Manas National park Travel guide

Manas National Park at a glance

Lying on the foothills of the Himalaya in the state of Assam, notable for its unique biodiversity and charming surroundings, is one of the oldest Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve in India. With a large part of the park extending into Bhutan territory, the enchanting Manas River flows through the Park mark of the border between India and Bhutan. Covering an area of around 391 sq km, Manas National Park was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973, a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, and a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

The wild territory of Manas National is the home to Tiger and Leopard as well. You can see plenty of wild Elephants living peacefully in their natural habitat. Read our travel guide to know more about where to stay and safari in Manas National Park. The diverse fauna of the Sanctuary also includes some potentially aggressive animals such as Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Golden Cat, Fishing Cat, Wild Buffaloes, Clouded Leopards, Civet Cat, Wild Dog, Indian Fox, Gaur and Himalayan Black Bear etc, as well as many varieties of deer. Notable for the only home for the rare and endangered Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, Slow loris, Hoolock Gibbon, Assamese macaques and Pygmy Hog.

The diverse habitat of Manas National Park harboured specialized birds such as endangered Bengal Florican and the Great Hornbill. Some other bird species seen here are Greater Adjutant, Black-tailed Crake, Red-headed Trogon, Swamp Francolin, Wreathed and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Marsh and Jerdon's Babbler, Rufous-rumped and Bristled Grassbirds, Hodgson's Bush-chat, Rufous-vented yuhina, Finn's Weaver, Ibisbill etc.

Major Attractions of the park: Tiger, Wild Elephant, Panther.

Manas National Park Zones

Manas National Park Comprises three ranges namely Bansbari Range, Panbari and Bhuyanpara range. The entry of tourists is restricted to the central area or the Bansbari range only.

Jungle Safari in the Manas National Park

Elephant Safari
Elephant safari is a wonderful opportunity to explore the park from a close distance. You can spot numerous deer, water buffaloes, rhinos, wild animals hiding behind the tall grass as well as vivid fauna of the park on an elephant back. Elephant rides from Mothanguri are an interesting way to get around the park. One need advance reservations for this in the Range Forest Officer. Click here to book elephant safari in the Manas National park.

Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari is another thrilling experience to enjoy the jungle tour. Jeep Safari offers 60 or 90 km drive. The shorter one takes the following route, from The Bansbari -Lotajhar-Mothanguri-Gyati-Uchilla-Kuribheel-Buraburi and return; the 90 km itinerary, of special interest to the birdwatcher, takes in the area around the village of Koklabari, which is now being developed as a birdwatching area, then through the jungle to Alabari and Namlang. There are a number of watchtowers built by the forest department on both these routes for wildlife watching.

The park covers a vast area consisting of vivid natural landscape ranging from grassland to deciduous forests and Savanna Woodland. It takes almost 3 - 4 hrs to complete the Jeep safari with the shortest route. We recommend you to do half day safari of the park to enjoy the park meticulously. If you like birding and wild animals then you can opt for a guided tour in the park for 2- 3 days. A guide can help to explore the Bhutan side of the park as well. Click here to book Jeep safari in the Manas National park.

Safari Timing

Jeep Safari
05:30 - 12:00 Hrs
14:30 - 17:30 Hrs
Elephant Safari 05:30 - 10:00 Hrs
15:00 - 17:30 Hrs

Safari Costs

Safari area and rate
These rates are applicable for 2018 -2019 season only
Bansbari to Mathanguri: 2000
Bansbari to Mathanguri by subway: 2200
Safari from Mathanguri: 3000
Whole day safari: 4000
Bansbari to Kokilabari: 4000

Rafting: Rafting in Manash River is a wonderful experience. You can spot varieties of animal and water birds while riding. The Forest Department offers boating facility Rs. 3,000 for an 8-seater boat. Boat riding trip generally covers 35 km away from Mathanguri. This is the basic charge of rafting in the park. Rafting starts from Mathanguri which is a distance of 20km from the entrance of the park. Extra transportation charge is required to take you to the rafting point.

How to book online jeep safari in Manas?

Both Jeep and Elephant safari is not available for online booking by Manas National Park authority. However, you can book it through hotels or other travel agencies. Click here to book Jeep Safari online at Manas.

Best time to visit Manas National Park ?

The Park generally open daily from 1st October to 31st May. But animal sighting is less in summer and monsoon season. Avoid rainy season because the internal trails connecting the major paths inside the park are closed due to flood.

Best Season: November and February.
Opening Hours: Sunrise till sunset from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Closed: The park remains closed from June to September.

How to reach

The park area falls in two districts of Assam namely Chirang and Baksa. Safari and entry formalities generally take place in the central range known as Bansbari which is located near Barpeta Road. Bansbari is located at a distance of 176 km from Guwahati, which takes approx 3 hr to cover the distance by car. You can hire a car from Guwahati to reach Manash or else you can you can choose a bus coming to Borpeta. From Borpeta road you can take an auto to reach Manas. You can easily reach the park from neighbouring Borpeta and Pathsala town of Assam.

By Air:
Nearest Major Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati International Airport.
Distance: 176 km.

By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Barpeta Road
Distance:40 km

Where to stay

The best options for a stay near Manas National Park is the forest bungalow of Mathanguri run by Asaam tourism development corporation. These bungalows are located inside the forest in a spectacular place close to the Manas river. These are the right place to stay to feel nature very closely. You can hear the sound of the sprawling river and the roar of animals at night.

Another best options for a stay near the park are Birina eco camp, Bansbari Lodge and Musa Jungle Retreat, Smiling tusker elephant camp etc. Birina Eco camp and Bansbari Lodge is located near the entrance of Bansbari Range.

Thobgang Jungle Camp run by Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society is also very popular among tourist. MMS received various awards for their conservation work in Manas National Park. Find the best accommodation for you near Manas National Park.

Read reviews about Manas National Park on Tripadvisor. Check Guwahati to Manas National Park tour package to explore the vast territory of Mans National Park with us. If you want you can go for a guided tour in the park with our naturalist guide.