Finding the Elusive Bengal Florican Manas
From March 3rd to 5th, 2026, I visited Manas National Park! My big goal was to find the special Bengal Florican Manas and Grey-lored Broadbill. Our amazing guide, Dilip Boro, made it all happen. We stayed at Hornbill Eco Camp and heard elephants at night – so cool!
My first safari was incredible! I saw a huge Greater One-horned Rhinoceros for the very first time. Its skin looked like strong armor.
A majestic Greater One-horned Rhinoceros pauses amidst the rich grasslands of Manas National Park.
We also saw a bright blue Indo-chinese Roller perched calmly, looking for food.
A stunning Indo-chinese roller perches gracefully, showcasing its vibrant blue and brown feathers in a tranquil natural setting.
Our main mission was the Bengal Florican Manas. We found three of these shy birds in the tall grass! They are hard to see, but a male stood alert, like this.
A critically endangered male Bengal Florican stands solitary in the misty grasslands of Manas National Park, a magnificent sight.
The coolest find was a super rare Savanna Nightjar, perfectly camouflaged on the ground. Dilip heard its call and helped us spot it!
A perfectly camouflaged Savanna nightjar rests on the ground, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
We saw cute Capped Langur monkeys, including a mother with her baby.
A Capped Langur mother lovingly nurses her light-furred infant, a tender moment in their natural habitat.
A patient Common Kingfisher also waited by the water for fish.
Patience personified: a Common Kingfisher surveys its hunting grounds in Manas National Park.
It was an amazing trip with Dilip and incredible animals!
Finding the Elusive Bengal Florican Manas
Our recent adventure to Manas National Park, from March 3rd to March 5th, 2026, was truly amazing! Our main goal was to find the elusive Bengal Florican Manas and the beautiful Grey-lored Broadbill. I’m excited to share our journey, filled with incredible wildlife and guided by our local expert, Dilip Boro.
The journey to Manas started from Pakke, then a train to Barpeta, where our lodge owner, Sanjib, picked us up. The 30-minute drive led us to Hornbill Eco Camp, right by the park boundary. Our room was clean, and the staff were excellent, always providing hot water. Hearing elephant calls at night from camp made our stay truly wild!
Guided by a Manas Expert: Dilip Boro
Our safaris were perfectly arranged by Dilip Boro. He’s an incredibly experienced spotter, always patient and good-natured. His deep knowledge of the park, gained from years living and working here, made all the difference. You can reach him at +91 86384 39764. Having a guide like Dilip is crucial for exploring this rich jungle.
Day One: Rhinos, Rollers, and Langurs
Our first safari was a dream! I had my very first rhino sighting: a powerful Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, its thick, plated skin a defining feature, paused in the grasslands. We also spotted an observant Indo-chinese Roller, perched upright on a branch. This attentive posture is typical of its hunting style.
I loved photographing the Capped Langur, especially after seeing Golden Langurs recently.
Two Capped Langurs, an endangered species, perch calmly on a tree branch in their vibrant forest habitat.
We saw two calm Capped Langurs on a branch, and a mother tenderly nursing her light-furred infant, a beautiful display of maternal bond. We also captured a patient Common Kingfisher, surveying the water from a rock before a dive. Day Two: The Elusive Bengal Florican Manas
Day two focused on our main mission: finding the Bengal Florican Manas. We searched grasslands, where the grass was low, making spotting easier. We were incredibly lucky and found three! These birds are small and blend in well, so seeing them move, like this striking male standing alert in the misty grasslands, was key. Another male stood cautiously, embodying their elusive nature.
A striking male Bengal Florican in its misty grassland habitat, showcasing its unique plumage and cautious nature.
Later, at Kakoijana, we saw a Golden Langur mother cradling her baby, their calm bond evident.
A Golden Langur mother and her precious baby forage in the lush canopy, a tender moment in the wild.
We also spotted a male White-rumped Shama, its long, distinctive tail a highlight, perched calmly on a branch.
A stunning male White-rumped Shama, a melodious forest jewel, spotted in Manas National Park.
The Unforgettable Savanna Nightjar
The true highlight was the Savanna Nightjar, a bird known to be extremely rare and difficult to spot. It’s a master of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on the ground, blending with the dry earth. Dilip heard its call and instantly stopped the jeep. Even though we heard it, spotting it in the elephant dung was a challenge! It took time for all of us, including my companion Souranil, to finally see it. This truly showcased Dilip’s incredible spotting skill and patience.
Day Three: Broadbills and Beyond
On our final day, we again looked for the Grey-lored Broadbill. We were thrilled to see three perched calmly on a tree branch
Three stunning Grey-lored broadbills perch serenely on a branch amidst the vibrant green foliage of a tropical forest.
, and another single one, poised and observant.
A beautiful Grey-lored Broadbill perches on a branch, its grey plumage blending with the soft forest backdrop.
Manas was alive with constant bird chirping and trumpeting elephants, like this magnificent Asian Elephant emerging from the grasses.
A magnificent Asian elephant emerges from the tall grasses of Manas National Park.
One night, Souranil and Soham even heard a tiger growl from our camp!We kept our budget for three people under ₹60,000, proving smart travel works. A good tip is to always consult your guide for local rates. This trip was a success, full of amazing wildlife and thanks to our wonderful guides.
