Manas National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife. This park attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country and abroad.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Manas National Park using different transport modes. You will get practical advice on trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with tips for a hassle-free journey to this beautiful destination.

Getting from Guwahati to Manas National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option for reaching Manas National Park from Guwahati, the nearest major city. Trains connect Guwahati to nearby stations close to the park.

• The nearest railway stations to Manas National Park are Barpeta Road and Sorbhog, located about 30 to 50 km away from the park entrance. Both stations are well connected to Guwahati with multiple daily trains.

• The train journey from Guwahati to Barpeta Road or Sorbhog takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, covering around 90 to 110 km. Ticket prices range from INR 100 to 300 depending on the class.

• Trains are generally comfortable and reliable, but expect crowding during festivals and weekends. Booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats.

• From the railway stations, you will need to hire a taxi or local bus to reach the park entrance. Taxi fares may range from INR 500 to 800, and local buses are cheaper but less frequent.

• During the monsoon season, train delays can occur due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so plan accordingly and check train status before travel.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to reach Manas National Park from Guwahati and nearby towns. State-run and private buses operate on this route with varying comfort levels.

• Buses to Barpeta Road or Pathsala bus depots run frequently from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar bus stand, covering about 90 to 110 km in 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• Ticket prices for ordinary and deluxe buses range between INR 100 and 250. Deluxe buses offer better seating and fewer stops but are less frequent.

• From the bus depots, shared jeeps or taxis are available to reach the park entrance, usually taking 1 to 1.5 hours and costing INR 400 to 700.

• Bus travel can be crowded during Assam’s festival seasons like Bihu and Durga Puja, so arriving early for tickets is advisable.

• Road conditions on National Highway 27 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Manas National Park is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore nearby areas at your own pace. The route is scenic and well connected by highways.

• The park is about 180 km from Guwahati by road, taking roughly 4 to 5 hours via National Highway 27 and NH 15, depending on traffic and stops.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Guwahati, with daily rates ranging from INR 1500 to 3000 depending on vehicle type.

• The route passes through towns like Barpeta and Pathsala, where you can stop for food and refreshments. Popular rest stops include roadside dhabas and local eateries.

• Be prepared for toll plazas on NH 27; toll charges can total around INR 100 to 150 one way.

• During monsoon, some stretches may have waterlogging or potholes, so check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Flight

The nearest airport to Manas National Park is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant cities.

• Guwahati airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore with multiple daily flights operated by airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to Manas National Park. The road distance is about 180 km and takes 4 to 5 hours.

• Taxi fares from Guwahati airport to the park range from INR 3000 to 4500 depending on vehicle type and negotiation.

• It is advisable to book airport transfers in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid last-minute hassles.

• There are no direct flights to airports closer to Manas National Park, so Guwahati remains the best air travel hub.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If this is your first time traveling to Manas National Park, here is a simple step-by-step plan to help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets from Guwahati to Barpeta Road or Pathsala well in advance using IRCTC or state transport websites to ensure availability, especially during holidays.

• Upon arrival at the railway station or bus depot, arrange for a local taxi or shared jeep to the park entrance. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• If you prefer driving, rent a car from Guwahati with a trusted agency. Check the vehicle condition and confirm fuel policy before starting your journey.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the road, as food options between towns can be limited, especially during early morning or late evening travel.

• Download offline maps or keep a local SIM card with data for navigation and communication, as network coverage near the park can be patchy.

• Inform your accommodation in advance about your expected arrival time and transport mode to arrange pickups if available.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications, as medical facilities near Manas National Park are limited and may require travel to larger towns.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in rural areas of Assam.

• Book your tickets and accommodations during weekdays or off-peak seasons to get better rates and avoid crowding at the park entrance.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Guwahati for safer and more reliable local transport before starting your trip to Manas.

• Pack light but include rain gear and insect repellent, especially if traveling during the monsoon or early mornings when mosquitoes are active.

• Be cautious with your luggage during train and bus travel; keep valuables close and avoid leaving bags unattended at stations.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Manas National Park is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are easier. The park remains closed during the monsoon months of June to September due to heavy rains.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip during dry months ensures smoother road and rail journeys with fewer delays.

• Avoid traveling during Bihu festivals in April and January, as transport services can be crowded and accommodation prices higher.

• Winter mornings can be foggy in Assam, causing delays in train and road travel, so start early to avoid missing connections.

• Monsoon rains can cause waterlogging on highways NH 27 and NH 15, leading to slower travel and occasional roadblocks.

• Depart early in the morning from Guwahati to reach Manas by afternoon, allowing daylight for check-in and local exploration.

Arrival at Manas National Park & What to Expect

When you arrive at Manas National Park, you will find a small but well-maintained entry point with forest department offices and guides available. The park is spread across a large area, so local transport inside is limited to authorized vehicles.

Accommodation options near the park include government-run forest lodges and private resorts in nearby towns like Barpeta Road and Pathsala. Local commute options include hired taxis and shared jeeps, but pre-booking is recommended.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available inside the park, so plan your last-mile travel carefully. Carry cash as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas.

Conclusion

Traveling to Manas National Park is an enriching experience for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. The most efficient way to reach the park is by train or bus from Guwahati to nearby stations or depots, followed by a short taxi ride. Self-driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning of routes and road conditions.

Booking tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons, will help you avoid last-minute stress. With proper preparation and awareness of local travel conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey to one of India’s most beautiful national parks.