The Manas National Park

Location: 176 kms from Guwahati, Assam.

The Manas National park is located at the foothills of the Himalayas south-east of the River Manas in the state of Assam. The park which is on the Assam – Bhutan international border extends into Bhutan and is called the Royal Manas National Park there. The River Manas irrigates the park and is a water source for all the animals and birds and acts as an international border between India and Bhutan as well.

Lofty high hills surround the park and the rivers – Manas, Hakua and Beki, with their canals and falls make the National park an epitome of perfect beauty. The scenery is enhanced by the topography and the diverse vegetation of Manas National Park. Small meadows amidst densely forested foothills with streams and rivulets gently flowing along form a perfect picnic spot. In the lower parts of the park, cluster of trees surround smooth sandy stretches.

The Manas National Park is home to around 55 species of Mammals, 3 Amphibian species and 36 species of Reptiles. Home to around 20 endangered species; the Manas National Park is the habitat of rare animals like the Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Red Pandas and the Black Panthers.

The other animals that can be seen here are the Swamp deer or the Barasingha, Elephants (2000 of them reside here), Rhinos, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Wild Buffaloes, Assamese Macaques, Capped Langurs, Slow Loris, hog deer, Sambar and Chital.

Tigers are also a main attraction of this park, with their population steadily increasing to 80. The reptiles in this park are the Python and various other species of snakes and the Monitor Lizard. The Assam roofed turtle was last sighted in the park in 1989.

The avifauna of this park is a varied lot. More than 450 species of birds – both resident and migratory have taken residence in the Manas National Park. The favorable topography and climatic conditions of this park is the reason for the huge varieties of birds found here. The National park is well known for its Giant hornbill – the pied, grey and wreathed varieties, the Bengal Floricans and waterfowls which have made this park their home.

Some of the other bird species found here are the Jungle fowls, Egrets, Pelicans, Magpie Robins, Fishing Eagles, Brahminy Ducks, Bee- Eaters, Herons, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Ospreys and Mergansers.

The Manas National Park has the diversity of a Natural biosphere. There is a wide variety in the Flora and vegetation of the park. The tropical, semi-evergreen forests in the northern parts, lead way to extensive alluvial grasslands in the western side. Mixed deciduous forests cover the majority of the park interspersed with grass and swamps. The survival of the Hispid hare which is fast approaching extinction depends on the wetlands.

The vegetation in the Manas National Park varies from the Khairsissoo-bhabhar grass community to the semi evergreens. Sal, Simul, Udal, Khoir, Sida, Bohera and Kanchan are some of the other trees that make the forest a home to many birds and animals. The flora along the Manas River decorates the forest and enhances its beauty by filling the air with their fragrance.

The Manas National Park had remained closed for the past few years due to various reasons. But the park has opened its gate once again to welcome its visitors with open hands and a broad smile. Yet it is advisable to make prior enquiries as the situation is not fully stable.