A Wildlife Adventure to Manas National Park & Royal Manas Bhutan from Guwahati: Our December 2025 Journey
If you want an ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of Guwahati, complete with an array of nature, wildlife, adventure, and even an experience of other countries, then Manas National Park deserves to be first on your travel agenda.During December of 2025, we went on a journey to one of the most exotic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Our experience was even more thrilling since our visit took us to the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, which was our first international wildlife tour experience ever!
Reasons to visit Manas National Park
Manas National Park lies on the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, sharing its borders with Bhutan, where Manas acts as one of India's UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as a Tiger reserve, Elephant reserve, and Biosphere reserve.Unlike most wildlife sites in India, Manas provides:
- Exotic dense forests and grasslands
- Beautiful Himalayan Foothills
- Biodiversity
- Non-busy safari trails
- An experience of visiting the Bhutan border
- Eco-tourism experience
How We Reached Manas National Park from Guwahati
Guwahati to Barpeta Road by TrainOur journey began from Guwahati Railway Station.
We boarded a train to Barpeta Road Railway Station, the nearest railway station to Manas National Park. The train journey was comfortable and took approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Barpeta Road Railway Station to Manas National Park
After reaching Barpeta Road, we hired a three-wheeler (auto-rickshaw) to reach our accommodation near the park entrance.
The road journey offered beautiful views of rural Assam, lush green fields, and village life.
We booked a safari covering:
Though it was a brief trip, it felt as if we were having our first taste of an international experience in Bhutan. All the scenes looked untouched and very serene. The seamless transition between Indian and Bhutanese forests highlights how wildlife moves freely across international borders.
Note: Indian citizens do not need a passport or visa for a short day trip to the Panbang/Royal Manas area, but you must carry valid government ID cards like an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
Peacock
Several peacocks were spotted displaying their magnificent plumage in open grasslands.
Asian Elephant
One of the most exciting sightings was a herd of wild elephants moving through the forest.
December is particularly recommended because:
Our visit to Manas National Park in December 2025 became one of the most memorable wildlife adventures that we have had in Northeast India. Be it our picturesque train ride from Guwahati to Barpeta Road, the cozy stay at Rabbit Homestay, the exciting safari rides in jeeps, encountering elephants and rhinos, or entering Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, every activity was unforgettable. Although we didn't get to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, Manas surprised us with another gift, which was just as wonderful—an unspoiled wilderness experience away from the chaos.
If you are looking for an affordable wildlife adventure near Guwahati, then Manas National Park is worth visiting.
Have you been to Manas National Park? Do tell us about your wildlife encounter in the comments section below!
After reaching Barpeta Road, we hired a three-wheeler (auto-rickshaw) to reach our accommodation near the park entrance.
The road journey offered beautiful views of rural Assam, lush green fields, and village life.
Stay at Rabbit Homestay Near Manas National Park
For our stay, we chose Rabbit Homestay, located very close to the main entrance gate of Manas National Park. Bansbari rangeWhy We Loved Rabbit Homestay
From the moment we arrived, the hospitality made us feel at home. The owner was extremely helpful and ensured our trip was smooth and comfortable.
He assisted us with:
- Jeep safari bookings with experienced guide-cum-driver
- Local travel guidance
- Bonfire arrangements during the chilly winter evenings
- Home cooked food
Jeep Safari Experience in Manas National Park
The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the jeep safari.We booked a safari covering:
- Manas National Park (India)
- Royal Manas National Park (Bhutan)
A Maiden International Wildlife Experience: Royal Manas, Bhutan
One of the most thrilling parts of the journey included entering the wildlife region of Bhutan.Though it was a brief trip, it felt as if we were having our first taste of an international experience in Bhutan. All the scenes looked untouched and very serene. The seamless transition between Indian and Bhutanese forests highlights how wildlife moves freely across international borders.
Note: Indian citizens do not need a passport or visa for a short day trip to the Panbang/Royal Manas area, but you must carry valid government ID cards like an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
In the next blog I will share how I explore Panbang (Bhutan)
We were fortunate to spot several fascinating species. Animals We Sighted
Wildlife Sightings During the Safari
December is one of the best months to visit Manas National Park because of the pleasant weather and higher chances of animal sightings.We were fortunate to spot several fascinating species. Animals We Sighted
Peacock
Several peacocks were spotted displaying their magnificent plumage in open grasslands.
Asian Elephant
One of the most exciting sightings was a herd of wild elephants moving through the forest.
Capped Langur
The endangered Capped Langur, known for its distinctive appearance, was seen resting on treetops.
The endangered Capped Langur, known for its distinctive appearance, was seen resting on treetops.
Deer
Various deer species were grazing peacefully in the grasslands.
Various deer species were grazing peacefully in the grasslands.
One-Horned Rhinoceros
A major highlight of our safari was spotting the majestic Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Seeing this magnificent creature in its natural habitat was an unforgettable experience.
A major highlight of our safari was spotting the majestic Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Seeing this magnificent creature in its natural habitat was an unforgettable experience.
The One That Got Away
Unfortunately, we missed spotting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
However, that's the beauty of wildlife safaris—every trip is unique, and there's always a reason to return.
Winter Evenings and Bonfire Memories
Evening time in December for the area of Manas is extremely cold. After coming back from the safari, we were organized a bonfire by our homestay host. Sitting by the bonfire at night watching the stars while listening to our travel stories was the highlight of the journey. Sometimes, the best travel memories are not just about destinations but about simple moments like these.
However, that's the beauty of wildlife safaris—every trip is unique, and there's always a reason to return.
Winter Evenings and Bonfire Memories
Evening time in December for the area of Manas is extremely cold. After coming back from the safari, we were organized a bonfire by our homestay host. Sitting by the bonfire at night watching the stars while listening to our travel stories was the highlight of the journey. Sometimes, the best travel memories are not just about destinations but about simple moments like these.
Total Trip Cost Breakdown
- Guwahati to Barpeta Road Train (2 Persons): ₹ 300
- Auto from Station to Homestay:₹750
- Rabbit Homestay (2 Days): ₹4,000
- Jeep Safari (Manas + Royal Manas): ₹6,000
- Royal Manas gate pass: ₹300
- Food Expenses: ₹1,500 – 2,000
- Return Train Fare : ₹300
- Total Approximate Cost:₹12,750 – ₹13,250
Best Time to Visit Manas National Park
The ideal time to visit is: October to AprilDecember is particularly recommended because:
- Pleasant weather
- Clear skies
- Better wildlife sightings
- Comfortable safari experience
- Perfect bonfire evenings
Travel Tips for Visiting Manas National Park
- Book safari slots in advance during peak season.
- Carry warm clothes if visiting in winter.
- Start your safari early for better wildlife sightings.
- Carry binoculars and a camera.
- Respect wildlife and maintain silence during safaris.
- Keep cash handy for local transport and entry fees.
Our visit to Manas National Park in December 2025 became one of the most memorable wildlife adventures that we have had in Northeast India. Be it our picturesque train ride from Guwahati to Barpeta Road, the cozy stay at Rabbit Homestay, the exciting safari rides in jeeps, encountering elephants and rhinos, or entering Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, every activity was unforgettable. Although we didn't get to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, Manas surprised us with another gift, which was just as wonderful—an unspoiled wilderness experience away from the chaos.
If you are looking for an affordable wildlife adventure near Guwahati, then Manas National Park is worth visiting.
Have you been to Manas National Park? Do tell us about your wildlife encounter in the comments section below!
