The park harbors an extraordinary array of wildlife, including 55 mammal species, 450 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. It's a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, pygmy hog, and Bengal florican. Manas is the only park in India where all five primate species of the region coexist. The park's river systems support the endangered Gangetic dolphin and various turtle species, while its grasslands provide refuge for the rare hispid hare.
Manas boasts exceptional botanical diversity with over 450 species of plants. The semi-evergreen forests feature towering trees like Aphanamixis polystachya and Anthocephalus cadamba, while the moist deciduous areas are dominated by sal trees. The park's grasslands showcase various species including the rare Imperata cylindrica. Several medicinal plants thrive here, including Rauvolfia serpentina and Hodgsonia heteroclita, making it a crucial reservoir of botanical biodiversity.
The park's terrain transitions dramatically from the Himalayan foothills to the alluvial grasslands of the Brahmaputra Valley. The landscape features a unique mix of semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands, shaped by the Manas River's dynamic flow patterns. The northern region consists of steep hills reaching elevations of 200m, while the southern portion comprises fertile alluvial plains created by centuries of sediment deposition.
Manas National Park, established in 1990 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, was originally the Manas Royal Hunting Reserve in the early 20th century. The park derives its name from the serpentine Manas River, a transboundary river originating in Bhutan. During the 1990s, the park faced severe challenges due to political unrest, leading to its placement on the World Heritage in Danger list. Through successful conservation efforts and community engagement, it was removed from this list in 2011, marking a remarkable turnaround in its protection status.
Manas stands out for its unique location as a transboundary protected area connecting with Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park. The Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, creates spectacular rapids and serves as a vital water source for wildlife. The park's combination of forest types and grasslands creates diverse microhabitats, supporting one of the highest levels of biodiversity in South Asia. Its role in tiger conservation and as the last stronghold for several endangered species makes it an irreplaceable sanctuary for wildlife conservation.
Manas experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March-May) with temperatures reaching 35°C, monsoon (June-September) bringing heavy rainfall up to 3000mm annually, and winter (November-February) with temperatures dropping to 15°C. The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing opportunities are optimal. Morning mists during winter months create ethereal landscapes, while pre-monsoon months offer clear visibility for wildlife spotting.
India
26.7170°, 91.0000°
1990
500
Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Assam. The park is known for its pristine beauty and rich biodiversity including rare species like the pygmy hog and Bengal florican. It shares a border with Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park and is part of a transboundary protected area.