Located in the rugged landscape of the Lushai Hills of Mizoram, 130 km from the capital city Aizawl, Dampa Tiger Reserve This is perhaps a name that even the most ardent wildlife lovers may not be aware of. Spread over an area of ​​about 500 sq km of forest, Dampa was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 and remains a biodiversity hotspot. It was later converted into a tiger reserve in 1994 under the prestigious Project Tiger initiative and is the largest sanctuary in the state.

According to four reports of the All India Tiger Estimation, Dampa had six tigers in 2006, five in 2010, three in 2014 and none in 2018. But in 2021, a camera captured a tiger peeking out from among the dense trees and bushes in the reserve, creating a frenzy among wildlife lovers. Earlier, the only assurance of the presence of tigers in the area was faecal samples. And since 2021, not a single tiger has been spotted in the tiger reserve. But that doesn’t mean Dampa is not worth visiting.

If not tigers, what can be seen in Dampa?

Dampa Tiger Reserve has the highest number of clouded leopards in the world! Apart from the elusive tiger, the reserve is home to a wide range of mammals including elephants, deer, the mysterious hoolock gibbon, gaur, serow, barking deer, wild boar, porcupine, sloth bear, python, king cobra, monitor lizard and mountain turtle.

This reserve is also a great place for bird watching. You can spot the Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Emerald Dove and other avian wonders here.

How to visit Dampa Tiger Reserve

Unlike other tiger reserves, Dampa’s rugged terrain does not make it easy to safari. It is best to explore it on foot, with an experienced guide. The best time to do so is from November to March.

To experience the magic of Dampa, visitors can go on exciting jeep safaris. The reserve has two main gates: Tirei and Phuldungsei, each of which offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Also read: 5 National Parks and Sanctuaries in Gujarat that your kids will love

Air: The nearest airport is Lengpui in Aizawl. It connects to Guwahati, Silchar and Kolkata.

Rail: Silchar is the nearest railway station.

road: Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected to Aizawl by road.

Comment: Visitors need to obtain a permit to enter the Dampa Tiger Reserve. Tourists can obtain the necessary permits from the Forest Department office in Mamit or Aizawl. Additionally, travelers need an Inner Line Permit to visit the state.

Also read: 6 iconic tigers of Indian national parks and their legacy

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