Manas National Park (মানস ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয় উদ্যান) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve located in Barpeta the western part of Assam, India. Situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and conservation significance.
Location of Manas National Park
- State: Assam, India
- Districts: Baksa, Chirang, Barpeta
- Nearest Town: Barpeta Road (approx. 22 km)
- Coordinates: 26°43′N 91°00′E
- Total Area: 950 sq km (core area approx. 500 sq km)
Geography and Terrain of Manas National Park
Manas lies along the banks of the Manas River, which originates in Bhutan and joins the Brahmaputra in Assam. The park shares its northern boundary with Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan, forming a transboundary conservation landscape.
- Altitude Range: 61 m to 1,100 m above sea level
- Habitat Types: Tropical moist forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems
- Major Rivers: Manas, Beki, Hakua
Flora and Fauna
Manas is home to some of India’s rarest and most endangered species, many of which are found only in this region.
Flora:
- Sal (Shorea robusta)
- Assam silk cotton (Bombax ceiba)
- Bamboo groves
- Tall elephant grass
Fauna:
| Species | Status |
|---|---|
| Royal Bengal Tiger | Endangered |
| Asian Elephant | Endangered |
| Indian Rhinoceros | Vulnerable |
| Golden Langur | Endemic and Rare |
| Pygmy Hog | Critically Endangered |
| Wild Buffalo | Endangered |
| Clouded Leopard | Vulnerable |
| Hornbills | Common Bird Species |
Manas also hosts over 450 species of birds, including the Great Hornbill, Bengal Florican, and Rufous-necked Hornbill.
Recognition and Conservation Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Listed in 1985
- Project Tiger Reserve: Declared in 1973
- Biosphere Reserve: Designated in 1989
- Elephant Reserve: Recognized under Project Elephant
Manas was once listed as a World Heritage Site in danger due to insurgency-related damages in the early 2000s. However, due to sustained conservation efforts, it was removed from the danger list in 2011.
Tourism and Activities in Manas National Park
Manas National Park is open to visitors from November to April. The monsoon season (May to October) often sees park closures due to flooding.
Key Attractions:
- Jeep Safari: Wildlife viewing in core zones
- Elephant Safari: Limited zones for a traditional ride
- River Rafting: On the Beki and Manas rivers (seasonal)
- Bird Watching: Ideal for ornithologists
- Forest Trekking: In designated buffer zones
Entry Gates:
- Bansbari Gate (Main gate, near Barpeta Road)
- Bhuyanpara Gate (Eastern zone)
- Panbari Gate (Less visited, near the Assam-Bhutan border)
Accommodation
- Forest lodges at Bansbari and Mathanguri
- Eco camps and homestays near Barpeta Road
- Mathanguri Forest Rest House offers a scenic view over the Manas River and Bhutan hills
History of Manas National Park
- Pre-1928: A royal hunting reserve of the Cooch Behar royal family and Bhutanese kings
- 1928: Declared a sanctuary
- 1973: Included under Project Tiger
- 1985: Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 2003-2008: Faced threats due to militancy; wildlife population decreased
- Post-2010: Major recovery with active conservation
Conservation Challenges
- Illegal poaching
- Deforestation and encroachment
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Political instability (past issues)
Efforts from the Forest Department, local communities, and NGOs like WWF-India have played a major role in restoring Manas.
How to Reach Manas National Park
Air:
- Nearest Airport: Guwahati International Airport (Approx. 135 km)
Rail:
- Nearest Station: Barpeta Road Railway Station (22 km)
Road:
- Accessible via National Highway 27 from Guwahati, Barpeta Road, or Kokrajhar
References
- Assam Forest Department – Manas Division
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- WWF India – Manas Conservation Initiatives
- Barpeta District Tourism Office