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Apart from the rising population of
tigers, Manas is also the home of the rare golden
langur, the hispid hare, the pigmy hog, the one-horned
rhinoceros and at least twenty other species of animals
and birds that are listed as highly endangered.
Manas
derives its name from the Goddess Manasa. The forest
stretches beyond Indian territory to the Himalayan
kingdom of Bhutan, with the crystal waters of the Manas
River demarcating the international border. Some areas
that adjoin the river path are often flooded, but only
for a brief period; the water level subsides as soon as
the rainfall stops because of the sloping. Mixed
deciduous type of vegetation is found in the park. The
dense forest cover often prevents the sunrays from the
forest.
This
beautiful park was previously known as North Kamrup and
was declared a sanctuary on October 1, 1928, with parts
of it having been notified as reserved forests as early
as 1907 and 1927. It was established as the core of the
Manas Tiger Reserve from April 1973 and consecutively
inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985 and
elevated to the position of a National Park status on
September 7, 1990.
| Fast Facts |
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| Area |
360 sq km (gross area, 2840 sq km) |
| Languages: |
Assamese, English |
| Best Time To Visit: |
October to April
Foreign nationals require permit to
travel to the park as well as Assam |
| STD Code: |
03666 (Barpeta) |
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Climate:
The
climate
of Manas Tiger Reserve is tropical. The temperature
during summer does not rise above 37°C and during
the winter it stays at around 11°C. Monsoon season
(May. September) brings heavy to very heavy
rainfall to the tune of 160 cm, because of which the
park often gets flooded.
THE ABODE OF THE UNTAMED:
Manas
Tiger Reserve provides shelter to a variety of wildlife,
including 55 mammalian species, 36 reptilian species and
3 amphibian species, thus making it the greatest
protected area in India in terms of numbers.
The
tiger population at Manas Reserve is approximately 80 in
number. Apart from the ones named above, capped langurs,
hoolock gibbons, Assamese macaques, slow lorises,
leopards, panthers, golden cat, fishing cat, marbled
cat, binturongs, sloth bears, wild dogs, Ganges
dolphins, hog deer, Indian muntjacs, water buffaloes,
gaurs (Indian bison), giant squirrels, hispid hare,
otters, Indian pangolins, and some 2,000 elephants are
also found here. The rare and attractive red panda has
been spotted occasionally in the higher elevated
portions of the forest. Over 450 species of birds have
been recorded, including the Bengal florican, great pied
hornbill, wreathed hornbill and few unique species of
waterfowls. Reptiles include different species of snakes
and the monitor lizards. The Assam roofed turtle was
spotted at the Reserve as recently as 1989.
Manas
forest is possibly as diverse as a natural biosphere can
be. Its vegetation ranges from tropical semi-evergreen
forests in the northern parts to tropical moist and dry
deciduous forests of the other regions. There are
extensive alluvial grasslands in the western region of
the park, which comprises a variety of different grasses
and shrubbery. There is also a considerable variety of
aquatic flora along the Manas River.
One
can hire a jeep to go around the park. The Assam State
Tourist Department conducts tours, including boat trips
and elephant rides. These trips are both convenient and
cost effective.
Reaching there:
Manas
Tiger reserve is 176 km from Guwahati, from where one
can drive down to the park. The journey lasts
approximately five and a half hours. The nearest rail
junction is at Barpeta Road, 136 km from Guwahati.
Guwahati in turn is a well-connected rail junction as
well as an airport. The regular bus services to the park
by the state transport as well as the private operators
is yet another option.
Staying there:
Two
forest lodges maintained by the tourism department
provide comfortable accommodation near the park. The
first lodge is located at Barpeta Road and the second at
Bansbari. The state department also has two bungalows at
Mathanguri inside the forest. There is no provision for
catering at these bungalows and lodges, so needful
provisions for food must be made. Cooks and chefs are
available for a small fee.
Links to the outside world:
The
nearest semi-urban center is Barpeta Road where
communication (post, telegraph, phone) and medical
(hospital, chemist) facilities are easily available.
TRAVEL TIPS:
Monsoon (May to September) should be avoided, as
the park gets flooded.
Cotton
clothing is recommended for summers and woolens for
winters. Because of ethnic problems the opening and
closing of the park has become erratic since 1989. It is
best to conduct an enquiry before embarking on a
journey.
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