Manas National Park Guide 2026-27: Safari Zones, Booking, Season and Manas vs Kaziranga
Plan a Manas National Park safari: the Bansbari, Bhuyanpara and Panbari zones, how jeep safaris work, the season, getting there from Guwahati, and Manas vs Kaziranga.
Manas National Park is Assam's other great wildlife park. It lies along the Bhutan border, about 150 to 175 km west of Guwahati, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a tiger reserve and an elephant reserve. It is wilder and much quieter than Kaziranga, with forest, grassland and the clear Manas river running out of the Bhutan hills.
The park opens for visitors in October and closes in May for the monsoon. Safaris are by jeep, from three ranges: Bansbari (central), Bhuyanpara (eastern) and Panbari (western). This guide covers how to plan a visit.
Safari zones
| Range | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bansbari (central) | Near Barpeta Road | First visits, river views at Mathanguri, most stays nearby |
| Bhuyanpara (eastern) | Near Pathsala | Grasslands, fewer vehicles |
| Panbari (western) | Near Kokrajhar side | Birding, quiet forest. Check for weekly closures |
Most first-time visitors base themselves near Bansbari and do one or two safaris there. Mathanguri, on the river at the Bhutan border, is the classic viewpoint inside the park.
How jeep safaris work
- Timings: a morning slot and an afternoon slot each day, roughly 2 to 3 hours each.
- Booking: permits and jeeps are arranged at the range office gates, with photo ID, or in advance through your lodge or operator. Jeeps are allocated through a local association.
- Costs: you pay for the jeep, plus park entry, a guide and a camera fee. Rates change each season and differ for Indian and foreign visitors, so confirm at the gate or with your lodge. In past seasons, a jeep safari at Bansbari has cost a few thousand rupees per vehicle before entry fees.
- Elephant safaris have been offered in some seasons. Ask at the range office.
What you can see
- Golden langur, a rare golden monkey found only in this region of Assam and Bhutan.
- Wild water buffalo, elephants, gaur, sambar and hog deer.
- Tigers and clouded leopards live here, but sightings are rare.
- Pygmy hog and Bengal florican, two of India's rarest grassland species.
- Birds: hornbills, ibisbill and many raptors, especially between November and March.
Best time to visit
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| October | Park opens. Tall grass, fewer sightings. |
| November to February | Cool, dry and clear. The best months for safaris and birding. |
| March and April | Warmer. Grass is burned in patches, so animals are easier to see. |
| May to September | Closed for the monsoon. |
How to reach Manas
- By road from Guwahati: about 4 hours to Bansbari via Barpeta Road.
- By train: to Barpeta Road station, then about 30 to 45 minutes to Bansbari.
- By air: Guwahati airport is the nearest.
Where to stay
There are eco-lodges, resorts and forest lodges around Bansbari and Bhuyanpara, from simple community-run camps to comfortable lodges. Book early for December and January weekends. Staying inside or right next to the range makes the early morning safari much easier.
Manas vs Kaziranga
| Manas | Kaziranga | |
|---|---|---|
| Best known for | Wild scenery, golden langur, river views | One-horned rhinos, easy sightings |
| Crowds | Few vehicles | Busy in peak season |
| Wildlife sightings | Harder, more varied | Rhinos almost guaranteed |
| From Guwahati | About 4 hours west | About 4 to 5 hours east |
| Best for | Repeat visitors, birders, quiet trips | First trips, families |
If you have time for one park on a first trip, choose Kaziranga for the rhinos. If you have been to Kaziranga, or want a wilder experience, choose Manas. With 6 days or more, you can do both. Read our Kaziranga safari guide and our list of places to visit in Assam.
Tips
- Book the morning safari. Light and sightings are best early.
- Wear muted colours and carry a warm layer. Winter mornings in an open jeep are cold.
- Carry binoculars. Much of Manas is seen at a distance.
- Carry cash. Card and UPI do not always work at the range offices.
Plan Manas with Breeziah
We can add Manas to a Kaziranga Wildlife Weekend or build a custom Assam wildlife trip with both parks. Tell us your dates and we will check lodge and safari availability.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Manas National Park open?
From October to April or early May. It closes for the monsoon from May to September. The best months are November to March.
How do I book a safari in Manas?
Jeep safaris are arranged at the range office gates in Bansbari or Bhuyanpara with photo ID, or in advance through your lodge or a tour operator.
Which zone is best in Manas National Park?
Bansbari, the central range, is the best for a first visit. It has the most places to stay and leads to Mathanguri on the Manas river.
Can you see tigers in Manas?
Tigers live in Manas, but sightings are rare. You are much more likely to see elephants, wild water buffalo, golden langurs and many birds.
Is Manas better than Kaziranga?
They are different. Kaziranga is best for rhinos and easy sightings. Manas is wilder and quieter, with more varied scenery and rare species such as the golden langur.
How far is Manas from Guwahati?
About 150 to 175 km, or around 4 hours by road to the Bansbari range near Barpeta Road.
Plan This Journey
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