Stay at Manas National Park — Sikhiri Cottages, Bansbari
Sikhiri Cottages is an eco jungle lodge on the edge of Manas National Park, Bansbari Range, Assam. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve. The lodge sits close enough to the Bansbari side of the park for early safari starts, and far enough into the trees that the stay itself feels like part of the forest.
“Sikhiri” is the Bodo word for butterfly. The property is a planted, wooded campus of independent bamboo cottages — not a concrete hotel block — with a swimming pool, restaurant, parking and a desk that organises jeep, elephant and raft safaris.
Why stay at Bansbari, not “somewhere near Manas”
Manas is large. Most first-time visitors use the Bansbari Range gate because it is the practical hub for jeep safaris toward Mathanguri, for elephant rides, and for road access from Barpeta Road and Guwahati.
Sikhiri Cottages is in Barengabari / Barangabari, on that Bansbari edge. Guests have seen rhinos grazing not far from the property. That does not mean animals walk through the dining room every morning. It does mean you are on the park boundary, not an hour away in town.
The four cottages
| Cottage | Type | Sleeps | From (incl. breakfast) | Best for |
| The Perch | Super Deluxe | 3 | ₹6,500 | Couples who want the quietest, most finished cottage |
| Family Cottage | Deluxe, river-facing | 4 | ₹6,000 | Families and two couples sharing |
| Loners Cottage | Standard Plus AC | 3 | ₹4,200 | Solo travellers and couples who want AC |
| The Nest | Standard | 2 | Ask for current rate | Short stays and guests who want a simple jungle room |
All cottages have attached bathrooms and 24-hour running water, backup electricity. Breakfast is included in the published rates. Extra adult on the Family Cottage is listed at ₹1,000. Confirm the night’s rate on WhatsApp before you transfer money — high season (November–April) and weekends move.
What you can do from the lodge
- Jeep safari in Bansbari, Bhuyanpara, Panbari or Kahitama ranges (about 3–4 hours)
- Elephant safari at 6:00 am and 7:00 am (about 45 minutes; book ahead)
- Raft safari on the Beki River
- Tea garden and village cycling
- Early morning walk on the forest boundary.
- Bodo village walk and cultural performances (Bihu, Bagrumba, Jhumur) on request
- Bonfire in winter (usually chargeable; ask when you book)
- Bhutan border safari to Panbang — Indian nationals only, with passport or voter ID
Official park safari permits are issued by the Forest Department. Book the permit on manasnptr.in. The lodge can handle the vehicle, timing and Guide.
How far is Sikhiri Cottages?
- Guwahati airport (LGBI): about 150 km / 3 hours
- By road from Guwahati: about 160 km via Pathsala / Bhawanipur
- Barpeta Road railway station: about 30 km / 1 hour
- New Bongaigaon station: about 100 km
Pickup can be arranged. WhatsApp +91 6002809693.
Full directions: How to reach Sikhiri Cottages.
Who this stay suits
Good fit: families, wildlife first-timers, photographers who want a quiet night between two safaris, guests who prefer a cottage with a verandah over a hotel corridor.
Not a fit if: you need nightlife, a large spa, or a property inside the core forest bungalow zone at Mathanguri. Forest rest houses inside the park are a different product and has stopped keeping guests, for more details please contact the Field Director’s office.
Plan the trip
Reserve a cottage: message the dates, number of adults and children, and whether you want jeep or elephant safari on WhatsApp +91 8287876070.