Covering
a core area of 391 sq km, the Manas National Park in Assam
is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas.
Formed by the watershed of the Manas, Hakua and the Beki rivers, the Manas National Park
borders Bhutan and is the
only Tiger Reserve in Assam.
It was declared a sanctuary on 1st of October, 1928 and was designated a World
Heritage site in December 1985.
The park's vegetation is largely made up of
eastern Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forests and grasslands. While tiger
sighting is relatively rare, visitors to the park often spot golden langur, the
Asiatic buffalo, elephants, Rhinos, wild bison, wild dog (dhole), otter and
civet.
The park is also a haven for 22 highly
endangered species of Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog. The rare red pandas are
also found here but on the Bhutan
side. Some of the other animals sighted while exploring the park are Gaurs,
Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Assamese
Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Hog Deer,
Sambar and Chital.
The bird species sighted here include Giant
Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants, Egrets,
Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets,
Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Mergansers,
Harriers, Ospreys and Herons.
The best season to visit Manas is between
October and April. Monsoons are best avoided as many parts of the park are
flooded and animal sightings are difficult.
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