Garo Hills - Land of myths and legends

Forming the Western part of the State the entire Garo Hills having an area of approximately 8,000 sq. kms. Is densely forested and hence one of the richest spots in bio-diversity, one third (1/3) of which is the reserved forest.

The Garos predominantly inhabiting the three district of the State namely East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills are basically superstitious, believed in spirits and have a rich traditional tales of myth & legends. To the Garos everything that is interesting and unnatural has to have the lore of some kind.

Tura, the headquarter of West Garo Hills, which was also the headquarter of composite Garo Hills before two more district of East and South Garo Hills were created, is 323 kms. From Shillong via Guwahati named after a powerful Goddes Durama-Imbama, this Tura town is situated at the foot of Tura peak. 5 kms of trek to the Tura at 1400 m the peak offers some of the finest views of the hills against a back-drop of low-lying plains and sweeping curve of the mighty Brahmaputra.

Garo Hills known for its abundance of wildlife should interest naturalists and photographers to capture the variegated facets of life of a unique range of flora and fauna. Two mountain ranges - the Arabella range and the Tura range, pass through the Garo Hills, forming the great Balpakram valley in between. The headquarters town of Tura is 323 Kms via Guwahati, at an altitude of 657 Kms. The highest point is Nokrek Peak with elevation of 1412 metres.

West Garo Hills

Nokrek National Park: The Nokrek National Park is about 45 kms via Asananggre and Sasatgre but just about 2 kms from Tura peak provided you are an avid trekker. Nokrek is the highest peak in Garo Hills and has been declared a National Biosphere under the control and management of the state forest department. From Tura peak, teeming with wild life, Nokrek hill is the home of a very rare species of citrus locally known as memang narang - orange of the spirits. This memang narang is considered to be the most primitive and progenitor of all other varieties of citrus plants in the world with a view to preserve this rare species of citrus indica the first gene sanctuary of the world has been established here.The mother germo plasm of Citrus-indica have been discovered by science researchers within Nokrek Range. This discovery led to the establishment of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve at Nokrek covering an area of forty seven square kilometres.

Almost all of the important rivers and streams of the Garo Hills region originates from the Nokrek range, of which the Simsang river known as Someshwari when it enters Bangladesh at Baghmara is the most magnificent and most prominent.

The highest point of the Garo Hills region of the State, Nokrek Peak stands fourteen hundred and twelve metres above sea level. A virgin canopy of thick, tall and lush green forests cover Nokrek and its environs.

Nokrek can be reached from the Tura-Asanangre-Daribokgre Road. A comfortable three and a half kilometre trek from Daribokgre village leads a visitor to Nokrek Peak. Abundant wildlife including herds of wild elephants, rare varieties of birds and pheasants, besides rare orchids abound in the sanctuary.

Tura Peak: tura peak A beautiful and majestic hill stands on the eastern side of Tura at a height of 872 m above sea level overlooking the town of Tura. Local legend has it that the peak provides a sacred shelter or abode to the ‘Gods’ and it is also claimed that Tura was traditionally known as Dura, but due to mispronunciation by the British gave it the present name of Tura. The Tura range has been declared a reserve forest with an observatory, a Cinchona plantation and a tourist bungalow located at its vicinity. A magnificent view of the lower Brahmaputra valley as well as the golden yellow plains of Bangladesh can be seen all year round from the peak. A foot-track or path developed during the British Raj is still in existence and can be used by tourists and adventurers alike to reach Tura peak with ease and comfort.

Imilchang Dare: A waterfall of immense visual beauty is to be found close to the Tura-Chokpot Road in West Garo Hills district. The stream on which it is located, flows through a deep, narrow winding bed of crevice rocks till it suddenly emerges on to a broad wide opening and cascades in a thick, wide formation, over a broad chasm, creating an electrifying waterfall of unique beauty. The deep, wide pool at the bottom of the fall with its wide and expansive surroundings make it an exciting swimming pool, full of fish of varied size and colour, besides being an ideal picnic spot.


Asananggre: Asananggre which is located at the distance of 20 kms. from Tura is a traditional place of the Garos where the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival is organized annually by the second week of November. Wangala is the most significant festival of the Garo Community which is associated with jhumming, a post harvest celebration that marks the end of the agriculture year. Above all and probably most importantly, it is considered to be an act of thanksgiving to Misi Saljong or the Sun God for the blessing of a rich harvest. The highlight of the festival is when 300 dancers and 100 drums descend on the field in all their splendour and hues making the festival a sight truly to behold

Chibragre: Lying in the junction of two rivers, the Ganol and Rongram is Chibragre, a picturesque place which is very popular among picnickers and anglers alike just 9 kms from Tura on the Tura Guwahati road . A few years ago there was a cane and bamboo suspension bridge called dru by the locals which was quite popular among the tourists both domestic and foreign because of its unique traditional way of construction over the torrential waters of Ganol during the monsoons.The river Ganol originates from Nokrek hill which flows steadily eastward teeming with fish and also believed to be the home of the mythological sangkni and na.nil or water serpents. The river has huge rocks that surround pools with deep caves and hollows underneath.

Bhaitbari: This small sleeping hamlet of Bhaitbari came into national focus when ruins of ancient Kingdom dating back 4 -8 A.D. were discovered here a few years ago. This place is just 8 kms. From Phulbari near Assam border and is nearer via plains road along Assam border.

Pelga Fall: Pelga fall just located at the distance of 7 kms from Tura has become increasingly hot spot for anglers and picnickers in recent years. The tourism developed this place by constructing a footpath and view point. A typical traditional Garo bamboo bridge constructed over Ganol river is another added attraction

Rangapani: 40 kms from Tura, near Mankachar on the Assam border there still lies the earthly remains of the great general Mir-jumla the Army General of great Moghul Emporer AurangZeb. Mir-jumla died of malaria while returning from his excursion to the North East. His tomb maintained by the local Muslim Association lies in this village.

Rombagre: Rombagre is situated at the distance of 35 kms. From Tura on the side of Williamnagar-Tura PWD Road. There is a beautiful water pool that has been preserved and protected by the local villagers in the Simsang river where schools of fish are found swimming in the clear waters, turning the place virtually into a tourist spot as many travelers are often found enjoying the fish in the protected water pool. Besides, there are lovely picnic spots in and around Rombagre which attract many people from far and near for seasonal picnics every year.

Rongbang Dare: Is another attractive tourist spot in West Garo Hills which can be easily viewed from Tura-Williamnagar PWD Road and the roadside near Rongbang dare virtually becomes mini bazaar in recent years where the Garos can dispose off their agriculture products besides running their indigenous food and tea stalls.

Wadagokgre (a historical place): Any tourist who is interested in history can visit Wadagokgre which is one of the most interesting and attractive places in West Garo Hills. It is a place where an excavation was taken up by the pre-history branch of the Archeological Survey of India and proved that this was one of the biggest cities, a religious centre cast out of the Bramaputra river from the fourth century A.D. or even earlier. The excavation so far have clearly demonstrated that Wadagokgre was a sprawling township with Buddhism, Hinduism and amalgamation of the two being widely practiced in that area. The ancient township was located on the bank of the Bramaputra river which nearly 2000 years back was flowing nearby. The township was well-fortified and had a large number of tanks inside and on the other prestigious heights were located a number of burn bricks temple. Nearly 20 temple sites which have been there might have been palatial complexes and habitational areas for the population of the town. But the most interesting aspect of the survey report is that this is the only site where inside the entire fortified area including the habitational areas not a single bone was found. Wadagokgre is located at about 75 kms. from Tura. One PWD inspection bungalow is available at Baitbari at about 4 kms. distance from Wadagokgre.

The Tomb of Mirjumla (general of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb): Mir Jumla was one of the most capable mughal generals appointed as governor of Bengal in 1659 by the mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Shortly after being appointed governor Mir Jumla invaded Assam with the purpose of attrition against the local ruler who had captured remote parts of mughal territory on the Bengal frontier. Mir Jumla had incredible success in his mission but the difficult terrain, climate and malaria infestation took a heavy toll on the mughal army. This hostile environment forced Mir Jumla to retreat in the year 1663 without fully accomplishing his mission of the subjugation of Assam. Sadly, before the mughal general could return to Bengal, he was himself defeated by the deadly malaria near Mankachar in Garo Hills. Mir Jumla’s tomb located on a hillock has been preserved through the centuries. The tomb at Mankachar bears testimony to the height and reach of the mughal empire. Mir Jumla’s tomb is a historical heritage site of the state and the history of the entire region would have been otherwise had Mir Jumla’s invasion succeeded and Assam and what is Meghalaya today came under the reign of the mughals.

Katta Beel: Located near Nogorpara village in West Garo Hills district, Katta Beel is about 70 kms away from Tura on the Tura-Garobada-Ampati-Mahendraganj road. It is believed that this pond was constructed under the instructions of Lengta Raja of the Garos. The lake covers an area of about one hectare with its beautiful charm and soothing waters along with a planned plantation of palm trees surrounding it. The Beel is also famous for its fishing with anglers and fishermen frequenting the place. It is also a beautiful site for picnics among the young and old alike especially during the hot summer months.

Dargah Sharif (Mahendraganj): At a distance of about 80 kms from Tura, the district headquarters of west Garo Hills stands the Darga Sharif of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba, popularly known as Pirsthan which has been venerated for centuries. The history behind this Darga dates back to about 700 years when Raja Mahendranarayan was ruling there. During the reign of Mahendranarayan, the place was occupied by a demon that created a lot of problems for the king. Then one day Shah Kamal Baba visited the place and feeling the pain of the people drove the demon out by his tantrik powers. Raja Mahendranarayan was so pleased with Shah Baba, he donated 240 acres of land of which Katta Beel also formed part of.
The Darga still stands to this day and every year a mela is held there in the month of April or May where thousands of devotees and the faithful from far and near come to the Pirsthan for annual prayer and offerings with faith and hope as the Pirsthan is known to be a place where prayers are answered. The Darga though in modest and humble setting and its environs being thinly populated with villages far off from one another does not fail to attract multitudes to its side on the appointed day each year, which bears testimony to the true veneration with which the shrine is held.

East Garo Hills

Williamnagar: Named after the 1st Chief Minister of Meghalaya this river in town built on the curve of simang river is the Headquarter of East Garo Hills. It is 313 kms from Shillong via Guwahati and is 76 kms from Tura.

Rongrenggiri: 5 kms from Williamnagar is noted for being the last battle field where the Garos bravely resisted the British.

Na.ka Chikong: Na.ka Chikong which is located at a distance of 105 Km. from Williamnagar town, the district headquarters of East Garo Hills and 15 km. distance from Dupdara, Guwahati - Goalpara National Highway. It is a big rock deep hollows, in the middle of Ildek river in Badaka village just 3 kms. from Adokgre, this big rock is mythologically believed to be swarming with fishes, you can get tons of fishes any season of the year, but there is one belief, if any one inadvertently touches the big rock under whose hole the fishes are, all fishes immediately disappear from the river. Recently the tourism department developed the place by constructing rain shelter, view point, sitting arrangement, footpath and car parking and a such the place has been increasingly become popular not only amongst the locals but also the people from neighbouring state of Assam are found coming for sightseeing, angling and also for picnic.- east garo Hills

Tasek Lake: The lake located near Songsak is a large inland lake and it is said that Tasek Lake was formed when the great earthquake of 1897 occurred. The lake has immense potential for pisiculture and the state government has recently established a major fishery there. The soothing ambience and cool waters of the lake make it an ideal spot for picnic, camping, fishing or simply to laze around in the solitude of Mother Nature.- East Garo Hills

Sisobibra: Twelve kilometers(12 kms) before reaching Williamnagar, the headquarter of East Garo Hills district on the Tura Williamnagar road, amidst the thick jungles of Rongrengiri Reserve Forest, there lies a historical monument dedicated to Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma, a legendary Garo warrior and patriot who was killed by the British army. A beautiful place on the bank of Simsang river is of historical importance, for it was here the legendary hero Togan Sangma along with his co-patriot Gilsang Dalbot fell to the bullets of the British soldiers while bravely resisting them. A memorial has been erected at the place where the warriors fell down. The district council has established a twin rest house above the Simsang River amid the beautiful and sylvan ambience. The place is teeming with wild life and is an ideal place for people with an interest in ornithology.

This place was also supposedly the last battle field in Garo Hills, where Pa Togan Sangma and his warriors bravely defended their territory with nothing much but crude spears and other local weapons. Sadly, the warriors were badly routed many having lost their precious lives and finally Garo Hills was annexed. Despite the humiliating defeat, Pa Togan Sangma was hailed and elevated as a true warrior, a hero and a martyr. His death anniversary is observed at the monument at Sisobibra each year on the 12th of December.

Dobe Falls view point: Dobe falls view point constructed by tourism department in recent years started becoming a centre of attraction among tourist as well as lovers of nature as it offers a full view of entire lush green forests of Songsak, East Garo Hills on one side and the beautiful Dobe waterfalls on the other.

Adokgre: 10 kms from Duphdara on the Assam Border Aadokgre was the first camp in Garo Hills when the Garos coming from Tibet under the leadership of Jappa-jalimpa arrived in to the promised land of Garo Hills. It was from here they made their last recce and distributed the land according to their Machongs (clan).

Naka-Chikong: 15 kms from Duphdara, it is a big rock with deep hollows, in the middle of Ilde river in Badaka village just 3 kms from Adokgre, this big rock is mythologically believed to be swimming with fishes, you can get tons of fishes any season of the year, but there is one belief, if any one inadvertently touches the big rock under whose hollow the fishes are. All fishes immediately disappear from the river. The Hindus consider this a sacred place and regularly come here for worship and picnic.

Resubelpara: 15 kms from Williamnagar sub-Divisional head quarter of Resu Sub-Divisional; there is a hot spring here.

Napak: 45 kms from Williamnagar there is a take formed by damming of the upper tributary of a river during the great earth in 1897. Napak was once the land of the spirits’s baby. The spirits feeling insecure then migrated to Balpakram where they settled.

South Garo Hills

Comprising of the South East corner of Garo Hills South Garo Hills District perhaps offers the best potentials for tourism development. It was from this area great minds and great leaders were born.

Baghmara: Baghmara the head quarter of the District is a fast growing town ship. It is situated on the banks of Simsang River on the International Bangladesh border. Nearby just below the picturesque Disla hill where the State Tourism Department had constructed a tourist bungalow there is the Baghmara Wildlife sanctuary for the unique botanical wonder of the State - an insectivorous pitcher plant known as memang Koksi or the spirits basket.

Baghmara Reserve Pitcher Plants- Baghmara Reserved Pitcher Plant is located just below the tourist lodge at Baghmara and any tourist interested to see the pitcher plant which also known as insect eating plants and locally known as Memang Koksi or Basket of the Spirits can visit the pitcher plant reserve at Baghmara with prior permission from the Forest Wildlife Department.

Siju Caves: The famous limestone caves of Siju are located near Naphak Lake and the Simsang stalactites in these caves resemble those of the Blue Grotto in the Isle osiju cavef Capri. For more details, please see the section on caves below.

30 kms north of Baghmara and 132 kms from Tura, Siju is famous for Dabakkol or the bat cave with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. It is the 3rd longest cave in the Indian sub-continent some of the finest river passages to be found any where in the world. The magnificent limestone rock formation inside especially named princess di’s Chamber by the excavators will fill any visitor with awe.

Close by on the other side of simsang river Siju bird sanctuary is the home for many rare and protected birds and other wildlife. The Migratory Siberian duck also come here during winter months. At the entrance to this bird sanctuary after a steep climb of nearly 1 km there is a stretch of fantastic rock formations that will take your breath away.

As per the latest report of Shri. Simon Brooks and his party of Bristol Exploration Clubs and Orpheus Caving Club from England who visited Siju in 1992 & 1994, the Siju Cave which is 400 mt in length is the most researched and unique cave in the world. Besides, there are lots of trekking, river rafting, angling, community fishing and caving potentiality in and around Siju.

Nengkong: 14 kms north of Baghmara this place has 3 well known caves Tetengkol Balwakol measuring 5, 33 kms in length is the 2nd longest cave in the Indian Sub-continent. Two more caves-Dobakkol chibe nala almost 2 kms long and another a little over 1 km long called Bok-bak dobakkol are also in the vicinity of the area.

Teteng Cave, Nengkong: Teteng Cave which is believed to be one of the longest caves in South Asia is approachable within a distance of 25 Km. from Baghmara, South Garo Hills. It is considered to be one of the finest caves and the length of the cave is 5000 meters as per the report by the Orpheus Caving Club, London, Great Britain which made the initial survey in 1992. Those interested in caving should definitely put this place on their agenda any time they decide to go on a caving adventure.

Bokbak Cave: One of the most important caves surveyed and mapped by Bristol and Orpheus Caving Clubs of London in 1992 is Bokbak Cave which is located at a distance of 20 Km. from Baghmara town. The cave may be covered from Nengkong village which is at a distance of only 10 km. The length of the cave is measured at more than 3000 meters.

Chitmang Peak: A few kilometers away from Balpakram in the north westerly direction from the plateau lays Chitmang Peak. Chitmang to the Garos is the final resting place for all spirits from where there is no return or rebirth, since Balpakram is only the temporary abode of the spirits. The Attongs, a sub-tribe of the Garos call it (Chitmang) Wai-mong, meaning the dwelling place of the great god, who gives life and also takes it. The place is also sacred among the Hindus who revere it and call this hill Kailash.

Balpakram: A National Wildlife Park, located in South Garo Hills and 167 Kms from Tura. The literal meaning of Balpakram is the "land of perpetual winds". There is a great precipice or deep gorge in Balpakram and is popularly compared to the Grand Canyon of U.S.A. It is believed that here, the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the final journey. It is home to the rare Lesser Panda, the Indian bison and the Stag like Serow. A variety of medicinal herbs locally called "dikges" grow abundantly in Balpakram.

Hidden treasures of mystique Balpakram

In the South-eastern corner of Garo Hills, in the South-Garo Hills District - there is a vast table land know to the outside world simply as the Land of Perpetual winds but of great mythological importance to both the Garos and the Hindu religious belief.

Balpakram, which has been, declared a National Park since 1987 is the land of scenic beauty, lying at an altitude of nearly 3,000 ft. above sea level, covering an area of 200sq. kms. It is a vast tableland of dense forest, teeming with wild life, undoubtedly one of the richest spot in bio-diversity in the country. Many rare and exotic species of flora and fauna some endemic to the area - many almost extinct very rare forms of wild-life found in the area had naturally evoked a lot of interest among the elite circles of naturalist, botanists and zoologist.

167 kms away from Tura, the District Head quarter of west Garo Hills District, Balpakram can be reached by road only. There are however regular helicopter services from Shillong and Guwahati to Tura and road transport facilities, nearest airport and rail head is Guwahati in Assam which is 220 kms from Tura.

Alternatively people going from Shillong can take the border road via Balat - Ranikor which is a much shorter route. However there is no direct communication link from Shillong to Balpakram.

The Garos consider Balpakram area sacred as the land where the spirits of the dead sojourn. So far till now - this aspect has not been properly highlighted to the outside world.

In support of the mythological belief there are more than 45 interesting sites in the area just a few of which are enumerated below.

Memang boldak matchu karam: On the way side there is a hard schimawallichi tree that has mysteriously acquired a depression on its trunk as if weather and worn by constant tethering of animals on its trunk . The belief is that the spirit on their way to their abode of the dead take rest here and tether the animals killed on their funeral. Surprisingly a few years ago, when one tree fall due to strong winds, another tree close to it started getting the same symptoms.

Matchru anti - Animal market - In the heart of the plateau there is a vast flat rock that bears the footprints of all kinds of jungles animals - big and small, each one of them very easily distinguishable. Mythologically it says, this place used to be the market place of animals. Interestingly, there is the only portion in the whole vast plateau that has the foot-prints embedded in the rock whereas the others surrounding that rock are completely benefits of any imprints.

Bandini Jalang - Stone bridge - A stone bridge over a stream said to be constructed by a legendary hero Bandi.

Dikkini ring - Fossilized beat - To the south of Balpakram near Makadeo village there is a huge flat rock resembling an upturned boat. According to the lore of the Garos, Dikki - a legendary here - was carving a boat but unfortunately before he could complete the task the cock began to crow and he had to abandon the work. It is believed that the spirits work only at night and any incomplete work at cock’s crow had to be abandoned.

Areng patal - Magnetic stone - This massive rock with a hollow space on its surface had very strong magnetic force that any animal or bird that inadvertently wonders close to the rock will be magnetically drawn towards the hallow from where they will never be able to come out and die eventually. This magnetic force however has no effect on humans. Close by in the chimitap village, there is a Chimitap stream meaning underground that may perhaps be the shortest stream in the world. The stream comes out and flows for a more 500 yards and disappears underground.

Goncho-dare - The steep rock cliffs of the canyon are believed to be the natural habitats of the gonchos or evil spirits. The gonchos are believed to carry away people and lead them over steep precipices and inaccessible rock cliffs. They however do not cause any harm to their victims.

Rongsobok-Rougkol - To the north east on Khasi hills border there is a beautiful cave, wherein shining pieces of rock in the shape of banana flowers are found. The Hindus believe that it was the house of a Shiva Thakur.

Rongsaljong-Agal - On the Khasi hills border there is a natural water tank of rock measuring about 120ft. X 90ft. The water in this tank is perpetually clear and transparent and remains at the same level throughout the year. It is very interesting and unexplainable how the heavy downpours of rain cannot raise its level not the scorching sun of the summer reduces it. The Garos believed that it is the bathering ghat of Bandis wife sore.

Gitingni Suunte - There are 3 stones close to each other set in a triangle that resemble the crude hearth. Over these 3 big stones there set another rock, which looked, like a huge pot or cauldran. However the top pot like rock was damaged during road construction in 1987. Since the 3 huge stones with the big rock upon them look like something cooking in a big pot over the tripped chullah - it was Gitingni Suunte of the heart of Gitting.

Menggo Kol - From below the wakso Chiring Maheskola river run underground for about 3 kms, and emerge again at Menggo - Kol literally cave of the cat - a spectacular cave with magnificent rock formations around it. Even now some rock fossil that resemble hairs of the cat can be seen. This cave used to be inhabited by a white cats, hence the name cave of the cat.

Wakso-Chiring - One stream in the northern side of Balpakram that resemble the intestines of the pig and has a very bad rotten smell. The legend says that when bandi defeated the monster Wakmangganchi - aragondi - he pulled out its intestine and washed here. Hence the horrible stench of the rotten intestine.

Mebit mebang - Another interesting site in the area. Mebit mebang is a small hillock from where tiny pebbles resembling the seeds of rice, millet and other cereals appear mysteriously. The Garo believed that the side and direction of the hillock from which the seed like pebbles come out predict good honest in that direction. In 1927 it is said that Shri. G.D. Walker the thence Deputy Commissioner of Garo still swept the pebbles away and ordered the rock to be guarded. Next morning he was so astonished to find the pebbles mysteriously re-appeared.

Bandini nagil - A deep pool believed to be the fishing pond of bandi - a legendary hero. The long dam like stone barrier measuring to have been constructed by bandi.

Well, there are many more interesting site in Balpakram - for any tourist willing to explore. Each of the unusual has its own story, myth or legend - connected to it. Not only the Garo but the Hindus also consider Balpakram a secret Place. It is believed by the Hindus that Laxman was critically injured during a fight with Ravans, Hanuman found the life saving herb on top of Balpakram but not knowing which plants to take, he broke the top of the hill and carried it away to save Laxman’s life. The Balpakram remains a topless vast tableland since then and the deep canyon was created from where he removed the hills. Even the 5 rivers that originate from this tableland have been given Hindi names like - Mahadeo, Maheshkola, Goneswari, Kanai and Chimite-rivergod. The nearby Chitmang hill is known as Kailash to the Hindus and is considered to be the Abode of Lord Shiva.

During Autumn the tableland look like bleak and dreary. Even the lone tree a top of hill looks eerie and spooky. At night when the spirits comes you can hear spine chilling eerie sounds that confirm that presence of spirits. Some believed that there are mat-meinang - animal spirits and domemang - bird spirits that have lured many unsuspecting hunters only to mysteriously disappear when shot-at.

However when spring comes Balpakram tableland is dressed in its natural best. Acres and acres of vast tableland covered with ground orchids and others herbs and bushes in multi-colour blooms is a sign never to forget. Also mid- April to mid-June it is the best time for bird watching and wild life study.

For accommodation there is a forest Guest House before entering the National Park and Forest Guard to guide you.

Best time to visit - Mid-April to mid-June.

Clothes - thin light clothing.

Not Admissible to venture alone anywhere without a trained guides wild animal abound and may even come to the premises of the guest house.

Anyway Balpakram will offer you an exciting unforgettable experience.

Some of these mysterious sites are:

Boldak matchu Karam: On the wayside there is a sturdy Boldak tree (schimawallche) that has a mysterious depression around its trunk as if eroded by the constant tethering of animals on it. The Garos believed that the spirits of the dead tie their animals slaughtered for their funeral to this tree while taking a rest close by hence when one such tree was felled by strong winds, soon after another tree close by started having the same symptoms.

Chidimak: There is a small pool in Balpakram which is absolutely charcoal black. It is believed that the spirits of the dean wash themselves here before entering the realms of the dead. Hence the clear water turned black from their sins and soot’s of cremation.

Matchru: Anti or animal market. In the heart of the vast plateau there is a big stretch of flat rock that is full of foot impressions of all kinds of animals big and small. It is not understood how only that stretch of rock have thousands and thousands of footprints embedded there whereas the nearby rock are completely bereft of such prints. Mythologically of course it is said that it used to be a market place where all kind of animals gather for their weekly markets.

There is another place of similar nature and story in Lawbah in Khasi Hills 25 kms from Mawsynram. This place in Lawbah is much bigger in dimension that the one in Balpakram.

Areng patal: Is a massive rock with a hollow space on its surface that is believed to have powerful magnetic powers. This hollow space acts as a veritable death trap to any bird or animal (except for man of course) that goes near it. Any living being that goes near it is magnetically drawn towards the hollow from where it can never comes out and die eventually.

Goncho Dare: The rock cliffs of the canyon are said to be the natural habitats of goncho, the evil spirits who like to take away people from their homes. These gunchos lead their victims over steep precipices and inaccessible rock faces without causing any physical harm.

Dikkini ring: To the Southern side near Mahado Village there stands a massive flat rock in the shave of an upturned boat. It is said that one night when Dikki a legendary hero was making this boat, the cocks started crowing before he completed the task and hence the incompleted boat turned to stone. The legend says that spirits work only at night and have to complete their work before cock crow.

Rongsaljong-Agal: On the Khasi hills border there is a natural water tank of rock measuring about 120ft. X 90ft. The water in this tank is perpetually clear and transparent and remains at the same level throughout the year. It is very interesting and unexplainable how the heavy downpours of rain cannot raise its level not the scorching sun of the summer reduces it. The Garos believed that it is the bathering ghat of Bandis wife sore.

Rongsobok-Rougkol: To the north east on Khasi hills border there is a beautiful cave, wherein shining pieces of rock in the shape of banana flowers are found. The Hindus believe that it was the house of a Shiva Thakur.

Apart from the above mentioned sites there are many more mysterious places which you can explore yourself. Indeed Balpakram is so steeped in myths that even the Hindus believed that it is a sacred place. They believed that when Laxman was serious injured during the war with Ravana and a very rare life saving herb was required, Hanuman found it here but not knowing which plant to take also in his haste to returned broke the top of the hill and carried it away. The missing portion of that hill became a deep awning canyon.

Balpakram has been declared a National park some years ago. This place is about 220 sq kms in a area and is 167 kms from Tura. This is a place of not only mythological importance but also the natural habitat of many rare and exotic animals and plant life. It is also believed to be the original of the rare citrus plant meemang narang mentioned before in Nokrek Biosphere. Balpakram is exquisitely beautiful when ground orchids and herbs are in bloom. The best time to see is from April to mid June. There is the guest house at Hattisil at the entrance to balpakram run by the Forest Deptt.

Emangre: This is the only village where the traditional wood carving on the posts and beams of the nokpante - the bachelor’s Dormitory still survives.

Dombe Wari: 3 kms from Eman Asakgre there is a legendary lake on top of the hill believed to have been created by a merman when the eloped away with a beautiful wife of one boastful man. Some people say dombe the beautiful woman is still alive in the underground water Kingdom.