Manas National Park
Beautiful Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Assam. It is situated on the India-Bhutan border, on the north bank of the River Brahmaputra, north-west of the state capital Guwahati. The vegetation different from the plains gives an exotic feel to the place. It is a classic tiger country with dense undergrowth thick with moss and open grasses and numerous watering holes. There are about 80 odd tigers in 391 sq km which makes it the highest tiger population in any reserve.
Mathanguri is the place to stay at Manas however it is in the state of disrepair. The summer palace of King of Bhutan lies beyond the bend of the Manas River.
The National Park was once a hunting ground for royals. Formerly known as North Kamrup it became a reserve forest in 1928. It was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973 and made a National Park in 1990. The reserve's core area is the Manas and home to tiger, wild buffalo and gaur apart from sambar and swamp deer. The park has eastern Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forest. There is also an alluvial grassland in the eastern part. It is in the watershed area of the Manas, Hakua and Beki rivers.
Manas is classified as a World Heritage site in danger due to the insurgency and large scale poaching. In 2002 the Manas Park was designated as the core zone of the Buxa-Manas Elephant reserve under Project Elephant.
Facts and Figures about Manas National Park:
Area: 2,837 sq.km
Core Area: 321 sq.km
Getting to Manas National Park:
By Air:
The nearest airport is at Borjhar,Guwahati.
By Rail:
The nearest station is at Barpeta Road from where taxis to Manas are easily available.
By Road:
NH31 from Guwahati past Rangia and Nalbari to Manas.There are regular buses and taxis which ply to the sanctuary.
Best time to visit Manas National Park:
November to April: It is the time when the weather is ideal for tiger sightings and other animals as well.
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