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Mana,
also known for its Rhinos and Elephants, is Assam's one of the two Tiger
projects of Assam (second one is Nameri Tiger Reserve) and extends over
varied territory, taking in hills and river valleys on the border with
Bhutan. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of wild life combine with this
unique world heritage site to offer one of the most enthralling
experiences.
The reserve forest of 1928 Manas had been declared as a tiger project in
1973. Of the present 18 Indian Tiger Projects, Manas is the ninth one. The
area is 391-sq-km and the area of the tiger project being 540-sq-km. Manas
and its armlet Benki and Hakua draw a front line between India and Bhutan,
on the west is Sankosh, and on the east Dhansiri River.
Fauna
The core area of Manas Park is 360-km. Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog and Golden
Langur are some of the rare species of animals to be found in the park
apart from Tigers, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar,
Sambhar, Swamp Deer, and Hog Deer, which are easily spotted at this park.
Come winter and Manas is full of Migratory birds like the Riverchats,
Forktails, Cormorants and Ducks like the Ruddy Shell-Duck. There are
regular woodland birds like the Indian Hornbill and Pied Hornbill also
found over here.
Butterflies and reptiles are also found aplenty in Manas. In the river
water, you can enjoy boating and fishing as well. Coloured pebbles of the
Manas River are an added attraction not to be missed.
Facilites Within The Sanctuary
Arrangements
are there in Manas to view animals from elephant's back. From Mathanguri
in the morning, elephants go out with tourists for 3 hrs ride. Along with
entry fee, camera is also chargeable according to its standard. Concession
is provided to the students visiting the park.
Barpeta
Barpeta has various attractions including the famous Vaishnava monastery.
Acharya Madhabdev's statue is installed within the monastery and its
Kirtan Hall is a notable touring spot.
Air: Manas Park is 176-kms from
Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar,
which is situated, 5-km out of town, and can be reached by rickshaw, auto
rickshaw or airline buses.
Rail: The nearest railhead is situated at Barpeta road.
Road: Buses regularly ply from Guwahati
to Barpeta Road in 4½ hrs.
For accommodation there are two tourist lodges of the Tourism Department of Assam. One is located at Barpeta Road, 40-km away from Manas and the other at Bansbari, 20-km away from Barpeta. The State Forest Department also has two bungalows at Mathanguri, which is inside the forest. But there are no catering facilities; hence, tourists have to carry their foodstuff from Barpeta Road.