Manas
National Park and Tiger Reserve
India travel plus.com Explorer : a brief introduction to the Park
Travel Angel Says:
Manas in the northeastern state of Assam, which
also borders on Bhutan, occupies the most prominent mountain-dominated
position of all the sanctuaries in northeast India. A forest tract here
extending over 2837 square kilometres (1095 square miles) was declared
a sanctuary in 1928, and for decades Manas played a pivotal role in conserving
the wildlife of India. In 1973, the sanctuary was brought under the wing
of Project Tiger, at which time the core area comprised 390 square kilometres
(152 square miles) forming the Manas Tiger Reserve. This unique ecosystem
was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its glories pristine
qualities. Today Manas is also a National Park.
The park experiences a relatively long monsoon period beginning in May and lasting till September. Torrential rains give rise to countless seasonal rivers and nalahs (narrow tributary streams).
Manas' varied habitat is ideal for countless types of birds. Species of interest are Assamese Myna, Indian Lorikeet, Rufous-bellied niltava, Rubycheek, Crossbill, Malkoha, Kalij Pheasant, Orange-bellied Blue Magpie, Blue-headed Flycatcher, Great Indian Hornbill, Indian Hobby, and Blyth's Baza. Huge populations of migratory waders and water birds such as large cormorants, Grey Heron, Yellow Bittern, Lesser Whistling Teal and Comb Duck make the Manas River and its tributaries, the Benki and Hakua, their temporary home.
Trekking through these areas exploring its virgin unknown world, is an experience in itself. India travel plus.com welcome you to explore the hidden unknown.
Location of Manas National Park: In far-flung Kamrup district of Assam at an altitude of 80 m (260 ft). Nearest airport is Guwahati (17 km; 110 miles), which has flight connections with the New Delhi and Calcutta. Nearest railhead is Barpeta Road, 40 km (25 miles) from Manas. Barpeta Road connected by rail with Calcutta.
Climate of Manas National Park: Between May and September is monsoon season. Winter nights are chilly (can drop to 7°C or 45°F) while days are pleasant (24°C; 75°F). Summer is mild, reaching highs of 35°C(95°F).
When to go ( Manas National Park) : Best time to visit is between November and March.
Getting to Manas National Park : One can reach the park via bus or hired car from Barpeta Road. No motorable roads in the park, but trained elephants at Mathanguri (the entry pint) take visitors through the forest.
Facilities at Manas National Park: Forest rest houses and loges
Wildlife in Manas National Park: Visitors ride on elephant back into the park's forest, home to some highly endangered species (Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog); excellent birdwatching along Benki and Hakua rivers, and at Mathanguri.
Landscapes of Manas National Park: Spectacular mountain views with their green, forested mantle; rare wild orchids.
Reservations for Manas National Park: Permission to visit the park, bookings and any special permits may be obtained form; The field Director, Manas Tiger Reserve, Barpeta Road, Assam. Ask India travel Plus.com to help you to get the best accomodation.
The National park : Manas National Park
Sub-Himalayan forests - Manas National Park
A remarkable diversity of forest vegetation exists within the confines of the park. It is flanked by the sub-Himalayan mixed deciduous forests and Assam valley evergreen forests to the north and a combination of rich babar Sal, eastern wet alluvial grassland around the Benki and Hekua rivers and alluvial savannah woodlands to the south. Manas is a treasure-house of plants and trees - 550 species - which include some rather rare varieties of wild orchid. Shisham, Badam (Indain Nut)Lali, Chalta (Dellenai sp. ), Amla , Bauhinia, Flame of the Forest and fruit trees such as Mulberry and Guava dot the true wilderness area of the forest.
Wet and wild Monsoons - Manas National Park
The tall grasslands of the terai belt supports an ecosystem that sustains an extensive number of wild animals, and harbours some rare and endemic species. Manas is home to 60 mammals, of which 41 have been listed in the IUCN's (International Union of Conservation of Natural Recourses) Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. They include Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and of the smaller cats, the Marbled, Leopard, Golden and Fishing species. Other mammals are Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant, Indian Wild Buffalo, Red Panda (or Cat Beer) and Capped Langur (Leaf Monkey).
Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur - Manas National Park
The most endangered animals in the reserve are Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and Hispid Hare. Today, Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur survive only in this park.
The latter is the smallest known member of the pig family, and according to IUCN, is one of the 12 most endangered animals in the world. It was rediscovered, together with the Golden Langur, in the Manas forests in 1971. The pygmy Hog is nocturnal by nature and lives in herds of five to twenty; its habits are similar to those of the Indian Wild Boar. Predation is the cause of this animal's dwindling numbers.
The existence of a new species of Monkey - eventually named Golden Langur - was established by a Mr. E P Gee and it was given the Latin name Presbytis geei. Small troupes of about nine consisting of one adult male, one or more females and several sub-adults exist in localized zones of evergreen forest between the Sankosh River in the west and the Manas in the east. During winter, this species' coat is a golden chestnut colour, which becomes paler with the advent of summer. Golden Langur feed on the fruits, flowers and leaves.
Manas' varied habitat is ideal for countless types of birds. Species of interest are Assamese Myna, Indian Lorikeet, Rufous-bellied niltava, Rubycheek, Crossbill, Malkoha, Kalij Pheasant, Orange-bellied Blue Magpie, Blue-headed Flycatcher, Great Indian Hornbill, Indian Hobby, and Blyth's Baza. Huge populations of migratory waders and water birds such as large cormorants, Grey Heron, Yellow Bittern, Lesser Whistling Teal and Comb Duck make the Manas River and its tributaries, the Benki and Hakua, their temporary home.
The park experiences a relatively long monsoon period beginning in May and lasting till September. Torrential rains give rise to countless seasonal rivers and nalahs (narrow tributary streams).
Manas' varied habitat is ideal for countless types of birds. Species of interest are Assamese Myna, Indian Lorikeet, Rufous-bellied niltava, Rubycheek, Crossbill, Malkoha, Kalij Pheasant, Orange-bellied Blue Magpie, Blue-headed Flycatcher, Great Indian Hornbill, Indian Hobby, and Blyth's Baza. Huge populations of migratory waders and water birds such as large cormorants, Grey Heron, Yellow Bittern, Lesser Whistling Teal and Comb Duck make the Manas River and its tributaries, the Benki and Hakua, their temporary home.
Trekking through these areas exploring its virgin unknown world, is an experience in itself. India travel plus.com welcome you to explore the hidden unknown.
Location of Manas National Park: In far-flung Kamrup district of Assam at an altitude of 80 m (260 ft). Nearest airport is Guwahati (17 km; 110 miles), which has flight connections with the New Delhi and Calcutta. Nearest railhead is Barpeta Road, 40 km (25 miles) from Manas. Barpeta Road connected by rail with Calcutta.
Climate of Manas National Park: Between May and September is monsoon season. Winter nights are chilly (can drop to 7°C or 45°F) while days are pleasant (24°C; 75°F). Summer is mild, reaching highs of 35°C(95°F).
When to go ( Manas National Park) : Best time to visit is between November and March.
Getting to Manas National Park : One can reach the park via bus or hired car from Barpeta Road. No motorable roads in the park, but trained elephants at Mathanguri (the entry pint) take visitors through the forest.
Facilities at Manas National Park: Forest rest houses and loges
Wildlife in Manas National Park: Visitors ride on elephant back into the park's forest, home to some highly endangered species (Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog); excellent birdwatching along Benki and Hakua rivers, and at Mathanguri.
Landscapes of Manas National Park: Spectacular mountain views with their green, forested mantle; rare wild orchids.
Reservations for Manas National Park: Permission to visit the park, bookings and any special permits may be obtained form; The field Director, Manas Tiger Reserve, Barpeta Road, Assam. Ask India travel Plus.com to help you to get the best accomodation.
The National park : Manas National Park
Sub-Himalayan forests - Manas National Park
A remarkable diversity of forest vegetation exists within the confines of the park. It is flanked by the sub-Himalayan mixed deciduous forests and Assam valley evergreen forests to the north and a combination of rich babar Sal, eastern wet alluvial grassland around the Benki and Hekua rivers and alluvial savannah woodlands to the south. Manas is a treasure-house of plants and trees - 550 species - which include some rather rare varieties of wild orchid. Shisham, Badam (Indain Nut)Lali, Chalta (Dellenai sp. ), Amla , Bauhinia, Flame of the Forest and fruit trees such as Mulberry and Guava dot the true wilderness area of the forest.
Wet and wild Monsoons - Manas National Park
The tall grasslands of the terai belt supports an ecosystem that sustains an extensive number of wild animals, and harbours some rare and endemic species. Manas is home to 60 mammals, of which 41 have been listed in the IUCN's (International Union of Conservation of Natural Recourses) Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. They include Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and of the smaller cats, the Marbled, Leopard, Golden and Fishing species. Other mammals are Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant, Indian Wild Buffalo, Red Panda (or Cat Beer) and Capped Langur (Leaf Monkey).
Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur - Manas National Park
The most endangered animals in the reserve are Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and Hispid Hare. Today, Pygmy Hog and Golden Langur survive only in this park.
The latter is the smallest known member of the pig family, and according to IUCN, is one of the 12 most endangered animals in the world. It was rediscovered, together with the Golden Langur, in the Manas forests in 1971. The pygmy Hog is nocturnal by nature and lives in herds of five to twenty; its habits are similar to those of the Indian Wild Boar. Predation is the cause of this animal's dwindling numbers.
The existence of a new species of Monkey - eventually named Golden Langur - was established by a Mr. E P Gee and it was given the Latin name Presbytis geei. Small troupes of about nine consisting of one adult male, one or more females and several sub-adults exist in localized zones of evergreen forest between the Sankosh River in the west and the Manas in the east. During winter, this species' coat is a golden chestnut colour, which becomes paler with the advent of summer. Golden Langur feed on the fruits, flowers and leaves.
Manas' varied habitat is ideal for countless types of birds. Species of interest are Assamese Myna, Indian Lorikeet, Rufous-bellied niltava, Rubycheek, Crossbill, Malkoha, Kalij Pheasant, Orange-bellied Blue Magpie, Blue-headed Flycatcher, Great Indian Hornbill, Indian Hobby, and Blyth's Baza. Huge populations of migratory waders and water birds such as large cormorants, Grey Heron, Yellow Bittern, Lesser Whistling Teal and Comb Duck make the Manas River and its tributaries, the Benki and Hakua, their temporary home.
