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Manas National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its immense biodiversity and landscapes of great beauty. Located in Assam State, India, it has an ensemble of flora and fauna comprising some rare and endangered species. Part of this park includes Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which exhibits an eccentric combination of natural beauty and wildlife experiences one should notice as a nature lover and adventure enthusiast.
Location
Photo: PriyangshuDas22 / Wikimedia Commons
Manas National Park is situated at the Himalayan foothills in Assam, India. It covers an area of about 950 square kilometres, spanning the districts of Baksa, Chirang, and Kokrajhar. The park also shares its borders with Bhutan to the north and is crossed by the Manas River.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kaziranga On Your Wildlife Voyage To Assam
How To Reach
Photo: Vulpes-bengalensis / Wikimedia Commons
Manas National Park is easily accessible since all routes to this park are very well connected:
- By Road: Regular bus and taxi services are available from Guwahati, the nearest major city, which is about 176 kilometres away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station, Barpeta Road, is about 32 kilometres from this park.
- By Air: The nearest airport is that of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. A tourist can hire a taxi or take a bus from Guwahati to this park.
Things To Do
Here the list of things to do in Manas National Park
1. Wildlife Safari
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Exactly how exciting it is to come into the field and experience how diversified flora and fauna are at Manas National Park. Animals like elephants, tigers, and the rare species called Golden Langur can be seen as you go on a trip through the thick forests and grasslands.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Assam
2. Bird Watching
Photo: James Allan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Over 450 species of birds find their natural habitat in Manas National Park. You will love watching rare and exotic birds like the Bengal florican, great hornbill, and others like eagles and woodpeckers.
3. River Rafting
Photo: Marco Milanesi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Get set for a thrilling experience of river rafting in the Manas River. The river flows with turbulent waters, challenging the spirit of adventure, and enabling you to get a different view of the park’s picturesque landscapes.
Suggested Read: Popular Places To Visit In Sivasagar For A Wonderful Vacation
4. Visit Tribal Village
Photo: lienyuan lee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Get a chance to visit the nearby tribal villages to immerse yourself in the local culture. Join the Bodo and Assamese people in their day-to-day lives and get a chance to learn from them the various traditions of tribal culture.
Places To Visit In And Around Manas National Park
1. Barpeta Kirtan Ghar
Photo: Jharna Patgiri / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most famous Vaishnavite monasteries was founded in the 16th century by the saint Madhabdev. This religious and cultural institution has its business hub in a hall known as Kirtanghar, meaning ‘the prayer hall’. The Kirtanghar hall is ornamented with exquisite carvings and frescoes depicting various episodes from Hindu Tales. It plays a very significant role in preserving religious identity in addition to cultural identity in Assam through its daily prayers and annual festivals, which attract huge crowds.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: Barpeta town (50 km from Manas National Park)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Assam
2. Barpeta Town
Photo: PhBasumata / Wikimedia Commons
This ancient township of Assam has a rich cultural heritage and religious importance. Excursions to the local markets selling a host of traditional items, relishing the local Assamese cuisine, and observing the serenity of this religious town are some other activities. Traditional crafts such as pottery and handloom products are very prevalent at Barpeta, making it an ideal place for shopping. Holi is zealously celebrated here, which further helps to attract tourists.
Entry Fees: None
Distance: Barpeta (50 km from Manas National Park)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Doniv79 / Wikimedia Commons
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the western part of Assam and serves as the single largest biodiversity hotspot, specifically recognized for the population of golden langur. This sanctuary is home to a great diversity of fauna, from elephants and leopards down to avifauna. The activities that can be conducted here include trekking and birdwatching, so the place is absolutely a haven for nature buffs.
Location: Assam (150 km from Manas National Park)
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Guwahati For An Extra Special Trip To Assam
Where To Stay
Photo: PhBasumata / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Accommodation facilities range from budget to high-end at Manas National Park. There are government-run forest lodges like Bansbari Lodge and Manas Jungle Camp right inside the park. For a more opulent stay, consider booking at the Musa Jungle Retreat or the Florican Cottages. There are various hotels and guesthouses, too, available in towns near the park, such as Barpeta Road. Booking is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to ensure that there is availability and comfort in comparison with the wilderness of Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where To Eat
Photo: Nborkakoty / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
During a stay at Manas National Park or its surroundings, one can avail of a variety of eating outlets that serve local and Indian cuisine. In-house restaurants of their respective lodges, like Bansbari Lodge and Musa Jungle Retreat. Small eateries and dhabas in towns like Barpeta Road also offer quite affordable and sumptuous local food.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Tezpur On Your Idyllic Trip To Assam
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Himanshum14 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to explore Manas National Park is from November to April. During these months, the weather is at its best, and it remains open to tourists. The chances of spotting wildlife are higher as the animals come out to bask in the mild sun, and the vegetation is at its best but not too dense to obscure the view.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Himanshum14 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip: INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 per person.
Tips For travellers
- Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear.
- Carry binoculars for better wildlife viewing.
- Follow the park’s rules and guidelines.
Suggested Read: Your Complete Guide To Bherjan Borajan Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary
Manas National Park is an ideal getaway for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Of course, it qualifies as a UNESCO Heritage Site because of the profusion of biodiversity and landscapes that one is going to find very thrilling. Exciting wildlife safaris, birdwatching, river rafting, and cultural tours in tribal villages are some of the various experiences. Plan a visit to Manas National Park with TripXL and make your journey memorable with an experience that you can savour amid nature’s splendour.
Cover Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
