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BALPAKRAM - THE LAND OF SPIRIT'S
BALPAKRAM - THE LAND OF SPIRITS
Balpakram is a very important area for wildlife sanctuary, located in the extreme South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, at a distance of 90 km from Baghmara, the district headquarters of the South. The place is rich in different species of fauna and flora. The park also includes the Balpakram plateau and contiguous forests. The place is also known as "The Land of the Spirits", as the locals (Garo tribe) believe that after death, their spirits travel to this place to reside.
Locals say that people have heard cries in the dark hours. As per their beliefs, the spirit realm still exists in Balpakram. This magnificent landscape is a sacred and important land to the Garo (A'chik) tribe.
Dr. George Schaller, a German-American biologist, and his team researched Balpakram National Park several years ago and found a total of 52 species of mammals, including several cats like clouded leopards, marbled cats, leopards, and five species of civets, including one with three-striped palm civets. Mustelids like ferret badgers and otters were also documented, along with other animals such as serow, sambar, elephants, and gaur.
Scientists have documented 347 species of birds and more than 300 species of butterflies. Additionally, 26 species of snakes and amphibians have been recorded in Balpakram National Park. The landscape is home to hundreds of plant species, including the endangered insectivorous pitcher plant and the sundew plant.
There are folklore tales about various spots in Balpakram, including:
- Matcha Nokpante: The tiger's meeting place.
- Dikkini Ring: Also known as Dikki's boat.
- Goncho Dare: A gorge/canyon with mystical significance.
- Boldak Matchu Karam: Believed to be a place where animals were tied to the Boldak tree trunk by spirits for their funeral and temporary rest. Interestingly, whenever a tree falls here due to strong winds, another nearby tree is said to develop a similar depression in its trunk.
