With the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, a number of forest areas in India were declared reserves for tigers. This move has helped India to protect its national animal. It was at this time Manas Tiger Reserve was created in Assam. The tiger reserve is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra. There are a number of rivers and streams criss-cross the reserve. The reserve is named after one such river-Manas-which flows through the reserve.
The core area of the tiger reserve is a wonderful wildlife habitat while rest of the area is a group of 18 reserved forests. Tiger is the prized attraction of the reserve. The other animals in the tiger reserve include sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, Asiatic wild buffalo, hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, gaur, wild dogs, Ganges dolphins and Assamese macaques.
Manas Tiger Reserve is home to diverse species of flora fauna. The reserve is reported to have 55 mammalian species, three amphibian species and 36 reptilian. The number of tigers in the Manas Tiger Reserve was 89 in 1997. Elephants are found in large number and according to one estimate the tiger reserve has some 2000 elephants.
The tiger reserve is also home to a large number of birds. About 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Manas Tiger Reserve. Some of the birds that you see in the reserve are great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, different species of waterfowls and Bengal florican.
Some of the places that you can visit on your tour to Manas Tiger Reserve include Guwahati, Orang, Pabitora and Hajo. Guwahati is about 176 kilometres from the tiger reserve. You can see the one-horn rhino at Orang and Pabitora wildlife sanctuaries.
Travel Tips
Prior information about the opening and closing time of the Manas Tiger Reserve is essential. Binoculars and camera are essential items to enjoy your wildlife tour to Manas Tiger Reserve.
Foreign tourists need to take permit before visiting the tiger reserve.
Climate
The temperature of the region is tropical. The temperature can rise to 38 °C in summer and during winter the temperature hovers around 11°C.
How To Reach
Guwahati is the nearest airport, which is about 176 kilometres away. The nearest rail junction is at Barpeta. The tiger reserve is well connected by road with other parts of state.
Though there are lodges and rest houses but the two forest lodges run by tourism department provide comfortable accommodation. The lodges are located at Barpeta and Bansbari.
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