The
picturesque
Manas National Park is situated in the foothills of Himalayas.
Located in north eastern state of
Assam, Manas covers an area of 519.77
square kilometres out of which 360 square kilometres form the core area. The
Indo-Bhutan international border splits Manas territory. As a result, one
part of Manas falls in India while the other part falls in Bhutan. Manas was
declared a national park in the year 1980 and is covered under Government of
India's Project Tiger. It may also be mentioned that due to its breathtaking
natural beauty and rich flora, Manas has also been declared a biosphere
reserve along with being a world natural heritage site. The fauna of Manas
is excitingly diverse.
The headquarters of the park is located in Barpeta road. All necessary
clearances and permits can be arranged from here before going to the park.
Sightseeing at Sundarbans -
Flora : Most vegetation of the park is of mixed deciduous variety.
Small glades of grass could also be seen all over the park area.
Fauna
: A diverse variety of animal species are found at Manas. The park is
home to aggressive creatures like tigers, elephants, rhinos, wild buffaloes,
leopards and black panthers. Around 20 varieties of endangered species are
found in Manas which includes hispid hare and pygmy hog. Other animals
routinely sighted in the park are gaurs, swamp deer, golden langurs,
Assamese macaques, slow loris, hoolock gibbons, smooth Indian otters and
sloth bear.
Park Trips : There are three exciting options available for tourists
to explore Manas National Park. A four wheeler can take tourists to every
nook and corner of the park without making much noise. Park authorities also
arrange boat rides from an area called Mathanguri. Animals coming out of the
forest to the river banks to drink water could be spotted during these
trips. But the most exciting option is to venture into the park on the back
of elephants. Elephant safaris take tourists deep into the dense forests.
Rhinos, tigers and wild buffaloes can sometimes be seen from very close
quarters during elephant rides.
Best Season to Visit : November-April
Reaching Sundarbans -
Air : The nearest landing facility is the airport at Guwahati at a
distance of 176 kms.
Rail : The nearest railhead is the Barpeta Road Railway Station.
Road : Regular bus services are available from Guwahati to Barpeta
Road. Barpeta Road town area is at a distance of 41 kms from Manas National
Park.
Basic
Guidelines -
» Please enter the Park only after taking the
necessary permits and follow all the rules.
» Drive slowly in the Park. In this way you can
see, observe and enjoy the most, without disturbing the wildlife.
» Respect the wild animals and maintain a safe
distance from them. Remember, you are in their home and they get first
priority.
» Switch off your car stereo or transistor. The
quieter you are, the more the chances of your seeing wildlife.
» Wear dull-coloured clothes. Bright colours alarm
most wild animals and they flee.
» Don’t carry guns or other weapons. Feel free
to shoot with a camera instead..
» Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest.
Accidental fires can destroy this wonderful jungle in no time.
» Don’t get off your vehicle at any point in
the Park except where it’s allowed. This is for your own safety and the
safety of wildlife.
» Help keep the park pollution-free. While inside
the park, please put your entire non-biodegradable litter (tin cans,
plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose
of it on your way out.
» Keep to the specified roads and trails. Driving
off track you may trample growing trees and cause disturbance to resting
animals and their youngs.
