Manas National Park - A Detailed Guide

There’s hardly anything else that compares to the experience of exploring the hearts of Manas National Park on the back of an elephant. The park houses a good number of elephants, which makes them an ideal choice for a ride.

You may experience some discomfort or awkwardness for the first few minutes, but it completely washes away as the beautiful forest's trails begin to unfold before you. The pace of your journey is quite slow, which only gives you more time to observe and explore, unlike jeep safaris.

The highlight of elephant safaris is that you get to wander into areas that are restricted to cars. These are the areas where a lot of wildlife resides, upping your chances of spotting them. Though an elephant safari is an unmatched experience, it is advisable that you ensure that the elephants are well cared for, and not abused in any way.

One of the most conventional yet thrilling ways to explore Manas National Park is via a classic jeep safari. The park has jeeps that they rent out to visitors, and they can be obtained from the Field Director’s Office.

Typically, you will have a guide with you throughout the safari, who will direct you to the places where wildlife sightings are maximum. These guides are well aware of the countless routes that wind through the forest, and they make sure you don’t lose your way. You can spot peacocks, langurs, rhinos, wild pigs, wild elephants, and many more rare species of wildlife en route.

Timings of the jeep safari: 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM every day.

The intention of preservation and safeguarding of tigers that Manas National Park was born from has earned it the privilege of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides being a prominent elephant and tigers sanctuary, the park is also a recognised Biosphere Reserve.

The best time for tiger spotting at Manas is during summer, i.e., the months of March and April, when more and more animals leave out their hiding spaces in search of water sources. This means your chances of spotting tigers and other wild fauna increase considerably. May is also a great season for tiger spotting, but the park shuts down partially. Moreover, the elephant grasses are deliberately burned down during the summers, in order to mitigate the risk of forest fires.

If the wildlife part of the national park is what lures you in, try for a summer visit, as tourism is less active (since everyone usually prefers winters), leaving you more chances to spot tigers. During winters though, you will see that herds of bird watchers flock here seeking a few glimpses of the most elusive and exotic avian species.

The kingdom of Manas National Park is held together by a fine blend of beautiful Terai grasslands and the Bhabhar grasslands, breeding several beautiful floral species that dot its length. The singularity of its landscape makes the park one of the richest biodiversities in the world.

There are over 540 various species of flowers and trees that thrive here, including trees like Aphanamixis Polystachya, Syzygium Cumini, Syzygium Formosum, Cinnamomum Tamala, Syzygium Oblatum, Bombax Ceiba, Mallotus Philippensis, Terminalia Chebula, Bridelia SPP, Terminalia Bellirica, Gmelina Arborea, Careya Arborea, Lagerstroemia Speciosa, and many more!

If you’re a botany enthusiast, Manas National Park, with its unmatched range of floral wonders, is an unmissable destination for you. The favourable climatic conditions coupled with the exotic, unprecedented composition of soil and grasslands in Manas make it the perfect breeding ground for rare floral species.

Housed amidst lush tea gardens, the Birina Tourist Lodge is another favourite pick amongst tourists. Surrounded by the wilderness of Manas National Park, the lodge hosts variety luxury tents and rooms for stay. The rooms and tents are well equipped, and the staff hospitality knows no match.

Whether you’re seeking the warmth of homely comfort or a quiet getaway into the wild, Birina Tourist Lodge promises you an experience to remember. Spend some time cuddled up in warm beds, admiring the natural beauty, or go off for long walks amidst nature, and along offbeat trails. The rooms and tents may not be very spacious, but bring you the cosy comfort that makes you feel right at home! The highlight of Birina is that their tents and cottages are eco-friendly. 

Location: Manas RF, Raghabbil, Assam 781315

Skirting Manas National Park, The Sikhiri Cottages is seated along the banks of a beautiful, gurgling stream that leads out of the park. One of the most frequented stay options in Manas National Park, Sikhiri houses three luxurious cottages which are fully furnished and well equipped.

Prioritising your privacy and comfort, each cottage carries a private dining area, along with a verandah, a lawn, and a bonfire area. The property also harbours a beautiful botanical garden, which is home to numerous floral species from all over the globe. During your stay, you can indulge in peaceful activities like hiking, elephant rides, and river rafting over the calm waters of the Manas river. Experience the touch of comfort amidst the alluring wilderness.

Location: Sikhiri Cottages, Barangabari, Baksa District, BTAD, Assam

Forest Lodge is the sole means of accommodation that is actually in Manas National Park. Surrounded by the beauty of the reserve carrying a backdrop of the magnificent Eastern Himalayas, no other retreat compares to Forest Lodge, given its favourable location. It is located about 22 km deep within the hearts of the park, at Mathanguri.

The property is home to merely six classic rooms, but let that not deter you, for a single night spent here, amidst lush wilderness, is worth much more than any other resort can guarantee you. The lodge also features a small but convenient canteen that takes care of your meals during your stay. The tariff per room is INR 1,200 per night.

• Elephant Walks

• Campfire

• Tea garden walks

• Cycling - village & tea garden

• Cultural dance show

1. The closest pharmacies, ATMs and petrol pumps are in Barpeta, the nearest town.

2. There’s decent phone reception outside the park, but it gets a bit tricky once you’re inside. In

3. Mathanguri, however, there is no network coverage at all.

4. Keep your cash handy, as there are no ATMs near the park. Make your withdrawals in Barpeta.

5. Throughout your visit/stay, make sure to leave behind no traces. Do not leave behind anything you may have carried inside, and strictly do not litter.

6. Avoid visiting the park in monsoons, as the trails are muddy and slippery. Recipe for disaster.

7. If you’re in it for the wildlife part, remember that summers are your best best. Try visiting Manas during March or April for maximum sightings.