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Tuesday 1 January 2013

MANAS NATIONAL PARK


Tucked in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Barpeta district of Assam and partly along Bhutan foothills, the Manas National Park in India is a dwelling for many species of animals. The picturesque landscape attracts most wildlife enthusiasts to have a trip to Manas National Park. Just imagine traversing through the dense forests or through the elephant grass with an inner urge to locate their wild beasts in their natural habitat. One hand there would be excitement while on the other you might be shuddering. A tiger awaiting for its prey or the clattering langurs disturbed by your usurpation you can witness anything here. After securing the position of the Wildlife Sanctuary, it has kept on adding feather in its cap, i.e. World Heritage Site ( declared by UNESCO), it is also an Elephant Reserve and Biosphere Reserve.



Flora :



Two major biomes are represented in Manas ~ the grassland biome and the forest biome.
The main vegetation types are:

i) Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen forests in the northern parts.

ii) East Himalayan mixed Moist and Dry Deciduous forests (the most common type).

iii) Low Alluvial Savanna Woodland.

iv) Assam Valley Semi-Evergreen Alluvial Grasslands which cover almost 50% of the Park.

The wood locks here moist and deciduous bestrewn with swamps. These wetlands are a requirement for the survival of the endangered Hispid Hare. Among the common trees in the park are the simul, khoir, udal, sida, bohera and kanchan.



Fauna :



Manas National Park is a shelter for endangered and rare species of as many as 55 species of mammals in addition to 50 species of reptiles, with a surprising 380 species of birds also including 3 species of amphibians. Manas contains 21 of India's Schedule I mammals and at least 33 of its animals listed as threatened, by far the greatest number of any protected area in the country. Some, like the Assam Roofed turtle (Kachuga sylhetensis), Golden Langur (Presbytis geei), Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus), Pygmy Hog (Sus salvanius) and the only pure strain of Asiatic Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee), are only found/best seen here. The prime attraction of the park are Tigers, Elephants, Rhinoceros and Wild Buffaloes. You can also find leopards, Pigmy Hog, Red Pandas, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Sambar, Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare and Golden Langur. Bengal Florican is the most important endangered bird species in the world also can seen here and is also a great place to see the Great Hornbill. The National Park lists around 380 species and the adjoining hilly terrain in Bhutan can easily add a hundred birds to that total. Good birds to look for are Giant Hornbill, Greater Adjutant, Black-tailed Crake, Red-headed Trogon, Jungle Fowls, Bulbul, Brahminy Ducks, Kalij Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robin, Pied Hornbills, Grey Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys, Black-tailed Crake, Red-headed Trogon, Swamp Francolin, Wreathed and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Marsh and Jerdon's Babblers, Pied Harrier, Rufous-rumped and Bristled Grassbirds, Hodgson's Bushchat, Rufous-vented Laughingthrush, Finn's Weaver, Ibisbill and a variety of foothills species.

How to Reach :

Airport : The Nearest airport is Guwahati. The Manas National Park is situated at a distance of 176 KM from the city of Guwahati.

Rails : The nearest railway station is located at Barpeta Road 40Km away from Manas National Park. But most of traveler choose Guwahati Station because of its connection to major cities in India.

Road : The National Highway No.31 adjoins Barpeta Road (not Barpeta town), the headquarters of Manas Tiger Reserve. The nearest point on the southern boundary of Manas National Park is 22 kms from the NH 31, and 19 kms from the town itself. Barpeta Road is 176 km from Guwahati, from where one can drive to the Mothanguri area. The journey takes about  6 hours by road.

Accommodation : In Manas National Park, Eco Lodge and Eco Resorts is the best option to stay. In the camp all cottages  are ethnic in style that respect local rural architecture and constructed with local materials. Spotless rooms with modern bath with hot and cold water facilities.

Food : We serve local dishes specially and tastefully cooked for you by our trained local chef. Much variety is not possible owing to the remoteness of the area; yet best possible food is provided under strict hygienic supervision. Vegetables come from the organic gardens of the village, chicken and pork from the village farms. 

Activities : Wildlife Watching, Birds Watching, Village Walk, Forest Drive, Forest Walk, Boat Ride, Elephant Ride, Flora and Fauna Exploration, Local Cultural Experience, Ethnic Food,  Local Cultural Show, Bodo Cultural Experience.

Attraction : Wildlife Watching, Bird Watching,  National Park Visit, Forest Drive, Forest Walk, Boat Ride, Elephant Ride, Flora and Fauna Exploration, Local Cultural Experience, Local Cultural Show, Village Walk, Bodo Cultural Experience.
 



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