Manas Tiger Reserve

Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam was created in 1973 at the time of launch of the Project Tiger in India. The Reserve area falls in six districts, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup and Darrang. Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the buffer of the Reserve. Manas is located at the confluence of Indian, Ethiopean and Indo-Chinese realms resulting in the magnificient biodiversity.

It is situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra river. There are numerous rivers criss-crossing the Reserve, namely, Sankosh, Saralbangha, Hel, Tanali, Courang, Sidli (Bhor) Aio, Manas, Beki, Pathimari, kaladia, Tihunala, Morapagaldia, Nala, Braalia, Pbornodi and Dhansiri. Waterholes have also been created at Buraburijhar, Makhibaha and Daulabil, in the core area.

The Reserve runs along the Indo-Bhutan international border, with contiguous wildlife habitats in Bhutan. The river Manas flows from the gorges of Bhutan and splits into two major streams as it enters India. The peace and tranquility of the site, Mathanguri, is a gift of nature in its finest form.

While the core-zone, the Manas National Park, is a pristine wildlife habitat, the rest of the Reserve is a collection of eighteen Reserved Forests intertwined with revenue villages. While traversing the Reserve from West to East, one comes across sal forests, both virgin and degraded, moist-deciduous forests, isolated patches of ever-green forests, riverine forests, grasslands of both savannah and terai types, and miscellaneous forests.

Manas habitat provides an excellent abode to the tiger as well as prey species: Hog deer, Sambar, Swamp deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and Gaur. These species migrate freely across the international border.

FACTS & FIGURES
Area 360 sq km (gross area, 2840 sq km)
Languages Assamese, English
Best Time to Visit October to April*
STD Code 03666 (Barpeta)