Location - Barpeta, Assam
Best Time To Visit - November to April
The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located amidst the foothills of the
Himalayas and has derived its name from the Goddess Manasa. The Park is the
only tiger reserve of its kind in the entire north east area. The Park got
the status of a national park in the year 1990. The Manas Wildlife Park is
home to some of the most rare species which are found no where else in the
world. The park was formerly known as North Kamrup and was used by the Cooch
Behar royal family and Raja of Gauripur as a hunting reserve. The Manas
river, a tributary of Brahmaputra river passes through the Manas National
Park.
The
park is spread in an area of 360 sq.km. Heavy poaching and terrorist
activity has made this park a major conservation site apart from it being a
World Heritage Site.
Manas - A Wildlife Treasure
Manas is a special biosphere. It houses about 380 species of birds and has
the largest population of the endangered Bengal Florican. The famous birds
found in the area are: Giant Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy
Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles,
Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray
Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys and Herons.
Migratory Birds - Come in winters and check out the
various migratory birds like Riverchats, Forktails, Cormorants and ducks
like the Ruddy Shell-Duck.
Fauna - You can spot a large number of wild animals
like: Tigers, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded
Leopards Black Panthers, Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs,
Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth Indian Otters, Sloth
Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar and Chital.
For few years the park was closed for the visitors due to certain security
reasons. All those interested in visiting the parks has to take permission
of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation office. However, the permit to
enter the wildlife park is issued by the Field Director in Barpeta.
Safaris
One can get good opportunity to opt for a jeep safari or an elephant
safari. You can enjoy the sight of great number of birds and flowers. Manas
wildlife park is also an excellent tea country. One can also go for boat
rides.
Feather to the Cap
The Manas Wildlife Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the
year 1992. The park is visited by a number of tourists every year.
