Balpakram National Park -Meghalaya

 

 

 HOW TO REACH BALPHAKRAM

This park has been established in the west Garo Hill district in an area of 220sq km. Local road transport and private taxis are available from Tura. Tura is also connected by regular helicopter service from Shillong.

Nearest Town, Railhead and Airport - 

The nearest town is William Nagar about15km. The railhead Guwahati is about160km from the park. The nearest airport is Guwahati which is 170km from the park.

Best Period for visiting - 

October to May are the best months for visiting the park.

Contact address  -Chief Wildlife Warden, Meghalaya, Shillong.

The 'Land of Perpetual Winds’ to the outside world but the tableland is in the south eastern corner of the Garo Hills. It has an importance for both Garo and Hindu religious beliefs.The unsurveyed belts of limestone and coal deposits, along with sea shells fossilized into rocks in Balpakram Hill provide immense scope for geological and archeological studies. The vegetation consist of tropical moist deciduous type. The predominant species is moist hill sal. Balpakram is a fertile virgin land. The park was established in the year 1987 and hosts a wide range of wild beast species that are preserved in this state.

The animals which can be seen in this national park are elephants, wild buffaloes, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, barking deer, wild boar, slow loris, capped langur, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards and the rare golden cat. binturong, clouded leopard, leopard cat, wolf, sloth bear, elephant, loris, serow, Reptile found is python. The birds are hornbill, hoolock etc. But the main attraction is to explore the mythical and fiercesome terrain of this high altitude.There are also various beautiful colorful butterflies that migrate from other regions or countries during these months. The Balpakram National Park also comprises a large amount of vegetations which is mostly used for making medicines. It is the perfect place for the naturalist, zoologist, and the botanist who come here to experiment for their scientific study. 

Mysterious Sanctuary of Meghalaya 

The Garo tribes revere it as a sacred place, so far the aspect of mystery is still remained unsolved. The legendary ape-like creature called mande barung is similar to Yeti of Tibet. The tribal calls it “forest man” in their own language. The Garos consider Balpakram to be sacred as the land where the spirits of the dead sojourn. The steep rock cliffs of the canyon are believed to be the natural habitats of the gonchos or evil spirits. Interesingly, on the Khasi hills border, there is a natural water tank of the rock, which is perpetually clear and transparent.

Areng patal

This is a massive rock, which has an incredible magnetic force, pulling any animals or birds towards the hollow from where they can’t come out forever. However, the magnetic force has no effect on human beings.

  

Nokrek Biosphere and Siju Caves -Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills district, 2 kms from Tura Peak. The reserve is one of the least disturbed forest tracts of the sub-Himalayan ranges. It is the first.

Matchru anti

There is a place in the middle of plateau where one can witness all types of footprints of jungle animals. Locals are believed the place was once an animal market, but the mystery part is that, that is only specific region where your find numerous footprints whereas other rocks are totally clean.

Pitcher Plant - biosphere reserve of its kind in the northeast region. The Garo Hills contain many natural limestone caves. The famous Siju Cave is located very close to the Nophak Lake near the Simsang River Game Reserve. The cave is filled with water and is miles long.

Wakso Chiring

This small stream is situated 1 km from Menggo Kol, resembling the intestines of a pig. It also emits rotten smell. The stream is believed to cover by the spirit of monster Wakmangganchi aragondi.

Meghalaya Wildlife 3:03 PM