Legend Of Northeast Tourism Sector And Owner Of Wild Grass Resort At Kaziranga In Assam Passes Away
Mr Barua's demise has been mourned by conservationists, tourism professionals, and travellers: Reports
GUWAHATI: Wild Grass Resort owner Achintya Barua who was affectionately known as Manjuda passed away on Sunday leaves behind a profound rich legacy in Assam’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Mr Barua's demise has been mourned by conservationists, tourism professionals, and travellers who remember him as a pioneer who helped shape wildlife tourism in the region for the past several decades.
Mr Baruah, a visionary who played a key role in shaping the tourism sector of the region when the state was passing through a worst phase of insurgency, is credited with establishing the Wild Grass Resort in the early 1990s.
It is significant that the resort is regarded as one of the first private hospitality ventures in Kaziranga National Park and played a key role in placing the region on the global wildlife tourism map. Over the years, the resort became known for its deep integration with nature and its emphasis on authenticity over luxury.
He was widely respected for his humane and progressive approach to hospitality. At Wild Grass, Mr Barua introduced practices that were ahead of their time, including dedicated accommodation for “sarothis” (drivers and guides) with free lodging and meals, an uncommon practice in the industry at the time.
Mr Barua will also be remembered for setting a benchmark for hospitality, rooted not merely in comfort, but in dignity, empathy, and respect.
The resort also reflected Mr Barua’s environmental philosophy, featuring over 40 species of trees and nearly 200 species of shrubs and creepers, creating an atmosphere that felt deeply connected to the forests of Kaziranga.
Wild Grass also avoided modern distractions, offering guests a rustic jungle-lodge experience focused on nature immersion. Mr Barua was also known for engaging personally with visitors, often sharing stories about Assam’s wildlife, people, and conservation challenges.
Leading tour operators of the region are of view that his passing marks the end of an era for Kaziranga’s tourism history, but his legacy will continue to endure through the values he instilled to this sector in the region. He was also instrumental in popularising the Kaziranga on global tourism map even during the challenging period of insurgency.