The park derives its name from the Manas River, which is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
It is the only habitat in the world for the rare pygmy hog, the smallest and rarest suid in the world.
The park was once a hunting reserve for the royal family of Cooch Behar before being declared a sanctuary in 1928.
It holds the status of a Biosphere Reserve, signifying its international importance for conservation and research.
The golden langur, found here, was first discovered by scientists in the mid-20th century.
The park experienced significant recovery after being removed from the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2011.
It contains a mixture of deciduous and evergreen forests, which is rare for its specific latitudinal location.
The park provides a safe haven for the endangered Bengal florican, a species of bustard.
It serves as a vital corridor for animal migration between India and Bhutan.
The forest canopy here provides habitat for rare orchid species, including the Vanda coerulea.
Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve located in the Himalayan foothills of Assam, India. It serves as a critical habitat for endangered species including the pygmy hog, hispid hare, golden langur, and the wild water buffalo. The park is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, forming a massive transboundary conservation area. It is specifically recognized for its unique 'Project Tiger' status and as an elephant reserve. The landscape is defined by alluvial grasslands and tropical semi-evergreen forests intersected by the Manas River. Visitors primarily explore the park through guided jeep and elephant safaris. The area is a significant biodiversity hotspot for both flora and fauna in Northeast India.
The banks of the Manas River during sunrise offer the best lighting and potential for spotting bathing animals.
Hire an authorized local guide to improve the chances of spotting wildlife in the dense tall grass.
Carry high-quality binoculars as most wildlife sightings occur at a distance from the safari tracks.
Book your safari permits and entry well in advance, especially during peak holiday periods.
Do not attempt to walk in the forest zones without an authorized forest guard or guide.
The park remains closed during the monsoon season, typically from June through September, due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Maintain silence during safaris, do not litter, strictly follow the guide's instructions, and never feed the animals.
