What is the Best Route to visit Manas National Park
By JAGAT SINGH [03/Feb/26] Manas National Park, located in Assam near the Bhutan border, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most beautiful wildlife destinations. Known for its rare species like the golden langur, pygmy hog, and one-horned rhinoceros, Manas is a perfect mix of forests, grasslands, and rivers. To enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey, choosing the right route is very important. The best route to visit Manas National Park depends mainly on how you are traveling – by air, train, or road.
Best Route by Air
The nearest airport to Manas National Park is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Guwahati is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This makes it the most convenient entry point for tourists coming from outside Assam. From Guwahati, Manas National Park is around 170 km away. The journey by road takes about 4 to 5 hours. The best route from Guwahati is via NH27 towards Barpeta Road and then to Bansbari or Panbari range, which are the main entry points of the park. This road is in good condition and offers a comfortable drive through small towns, green fields, and riverside views.
Route:
Guwahati → Barpeta Road → Howly → Bansbari (Manas National Park) This route is preferred because it is smooth, well-marked, and has enough fuel stations and food stops along the way.
Best Route by Train
If you prefer traveling by train, the nearest railway station to Manas National Park is Barpeta Road Railway Station. It is well connected to Guwahati, Siliguri, Kolkata, and other major cities of Northeast India. From Barpeta Road station, Manas National Park is about 22 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a local vehicle to reach the park gate at Bansbari. The road from Barpeta Road to Manas is short and easy to travel. This route is popular among budget travelers because train tickets are affordable and easily available.
Route:
Guwahati → Barpeta Road (by train) → Bansbari (by road) This is one of the simplest and most direct ways to reach Manas National Park.
Best Route by Road
For travelers who love road trips, driving to Manas National Park is a great option. The best starting point is Guwahati because it has good road connectivity and tourist facilities. From Guwahati, take NH27 towards Barpeta Road. From there, follow the signs to Manas National Park through Howly. The total drive is scenic and passes through villages, tea gardens, and forest patches. This route is safe and commonly used by tourists and local travelers.
Route:
Guwahati → Nalbari → Barpeta Road → Howly → Bansbari Private taxis and buses are easily available from Guwahati to Barpeta Road. From Barpeta Road, shared cabs also run regularly to Manas.
Which Entry Gate to Choose
Manas National Park has several entry points, but Bansbari is the most popular and tourist-friendly gate. Most safari activities and forest lodges are located near this range. Panbari and Bhuyanpara are other entry points, but Bansbari is the easiest to reach using the best routes mentioned above.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel to Manas National Park is from November to April. During this period, roads are in good condition, weather is pleasant, and safaris operate regularly. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September because heavy rain can damage roads and restrict entry to the park. This period is also suitable for travelers planning a Bird watching trip in India, as many native and migratory species can be spotted in and around the park.
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