The Bansbari Lodge

The Bansbari Lodge, located at the gate to the Manas National Park (Assam) overlooks the forest hills of the park on one side, a lush green tea garden on the other. The Lodge has 16 twin-bedded rooms with en suite shower and WC. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Each room has a writing cum dressing table, a sitting area for two and a hanging cupboard. Attached bathrooms have shower, hot and cold water and WC. The Lodge has a lobby, dining room and a library. The lodge has electricity and boasts excellent home cooking including local Assamese cuisine, north Indian, Chinese and continental dishes. The Bansbari Lodge is the only accommodation in the area to offer sufficient accommodation for groups. The Lodge can be best described as simple and comfortable.
Getting to The Bansbari Lodge
The Bansbari Lodge in Manas is 176 kms from Guwahati and by road it takes less than 4 hours. The nearest airport is at Guwahati and the nearest railhead is Barpeta Road 20 kms away. Guwahati is well connected by air from both Kolkata and Delhi. From both Guwahati and Borpeta Road taxis are available. We can organize pick up from Guwahati or Borpeta Road with prior notice.
WHAT TO SEE - Manas National Park
Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1985 and a Project Tiger reserve, is located at the base of foothills of the Bhutan Himalayas in the state of Assam. Manas reserve extends over an area of 2837 square kilometers from the Sankos river in the west to the Dhansiri river in the east, with a core area of 500 square kilometers. It was declared a National Park in 1990 and because of its beauty and its importance to the environment, it has also been declared a biosphere reserve as well as a World Natural Heritage site. It is one of the 19 parks under the watchful eye of the Project Tiger.
Vegetation and Topography 
The vegetation that covers most of the park is of the mixed deciduous variety. This mixed forest is interspersed by small glades of grass where deer can be seen grazing in large numbers. The topography of the park is mainly small meadows located among thickly forested foothills with many rivulets, streams and natural drainage channels flowing all over. 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
The animal population of Manas is diverse and excitement is the key word while exploring the park. Some of the more fierce or potentially aggressive creatures it harbours within its confines are Tigers, Elephants, Indian one horned Rhinos, Golden Cat, Fishing Cat, Wild Buffaloes, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Civet cat, Wild dog, Indian fox and Himalayan black bear. 
The park is also a haven for no less than 20 highly endangered species. Two of the unique residents of the park are the Hispid Hare and the Pygmy Hog.
Some of the other animals that can be sighted in the park are Gaurs, Swamp Deer, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Assamese Macaques, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Smooth Indian Otters, Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Badger, Porcupine and Sambar.
Birds at Manas
Due to its climatic conditions and topography, Manas is a favourite with many bird species, resident and migratory. Amongst these are Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbills, Jungle Fowls, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Khaleej Pheasants, Egrets, Pelicans, Fishing Eagles, Serpent Eagles, Falcons, Scarlet Minivets, Bee-Eaters, Magpie Robins, Pied Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Mergansers, Harriers, Ospreys, Herons, Buzzards, Lapwing, Plovers, Sandpipers, Snipes, River Tern, Woodpeckers, Warblers, Chats, Thrushes, Tits etc.
ACTIVITIES
Jeep Safari
The ideal way to explore the Park is in a open jeep. You will be escorted by our resident naturalist accompanied by a forest guard. Jeep rides are regularly arranged by us.
We are offering two routes at present. The first route through grassland and wooded forest takes you from The Bansbari Lodge to Lotajhar-Mothanguri-Gyati-Uchilla-Kuribheel- Buraburi and back to the Lodge. This is approximately 60 km jeep ride.
The second route, approximate 90 km, recommended for those interested in bird watching, takes you first through villages to Koklabari then through jungle route to Alabari and Namlang. Koklabari is being developed as a bird watching area. There are number of watch towers built by the forest department on both these routes.
River Rafting
Some of the animals that come out on the banks of the river Manas can best be seen from the safety and serenity of a rubber boat which commences its ride from Mathanguri and ends around 35km away at Bispani, from where one is picked up by pre-arranged transport. The boat men are very experienced. These boat rides are best for viewing animals such as wild buffalo, deer and elephant herd. 
Elephant Ride
A visit to the Park on elephant back is a popular way of seeing wild animals. However elephant rides are always subject to availability on that day, as first priority is given to patrolling by the park authorities. One of the elephant riding points is only a few meters away from the Lodge. Close to two hours of elephant ride early in the morning through the grassland of Manas is a unique experience. Those interested should inform the host at the Lodge the previous evening so that an elephant ride can be arranged.
Nature Walk
The walking route starts near the Mothanguri Forest Lodge on the banks of the Manas river. The first phase of the walk will be along the riverbank. There are chances of seeing several species of birds along the edge of the river. Afterwards we will follow an animal trail through dense foliage in the forest. This route has a high forest canopy and one can encounter Golden Langur and Capped Langur. You will be accompanied by forest guards and a naturalist. 
A gentle walk on your own through the Tea Estate opposite the Lodge in the evening is also an enchanting experience. 
Tea garden & factory visit
The Bansbari Lodge is located directly opposite Fatemabad Tea Estate. One can see tea pickers going about their job in groups during the tea season. We arrange a visit to the estate and the Tea Factory on request. The Manager of the garden will explain to you the process of tea making and you can taste different varieties of Assam tea. Best time to see activity is October till first week of December and again from mid March onwards.
Visit to Bodo villages 
Visits to nearby Bodo villages are organized. The Bodo tribe, indigenous to Assam, have a rich culture of textile, handloom and music. See local handlooms and textile woven by Bodo women and observe their life style from close quarters as you walk through the villages.
Tribal Dance
Local Bodo and tea tribes perform their traditional dance in the evening. Sit around a camp fire and watch traditional dances. This is a regular feature for residents at the Lodge particularly for groups.
Best time to visit
Tourist season runs from October through till end of April. However, the best time to visit the park is between November and February. Our Lodge is open throughout the tourist season.
Climate
During the day October, March and April months are quite warm but evenings are pleasant. One or two showers are normal during these months particularly April. November, December, January and February months are cold when temperature drop to single digit particularly at night. One needs warm coats/jackets and pullovers after sunsets. During the day however, temperature hovers around 18 degrees Celsius.

Tariff

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