Manas National Park of India boasts of amazing
wildlife as well as picturesque beauty. The park is situated in the
Kamrup district of the northeastern state of Assam. Manas Wildlife
Sanctuary of India was established in the year 1928 and was declared as
a tiger reserve, under Project Tiger, in 1973. It has also been given
the status of biosphere reserve and claims the distinction of being
accorded the status of a World Natural Heritage Site in 1985. In 1990,
Manas Wildlife Park of Assam was elevated to the status of a national
park.
The park stretches over an area of 519.77 square kilometers. Out of the
total area, 360 square kilometers comprises of the core area. Manas
Tiger Reserve of Assam stretches across the international border into
Bhutan, where it has been renamed as Royal Manas National Park. The
headquarters of the park are situated at Barpeta road, from where one
has to take the permit to venture inside the park. The best time to
visit Manas National Park of Assam is during the months of November to
April.
Flora
The trees covering a major portion of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary are
of the mixed deciduous variety. The entire vegetation is interspersed
with small glades of grass. Small pastures, situated amidst thickly
forested foothills, form the majority of the landscape. Apart from Manas
River, numerous other rivulets, streams and natural drains also serve as
a source of water for the sanctuary. The lower reaches of Manas Wildlife
Park are covered with smooth sandy stretches, dotted with trees.
Wildlife
The wildlife present in Manas Tiger Reserve of India is rich and
varied. Apart from the majestic tiger, one can also see Leopards,
Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopards and even the
rare Black Panthers. Other animals inhabiting the park include Capped
Langurs, Golden Langurs, Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Barking Deer, Hog Deer,
Sambar, Chital, Smooth Indian Otters, Hoolock Gibbons, Assamese
Macaques, Sloth Bears, Slow Loris, etc. Manas National Park also houses
approximately 20 highly endangered species, such as Hispid Hare and
Pygmy Hog.
Bird Species
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birds, both
resident as well as migratory. The most common amongst these are Giant
Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants,
Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet
Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray Hornbills,
Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys and Herons.
How to Reach Manas National Park
By Air: The nearest airport is at Borjhar, approximately 5 km
from Manas.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is situated at Barpeta
Road.
By Road: Buses as well as taxis regularly ply between Guwahati
and Barpeta Road.
