Manas National Park Emerges as a New Black Panther Hotspot in India

Assam [India], October 13: Manas National Park in Assam is gaining attention as a promising destination for black panther sightings in India. According to Sunil Basumatary, the resident naturalist at Musafir Jungle Resort, along with local wildlife guides and trackers who regularly explore the forest, the park currently has an estimated population of 12 black leopards. With new black leopard cubs born in 2026, this population is expected to grow further.

For the 2026–27 wildlife tourism season, Musafir Jungle Resort is spearheading efforts to bring Manas’ black panthers into the spotlight. The resort is offering specialised black panther safaris in Manas National Park, guided by its experienced in-house trackers, alongside personalised wildlife photography itineraries designed for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The resort has already organised a black panther photography workshop in association with Fujifilm. The workshop was conducted by Bengaluru-based wildlife photographer and Fujifilm X-Ambassador Rajharsha Narayanswamy.

Building on this initiative, wildlife filmmaker and popular YouTuber Rohan Patkar, whose YouTube channel has over 19.9 lakh subscribers, is set to arrive at Musafir with his team for the Black Panther 5.0 Expedition, scheduled from October 27 to 31, 2026.

Why Manas National Park Is Gaining Recognition for Black Panthers

Despite its name, a black panther is not a distinct wildlife species. It is a leopard with a dark coat caused by a genetic variation called melanism.

For several years, Kabini in Karnataka has been widely recognised as India’s most celebrated destination for black leopard sightings, largely because of one famous black panther. However, Manas National Park is emerging as another important location, with evidence of a breeding population rather than the presence of a single individual.

Situated along the India-Bhutan border, Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of India’s lesser-explored wildlife destinations. In 2026, a female black leopard was observed with two black cubs, highlighting the presence of a breeding population within the protected forest.

Further attention came in July 2026 when the Assam Chief Minister’s Office shared footage featuring the black panther identified as the “Ghost Rider at Manas”.

Rishav Guhathakurta, co-founder of Musafir Jungle Resort, believes Manas has the potential to become India’s leading destination for observing black leopards. He noted that while Kabini introduced wildlife enthusiasts across India to one remarkable black panther, Manas offers the opportunity to witness a family of these elusive animals.

Guhathakurta explained that the resort’s approach focuses on responsible wildlife experiences, guided by trackers who have dedicated much of their lives to understanding these animals. Each safari itinerary is developed around the interests of individual guests. While sightings cannot be assured, he emphasised that visitors can rely on the expertise of people who possess extensive knowledge of the forest and its wildlife.

Sharing his experience of photographing black panthers, Rajharsha Narayanswamy, wildlife photographer and Fujifilm X-Ambassador, said that spending countless hours tracking these elusive animals has changed his understanding of wildlife photography.

According to Narayanswamy, the experience extends far beyond capturing a sighting. It involves studying the animal’s movements, respecting its unpredictable behaviour and recognising that the forest continues to reveal unexpected moments, even after numerous visits.

Tracker-Led Black Panther Safaris and Wildlife Photography Workshops

Musafir Jungle Resort has developed its black panther safari experiences around the field knowledge of its in-house wildlife trackers.

These experienced professionals identify leopard movements by interpreting pugmarks, recognising wildlife alarm calls and understanding the trees and habitats frequently used by the animals.

Safari drives begin in the Bansbari range of Manas National Park, located just minutes from the resort’s entrance. According to the resort’s tracking team, this area accounts for most of the reported black panther sightings.

The resort offers several customised experiences for different categories of wildlife visitors:

Manas National Park is also increasingly being included alongside Kaziranga National Park in wildlife travel itineraries. The two destinations are approximately five to six hours apart by road, allowing travellers to combine rhinoceros sightings in Kaziranga with opportunities to observe black panthers in Manas.

However, black leopard sightings remain uncommon and are entirely dependent on wildlife movements. No sightings are guaranteed, even with the assistance of experienced trackers.

Manas National Park welcomes visitors during its tourism season from October to May.

Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers interested in participating in the Black Panther 5.0 Expedition or arranging a customised black panther safari can visit the official Musafir Jungle Resort website at www.musafirresort.com or contact the resort via WhatsApp at +91 81230 12999.