About Manas

Manas National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is a biodiversity hotspot nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Renowned for its exceptional ecological significance, scenic beauty, and rich wildlife, it holds multiple prestigious designations:

a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

a Project Tiger Reserve,

an Elephant Reserve,

a Biosphere Reserve.

And also a important Bird area.

Spanning approximately 850 square kilometers (330 square miles), the park is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, forming a transboundary conservation landscape that enhances its ecological value. Named after the Manas River—a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River that flows through its heart—the park offers a unique blend of dense forests, alluvial grasslands, and tropical evergreen habitats.

Historical Background

The history of Manas National Park reflects a journey of conservation amidst challenges. Initially part of the Kingdom of Bhutan until the Duar War of 1865, the area was ceded to British India. It served as a hunting reserve for the Cooch Behar royal family and the Raja of Gauripur before being designated as the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary on October 1, 1928, with an initial area of 391 square kilometers (151 square miles). In 1973, it became one of India’s first tiger reserves under Project Tiger. UNESCO recognized its global significance by declaring it a World Heritage Site in 1985, followed by its designation as a Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The park attained full national park status in 1990 with the addition of Kahitama, Kokilabari, and Panbari Reserve Forests, expanding its area. In 2003, it was also declared part of the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant.

However, the park faced severe threats in the 90’s upto year 2003 due to heavy poaching and ethnic unrest. This led to its inclusion on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger in 1992, with species like the Indian rhinoceros being locally extirpated. Conservation efforts intensified over the years, including rhino reintroduction under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 program, and by June 21, 2011, UNESCO removed it from the danger list, commending the park’s remarkable recovery.

Geography and Climate

Situated at an altitude ranging from 61 to 110 meters (200 to 361 feet) above sea level, Manas National Park lies on a wide, low-lying alluvial terrace below the outer Himalayas. The Manas River, originating in Bhutan, bisects the park and splits into tributaries like the Beki and Bholkaduba as it enters the plains, serving as an international boundary between India and Bhutan. Five smaller rivers also flow through the park, enriching its diverse ecosystems. The northern savanna area features limestone and sandstone bedrock, while the southern grasslands rest on deep deposits of fine alluvium, contributing to its rich biodiversity.

The climate is subtropical, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (39°F) in winter to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in summer. The park experiences heavy rainfall, averaging 333 centimeters (131 inches) annually, primarily between May and September due to the monsoon. This seasonal rainfall shapes the park’s wetlands and grasslands, though the sloping terrain mitigates prolonged inundation.

Biodiversity

Manas National Park is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, hosting a variety of rare and endangered species found nowhere else in the world. It is the last remaining wild habitat for the pygmy hog (Porcula salvania), with a population of 63 as of 2024 following releases by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Other endemic species include the Assam roofed turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis), hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus), and golden langur (Trachypithecus geei). The park is also a stronghold for the wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)—reintroduced after extinction in the 1990s—and Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), boasting the largest population of this endangered bird globally.

The park’s fauna includes over 60 mammal species, such as the Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), and slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis). Its avian diversity is equally impressive, with more than 450 bird species, including the great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), jungle fowl, and various migratory birds. Reptiles (50 species), amphibians (7 species), and over 100 insect species further enrich the ecosystem.

Vegetation ranges from Sub-Himalayan Bhabar Terai semi-evergreen forests in the north to Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests and Assam Valley semi-evergreen alluvial grasslands, covering nearly 50% of the park. Common trees include Bauhinia purpurea, Mallotus philippensis, and Syzygium cumini, supporting a variety of herbivores like sambar (Rusa unicolor) and hog deer (Axis porcinus).

Conservation and Management

Managed by the Assam Forest Department and the Bodoland Territorial Region Council, Manas conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement. The park’s core in the east and west is buffered by the larger Manas Tiger Reserve of approx 2,300 square kilometers, with surrounding zones managed for multiple uses, balancing conservation and resource extraction. Local communities, and 56 fringe villages, are increasingly involved in protection efforts, reducing dependence on forest resources through initiatives of self-help groups supported by various organizations.

Tourism facilities, including jeep and elephant safaris, are well-regulated to minimize ecological impact while providing visitor education. Sustainable financing remains a priority to ensure long-term management.

Visitor Information

Located 150 kilometers from Guwahati, the park is accessible by air (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport), rail (Barpeta Road Station, 40 kilometers away), or road (via NH-27 to Bansbari). The best time to visit is October to May, avoiding the monsoon closure. Safaris offer sightings of big five, Elephant-Rhino-Buffalow-Gaur-Tiger, and some rare species. With Mathanguri (India-Bhutan border) on the Manas River being a popular spot. Accommodations include forest lodges, Homestays and Resorts. Manas has rare distinction of having multiple types of Safaris, Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari & Raft Safari also having multiple ranges which are habitat of different species of mammals & birds.

Significance

Manas National Park stands as a testament to India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, preserving a pristine wilderness that supports globally threatened species and breathtaking landscapes. Its recovery from near collapse highlights the power of collaborative conservation, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and a vital ecological treasure in South Asia.

As of now i.e. 2025 February, Manas and its people are most upbeat about tourist visiting their area and Manas continues to thrive, blending natural splendor with a legacy of resilience.