Assam [India], October 13: Manas National Park in Assam is emerging as a significant destination for black panther sightings, with an estimated 12 black leopards currently inhabiting the protected forest. The figures are based on observations shared by Sunil Basumatary, the resident naturalist at Musafir Jungle Resort, along with local wildlife trackers and guides who regularly explore the national park. The birth of black leopard cubs in 2026 has also raised expectations of further population growth.
With increasing attention surrounding these elusive big cats, Musafir Jungle Resort is preparing to promote black panther tourism during the 2026–27 wildlife season. The resort is introducing specialised safaris guided by its own trackers, alongside customised travel experiences for wildlife photographers, nature lovers and families.
As part of its efforts to highlight the black leopards of Manas, Musafir Jungle Resort has already hosted a Fujifilm black panther photography workshop led by Rajharsha Narayanswamy, a Bengaluru-based wildlife photographer and Fujifilm X-Ambassador.
Another major initiative is the upcoming Black Panther 5.0 Expedition, scheduled for October 27–31, 2026. Wildlife filmmaker and YouTuber Rohan Patkar, whose channel has attracted more than 19.9 lakh subscribers, will visit Musafir Jungle Resort with his team for the expedition.
Manas National Park Strengthens Its Position as a Black Leopard Destination
A black panther is essentially a leopard displaying melanism, a genetic condition that produces its characteristic dark coat. Despite its distinctive appearance, the animal does not belong to a separate species.
For years, Kabini in Karnataka has remained synonymous with black panther sightings in India, primarily because of one widely photographed leopard. However, Manas National Park is now attracting attention for its reported population of several black leopards, including breeding females.
Situated along the Bhutan border, Manas National Park holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is recognised as one of India’s relatively unexplored natural attractions.
Evidence of the park’s breeding population emerged in 2026 when a female black leopard was observed accompanied by two black cubs. The discovery added to the growing interest in the region’s wildlife.
In July 2026, the Assam Chief Minister’s Office further brought the park into the spotlight by sharing footage of a black panther referred to as the “Ghost Rider at Manas”.
Rishav Guhathakurta, co-founder of Musafir Jungle Resort, believes the presence of multiple black leopards gives Manas a distinctive place on India’s wildlife tourism map.
Comparing the park with Kabini, Guhathakurta explained that while one celebrated black panther helped Kabini capture national attention, Manas offers the possibility of observing a family of these remarkable animals.
He expressed confidence that Manas is now among India’s best locations for black leopard sightings. According to him, the resort wants to introduce visitors to the forest through knowledgeable trackers who have dedicated years to understanding the animals and their movements.
Guhathakurta also stressed that the resort’s safari experiences are developed around each visitor’s requirements. While encountering a black panther can never be assured, guests can expect guidance from people with extensive experience of the forest.
Wildlife photographer and Fujifilm X-Ambassador Rajharsha Narayanswamy also shared his experiences of tracking black panthers over numerous forest visits.
Narayanswamy explained that his approach has gradually moved beyond the excitement of capturing a sighting. He now places greater importance on studying the animals’ movements, respecting their unpredictable behaviour and appreciating the surprises that nature continues to offer.
He noted that even after spending countless hours in the forest, every visit brings the possibility of discovering something unexpected.
Personalised Black Panther Safaris and Photography Expeditions at Musafir Jungle Resort
Musafir Jungle Resort is offering a range of tracker-led black panther safaris in Manas National Park, with a particular focus on wildlife observation and photography.
Its experienced in-house trackers rely on their understanding of the forest to identify potential leopard activity. They study pugmarks, listen for alarm calls from other animals and recognise trees frequently used by the leopards.
Safari excursions begin in the Bansbari range of Manas National Park, situated only a short distance from the resort’s entrance. According to local trackers, most of the area’s reported black panther sightings have taken place within this range.
The resort’s wildlife experiences include:
- Dedicated black panther photography safaris: Customised itineraries for photographers seeking opportunities to photograph black leopards in their natural environment.
- Wildlife photography workshops: Specially arranged safari drives with timings selected to take advantage of suitable natural light.
- Four-night Black Panther Expedition: A longer wildlife programme designed for families, travellers and nature enthusiasts interested in exploring Manas.
- Short-duration tracker-led safaris: Guided wildlife excursions for visitors seeking a shorter forest experience with experienced local trackers.
The increasing popularity of Manas has also created opportunities for travellers planning wildlife journeys across Assam.
Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park are approximately five to six hours apart by road, making it possible to include both destinations in a single travel itinerary.
Wildlife enthusiasts can experience the rhinoceroses of Kaziranga before continuing their journey to Manas, where black leopards have become an important attraction.
Nevertheless, black panther sightings are uncommon and depend entirely on the animals’ natural movements. Neither the resort nor its trackers can guarantee an encounter during a safari.
Manas National Park’s tourism season runs from October to May, offering visitors several months to explore the forest and its wildlife.
Travellers and wildlife photographers interested in participating in the Black Panther 5.0 Expedition or arranging a customised black panther safari can visit the official website of Musafir Jungle Resort at www.musafirresort.com.
For safari bookings and further information, visitors can also contact the resort through WhatsApp at +91 81230 12999.
