Table of Contents
Introduction
How to reach Manas National Park?
You can reach Manas National Park by flying to Guwahati airport (138–150 km away), then taking a 3.5-4 hour taxi ride via National Highway 27, or by train to Barpeta Road railway station (20–41 km away) followed by a local cab to the park entrance.
Now, here’s what most travel guides won’t tell you.
I remember my first trip there—standing at the Bansbari entry point, wondering if I’d actually spot a Royal Bengal Tiger (spoiler: I did, and it was mental).
Getting to Manas isn’t as straightforward as booking a flight and showing up.
You need to know which airport to fly into, which railway station gets you closest, and how to navigate those last stretches through rural Assam.
How to reach Manas National Park depends entirely on where you’re starting from and what kind of adventure you’re after.
This UNESCO World Heritage site sits in the Eastern Himalayas, right in Barpeta district, and it’s absolutely worth the journey.
Let me break down every single route, distance, and transport option so you can actually get there without the usual travel headaches.
Quick Overview: Where is Manas National Park?
How to reach Manas National Park starts with understanding where it actually is.
Manas sits in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam’s Barpeta district, right along the border with Bhutan.
It’s part of the Brahmaputra valley ecosystem and serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and a tiger reserve.
The park covers around 950 square kilometres of dense forest, grasslands, and river valleys.
You’ll find iconic species here like the Assam rhino, golden langur, and if you’re lucky, the Royal Bengal Tiger.
The main tourist zones include Panbari, Bansbari, and Bhuyapara—each offering different wildlife experiences.
Bansbari is the most popular entry point, located about 22 km from the nearest town.
Think of Manas as Assam’s hidden gem—less crowded than Kaziranga, but equally spectacular.
Similar to Gorumara National Park in the Dooars region, Manas offers incredible biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayas.
By Air: Flying to Manas National Park
Guwahati Airport to Manas National Park
Flying in is your fastest option, no question.
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is your gateway.
The airport sits approximately 138–150 km from Manas National Park, depending on which route you take.
Here’s what you do:
Step 1: Book a flight to Guwahati (airport code: GAU).
Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara run daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
Step 2: Exit the airport and head to the taxi stand or pre-book a cab.
You’re looking at a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Guwahati airport to Manas.
Step 3: Take National Highway 27 (also called NH 31) towards Barpeta Road.
The highway is well-maintained, though expect some traffic near Guwahati city limits.
Cost breakdown:
- Flights to Guwahati: ₹3,000–₹8,000 (depending on season and booking time)
- Private taxi from Guwahati to Manas: ₹3,500–₹5,000
- Shared cab: ₹800–₹1,200 per person
Pro tip: Book your taxi the night before through your hotel or a reliable Assam travel guide service.
I’ve seen tourists get stuck at the airport for hours trying to negotiate fair prices with random cab drivers.
The drive itself is gorgeous—you’ll pass through rural Assam, rice paddies, and small villages that give you a real taste of the region.
For those interested in exploring more of North Bengal’s wildlife, check out the eco-tourism in Dooars for similar experiences.
By Train: Railway Routes to Manas
Barpeta Road Railway Station
If you’re coming by train, Barpeta Road railway station is your best bet.
This station sits just 20–41 km from Manas National Park (distance varies depending on which entry point you’re heading to).
Major trains to Barpeta Road:
- Avadh Assam Express (from Delhi)
- Kamrup Express (from Howrah/Kolkata)
- Garib Rath (from Delhi and Mumbai)
- Northeast Express (from Bangalore)
Once you reach Barpeta Road:
Option 1: Grab a local taxi or auto-rickshaw.
These are readily available outside the station.
Cost: ₹500–₹800 to reach Bansbari entry point.
Option 2: Pre-book a hotel transfer.
Most Forest Department Bungalows and lodges near Manas offer this service.
Journey time: 45 minutes to 1 hour from Barpeta Road station to Manas.
Guwahati Railway Station Alternative
Some travellers prefer Guwahati railway station (135 km from Manas) because it has better train connectivity.
If you’re coming from major cities, you’ll find more options here.
From Guwahati station:
- Take a taxi directly to Manas (3.5–4 hours, ₹3,500–₹5,000)
- Or catch an ASTC bus to Barpeta Road, then local transport to the park
I usually tell people: if you want convenience, fly to Guwahati and drive.
If you want to save money and don’t mind the extra travel time, the train to Barpeta Road is solid.
Similar to planning a jeep safari in Jaldapara, advance booking makes the journey smoother.
By Road: Driving and Bus Options
Self-Drive and Private Car
How to reach Manas National Park by road is actually pretty straightforward if you’re driving.
From Guwahati:
- Take NH 27 (National Highway 27) westward
- Pass through Nalbari and head towards Barpeta Road
- Continue to Bansbari entry point (total: 138–150 km)
- Journey time: 3.5–4 hours
Road conditions: The highway is decent—mostly two-lane with some stretches under repair.
Expect slow-moving trucks and the occasional cattle crossing.
Fuel stops: Fill up in Guwahati or Nalbari.
Petrol pumps get sparse as you approach Manas.
ASTC Bus to Manas
Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) runs regular buses from Guwahati to Barpeta Road.
How it works:
- Board an ASTC bus from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar or Adabari bus stand
- Buses leave every 1–2 hours throughout the day
- Ticket cost: ₹150–₹250
- Journey time: 4–5 hours to Barpeta Road
From Barpeta Road to Manas: You’ll need to hire a local taxi or shared jeep.
Cost: ₹500–₹800 (private), ₹100–₹150 (shared)
Buses are cheap but slower.
If you’re on a tight budget, this works.
But I’d personally spend the extra ₹2,000 on a direct taxi for the comfort and time savings.
For wildlife enthusiasts exploring multiple parks, Buxa Tiger Reserve offers another incredible Himalayan experience.
From Guwahati to Manas: The Most Common Route
Let me walk you through the Guwahati airport to Manas National Park journey step-by-step.
This is the route 80% of tourists take, and for good reason.
Morning departure (recommended):
7:00 AM – Leave Guwahati airport or your hotel
Grab breakfast on the way—there are decent dhabas along NH 27.
8:30 AM – Cross Nalbari town
This is your last chance for a proper meal before the park.
Stock up on water and snacks.
10:00 AM – Reach Barpeta Road
Quick tea break if needed.
11:00 AM – Arrive at Bansbari entry point
Check into your lodge or forest bungalow.
11:30 AM – Lunch at your accommodation
Afternoon/Evening:
3:30 PM – Head out for your first jeep safari or elephant ride
This timing gives you the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
Why start early?
Wildlife is most active during cooler hours.
Plus, you’ll beat the midday heat and have the entire afternoon for safari activities.
The drive itself is part of the experience—you’ll see rural Assam life unfold.
Kids playing cricket in village squares, women in mekhela chadars at tea stalls, and endless green rice fields.
If you’re exploring India’s diverse national parks, don’t miss marine national parks for coastal wildlife experiences.
Entry Points and Safari Zones
Manas has three main tourist zones, each with different entry points.
1. Bansbari Range
Location: 22 km from Barpeta Road
How to reach: National Highway 27, then local road to Bansbari
Why visit: This is the most developed tourist zone with the best infrastructure.
You’ll find Forest Department Bungalows, private lodges, and easy safari bookings here.
Wildlife spotting is consistently good—rhinos, elephants, deer, and if you’re blessed by the forest gods, tigers.
2. Mathanguri
Location: Deep inside the park, on the Bhutan border
How to reach: Via Bansbari, then internal park roads
Why visit: More remote, fewer tourists, higher chance of spotting rare species like golden langurs.
Requires special permission from forest authorities.
You’ll stay in Mathanguri Forest Lodge—basic but incredible for serious wildlife photographers.
3. Kokilabari and Panbari
Location: Eastern part of the park
How to reach: Separate route from Barpeta Road via local roads
Why visit: Less commercialised, great for birdwatching and nature walks.
Panbari specifically is excellent for seeing the rare pygmy hog (if you’re into that level of wildlife nerdery).
Entry fees (as of 2025):
- Indians: ₹150 per person
- Foreigners: ₹1,500 per person
- Camera fee: ₹500
- Vehicle entry: ₹500
Book your Manas NP booking at least 2–3 days in advance through the official Assam Forest Department website.
Just like Gorumara elephant safari booking, advance reservations are crucial during peak season.
Best Time to Visit Manas National Park
How to reach Manas National Park matters less if you show up during monsoon when half the park is underwater.
October to April is your golden window.
Here’s the breakdown:
October–November:
- Park reopens after monsoon
- Weather is pleasant (20–28°C)
- Good wildlife sighting
- Fewer crowds
December–February:
- Peak winter season
- Best for tiger spotting (they’re more active in cool weather)
- Book safaris well in advance
- Mornings can be cold (10–15°C)
March–April:
- Warm but still comfortable (25–35°C)
- Excellent for birdwatching (migratory birds)
- Park starts getting drier, animals visit water sources more
Avoid: May to September The park closes during monsoon.
Heavy rainfall makes roads inaccessible and safari operations impossible.
If you’re planning a comprehensive wildlife tour, compare this with the largest national park in India to understand scale and biodiversity differences.
Where to Stay Near Manas
Accommodation near Manas ranges from basic forest bungalows to comfortable eco-lodges.
Forest Department Bungalows
Bansbari Forest Bungalow:
- ₹1,500–₹2,500 per night
- Basic rooms with attached bathrooms
- In-house dining (simple Assamese meals)
- Book through Assam Forest Department
Mathanguri Forest Lodge:
- ₹2,000–₹3,000 per night
- Remote location inside the park
- Incredible for wildlife watching from your room
- Limited availability—book months ahead
Private Lodges and Resorts
Bansbari Lodge:
- ₹4,000–₹6,000 per night
- Comfortable rooms, better amenities
- Organises safari packages and tour guides
Manas Jungle Retreat:
- ₹5,000–₹8,000 per night
- Eco-friendly cottages
- Multi-day tour packages available
- Great food and knowledgeable staff
Budget Options
Barpeta Road town: If you’re on a shoestring budget, stay in Barpeta Road (₹800–₹1,500 per night).
You’ll need to commute daily to Manas (45 mins), but it’s doable.
Pro tip: Book your accommodation when you book your safari.
Most lodges offer Manas tour packages that bundle stay, meals, and safari rides.
Similar to Gorumara jungle safari packages, bundled deals save money and hassle.
Activities and Safari Bookings
How to reach Manas National Park is just the first step—now let’s talk about what you actually do there.
Jeep Safari
What it is: 3–4 hour guided tour in an open 4×4 jeep
Cost: ₹2,500–₹3,500 per jeep (seats 6 people)
Best time: Early morning (5:30–9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:30–6:30 PM)
What you’ll see: Rhinos, elephants, wild buffalo, deer species, and if you’re lucky, tigers and leopards
Book through: Your lodge or directly at the Bansbari range office
I’ve done 6 jeep safaris at Manas, and every single one delivered something special.
Whether it was a one-horned rhino grazing 10 feet away or a family of elephants crossing the road, it’s always magical.
Elephant Ride
What it is: Traditional elephant-back safari through grasslands
Cost: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Why do it: Quieter approach, better for spotting shy animals, and honestly, it’s a bucket-list experience
Book through: Forest Department or your lodge
The elephants at Manas are well-trained and treated ethically.
You’re not supporting circus-style exploitation—these are working elephants that help with forest patrols.
Similar experiences are available through Gorumara elephant safari in West Bengal.
Boat Ride on Manas River
What it is: Peaceful river cruise along the Manas River
Cost: ₹500–₹800 per person
Duration: 1–2 hours
What you’ll see: Riverside wildlife, birds, stunning Himalayan foothills backdrop
Best time: Late afternoon for sunset views
This is underrated.
Most people skip it, but the boat ride gives you a completely different perspective of the park.
River Rafting and Trekking
For adventure junkies:
Some tour operators offer river rafting on the Manas River during winter months.
It’s mild (Grade II rapids), perfect for beginners.
Trekking options exist around the park periphery—hire a local guide through your lodge.
Camping in Assam
Overnight camping:
A few operators run camping experiences near Manas.
You’ll sleep in tents, eat around a campfire, and fall asleep to jungle sounds.
Cost: ₹3,000–₹5,000 per person (includes meals and activities)
Booking your safari:
Do NOT show up expecting to book on the spot during peak season.
Visit the official Assam Tourism website or contact forest offices directly.
Most lodges handle bookings for you if you’re staying with them.
For those interested in India’s largest protected areas, check out the top 10 largest national parks in India for planning multi-park tours.
FAQs
1. What is the distance from Guwahati to Manas National Park?
The distance from Guwahati to Manas National Park is approximately 138–150 km depending on your route and which entry point you’re heading to.
By car or taxi, the journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours via National Highway 27.
If you’re taking an ASTC bus to Barpeta Road first, add another hour for the connection to the park.
2. Which is the nearest railway station to Manas National Park?
Barpeta Road railway station is the nearest, located just 20–41 km from Manas National Park’s main entry points.
Major trains from Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities stop here.
From the station, hire a taxi (₹500–₹800) to reach Bansbari or other safari zones in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Can I visit Manas National Park without advance booking?
Technically yes, but I strongly advise against it, especially during peak season (December–February).
Safari slots fill up fast, and showing up without a booking means you might miss out entirely.
Forest Department Bungalows and popular lodges also get fully booked weeks in advance.
Book your Manas NP booking online at least 2–3 days ahead, or better yet, a week or two during high season.
4. Is Manas National Park open throughout the year?
No, Manas National Park closes during the monsoon season from mid-May to late September.
The park officially reopens in October and remains open until April.
Heavy rainfall makes roads dangerous and wildlife disperses, so there’s no point visiting during monsoon anyway.
The best time to visit Manas is between October and April, with December to February being peak season for tiger sightings.
5. What wildlife can I expect to see at Manas National Park?
Manas is home to incredible biodiversity—you’ll potentially see the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhino, Assam roofed turtle, golden langur, wild water buffalo, elephants, gaur, and over 450 bird species.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Project Tiger reserve.
Sightings aren’t guaranteed (it’s a wild forest, not a zoo), but with good timing and a bit of luck, most visitors spot rhinos and elephants easily, with rarer species like tigers requiring more patience.
Final Thoughts
How to reach Manas National Park isn’t complicated once you break it down.
Fly to Guwahati, grab a taxi, drive 4 hours through beautiful rural Assam, and you’re there.
Or take a train to Barpeta Road if you want to save money and don’t mind the extra travel time.
The journey itself is part of the adventure—watching the landscape shift from urban chaos to pristine wilderness.
Manas deserves more attention than it gets.
While everyone flocks to Kaziranga (which is amazing, don’t get me wrong), Manas offers a more intimate, less crowded wildlife experience.
You’re standing in a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by some of the rarest species on the planet, with the Himalayan foothills as your backdrop.
Book your trip between October and April.
Reserve your safaris in advance.
Pack light, bring good binoculars, and leave your expectations at home—the jungle delivers what it wants, when it wants.
I’ve been to Manas four times now, and I’m already planning my fifth trip.
That’s how good it is.
Safe travels, and I genuinely hope you spot a tiger (but also, respect if you don’t—that’s the wild for you).
Now stop reading and start booking—how to reach Manas National Park is the easy part; actually getting there is where your adventure begins.
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