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Manas National Park
Wildlife Attractions
Another species that deserves a special mention is the
golden langur. This beautiful animal is 48 to 50
centimetres in length and the tail adds another 75
centimetres to it. The colour of its coat changes with
each season. During winters, when the body needs to absorb
more heat, the colour of the coat is light golden or deep
yellow. It gradually changes to off-white as the hot
summer months are round the corner. The face, however,
remains black all through the year.
For those interested in big mammals, Manas National Park
has a deep pocket. It has a considerable population of
rhinos (although much less in numbers than in Kaziranga),
elephants, wild buffaloes, gaurs, swamp deer, sambar, hog
deer and barking deer. Besides these animals, cats form a
sizeable group in the Park. Going by the last count, there
were 80 tigers, clouded leopards and golden cats. Inspite
of such a large number of tigers, sightings are very
difficult and sometimes possible due to sheer
happenstance.
Wild Buffaloes make an interesting subject for
photography, but take care while shooting, as the animal
is quite weary and can attack without any provocation. In
fact, wild buffaloes are known to drive even tigers away.
Bird Population
Another major attraction at Manas National Park is its
bird population. Visitors can see giant hornbills gliding
over their heads. The giant hornbill shares its habitat
with two of its smaller cousins – the pied hornbill and
the grey hornbill. All kinds of herons and egrets can be
seen near the water bodies. Birds of prey such as eagles,
falcons and harriers are also a common sight.
Park Facing Political Unrest
Yet, the richest Manas National Park of India is also the
most unfortunate. The entire region has been taken over by
Bodo extremists. Political unrest in the region has also
taken its toll on the Park. The Bodos, allegedly, are
misusing the Park’s resources to make their ends meet.
This, sadly, has lead to the closure of the Park from time
to time. It is therefore advisable to check out the latest
position before planning a visit to the Park. For the past
few years, Manas has also been receiving funds from
international agencies like the UNESCO to heal the wounds
inflicted on it by the Bodos.
Safary
The best way to commute inside the Manas National Parkis
on trained elephants that can be hired from the Mothanguri
at the rate of 20$ per visit for foreigners. Each safari
lasts three hours. Under normal conditions, the elephants
leave from Mothanguri at 0900-1200 hrs in the morning and
at 1400-1700 hrs in the afternoon.
Boats are also available for hire from the forest beat
officer at Mothanguri. Each boat can accommodate 2-8
people (excluding the pilot) and the ride lasts 4-8 hours.
Accomodation
The Forest Department’s Forest Lodge is a simple and clean
place to stay. For bookings contact – The Field Director,
Manas Tiger Reserve, P.O. Barpeta Road, Manas.
Hotel Doli on the Barpeta Road has 18 rooms.
For further details contact – Tourist Information Centre. |
