A UNESCO Wonder Nestled in Assam’s Green Heart

Manas National Park nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas, where green forests, open grasslands, and clear rivers come together. Located in Assam’s Chirang and Baksa districts, it also shares its border with Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park. The Becky and Manas River flows through the park, supporting wildlife and making the landscape more alive and vibrant.

UNESCO recognized Manas National Park as a World Heritage Site in 1985 for its rich biodiversity and unspoiled natural charm. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1928, Manas originally spanned around 391 square kilometers. It gained the status of a biosphere reserve in 1989 and was later upgraded to a national park in 1990. Today, the park stretches across 850 square kilometers.

Manas National Park hosts a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity. So far, around 543 species of plants have been recorded here. The park also shelters 55 mammal species, nearly 450 types of birds, 50 reptile species, and 3 kinds of amphibians. You will find golden langurs, Bengal tigers, and pygmy hogs living freely in their natural habitat. Elephants, deer, wild buffalo, and many birds like great hornbills and Bengal floricans attract wildlife lovers and photographers.

Manas also serves as a tiger reserve and elephant reserve under India’s conservation mission. Visitors often explore its expansive grasslands, dense forests, and the tranquil waters flowing between the hills. Bodo communities inhabit adjacent areas around the park and assist in conserving nature in the form of ecotourism and guided tours. They greet visitors with warmth and share stories of their traditions and connection to the forest. Manse provides more than wildlife; it provides tranquility, discovery, and a return to the genuine rhythms of nature.