MANAS National Park BIRDING TOUR

Manas is famous for its combination of alluvial grasslands, tropical forests, wetlands and riverine habitats in the Eastern Himalayan foothills. This UNESCO-listed landscape supports Bengal Florican, hornbills, pittas, broadbills, raptors and owls. It is an important destination within our wider collection of birding tours in India.

November to February offers comfortable weather, winter visitors, raptors, owls and productive grassland birding. March to May is warmer but rewarding for breeding activity, pittas, cuckoos, broadbills and kingfishers. Tourism access is most reliable between November and April, while activities may close progressively as the monsoon approaches.

Late February to April is generally the strongest period for observing male Bengal Florican activity and courtship displays. We recorded the species during both our February 2025 and May 2024 visits, although sightings and displays are never guaranteed. Conservation research from Manas also documents surveys conducted from February to April.

The principal highlight is Bengal Florican. Other important birds include Finn’s Weaver, Great Hornbill, Western Hooded Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Gray-lored Broadbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Slender-billed Babbler, Collared Falconet, Sultan Tit and Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl. These selections are supported by our May 2024 and February 2025 field reports.

A four-to-five-day Manas National Park birding tour is recommended. This allows multiple morning and afternoon sessions across grasslands, forests and riverine habitats. Serious birdwatchers and photographers searching for Bengal Florican, owls, pittas and other specialised birds may benefit from staying longer.

Manas has three principal ranges: Panbari in the west, Bansbari in the centre and Bhuyanpara in the east. Grasslands support Bengal Florican, harriers and grassland birds, while forests hold hornbills, pittas, broadbills and mixed feeding flocks. Most birding is conducted from safari vehicles, forest roads and accessible areas around lodges.

Manas is not currently known for established commercial bird-photography hides comparable to those in Sattal. Photography is primarily conducted from safari vehicles, forest edges, grasslands and areas around lodges. A flexible telephoto zoom is particularly useful. Travellers interested in dedicated photography experiences can also explore our bird-photography tours.

Manas supports Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Gaur, Golden Langur, Capped Langur, Hog Deer, Sambar and Wild Boar. Tigers, Pygmy Hogs, Clouded Leopards and Hispid Hares also occur but are difficult to encounter. Explore our dedicated Manas National Park wildlife safari for the park’s mammals and safari experience.

Guwahati Airport is the nearest major airport, approximately 140 km from Manas, with a road transfer of around four to five hours. Barpeta Road Railway Station is the closest practical railhead, approximately one hour away. Private transfers from the airport or railway station can be included in the tour.

Foreign nationals need a valid passport and Indian visa, along with the applicable park-entry and safari permits. Foreign visitor and camera fees may differ from Indian rates. Assam does not require an Inner Line Permit, but one is needed if the journey continues into Arunachal Pradesh. Use only the official Indian visa portal and official Manas booking portal.

Manas is remote and does not offer conventional five-star accommodation. Available options are mainly eco-camps and nature lodges around the park. Selected stays provide clean and hygienic rooms, comfortable beds and good freshly prepared food. Electricity, hot water, internet and mobile connectivity may be less consistent than in major cities.

Manas can be combined with Kaziranga National Park for rhinoceroses, grassland wildlife and wetland birds; Nameri for forest and river birding; Eaglenest for higher-elevation Eastern Himalayan species; or Deepor Beel for wetland birding near Guwahati. International travellers can also explore our wider birding and wildlife tours in India.