By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Achintya Barua, affectionately known as “Manju da” and founder of the iconic Wild Grass Resort in Kaziranga, passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a profound legacy in Assam’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Barua’s death has been mourned by conservationists, tourism professionals and travellers, many of whom remembered him as one of the pioneers of wildlife tourism in Northeast India.
He established the Wild Grass Resort in the early 1990s, at a time when tourism infrastructure in the region was still limited. Over the years, the resort emerged as one of the most recognisable private hospitality ventures in Kaziranga and played a significant role in promoting the national park on the global wildlife tourism map.
Unlike conventional luxury properties, Wild Grass became known for its rustic jungle-lodge experience and deep integration with nature. The resort houses dozens of tree species and a wide variety of shrubs and creepers, reflecting Barua’s long-standing commitment to conservation and ecological sensitivity.
Barua was also respected for introducing humane practices in the hospitality sector. At a time when such initiatives were uncommon, he ensured separate accommodation and free meals for drivers and guides accompanying tourists, a gesture widely appreciated within the tourism community.
Known for his simplicity and warmth, Barua often interacted personally with visitors, sharing stories about Kaziranga’s wildlife, Assam’s culture and the conservation challenges facing the region.
Many in the tourism fraternity recalled his practical guidance and role in shaping responsible tourism practices in and around Kaziranga.
His passing is viewed as a major loss for Assam’s tourism landscape, particularly for those associated with wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in the Northeast.