Manas National Park

The Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve for rare and endangered species. The Manas River, which flows through this area, is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra River. Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park also shares a border with this park in India. The national park is home to species such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hares, golden langurs, and pygmy hooves, which are rare and endangered. There are three mountain ranges in the reserve: Bansbari (in the centre), Panbari (in the west), and Bhuiapara (in the east). As a wildlife hotspot in India, Manas National Park gets high marks for its conservation efforts.

History of Manas National Park

Manas and North Kamrup were reserved forests in Manas National Park prior to 1928 when it became a national park. On October 1, 1928 the park’s 932-square-mile area was proclaimed a wildlife refuge. There were 391 square kilometres of forests between 1951 and 1955 and in 1973, the Manas Biosphere Reserve was established to protect these forests. In UNESCO’s declaration in 1985, the park was designated a Natural World Heritage Site.

Geography of Manas National Park

This national park is home to the Manas River, which flows right through the middle of the park. It is common for alluvial terraces to be formed by layers of deposited rock and detritus, followed by sandy loam and an organic layer. The Terai tract in the south is made up of fine alluvial deposits with pans beneath them where the water table is near the ground’s surface. Monsoon rains flood the Manas-Beki system, although the flooding is short-lived because of the sloping relief. Bhabar savannah, Terai tract, marshlands, and riverine tracts are all the result of the monsoon and river system in this area.

As it approaches the plains, the Manas River, which is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra, breaks into the Beki and Bholkaduba rivers. Alluvial terraces sprawl down beneath the outer Himalayan foothills in this vast national park, which is home to five smaller rivers. Flowing from the foothills, these rivers transport silt and rock debris that generates heavy rainfall, resulting in rock fragility and steep catchments.

Cultural Significance of Manas National Park

Manasa, a local deity, is the inspiration for the park’s name. Among the people of Manas, this deity is the subject of numerous stories and folklore. In the land of Shakti-Peetha, the feminine deities are of paramount importance. A few royal families, such as the Cooch Behar and the Gauripur Rajas, used the area as a hunting preserve.

In addition to the park’s animals, there are a variety of other reasons to visit Manas National Park. In and around Manas National Park, you will find rivers, the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GATC), and a monastery and temple dedicated to Vaishnavite reformer Mahadeva.

Manas National Park Location

One of India’s nine designated tiger reserves, the Manas National Park location is in the state of Assam. From Guwahati, Manas National Park is 176 kilometres by road. Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the closest airport to the city. Barpeta Road Station is the closest railhead to Manas, which is a distance of around 40 kilometres.

The Manas River and the slopes of the Himalayas are in the background of Manas National Park. The North Kamrup Wildlife Sanctuary, previously known as the North Kamrup National Park, has an area of 519.77 square kilometres and was established on December 1, 1928. It became a National Park on September 7, 1990, after being designated as the core of the Manas Tiger Reserve in April 1973. It is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its remarkable combination of natural beauty and biological riches.

Wildlife in Manas National Park

The Manas National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a wide variety of animals and birds. Manas National Park inhabits 450 bird species, 50 reptile species, 55 mammal species, and a few amphibian species, according to the records. 

Rare and endangered species like the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, pygmy hog, the Indian rhinoceros, and the Asian buffalo have also been spotted in the park. Additionally, elephants, leopards, clouded leopards, Himalayan bears, wild boars, sambars, swamp deer, and hog deer are some other frequently-encountered wildlife in the park.

Where is Manas National Park?

Manas National Park is accessible by flight from Guwahati, which is the nearest airport. Guwahati is accessible by air from all the important Indian cities. The park may be reached by taxi from the airport in a matter of minutes. Barpeta Road, the nearest railhead, is accessible by road (32 kilometres from Manas). An additional railway station is located at Guwahati which is 176 kilometres from Manas National Park, and the journey takes roughly five hours by road. From Guwahati, you can take a cab to the park.

Conclusion

The sanctuary’s beauty and natural scenery have earned it a reputation as a biodiversity hotspot. Manas is a bio-geographical crossroad between the Indo-Gangetic and Indo-Malayan regions, making it a haven for a wide range of wildlife. Alluvial grasslands, and dry deciduous forests are all found in the Manas habitat. Because of its fertility and its ability to respond to natural grazing by animals, the vegetation on Manas has exceptional regeneration and self-sufficient capacities.