Balphakram National Park

Balpakram National Park is a national park in Meghalaya, India, located in the south of the Garo Hills at an altitude of about 910 m (3,000 ft). Visitors can get a chance to witness the exquisite Bengal tiger and red panda in this national park which has been open since December 1987. According to Garo mythology, Balpakram means “country of the perpetual wind.” It is home to a diverse range of species and serves as a nesting ground for both permanent and migratory birds. The park offers a diverse range of plants and animals, and it is without a question among India’s biodiversity hotspots. The Hillock Gibbons, India’s sole ape species, may also be found in this national park.

Balphakram National Park

Balpakram is well-known for its forested canyon-cum-gorge, now a National Park. The Balpakram plateau and surrounding woodlands are also part of the park. The region is located in Meghalaya’s southern region. The Garos, a native tribe that lives in the area, believe that this hill is a kind of resting place for dead spirits. This concept is based on the numerous odd yet natural physical and biological structures seen in the area. Rare flora and fauna species, as well as marine fossils, can be found here. Balpakram is a biodiversity hotspot in Meghalaya. 

Flora and Fauna

Balpakram National Park is a habitat for various animal and plant species. Subtropical, grassland, bamboo forest, tropical deciduous trees, and carnivorous plants like the pitcher and Drosera make up the vegetation. The Indian elephant, chital deer, and marbled cat are some species present. Various bird species may be seen in the nature reserve’s rivers and lakes.

The endangered wild water buffalo Bubalus may be found in Balpakram. The area’s small population of red pandas, which has piqued international interest, is an intriguing trait. Balpakram is an important Asian elephant habitat. The park is a habitat for the last surviving populations of the Indian bison. Most wandering animals may be found throughout the rest of the state. There are eight distinct types of cats living here, spanning from tiger to marbled cat.

Balpakram’s primate population is diversified, with seven different species. The stump-tailed macaque is an uncommon sighting, although the pig-tailed macaque is common. Hoolocks may be found throughout the park, except for the grassy plateau.

Balpakram is also a critically Endangered Bird Area. It is a popular tourist site that can be reached through Tura and Baghmara and Shillong and Ranikor from Guwahati. Balpakram is notable for its unspoiled forest in the valley and gorgeous plateau, and the panoramic view of Tanguar Haor, a Ramsar Site in northern Bangladesh.

Caves In The National Park

Balpakram National Park is also known for its caverns filled with exquisite limestone stalagmite and stalactite formations. The Siju-Dobkhakol Cave is located on the Simsang River’s west bank, immediately below the settlement of Siju, some 30 kilometres north of Baghmara. This cave is the third-longest cave in India, at 4772 metres. It is home to some of the most spectacular river passes found anywhere.

The Tetengkol-Balwakol Cave, also known as the Cave of Dwarfs with Inverted Feet, is India’s second longest cave near Nengkhong village. The Dobhakol Chibe Nala and Bok Bak Dobhakol are two more notable caves. Balpakram is a rich and undeveloped terrain. Apart from animal trips, unexplored lime and coal reserves, as well as seashells petrified in stones at Balpakram Hill, offer considerable opportunity for geological and archaeological research.

Visiting The National Park

Between November and May, as the weather is favourable and there is no precipitation, it is an ideal time to visit Balpakram National Park. The park is accessible by street from Shillong through Guwahati airport via Tura and Baghmara. Entry fees must be given at the park’s entrance.

The Balpakram National Park is a protected region. Thus authorization from the wildlife authorities is required before entering. Permission to visit the National Park may be sought at the DFO office in Baghmara. Visitors must remember that the national park is undeveloped and offers only the most basic visitor amenities. Only the most dedicated and devoted tourists visit.

Conclusion

Balpakram National Park is located in Meghalaya and is home to one of the world’s most endangered creatures, the Lesser Panda, also known as the Red Panda. Balpakram is known for its forested canyon-cum-gorge, designated as a National Park. The Balpakram plateau and surrounding woodlands are also part of the park. Balpakram is a land of constant winds, with tigers, elephants, bison, black bears, leopards, and sambar deer inhabiting an area of around 220 square kilometres. It is located near Baghmara in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills District. Along the banks of the Simsang River, the western half of the park borders the Siju bird sanctuary.