Vegetation and Topography
The vegetation that covers most of the park is of the mixed deciduous variety. This forest is interspersed with small grassy glades where large numbers of deer can be seen grazing. The topography of the park is mainly small meadows among thickly forested foothills with many rivulets, streams and natural drainage channels. The park is mainly drained by the river Manas which also forms the international boundary between India and Bhutan. In the lower reaches there are many smooth sandy stretches with clumps of trees growing in and around them.

  

Jeep Jungle Safaris We offer game-viewing excursions on open jeep, booked in advance through us. Manas spans a huge and varied area and there is much to see. Currently we offer 60 or 90 kilometre drives. The shorter one takes the following route, from The Bansbari Lodge-Lotajhar-Mothanguri-Gyati-Uchilla-Kuribheel-Buraburi and return; the 90 kilometre itinerary, of especial interest to the birdwatcher, takes in the area round the village of Koklabari, which is now being developed as a bird-watching area, then through jungle to Alabari and Namlang. There are a number of watch towers built by the forest department on both these routes. In addition ABN is endeavouring to open up new routes to combine with these, working in conjunction with the jungle authorities. (Elephant safari does not include)

A recent guest at The Bansbari Lodge describes one day's safaris:
"Soon after dawn we mounted the elephants a few metres away from the lodge just inside the park. It was a magical experience, silently swaying through thick jungle cover to emerge on an expanse of grassland, the swishing sound of the elephant's steps the only competition for the symphony of birdsong and jungle sounds. The tips of tall elephant grasses and buzzing insects glowed luminous against the low morning light, distracting our gaze from a group of grazing hog deer we startled, who bounded elegantly away. A few lumbering paces further on, some wild buffalo studied us carefully before moving to more secluded pasture, and in the distance we could make out an elephant with her calf. Birds were everywhere, some rare, some colourful, all against the stunning background of vibrant green grassland, darker jungle beyond and the soft blue outlines of Himalayan foothills.
"Later, after a wonderful morning on a Village Trail and a visit down to the river to watch elephants being bathed with evident delight, we set off on a long jeep safari. The excellent naturalist who accompanied us soon pointed out wild hog and five piglets crossing the track as well as numerous birds and mammals including giant squirrels. Further into the park we had our first sighting of one of the stars of Manas, the Great Hornbill. Easily identified by its bright yellow beak, its flight from a branch startled us with the resounding "whoosh" of its powerful wings. In a later clearing we found another species for which Manas is famous, the Bengal Florican, three of them delicately picking their way. We passed the spot where a tiger had been sighted a few days earlier, where recent terrifyingly large and angry claw marks on the trunk of a tree bore witness to its presence. Just before we reached the Manas river where it tumbles over boulders at the border with Bhutan, jungle-clad mountains rising on the other side, we spotted a Gaur, or Indian Bison, in the undergrowth. Pictures do not do justice either to its huge bulk or the size of its intimidatingly vast horns. Our return trip in the gathering dusk was just as rewarding, with many animals picked out in the penetrating light of our searchlight: sambar deer, wild buffaloes, capped langur, Assamese macaques, hog deer and barking deer. A truly mementous day."

River Rafting
Some of the animals that come out on the banks of the river Manas, such as wild buffalo, deer and herds of elephants, can best be seen from the safety and serenity of a rubber boat which commences its ride from Mothanguri and ends about 35km away at Bispani, from where you will be picked up by pre-arranged transport. The boat men are very experienced.

Nature Walk The walk starts near the Mothanguri Forest Lodge and initally follows the bank of the Manas river, where there is the best chance of seeing several species of birds. Later the route turns from the river to follow an animal trail through dense jungle foliage underneath the high forest canopy where Capped Langur and even the rare Golden Langur may be seen. This walk is accompanied by forest guards and a naturalist. A gentle walk on your own around the overgrown tea estate opposite the Lodge in the cool of the evening is also an enchanting experience.

Visits to Bodo villages
The Bodo tribe, indigenous to Assam, have a rich culture of textile, handloom and music. We organize walks through the villages where you can see Bodo women weaving their traditional fabrics and observe village lifestyle at close quarters.

Tribal Dance
At The Bansbari Lodge we arrange traditional dance performances of the local Bodo and tea tribes, where our guests greatly enjoy sitting round a camp fire watching age-old stories of rural life unfold through dance. These performances are a regular feature for residents, particularly for groups.

Best time to visit
The tourist season runs from October through to the end of April, and ABN's Lodge is open throughout this time. Peak time to visit the park is between November and early March.

Climate
Days can be quite warm in October, March and April with cooler evenings. During these months, particularly in April, a few showers are to be expected. From December to the end of February it can be quite cold, particularly at night when the temperature can drop to a single digit and jackets or pullovers are needed after sunset.
During the day in these months the temperature hovers around a very pleasant 18¢ C.

Getting to The Bansbari Lodge, Manas
The Lodge is 176 km from Guwahati and takes 4 hours by road. Guwahati is the nearest airport, well-served both by direct flights from Kolkata and Delhi and by international flights from Bangkok. The nearest railhead is at Barpeta Road, 20 kms away. Taxis are available at Barpeta Road and from Guwahati and we can organize to pick up from either place with prior notice.

Tariff - 2008 - 09
For best viewing of animals and birds and to gain maximum enjoyment from your visit to the area, we suggest a minimum stay of 3 nights.

JUNGLE PLAN :
Under this scheme we not only cover accommodation and 3 meals a day but also cover entrance fees to the park, one jeep ride, one elephant ride daily; excursions to the tea garden or local village; tribal dance performance at the Lodge for groups; services of an escort/guide/naturalist, forest guard and government taxes.

This price does NOT include drinks, boat ride, park camera and video charges, laundry, tips and expenses of a personal nature.

Rs.6,000 per person per night sharing twin room. Single supplement Rs.2000 per night. Child below 12 years Rs.1,800 per child per night. Extra bed in room Rs.450.

TRANSPORT
Airport pick up or drop. With prior notice we can arrange to pick up or drop between Guwahati airport or Guwahati Railway Station and The Bansbari Lodge.

Cost by non-air-conditioned vehicle (one-way): Rs.3,500 per vehicle. Overnight stay per day Rs.1800 per vehicle.

Barpeta Road Railway Station to The Bansbari Lodge (one-way): Rs 2,500. Transfer from Bongaigaon Railway Station to the Lodge Rs. 3,000 per vehicle per day.

JEEP SAFARI
Costs for those additional Jeep Safaris inside the park over and above the Jungle Plan safari
Half day: Rs.1,000 per vehicle + Rs.300 Govt. Tax
Full day: Rs. 1,500 per vehicle + Rs.300 Govt. Tax

BOAT RIDE
Float down on rubber boats from Mothanguri to Bispani (less than 500 meters from The Bansbari Lodge) and see wildlife along the banks of the river Beki. Time approximate 2 hours.
Boat ride : Rs. 6000 per boat ride
Seating capacity : 6 paying guests


RESERVATIONS
Those wishing to stay at The Bansbari Lodge need to book in advance through ABN's offices. We regret that we cannot accept those without prior reservations.

All payments should be made in advance in Guwahati by cheque or banker's draft. Major credit cards are accepted in our Guwahati office but not at the Lodge.

Booking Contact for The Bansbari Lodge and Manas National Park visit:

ASSAM BENGAL NAVIGATION COMPANY PVT. LTD.
1A, Mandovi Apartments
G.N.B. Road, Ambari
Guwahati 781001, Assam
India
Tel: +91-361-2602223 / 2602186
Fax: +91-361-2662140
e-mail: assambengal@rediffmail.com & jti_tours@rediffmail.com
Website: www.assambengalnavigation.com