With 476 bird species, Manas National Park in Assam is a birding paradise! During my recent Holiday in Assam, I was fortunate to visit this National Park on invitation from Mr. Rajen Singh, who is like elder brother to me and decorated police officer.

Manas National Park ,Assam
Manas National Park ,Assam

Me along with wild life enthusiast Arun C, Manoj Guswami, Pranab Doley ( a budding birder and photographer) and Sahil Rajkhowa, another birding enthusiast, reached Charaimari in Baksa District of Assam in the afternoon on 8th Nov 2013. We spent the night at the guest house provided by Rajen da.

We had already spoken to Mr. Birkhang Goyari, Manas Mauzigendru Ecotourism Society for a bird guide. They provided us with Mr. Rustom Basumatari, a very knowledgeable bird guide. Rustom is much sought after bird guide in Manas national Park and I very soon realised why! He is quick to recognise call of birds, can detect any slight movement of any birds.


Manas National Park
Manas National Park

We started trekking in Bhuyanpara Range of Manas National Park at 6Am in the morning till 12PM covering almost 8KM distance. It was very interesting trekking experience as we could spot good number of birds:-

1. Crested Serpent Eagle
2. Oriental Honey Buzzard
3. Green Billed malkoha
4. Spider Hunter
5. Grey headed canary flycatcher
6. Russet Sparrow
7. grey Backed Shrike
8. Spider Hunter
9. Crimson Sunbird
10. Long tailed Minivet
11. Small Minivet
12. Small Nilvata
13. European Pied Flycatcher
14. Yellowfooted Green Pigeon
15. Red whishkered Bulbul
16. Black Crested Bulbul
17. Lesser Adjutant Stork
18. Racket Tailed Drongo
19. Spangled Drongo
20. Black Drongo
21. Oriental Turtle Dove
22. Spotted Dove
23. Brown Shrike
24. Chestnut Tailed Starling
24. Golden Fronted Leafbird
25. Chestnut headed bee eater
26. Asian Fairy Bluebird
27. Brown Shrike
28. Red Collared Dove
29. Brown capped pigmy woodpecker
30. Blue throated barbet
31. Lineated Barbet
32. Black winged Cuckoo shrike
33. Verditar Flycatcher

Manas National Park is approximately 140KM from Guwahati city which is very well connected from all metro cities of India as well as other state capitals. One can reach Guwahati by train, flight and then take a taxi to Lwkhibazar on National Highway 152 from Pathshala, small town on National Highway 31. One should take NH 31 from Guwahati, then drive to Pathshala which is proximately 110KM from Guwahati.

NH 152 to Manas National Park
NH 152 to Manas National Park

From Pathshala, one should take right turn on NH 152, drive approximately 29KM to reach Lwkhibazar where Manas Mauzigendru Ecotourism Society office and guest houses are situated. One should contact them before for bird guide as well as ethnic Bodo food! I highly recommend everyone to try ethnic Bodo food at Manas Mauzigendru Ecotourism Society!

Hope to visit Manas National Park soon again and this time hoping to spend couple of days and explore other ranges of Manas, Bansbari and Panbari!

5 thoughts on “Birding at Manas National Park, Assam”

  1. It was great trip. Had a great time with some awesome people during that weekend. And most importantly learned a lot from @uttampegu sir and Rustum. Looking forward to visiting Manas and other forest reserve looking for birds again!

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