Are you looking for a unique and offbeat destination in Northeast India? Do you want to explore the rich culture, history, and nature of Mizoram? If yes, then Champai is the place for you. Champai is a district and a town in Mizoram, located near the border with Myanmar. It is also known as the rice bowl of Mizoram, as it produces the most rice in the state. Champai is not only a scenic and serene place, but also a strategic and commercial hub, as it connects India with Myanmar through the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Champai and its tourist attractions, such as Rih Dil lake, Murlen National Park, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, and Thasiama Seno Neihna. We will also provide you with some information and tips on how to visit Champai and make the most of your trip. So, let’s get started!
Rih Dil Lake: The Heart-Shaped Lake of Mizoram
One of the most popular and beautiful attractions in Champai is Rih Dil lake, which is a heart-shaped lake situated in Myanmar, about 22 km from Champai town. Rih Dil lake is the largest lake in Mizoram, with an area of 1.9 sq km and a depth of 60 m. It is also considered as a part of Mizoram by the locals, as it is believed to be the passage to the afterlife for the Mizo people. According to legend, the souls of the dead have to cross this lake before reaching Pialral, the abode of the gods. The lake is also associated with many rituals and ceremonies, such as the offering of flowers and prayers to the departed souls.
If you want to visit Rih Dil lake, you will need a special permission from the Myanmar authorities, which can be obtained from the Indian embassy in Yangon or the Mizoram government. The best time to visit the lake is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the lake is full of water. You can reach the lake by hiring a taxi or a bike from Champai town, which will take about an hour. You can also stay at a guest house or a homestay near the lake, which will give you a chance to experience the hospitality and culture of the Mizo people.
Murlen National Park: The Home of the Clouded Leopard
Another attraction that you should not miss in Champai is Murlen National Park, which is one of the largest and most diverse national parks in Mizoram. Murlen National Park covers an area of 200 sq km and has an elevation range of 400 to 1900 m. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tropical, semi-evergreen, and sub-montane forests, and more than 150 species of birds and 15 species of mammals. Some of the rare and endangered animals that can be seen in the park are the clouded leopard, the hoolock gibbon, the Himalayan black bear, the barking deer, and the wild boar.
Murlen National Park has many attractions and activities for the visitors, such as the Khampui peak, which is the highest point in the park and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, the Mura cave, which is a natural cave with stalactites and stalagmites, the Hnahlan village, which is a traditional Mizo village with bamboo houses and handicrafts, and the wildlife viewing, which can be done by taking a guided safari or a nature walk. The entry fee for the park is Rs. 20 per person and the timing is from 8 am to 4 pm. You can reach the park by hiring a taxi or a bike from Champai town, which will take about 2 hours. You can also stay at a forest rest house or a campsite inside the park, which will give you a chance to experience the wilderness and adventure of the park.
Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary: The Second Highest Peak of Mizoram
If you are a nature lover and a trekker, then you should definitely visit Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which is adjacent to Murlen National Park and shares a common boundary with it. Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 120 sq km and has an elevation range of 400 to 2141 m. It is home to a similar variety of flora and fauna as Murlen National Park, with some additional species, such as the orchids, the rhododendrons, and the serow, which is the state animal of Mizoram. Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is also known for its Lengteng peak, which is the second highest peak in Mizoram and a popular trekking destination.
Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary has many attractions and activities for the visitors, such as the Lengteng peak, which is a challenging and rewarding trek that offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset, the Zopar river, which is a crystal clear and refreshing stream that flows through the sanctuary, the Zopui village, which is a quaint and peaceful village that showcases the rural life of the Mizo people, and the trekking and camping opportunities, which can be done by taking a guided tour or a self-guided trail. You will need a special permission from the forest department to visit the sanctuary, which can be obtained from the Champai town or the Aizawl city. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry. You can reach the sanctuary by hiring a taxi or a bike from Champai town, which will take about 3 hours. You can also stay at a forest rest house or a campsite inside the sanctuary, which will give you a chance to experience the thrill and beauty of the sanctuary.
Thasiama Seno Neihna: The Table Top of Mizoram
The last attraction that we will mention in this article is Thasiama Seno Neihna, which is a flat-topped mountain with steep cliffs on all sides, located about 86 km from Champai town. Thasiama Seno Neihna covers an area of 12 sq km and has a height of 1920 m. It is also considered as the abode of the gods and the origin of the Mizo people, as it is believed that the first Mizo clans were created here by the god Pathian. Thasiama Seno Neihna is also associated with many myths and stories, such as the flood that submerged the whole world except this mountain, and the rainbow bridge that connected this mountain with the heaven.
If you want to visit Thasiama Seno Neihna, you will need a special permission from the forest department, which can be obtained from the Champai town or the Aizawl city. The best time to visit the mountain is from October to March, when the weather is clear and the visibility is high. You can reach the mountain by hiring a taxi or a bike from Champai town, which will take about 4 hours. You can also stay at a guest house or a homestay near the mountain, which will give you a chance to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture and folklore.
Conclusion
Champai is a district and a town in Mizoram that offers a unique and offbeat experience to the visitors. It is a place where you can witness the blend of nature, culture, and history, and explore the attractions such as Rih Dil lake, Murlen National Park, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, and Thasiama Seno Neihna. Champai is also a place where you can connect with Myanmar and learn more about the cross-border trade and relations.
If you are looking for a destination that will surprise you and enrich you, then Champai is the place for you. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Champai with Tripoto, the leading online travel platform that offers the best deals and packages for your travel needs.