Cycle Safaris to be Introduced in Manas National Park

Located in the Himalayan foothills, with the Brahmaputra river flowing through its centre, Manas National Park in Assam is a rich biosphere reserve. Often referred to as the twin sibling of the Kaziranga National Park, this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is also a tiger reserve. 

To attract more tourists, cycle safaris will be launched to explore offbeat tracks around the forest's periphery. The first phase will include 12 cycles. 

Manas Park Conservator Amal Sharma said that the initiative is an attempt to draw more tourists post-lockdown. Earlier, the park used to have night safaris, but they were banned after the Supreme Court ruled against them.

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Due to the lockdown, the park had remained closed from March 17 to October 2, 2020. Data available suggests that the park generated Rs1 crore in revenue during the 2019-20 season. 

Last year, the national park was conferred the Global Conservation Excellence Award by the Global Tiger Forum along with the Royal Manas of Bhutan. The award recognised the park&rsquos conservation efforts in increasing its tiger population, three-fold. 

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The park is also known for its endangered wildlife including the golden langur, Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, and pygmy hog.