About Manas National Park in Assam, India :
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.
History of Manas National Park in Assam, India :
Manas Tiger Reserve was created in 1973, with Manas Sanctuary as its core. Manas Sanctuary with an area of 360 sq. km., was created way back in 1928. Prior to the declaration setting up the sanctuary, the area was a Reserved Forest (R.F.) called Manas R.F. and North Kamrup R.F. The Raja of Gauripur and the Cooch-Behar royal family were using these areas as a hunting preserve. Later, the sanctuary was extended by two successive additions, in 1951 and 1955, to 391 sq. km. by including the entire North Kamrup R.F. and the Manas R.F. Subsequently, the Kahitama R.F., the Kokilabari R.F. and the Panbari R.F. were added and the area was declared as Manas National Park 1990.
Flora At Manas National Park :
The wood locks here moist and deciduous bestrewn with swamps. These wetlands are a requirement for the survival of the endangered hispid hare. The Vegetation ranges from Khairsissoo-bhabhar grass community to semi evergreens. There are intermediate stages of succession-deciduous forests, swampy reed lands and Sal forests. Among the common trees in the park are the simul, khoir, udal, sida, bohera and kanchan.
Fauna At Manas National Park :
If wondering what to see at Manas National Park the list is extensive. It is a shelter for endangered and rare species of as many as 55 species of mammals in addition to 50 species of reptiles, with a surprising 380 species of birds also including 3 species of amphibians. The prime attraction of the park are tigers, elephants, rhinoceros and wild buffaloes. But that does not mean that the list ends here. You can also find leopards, pigmy hog, red pandas, swamp deer, capped langurs, hoolock gibbons, sambar, roofed turtle, Hispid Hare and golden langur. Bengal Florican is the most important endangered bird species here. Among other frequently seen birds are ungle Fowls, bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Gray hornbills.
Commuting In Manas National Park :
The best of the safaris are available here. Either enjoy a Elephant Safari or a Boat Safari in the Manas River, both are equally exciting. These safaris are of 3 hours of duration. The best time to have an encounter with most animals mostly wild buffaloes is when they come to river banks. So keep your cameras ready to capture that escalating moment. The elephant Safari is for taking you to the interiors of the forest. Even a Jeep Safari can be enjoyed here as the roads here are well laid.
Safaris at The Jeep, Elephant and Boat Rides :
The ideal way to explore a majority of the Manas National Park in Assam is in a 4-wheel (Jeep) drive petrol vehicle. The Jeep ride will get you to all the corners of the Manas Park without being too noisy. Some of the animals that comes out on the banks of the river Manas can be viewed from a boat which commences its ride from Mathanguri and ends around 35km away, from where one is picked up by pre-arranged transport. The third option, which are a favourite with most visitors, are the elephant rides organised by the park authorities from Mathanguri. These take you deep in to the densest areas of the forest and often right in between some of the wildlife there, including elephants, rhinos and wild buffaloes.
Best Time To Visit :
The climate of Manas Tiger Reserve is tropical. The temperature during summer does not rise above 37?C and during the winter it stays at around 11?C. Monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy to very heavy rainfall to the tune of 160 cm, because of which the park often gets flooded.
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.