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.
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 Tourism
Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The only tiger reserve in Assam and also famous for the rare golden langur and the red panda, Manas is one of the best-kept national parks in India.
Manas is recognized not only for its rich biodiversity but also for its spectacular scenery and natural landscape which includes a range of forested hills, alluvial grasslands and tropical evergreen forests. It’s home to India’s second-largest tiger population. It is also famous for its population of the Wild water buffalo. Manas harbours the maximum number of endangered species from India as listed in the IUCN Red Book.
One can easily spot rhinos and tigers while sitting on an elephant. Forest officials arrange rides on elephants from Mathanguri for visitors to Manas. You can see tea pickers going about their job in groups during the tea season. Best time to see activity is October till first week of December and again from mid March onwards.
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.
Frequently asked questions about Manas National Park
A. Manas National Park is located in the state of Assam, India. It shares a border with Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park.
A. Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a biosphere reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve, and an Elephant Reserve. It is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and conservation efforts. The park is home to rare and endangered species such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hares, golden langurs, and pygmy hogs.
A. Manas National Park was initially declared a wildlife refuge in 1928, covering an area of 932 square miles. It became a national park in 1973, and in 1985, it was designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The park has a long history of conservation efforts and has been a protected area since the early 20th century.
Read also:- National Parks in India