Manas is wilderness beyond compare. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and bio-reserve, it is perhaps one of the most pristine, virgin and primordial wilderness reserves in India.

The Manas National Park, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, touching the borders of Bhutan, is a tiger and elephant reserve.  Jeep and boat rides are available inside the park, but it is best explored on elephant back.

Morning elephant ride was one of the best that you might ever have. There was no rain but will be soaked to the skin as thick water- laden mist bathed the forest. The condensation in the thick jungle dripped to the ground, forming minute rivulets that crisscrossed the park, and gathered into little streams before forming a body of water.

Ferns and shrubs thickly carpet the floor of this unique wetland. Despite the elephant grass and undergrowth, a chance to see plenty of pug marks – tigers! There are even some rare sights of – a leopard and its cubs!

The wild elephants in Manas were shy and the tall, thick grass provided a good shield.  There are an estimated thousand elephants here, and they keep moving across the border between Bhutan and the Park.

Manas is also a bird watchers’ paradise. Bird songs and calls were a constant accompaniment throughout the ride.  Emerging out of the nowwet and dripping forest and we can head to the river Beki.   The Beki river bank was covered with fine white sand.

Beki River and Manas

The turbulent Beki river is fast eating into the soft soil of the fragile forest. The erosion has been devastating.

Large chunks of the bank crumble away and crash into the river, only to be whisked away by the strong currents.  The Mathanguri forest rest house, a heritage building built by the British close to the Bhutan border, is in great danger from the large-scale erosion.

This wonderful park has tremendous potential; it is beginning to regain its original glory.

Don’t miss to see this place, when you plan for Trip to India !!!