Manas National Park is an elephant biosphere reserve in Chirang and Basaka District, Assam, India. It is located in the foothills of Himalaya and sharing border with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. Endangered wildlife like Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, Pigmy Hog etc. are some of the specialties of the Manas Park. Wild Water Buffalo is also found here in large numbers.
Origin, History and Geography
The name of the park originates from the River Manas which is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, passing through the heart of the National Park. Parang village is the only forest village in the core of the National Park though there are many more villages surrounding the Park.
The National Park was declared as a sanctuary on 1st October 1928 having an area of 360 sq. kilometers. In 1973, the Manas Bio Reserve was created. In 1992 UNESCO declared the National Park as a World Heritage Site in danger. On 25th February 2008, the area was increased to 950 sq. kilometers. On 21st June 2011, it was removed from the list of World Heritage in Danger.
The Park is divided into three ranges – Central, Eastern and Western ranges. The Central range is at Bansbari near Barpeta Road. Eastern Range is at Bhuiyapara near Pathsala and Western range is based at Panbari.
