Manas National Park

The park got its name from the Manas River that passes through the heart of the national park. The river is named after Serpent Goddess Manasa. The river is a major tributary of Brahmaputra. The park was started in 1990 and was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Agrang is the only village in this park whereas many other villages are at its boundaries. The park is divided into two biomes. One is Grassland Biome that has animals like Pygmy Hog, Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Florican, and Wild Asian Buffalo. The second biome is Forest Biome that has animals like Slow Loris, Capped Langur, Sambar, Great Hornbill, Malayan Giant Squirrel and many other. The park boasts of 55 species of mammals, 380 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians, 50 species of reptiles and these species include animals like Indian Elephants, Indian Rhinoceros, Asian Water Buffaloes, Indian Tigers, Indian Leopards, Assamese Macaques, Barking Deer, and Black Panthers. The species like Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog are only found in this park in the whole world. The place is blessed with beautiful and rare flora. It is one of the places with rich biodiversity.
The summer palace of King of Bhutan lies beyond the bend of the Manas River. It lies on the Bhutan side of the Manas National Park. You need to hire a boat to cross over to the Bhutan side (take prior permission) and stroll about a kilometer to get to the summer palace for the Bhutan king, which is guarded by a solitary watchman.
White water rafting: Rafting in the azure water of the river at Manas National park make for a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Bodo tribe, indigenous to Assam, have a rich culture of textile, handloom and music. The local Bodo villagers have set up their own Eco-tourism Society in the National Park. They perform some of their traditional dances and music when they have visitors at the Eco-tourist camp. You get to see the local handlooms and textile woven by Bodo women and observe their life style from close quarters as you walk through the villages. Some times the villagers also take the visitors out on foot safaris. They can even offer you a night stay in the forest.

Manas river is the largest river in the Bhutan region among it three other river system. It lies beteen two countries that is Himalayan foothills between southern Bhutan and India. It got its name after the Hindu deity, Manasa. The total length of the river approximated is the 367 km. Manas river is the largest river in the Bhutan region among it three other river systems. It lies beteen two countries that is Himalayan foothills between southern Bhutan and India. The river flows from Bhutan to Assam and finally meets with Brahmaputra River at Jogighopa. Surrounding the river are the two reserve forests known as manas wildlife sanctuary and royal manas national park. The forests focuses on elephant, biosphere and tiger reserve project.

The main birding spots in the Park are on the east and northeast side of the Park at Kokilabari and at Alabari. Home to the largest population of Bengal Florican birds in India, the Park is home to about 500 varieties of birds. Popular ones are Herons, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Grey Hornbills, Mergansers, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Harriers, Ospreys, Giant Hornbills, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Brahminy Ducks, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Kalij Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans and Fishing Eagles which are seen in large numbers at Kokilabari and Alabari.

You can get food in the Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society camps . All meals are served here and the cuisine is local. The local cuisine uses rice and fresh vegetables. Pork, chicken and fish are common, as the Bodos traditionally are non-vegetarians. While you are there do try the favourite drink of the Bodos - a rice-wine named 'Zu Mai'. The forest department guest houses also provide food at reasonable rates.

View Top Restaurants in Manas National Park

Start your day at 5:00 AM by taking an elephant ride. It will be 1-2 hour trip. After this, you can take a walk along the river banks. Then visit the Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society where you can eat traditional Bodo style lunch and enjoy their music and dance. After lunch, you can go for river rafting which will take 2-3 hours. In the end, take the jungle safari to enjoy bird watching and sights of wild animals.
If you wish to cover the other spots such as Summer Palace and Panbang and spend more time in the jungle so you can spot more animals, then you should make a 2-3 days trip since it would be difficult to cover all spots in one day.

The top places near to Manas national park are Nameri national park which is 0 km from Manas national park, Gangtok which is located 248 km from Manas national park, Darjeeling which is located 275 km from Manas national park, Hajo which is located 74 km from Manas national park, Bongaigaon which is located 54 km from Manas national park

The packages for Manas national park start at INR 17000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

Manas National Park is in Assam. It has no airport or railway station. The only way to reach there is via roads. The nearest airport is located in Guwahati and the nearest railhead is Barpeta Road. 

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You can get food in the Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society camps . All meals are served here and the cuisine is local. The local cuisine uses rice and fresh vegetables. Pork, chicken and fish are common, as the Bodos traditionally are non-vegetarians. While you are there do try the favourite drink of the Bodos - a rice-wine named 'Zu Mai'. The forest department guest houses also provide food at reasonable rates.

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October to April are the best months for a visit to the Manas National Park as the weather is pleasant giving a chance to spot many wildlife species. The national park experiences semi-tropical climate, with humid summers, cold winters and heavy rainfall during monsoon. Avoid the monsoons, i.e. June to September when heavy rains can flood the park.
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Exploring the area by your own vehicle can be troublesome. Ideal for a short vacation only.

It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam providing picturesque views. Well known for its population of wild water buffalo. Also has many endangered species.