Manas National Park: An enchanted world

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a core Tiger Reserve, a national Biosphere Reserve, a core Elephant Reserve, and an Important Bird Area—Manas National Park is all this and more. Undoubtedly among the most enchanting and ecologically rich landscapes in the world, it’s thick forests and tall grasslands—home to the elusive tiger, the iconic greater one-horned rhinoceros, the cryptic swamp deer, the tiny pygmy hog, the imposing wild bison, the exquisite Bengal florican and a host of avian species—is the essence of perfect natural harmony.

Beyond the customary sightings of majestic creatures—which do require time and patience—no moment spent in Manas is ever ordinary. The sights, sounds, and scents of this untouched wilderness are a series of immersive experiences, staying with you long into time. Engaging with the landscape in a jeep safari, an early morning elephant ride, or even a raft on the Beki River, you are awed by the extraordinary terrain, and that new perspective around every corner. In each of these activities, you explore the Park’s diverse ecosystem—from swampy lowlands to dense forest interiors—as you soak in the beauty and sight unique wildlife at close quarters.

Of all the destinations within the Park, it is Mothanguri that is perhaps the most serene. Nestled along the banks of Manas River, close to the Bhutanese border, here you experience nature in its purest form. The river, with its soft curves and winding paths, appears to have carved its way here from long ago—when humans would not have even roamed the earth. Amid the lush, exotic vegetation that surrounds it, the silence is only broken by the call of hornbills or rustling of foraging elephants. In the distance, moss-draped trees and thick vines create a classic tiger habitat, while wild water buffaloes with their sweeping horns wallow in the river’s gentle pools. This is a place where time slows, and nature is the only palpable presence.

For those seeking adventure beyond the confines of the Park, the rugged route from Mothanguri to Panbang, just across the Bhutanese border, is not to be missed. The journey along this bumpy trail, flanked by the flowing Manas River, takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. The river, which splits into two streams as it enters the Park, the primary course emerging as the Beki River—deriving from the Bodo word Bengkhi meaning ‘feminine curve’—is as much a part of its story as the animals that roam its lands. Born in Bhutan’s glacial peaks, as the river winds its way southwards, its rhythm is a constant companion in your journey: each twist and turn in the road revealing new vistas of untouched beauty. You then truly feel the world exists just for you.

While the wilderness is captivating, you cannot miss experiencing the rich culture and tradition of the nearby Bodo villages. A walk in the morning lets you experience the rhythm of rural life—the simple yet beautiful craft of weaving, the rustic charm of fences made from dried betel leaves, and the tranquil pace of quotidian life. Savouring a traditional Assamese breakfast here, with ‘Tekeli Mukhot Diya Pitha’, a soft rice cake steamed in a clay pitcher and paired with Assam’s robust black tea, you glimpse the region’s culinary soul. Simple, yet full of flavour, it is a delightful discovery.

From the wild beauty of the Park to the cultural warmth of its neighbouring villages, every corner of this region invites you to connect with a world that has flourished here for centuries. Manas is more than just an escape; it is an immersion into an enchanted world. 

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