One of India's well-kept secret, least visited and most rewarding natural reserves is the Murlen National Park, snuggled in the isolated Champhai district of Mizoram. Murlen, which is frequently eclipsed by better known national parks in its vicinity, is a witness to the Northeast's distinctive biodiversity and has been previously compared to the Amazon owing to its dense forest canopy and remarkably limited light penetration. Created in 1991, the park covers an area over 200 sq km and stands as a pristine biological haven and a crucial conservation bastion in the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot.
Murlen National Park is also renowned as the "Land of No Return," which is among its most fascinating features. The reason for such a moniker is that in some places, sunlight is said to have difficulty reaching the forest floor, even at the brightest portion of the day, due to the nearly impenetrable density of the forest canopy. Researchers have found that in some areas, just around one per cent of sunlight makes it through the dense vegetation, giving the entire area an almost surreal twilight atmosphere. This kind of habitat supports a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are unique to India.
Murlen is ensconced in an ecologically rich patch of the country that brims with species, namely, the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The park is home to a whopping array of plant species, including 35 species of medicinal plants and more than 150 varieties of orchids. Among others, bamboo brakes, rhododendrons and unique flowering trees cover vast expanses of the forest, typically made up of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetation.
Numerous mammal species, including serow, barking deer, Asiatic black bears, leopards and the endangered hoolock gibbon make up the fauna of the forest. The park's avian population is another magnetic aspect, especially for birdwatchers. It is a crucial migratory route for numerous species, including the dark-rumped swift, peafowl, kalij pheasant, and hill myna. The park's natural layout is further enhanced by the presence of amphibians and reptiles, including endemic and lesser-known species.
For the indigenous Mizo people, Murlen holds great spiritual and cultural significance in addition to being a sanctuary for wildlife. The "Lamsial Puk" cave is located within the park; it was once utilised as a hiding place during tribal conflicts and is still highly revered by the locals. According to traditional beliefs, the region is an abode to forest deities and ancestor spirits. Many adjacent villages, such as Hnahlan and Murlen, conduct community-based conservation that has its roots in long-standing traditions.
The Khampui, a revered grove inside the park that has been unaltered by human activity for generations, is another noteworthy location. According to legends, Khampui's trees are hundreds of years old and serve as protectors of the ecological and spiritual harmony of the forest.
A variety of ecotourism experiences are available in Murlen for scholars and nature lovers. One of the most immersive experiences in the park is trekking along the wooded paths beneath the thick green canopy. Along the route, local guides might tell stories and point out uncommon plants and animals while leading tourists to viewpoints and into sacred woods.
While the park itself lacks traditional tourist amenities, homestays in neighbouring villages like Murlen and Hnahlan provide a chance to experience local culture and genuine Mizo hospitality. Handwoven fabrics, organic farming, and traditional Mizo food are all essential components of the local culture. Hahal is home to one of Mizoram's most notable grape-growing regions, and the area is also well-known for its vineyards.
Mizoram's conservation efforts rely heavily on Murlen National Park. The park facilitates seasonal migrations and genetic exchange between species by being a component of the wider biological corridor that links to Myanmar's Chin Hills. Notwithstanding the reforestation and anti-poaching efforts carried out by the Mizoram Forest Department with community cooperation, the park is still susceptible to threats including habitat deterioration and climate change.
The ecological significance of Murlen is gradually being more widely acknowledged, as evidenced by programs supporting biodiversity study and sustainable tourism. In addition to being a crucial ecological bastion that must be preserved for future generations, Murlen shows great promise as a comparatively undiscovered and ecologically rich area.
Getting There:
Murlen National Park is roughly 65 km from Champhai, the district seat, and 245 km east of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.
By Air: From Kolkata, Guwahati, or Imphal, travellers usually take planes to Aizawl. From there, they drive to Champhai and then to the park.
By Rail: The closest railhead is at Silchar, Assam, while the closest airport is Lengpui Airport, which is close to Aizawl.
Best Time to Visit:
The park's isolated position helps protect its delicate ecology by preventing mass visitors from significantly impacting it. October through March is the ideal time of year to visit Murlen National Park because of the cold temperature and good visibility for hiking and birdwatching. The monsoon season should be avoided as the area is confronted with severe rains and challenging road conditions.
