MANAS NATIONAL PARK 🐅
A paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, the Manas National Park in Assam is a unique biodiversity hotspot. It holds multiple prestigious titles: A National Park, A Project Tiger Reserve, An Elephant Reserve, A Biosphere Reserve, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of the richest wildlife areas in India, known for its spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and important conservation value.
🌿 Location and Geography: Manas National Park lies in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, on the border with Bhutan. It is 41 km north of Barpeta Road township and 175 km northwest of Guwahati. It is bounded on the north by the Royal Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan and on the south by the North Kamrup region. It is flanked on the east and west by forest reserves.
The park lies on a wide alluvial terrace below the outer Himalayan foothills. The Manas River, which gives the park its name, flows through the west, later splitting into the Beki and Bholkaduba rivers before joining the Brahmaputra River.
🏞️ Scenic Beauty and Habitat Types: Manas offers a majestic wilderness experience with:
Forested hills in the backdrop, serene grasslands and tropical evergreen forests, the swirling Manas River and its tributaries.
The park features three main types of vegetation:
1. Sub-Himalayan alluvial semi-evergreen forests
2. East Himalayan mixed moist and dry deciduous forests
3. Alluvial grasslands
🐘 Biodiversity and Wildlife: Manas is part of the Transboundary Manas Conservation Area, which spans 6,763.89 sq. km across Assam and southeastern Bhutan. This region is home to many rare and endangered species, making it one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region.
🌟 Highlights:
India’s Big Five: 🐅 Royal Bengal Tiger, 🐘 Asiatic Elephant, 🦏 Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, 🐃 Asiatic Water Buffalo, 🦬 Gaur
Other Wildlife: 5 species of deer, around 40 other mammals, 36 types of reptiles, 476 species of birds
🦜 Rare and Endangered Species: Bengal Florican (largest population in the world!), Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Assam Roofed Turtle
🐍 Notable Reptiles: Indian Rock Python, Gharial, Banded Krait, Common Monitor Lizard
🐦 Rare Birds: Pied Harrier, Greater Adjutant Stork, Swamp Francolin, Slender-billed Vulture, Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Spotted Eagle
🏛️ History and Legal Protection
📜 Historical Timeline:
Before 1928: A hunting reserve for the royal families, known as North Kamrup Wildlife Sanctuary
1st December 1928: Declared Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
1973: Became a Project Tiger Reserve
1985: Included in UNESCO's World Heritage List
1990: Upgraded to a National Park
🛡️ Governing Laws:
Indian Forest Act, 1927 / Assam Forest Regulation, 1891
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
❓Did You Know?
Manas has the largest population of Bengal Florican in the world.
It’s a great place to spot the Great Hornbill.
The park is one of India’s most diverse natural habitats.
🧭 Natural Wonders of India
Manas is not just a protected area; it's a living treasure trove of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and conservation success. A visit to this World Heritage site is a journey into the heart of wild India.
