the position of a National Park on September 7, 1990.

 Important Facts:

Location:                          Barpeta, Assam, India

Area covered:                   360 sq. km

Main Wildlife Found:     Tiger, Leopard, Panther

Best time to visit:             November to April

Places to Stay :                 Inspection Bungalow, Bansbari Lodge.

Besides these there are many government recognized guides of offer accommodation and other tour facilities within the park. Elephant safari is very exciting one here.

The core area of Manas National Park is 360-km. Manas is a very special biosphere, for it harbors 20 species of birds and animals that are highly endangered, prominent among those are the attractive Red Pandas, which are occasionally seen in the higher elevation. Initially the park was a wildlife sanctuary but in 1990 it was declared a National Park.

Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog and Golden Langur are some of the rare species of animals found in the park apart from Tigers, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Swamp Deer, and Hog Deer, which are easily spotted. During the agitation by the local tribes in the 90s this forest suffered a lot and many animals came on the verge of extinction. But now a days effort by the government with help of many NGOs are trying to restore its past glory.

To make rhinos settle here some rhinos have been Tran located from Kaziranga to Manas and with successful results more animals are being Tran located here.

The natural beauty of this park with stream and hills along with colorful trees makes is one of the best parks with natural beauty in India.

A total of 55 mammals, 36 reptiles and three amphibians have been recorded Manas harbours by far the greatest number of India's Schedule I mammals of any protected area in the country.

Migratory Birds

Come winter and Manas is full of migratory birds like the River chats, Forktails, Cormorants and Ducks like the Ruddy Shell-Duck. Other woodland birds like the Indian Hornbill and Pied Hornbill also found.

Butterflies and reptiles are also seen aplenty in Manas. In the river water, one can enjoy boating and fishing. Colored pebbles of the Manas River are an added attraction not to be missed.

Important Information: Tourists pay the entry fee at the Bansbari Range Office, 1 km before the entry gate at Baripada.

Park Charges Entry Fee : Rs. 20 (Indians) & Rs. 250 (foreigners), Jeep entry Fee : Rs. 300, Still Camera : Rs. 50 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners), Video Camera : Rs. 100 (Indians) & Rs. 500 (foreigners), Safari : Rs. 120 (Indians) & Rs. 750 (foreigners), Boat Ride : Rs. 8000 (8 seater boat), which can be shared amongst the passengers.

Take a 5 km long walk besides the jungle trail along the river around Mathanguri to observe different variety of birds and flowers.

Park timings are 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

A number of rest houses and camp sites in and around the park provide accommodation to the tourists.

There are three protected areas in Manas, the Manas Sanctuary (391 sq. km), Manas National Park (520 sq. km) and Manas Tiger Reserve (2600 sq. km). The entry of tourists is restricted to the central area or the Bansbari range. Encroaching into the rest of the park, such as Panbari and Bhuyanpara ranges is considered dangerous, especially without an armed escort.

The Makibana area in Bhuyan Para range is considered good for Tiger sighting.

Foreign tourists require a special permit to visit the park, as well as the state of Assam.

The nearest centre is Barpeta road where most of the facilities including post, telegraph, telephone, hospital and drug stores are easily available.

Monsoon season should be avoided for a travel to the park as heavy rains often flood the place

It is always better to get prior information before visiting as the opening and closing timings have become erratic since the ethnic troubles recently.