Balphakram National Park is a famous national park which provides refuge to golden cat, barking deer, elephant, wild water buffalo, red panda and several others and is located close to Garo Hills in Meghalaya. Balphakram is often termed as the `land of spirits` and the `abode of perpetual winds` and exists at a height of nearly 3000 metres above mean sea level. This national park is quite renowned for possessing the pitcher plant and other medicinal plants. Presently, Balphakram National Park can only be accessed with prior permission from the wildlife authorities since it is a completely protected region. Unique and beautiful land formations of this national park are associated with the mythological tales of the Garos.
Flora and Fauna of Balphakram National Park
Eight species of cats consisting of marbled cat, tiger, Indian elephant, etc. are amongst the numerous beasts in Balphakram National Park. As per a popular Garo mythical story, Balphakram is also referred to as the `land of eternal death` and is enriched with a spectacular landscape and some rare plants. Innumerable tourists and wildlife lovers from all across the globe pay visit to this beautiful national park, which is filled with deciduous and sub-tropical trees. There exists diverse flora and fauna in the depths of Balphakram National Park. The tropical vegetation is home to various species of birds, reptiles and mammals survive in this park, along with monkeys and wild species of baboons. Different birds are present in the lakes and rivers of the Balphakram National Park. Clouded Leopard, Hoolock, Indian Bison or Gaur, Capped Langur or Leaf Monkey, Pig-Tailed Macaque, Assamese Macaque and Slow Loris are some of the other animals existent here.
Visiting Information
The period from October till March is said to be the perfect time to approach Balphakram National Park, as the weather is pleasant, with a scanty rainfall. During this point of time, wild beasts and birds can be witnessed as they come to the rivers and lake to quench their thirst. Balphakram National Park is near Shillong and is connected by roads. Visitors can reach the national park with the aide of buses, cars and trekkers.
