Manas at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Assam |
| Famous For | Manas National Park, Tiger Reserve, Wildlife |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Hindi, English |
| Nearest Airport | Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), 176km from Manas |
| Nearest Railway | Barpeta Road (BPRD) |
| From Guwahati | 140 km · 3h 30m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹50+ (varies) |
| Best For | nature and adventure seekers and history enthusiasts |
Manas: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Manas National Park, located in Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Project Tiger reserve, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. It borders Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park, forming a transboundary conservation area.
Manas offers a unique opportunity to spot tigers, elephants, rhinos, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. However, accessibility can be a challenge, and the infrastructure is still developing. Poaching remains a concern, although conservation efforts are ongoing. If you're looking for a raw and relatively untouched wildlife experience, Manas is worth considering.
Manas: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathanguri | Open during daylight hours | Free | Afternoon, for scenic views of | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Manas: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Manas: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati | 140 km | 3h 30m | Major State Highway |
train Train to Manas: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Barpeta Road (BPRD) — Nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- From Delhi: 24-30 hours (₹800-2500)
- From Kolkata: 12-15 hours (₹600-2000)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Manas: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), 176km from Manas
- Delhi: 2.5 hours (₹4000-8000)
- Mumbai: 3.5 hours (₹5000-9000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹3000-4000
- Shared Taxi: ₹500-700
directions_bus Bus to Manas: Services & Timings
- From Guwahati: 5-6 hours (₹400-700)
Trains more comfortable.
Best Time to Visit Manas: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: November to April
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: November to April | 10-25 degrees C | This is the dry season, making it easier to navigate the park. The grasslands ar | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: October and May | 20-35 degrees C | Fewer crowds compared to the peak season. The landscape is lush and green. There | Some areas of the park might be tem |
| Avoid: June to September | 25-35 degrees C | The park is generally closed to visitors during this time due to the heavy rainf | The park may be officially closed. |
Peak season note: Book accommodations and safaris well in advance, as this is peak season. Prices may be slightly higher.
2-Day Manas Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Top Highlights
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
⛰️ Manas National Park Core Area
The core area of Manas is where the densest wildlife populations reside. It offers the best chances to spot tigers, elephants, rhi…
💡 Tip: Bring binoculars and a good camera with a zoom lens for better wildlife viewing.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Mathanguri
Mathanguri is a picturesque spot on the banks of the Manas River. It offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landsc…
💡 Take some time to simply soak in the tranquility of the river and the surrounding nature.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Bansbari Tea Gardens
The Bansbari Tea Gardens offer a glimpse into Assam's tea-growing heritage. The lush green tea bushes create a beautiful landscape…
💡 Sample the local Assam tea at the tea gardens.
Top Places to Visit in Manas: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⛰️ Manas National Park Core Area | ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 4-6 hours | 06:00-17:00 daily |
| 2 | 📍 Mathanguri | Free | 2-3 hours | Open during daylight hours |
| 3 | 📍 Bansbari Tea Gardens | Free | 1-2 hours | Daylight hours |
| 4 | 🏖️ Manas River Rafting | ₹1500 (Indians), ₹3000 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | Morning |
| 5 | 📍 Kaklabari Weaving Village | Free | 2-3 hours | Daylight hours |
| 6 | 📍 Bhutan Border Viewpoint | Free | 1-2 hours | Daylight hours |
| 7 | 📍 Elephant Safari | ₹800 (Indians), ₹1500 (foreigners) | 2-3 hours | Early morning |
⛰️ 1. Manas National Park Core Area
The core area of Manas is where the densest wildlife populations reside. It offers the best chances to spot tigers, elephants, rhinos, and other mammals.
📍 Getting there: Accessible by jeep from Bansbari or Barpeta Road.
📍 2. Mathanguri
Mathanguri is a picturesque spot on the banks of the Manas River. It offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Honest take: A worthwhile stop for its scenic beauty, however, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
📍 Getting there: Accessible by jeep safari.
📍 3. Bansbari Tea Gardens
The Bansbari Tea Gardens offer a glimpse into Assam's tea-growing heritage. The lush green tea bushes create a beautiful landscape.
Honest take: A pleasant diversion, especially for tea enthusiasts. Not essential if you're primarily focused on wildlife.
📍 Getting there: Located near the entrance to Manas National Park.
Food & Restaurants in Manas: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Masor Tenga, Duck Roast, Pitha, Laai Xaak
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Local Assamese Dishes | ₹ (₹500-800 for two) | Near the Park entrance |
| Rice and Curry | ₹ (₹300-500 for two) | Along the main road |
🛺 Street Food: Barpeta Road Market — Momos, Thukpa, Jhalmuri (₹50-150 per person)
Manas Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹2500-4000/night | ₹8000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Day Trips from Manas: Best Nearby Destinations
| Place | Distance | Drive Time | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaziranga National Park | 250 km | ~4 hrs | — |
| Guwahati | 176 km | 3h 30m | Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra River, Gateway City |
| Hajo | 150 km | ~2.5–3 hrs | — |
Hotels in Manas: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Florican Cottage
₹800-1200/night
Bansbari
Manas Maozigendri Ecotourism Society (MMES) Guest House
₹700-1000/night
Near the park
🏨 Mid-Range
The Royal Manas Camp
₹2500-4000/night
Bansbari
Manas Soushibi Eco Camp
₹2000-3500/night
Near the Park entrance
⭐ Luxury
Diphlu River Lodge
₹8000+/night
Near Kaziranga (day trip distance)
Infinity Resorts Kaziranga (day trip distance)
₹7000+/night
Near Kaziranga National Park
Manas Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Exaggerated pricing: Confirm rates for safaris and taxis in advance.
- ✓ Unnecessary guides: Only hire guides authorized by the park authorities.
- ✓ Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- ✓ Limited availability, carry sufficient cash.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio have decent coverage. Purchase at Guwahati airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Manas
How many days are enough for Manas?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Manas. Day 1 covers Manas National Park Core Area, while Day 2 explores Mathanguri and Bansbari Tea Gardens.
What is Manas famous for?
Manas is famous for Manas National Park, Tiger Reserve, Wildlife.
What is the best time to visit Manas?
The best time to visit Manas is November to April. Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for wildlife spotting. Visibility is generally good, and the chances of encountering animals are higher.
How do I reach Manas from Guwahati?
Manas is 140 km from Guwahati by road, approximately 3h 30m drive via Major State Highway. The nearest railway station is Barpeta Road (BPRD). The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), 176km from Manas.
Is Manas worth visiting?
Yes, Manas is worth visiting for Manas National Park, Tiger Reserve, Wildlife. It is especially recommended for nature and adventure seekers and history enthusiasts and can be combined with a visit to Kaziranga National Park.
What is the budget for a trip to Manas?
A 2-day trip to Manas costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Mathanguri?
Mathanguri is open Open during daylight hours. Best time to visit: Afternoon, for scenic views of the Manas River..
What is the entry fee for Mathanguri?
Entry fee at Mathanguri: Free.
What is the dress code for Mathanguri?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Mathanguri.