Assam: Manas National Park registers Rs 23 lakh revenue in last 2 months

In the lush landscapes of Assam, the Manas National Park has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable tourism. 

Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, this biodiversity hotspot has not only captivated the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts but also contributed substantially to the state's economy.

As of December 7, 2023, Manas National Park has recorded an impressive revenue of Rs 23 lakh over the last two months. 

Around 9,000 tourists visited Manas National Park in two months from October 1 to November 30. Of these, 353 are foreign tourists. 

It is to be noted that the number of animals in Manas National Park has increased, as per the officials.

Domestic and foreign tourists visiting the national park have been able to enjoy the free movement of different species of birds including tigers, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and bison, among others 

On the other hand, the number of tourists in all three ranges has increased after the opening of the Bansbari, Bhuiyapara and Panbari ranges of the national park for tourists this time. 

Also Read: Assam: Kaziranga National Park registers Rs 3 crore revenue in last 3 months

Meanwhile, the Manas National Park Authority is hopeful that the number of tourists will increase significantly in December and January 2024. 

This figure is a testament to the park's growing popularity and effective management strategies.

The park, which is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, saw over 30,725 tourists, including 410 foreign visitors, grace its verdant realms between April and December 2022.

The increase in tourist inflow is a reflection of Assam's rich natural heritage, with Manas National Park being a crown jewel. The park is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog. It is also home to a significant population of wild water buffalo, tigers, and rhinos, making it a critical site for conservation efforts.

The financial year of 2022-23 was particularly remarkable for Manas National Park, as it garnered a revenue of Rs 1,35,84,450, marking a 4% increase from the previous year and showcasing a substantial 37% growth compared to the last seven-year average. This surge in revenue is attributed to the park's enhanced eco-tourism initiatives and the successful implementation of a completely online, cashless booking system that faced only minor glitches.

Assam leads the way as the primary source of domestic tourists to Manas National Park, contributing 77% of the total Indian visitors. The remaining 23% hail from various other states and Union Territories. The park has also achieved a record number of international tourists, with 799 foreign guests from 34 countries exploring its natural wonders.

The park's success is further highlighted by the fact that it has managed to thrive despite the guidelines set forth by the Hon'ble Supreme Court under Project Tiger, which did not impact the revenue from night stays or the number of tourists visiting Mothanguri.

Manas National Park's commitment to providing exceptional experiences is evident through its offerings of Jeep and Elephant Safaris, which remain popular attractions among both domestic and international tourists. The highest influx of visitors is recorded in January, followed by December, March, and November, with March being the peak month for foreign tourists.

This remarkable achievement of Rs 23 lakh in revenue over just two months underscores the park's potential as a leading destination for wildlife tourism and its role in promoting Assam's cultural and natural heritage on a global stage.