Discover Manas National Park: A Triumph of Conservation in India’s Northeast
Nestled in the lush Himalayan foothills of Assam, Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies resilience and biodiversity. For international travelers, this park offers an authentic wildlife adventure, blending thrilling safaris with cultural encounters in one of India’s most remote yet rewarding destinations. Home to rare species like the golden langur and pygmy hog, Manas has risen from the ashes of conflict to become a symbol of successful conservation. Whether you’re spotting tigers on a jeep safari or rafting down the Manas River, this guide provides a comprehensive overview for planning your visit, covering its geography, history, fame, rhino population, key features, access, and accommodations—all tailored for global eco-tourists seeking meaningful experiences.
Geographical Location
Manas National Park is located in the western part of Assam, India, spanning the districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri. It lies along the Indo-Bhutan border, with the Manas River forming a natural boundary and flowing through the park before joining the Brahmaputra. Geographically, it is positioned between latitudes 26°30′ N to 27°00′ N and longitudes 90°50′ E to 92°00′ E, covering a core area of about 500 square kilometers, with the larger Tiger Reserve extending to 2,837 square kilometers including buffer zones. The terrain features semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats at elevations ranging from 50 to 200 meters above sea level, creating a transitional zone between the Eastern Himalayas and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
For international visitors, Manas’s transboundary location offers unique opportunities to explore cross-border conservation efforts, with seamless extensions into Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park. The park’s subtropical climate, with heavy monsoon rains from May to September, nourishes its vibrant ecosystems, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
History
Manas National Park’s history is a tale of protection, peril, and revival. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1928 during British rule, it was designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its exceptional biodiversity. It achieved national park status in 1990. However, ethnic conflicts in the late 1980s and 1990s, particularly the Bodo insurgency, led to severe poaching and habitat destruction, resulting in its placement on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger from 1992 to 2011.
Post-conflict recovery began with collaborative efforts involving the Indian government, local communities, and international organizations like WWF and IFAW. Rhinos were reintroduced starting in 2006, and the park was removed from the danger list in 2011 after significant improvements in security and wildlife populations. As of 2025, ongoing initiatives include pygmy hog reintroductions and anti-poaching raids, showcasing a model for post-conflict conservation. For tourists, this history adds a layer of inspiration—visiting Manas means supporting a park that has defied odds to protect its treasures.
Why It’s Famous
Manas National Park is renowned globally for its multifaceted conservation status: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, Project Tiger Reserve, and Elephant Reserve. It’s famous for harboring over 20 endangered species, including the rare pygmy hog, golden langur, and Bengal florican, making it a biodiversity jewel. The park’s transboundary landscape with Bhutan creates the world’s only twin World Heritage Sites, emphasizing international cooperation.
Its comeback story—from near wildlife collapse during conflicts to a thriving habitat with growing tiger populations—has made it a symbol of resilience, featured in media like BBC documentaries. For international travelers, Manas stands out for ethical tourism: community-led safaris and low-impact activities allow close encounters with elusive wildlife, such as capped langurs or peacocks, as highlighted in recent traveler posts.
Rhino Population
The greater one-horned rhinoceros was once eradicated from Manas due to poaching during the conflict years, but conservation efforts have revived it. Under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 program (now extended), 22 rhinos were translocated from Kaziranga and Pobitora between 2006 and 2012. As of 2024-2025, the population stands at around 45-50 individuals, with ongoing habitat management to combat invasive plants and support grassland recovery.
This growth contributes to Assam’s overall rhino success, with the state hosting over 3,000 rhinos by 2024, a five-fold increase since the 1960s, driven by anti-poaching measures that reduced incidents by 86%. International visitors can witness these majestic animals during safaris, supporting efforts like those by WWF aiming for stable populations across protected areas. Challenges persist, but Manas exemplifies how targeted reintroductions can restore ecosystems.
Main Features of the Park
Manas boasts a rich tapestry of habitats: tropical moist deciduous forests (60%), grasslands (20%), and riverine areas, supporting exceptional biodiversity. It is home to 55 mammal species, including 380 elephants, over 100 tigers (with a 17% annual growth rate as of 2025), wild water buffalo, and rare endemics like the pygmy hog (54 reintroduced by 2023, targeting 60 by 2025). Avifauna exceeds 450 species, with highlights like the Bengal florican and great hornbill, while reptiles include the Assam roofed turtle.
Key attractions include jeep and elephant safaris in the Bansbari and Bhuyanpara ranges, river rafting on the Manas, and birdwatching trails. The park’s flora features over 600 plant species, including valuable timber like sal trees. For eco-tourists, community involvement in anti-poaching—evident in recent arrests of poachers with tiger parts—ensures sustainable visits.
How to Reach Manas
Manas is accessible yet off-the-beaten-path, ideal for adventurous international travelers. The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (176 km away, about 5 hours by road), with flights from major Indian cities and international connections via Delhi or Kolkata. From Guwahati, hire a taxi or take a bus along National Highway 27 to Barpeta Road (22 km from the Bansbari entry gate).
By train, Barpeta Road station (on the Guwahati-New Delhi line) is the closest, followed by a short drive. Road travel is scenic, passing through tea gardens and villages. Entry requires permits from the Field Director’s office in Barpeta Road. For foreigners, an e-Visa (30-60 days) is straightforward, obtainable online before arrival.
Where to Stay
Accommodations emphasize eco-friendliness, with options for various budgets. Luxury stays include the Bansbari Lodge or Manas Jungle Resort, offering riverside cottages, guided tours, and amenities like Wi-Fi (USD 100-200 per night). Mid-range choices like Mathanguri Forest Lodge (government-run) provide basic comforts with wildlife views (USD 50-100). Budget travelers can opt for homestays in nearby villages or eco-camps (USD 20-50), promoting community tourism.
Book via the official Manas website or agents, especially during peak season. Many lodges offer English-speaking guides and international meals, ensuring a comfortable stay while supporting local economies.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for International Tourists
Visit from November to April for mild weather (15-25°C) and optimal wildlife sightings; the park closes during monsoons (May-October) due to flooding. Pack binoculars, insect repellent, neutral clothing, and malaria prophylactics (low-risk area). Safari fees are around USD 20-50 for foreigners, bookable online via manasnptr.in.
Combine with nearby attractions like Bhutan border crossings or Kaziranga. Respect rules: No littering, maintain silence, and support anti-poaching by choosing certified operators. With tiger sightings on the rise and rhinos roaming freely, Manas offers an unforgettable journey into conservation’s heart—plan now for a transformative escape.