Manas National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a trans-boundary park with Bhutan, Manas is renowned for its unique biodiversity, including the pygmy hog, hispid hare,...

Manas National Park at a Glance

Location
Northeast Frontier, India, South Asia
Coordinates
26.722454, 91.022650
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Manas National Park

Nearest airport: Gelephu (GLU), 58 km away.

Nearest international airport: སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌། (PBH), 175 km away.

Big Five in Manas National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Indian Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Manas National Park

The warmest temperatures in Manas National Park occur in August, averaging 27.8°C (up to 31.2°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 15.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in November with average rainfall of 4.6mm. Average humidity: 67.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 15.6°C (rainfall: 19.0mm)
  • February: 17.6°C (rainfall: 42.6mm)
  • March: 22.0°C (rainfall: 100.2mm)
  • April: 24.0°C (rainfall: 303.0mm)
  • May: 25.5°C (rainfall: 522.9mm)
  • June: 26.7°C (rainfall: 1394.2mm)
  • July: 27.8°C (rainfall: 771.8mm)
  • August: 27.8°C (rainfall: 549.1mm)
  • September: 27.6°C (rainfall: 371.3mm)
  • October: 24.8°C (rainfall: 182.5mm)
  • November: 20.6°C (rainfall: 4.6mm)
  • December: 17.3°C (rainfall: 7.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Manas National Park

The best months to visit Manas National Park are November, December, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 15.55°C, rainfall 19mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 70.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 17.55°C, rainfall 42.6mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • March: Good, temperature 21.99°C, rainfall 100.2mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 67.2%
  • April: Good, temperature 23.98°C, rainfall 303mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 74.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 25.48°C, rainfall 522.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.72°C, rainfall 1394.2mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 86.9%
  • July: Good, temperature 27.8°C, rainfall 771.8mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 85.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.84°C, rainfall 549.1mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 85.6%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.63°C, rainfall 371.3mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 24.79°C, rainfall 182.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 80.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 20.65°C, rainfall 4.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 67.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 17.27°C, rainfall 7.5mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 66.8%

Wildlife in Manas National Park

Home to 70 recorded species including 25 iconic birds, 16 birds of prey, 16 waterbirds, 8 tropical birds, 4 big herbivores, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Manas National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Manas National Park

14 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northeast Frontier

Visitor Tips - Manas National Park

Manas is a true hidden gem, a biodiverse wonderland where the jungle feels alive and untouched. We love its raw, untamed beauty and the thrill of spotting rare species like the pygmy hog or the Bengal florican in such an uncrowded setting. It's an immersive experience that feels genuinely off-the-beaten-path, offering a profound connection to nature.

Gate Times

The gates typically open around 6:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM, though these times can shift seasonally, especially during the monsoon. We always recommend confirming with your lodge or guide, as permits are mandatory and often arranged in advance. Booking well ahead, particularly for peak season, is crucial to secure your entry.

Tipping

We suggest a daily tip of INR 500-700 per vehicle for your guide and driver, pooled from the group. For lodge staff, a communal tip box is often available, or we recommend INR 200-300 per guest per day for general staff, given upon departure. Tipping is appreciated but never mandatory, and should reflect the quality of service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Manas National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Manas National Park for wildlife viewing?

The ideal time to visit Manas National Park is from November to April, when the weather is cool and dry, making wildlife sightings more frequent. The park remains closed during the monsoon season, typically from May to October, due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

What kind of unique safari experiences can I expect at Manas, especially regarding its rare species?

Manas offers a truly immersive safari experience, primarily through jeep safaris, allowing you to explore its diverse sub-Himalayan foothills and alluvial grasslands. While searching for tigers and elephants, you'll have unique opportunities to spot the critically endangered pygmy hog, the elusive hispid hare, and the vibrant golden langur in their natural habitats.

Given Manas National Park's low crowding level, how does this impact the safari experience, and what specific safety measures are recommended?

The low crowding level (1/5) at Manas ensures a more tranquil and personal safari experience, allowing for undisturbed wildlife encounters and better photographic opportunities. For safety, it's crucial to follow your guide's instructions, stay inside the safari vehicle, and take precautions against malaria, such as using insect repellent and consulting your doctor about prophylaxis.

How accessible is Manas National Park for international and domestic travelers, and what are the primary ways to reach it?

Manas National Park is primarily accessed via Guwahati, Assam, which hosts the nearest major airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport - GAU), approximately 140 km away. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park's entry points like Bansbari or Bhuyanpara, with the journey taking around 3-4 hours by road.

What are the typical accommodation options and associated costs for a safari trip to Manas National Park?

Accommodation near Manas ranges from basic forest lodges and eco-camps to more comfortable resorts, primarily located just outside the park gates. Safari costs typically involve park entry fees, vehicle hire (for jeep safaris), and guide charges, which can vary but generally range from INR 2,000-5,000 per safari for a vehicle, excluding accommodation.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.