The Bansbari Lodge, situated in prime position right at the entrance to the national park, with tea gardens on one side, jungle and views of the Himalayan foothills on the other. The16 large twin-bedded rooms all have attached bathrooms and the Lodge is simply but comfortably furnished. The Lodge also has electricity.
There is a welcoming atmosphere to the Lodge, which includes an attractive dining room and a lobby where you can relax on sofas, browsing through books from our library. In fine weather tables and chairs are set outside for breakfast and the spacious grounds are fast becoming a delightful garden in which to stroll. Each bedroom has comfortable twin beds, a writing-cum-dressing table, cane chairs to relax in, and good hanging cupboard space, while the bathrooms have excellent hot and cold showers with basin and w.c.
Our smiling staff includes an excellent chef who produces delicious home-cooked meals, be they of local Assamese cuisine, north Indian, Chinese or Continental origin.
MANAS NATIONAL PARK
2005 is the Centenary Year for Manas, elevated to National Park status in 1990. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and because of its beauty and importance to the environment was made a Biosphere Reserve in 1989. It is indeed breathtakingly beautiful, situated between the Sankos river in the west, the Dhansiri river in the east. Bounded by Himalayan foothills, the dense jungle forest alternates with alluvial grasslands, low alluvial savannah woodland and Assam valley semi-evergreen forests, providing a rich wilderness for a great variety of wildlife, including many endangered species. The Tiger Project reserve extends over an area of 2837 square kilometres with a core area of 519 sq. kms.
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.
Fauna at Manas
Three unique residents of Manas are the rare Pygmy Hog, the Hispid Hare and the Golden Langur, and the park is a haven for no less than 20 highly endangered species.
The diverse animal population of Manas includes some fierce or potentially aggressive creatures such as Tigers, Elephants, Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Golden Cat, Fishing Cat, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Civet Cat, Wild Dog, Indian Fox, Gaur and Himalayan Black Bear, as well as more timid creatures such as many varieties of deer.
Birds at Manas
Due to its climatic conditions and topography, Manas is home to many bird species, both resident and migratory. Amongst these are the Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbill, Jungle Fowls, Bulbul, Brahminy Duck, Khaleej Pheasant, Egret, Pelican, Fishing Eagle, Serpent Eagle, Falcon, Scarlet Minivet, Bee-eater, Kingfisher, Magpie Robin, Pied Hornbill, Gray Hornbill, Merganser, Harrier, Osprey, Heron, Buzzard, Lapwing, Plover, Sandpiper, Snipe, River Tern, Woodpecker, Warbler, Chat, Thrush, Tit, etc.
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.
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.
Validity: 30-04-2012 To 30-10-2012
JUNGLE PLAN (FOREIGN NATIONALS)
- Rs.7,500 per person per night on twin share.
- Single supplement Rs.3,000 per night
Under the scheme we not only cover accommodation and 3 meals but also cover entrance fees to the park, one Elephant ride and one jeep ride daily, excursions to tea garden or local villages, tribe dance at the Lodge for groups (8 members or more), Rs 500 for still camera, services of an escort/ guide / naturalist, forestguard and government taxes.
Note: Price does not cover: Drinks, Park camera, boat ride and video charges, laundry, tips and any expenses of a personal nature.
(Indian Nationals)
- Accommodation: Rs 2000 per room inclusive of Luxury + Service Tax (twin sharing)
- Meals (B, L, D) : Rs 738 per person per day
- Boat ride : Rs 5000 per boat
- Elephant ride : Rs 300 per person per ride
- Entry fees : Rs 50 per person per entry
- Still Camera : Rs 50
- Video Camera : Rs 500
- Jeep ride half day : Rs 1600
- Extra bed : Rs 700
- Jeep ride Kokilabari range: FULL DAY – Rs 3000 per vehicle
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
