National Parks in India

» Manas Tiger Reserve

In the foothills of Himalayas, 176 kms. northwest of Guwahati, Manas Tiger Reserve is an absolutely spell binding place. 'Manas' is Assam's only tiger reseve. Three rivers feed this sacntuary, which has reputation of one of the best fishing grounds. The sanctuary is on the Bhutan border with Manas river serving as its boundary. This park was declared a Reserve Forest under Project Tiger in year 1973 with the total area of 2600 sq. kms. Manas is a very special place with its breathtaking beauty.

This place has proved to be a great Tiger land although animal sighting here is very irregular and time consuming as compared to other Tiger reserves. However, the growth in population of Tiger is very satisfactory. There were only 31 Tigers in the year 1972 which has climbed up to 125 in the year 1997. The sanctuary is home to some of the rarest species. According to forest department there are 20 species of birds and animals which are declared as highly endangered species. It is only place where Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog are found. One of the great attractions of the park is Golden Langur. The sanctuary also has Rhino, Elephants, Leopards, Wild Buffalo, Gaur, Capped Langur, Assamese Macoque, Chital, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar, Sloth Bear and Swam Deer.

Kanha is also home to Gaur (the largest cattle in the world), Chousingha (the only four horned Antelope in the world), Manas wild life sanctuary has rich bird life which include Red Jungle Fowl, Bulbuls, Kalee Pheasants, Fishing Eagle, Ospreys, Scarled Minivets, Bee Eater, Brahminy Ducks, Egrets, Falcons, Pelicans and many others.