The Dampa Tiger Reserve first opened as an initiative to conserve tigers and other endangered wildlife and has now grown as a tourism giant. Many people from every nook and crook of the country frequent this place in the hope of getting the best wildlife spotting experience and enjoying the best adventurous activities here. The tiger reserve now has a massive range of flora and fauna spanning hundreds of species, making it an unrivalled sanctuary in the entire region. People can take pictures of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and large terrestrial animals like elephants. Hence, keep reading our blog to learn more about the experience offered here.
About Dampa Tiger Reserve
The Dampa Tiger Reserve is considered the oldest wildlife reserve in the entire state of Mizoram. It remains the largest, covering an area of 500 sq. km. It was first established in 1985 and was formally called the Tiger Reserve in 1994. Out of the 36 biodiversity hotspots globally, this place falls under the Indi-burna biodiversity hotspot.
The reserve has a multitude of flora and fauna, with many endangered species conserved through efforts in this space. The sanctuary, befitting its name, is famous for its Bengal Tigers, which were first considered under the Project Tiger scheme. People can also watch a lot of flora and birds, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The birds include hornbills, eagles, falcons, and even owls. Amphibians and reptiles are another fascination in the arena. Moreover, the Tiger Reserve offers various activities, such as safaris and hiking.
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Flora And Fauna At Dampa Tiger Reserve
The Tiger Reserve has grasslands, wetlands, forests, and even bamboo thickets, which provide habitat to many other animals. The reserve houses the tropical and subtropical environment.
In addition, the fauna includes tigers, barking deer, wild boar, squirrel, the hook gibbon, the mighty Asian elephant, and the clouded leopard, among many others. The reserve also has over a whopping 300 different species of birds, including falcons, owls, peacock pheasants, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Opening Hours and Entry Fees
The Dampa Tiger Reserve is regularly open between 8 am and 5 pm and charges minimal entry fees for travellers. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person, which is the primary payment.
People must pay another Rs. 100 for additional activities such as vehicles. Meanwhile, the safari fee is Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 per elephant. In addition, people can get a permit to enter the reserve from the Forest Department office or the Mizoram Tourism office in Aizawl.
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Best Time To Visit Dampa Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit the Dampa Tiger Reserve is definitely during the winter months of November to March. The pleasant climate allows for comfortable exploration of the place.
Moreover, the wildlife is more active, allowing for a better wildlife spotting experience. In other months, the reserve is closed from June to September owing to the rocky trails formed due to the monsoon rains.
Things To Keep In Mind While Visiting The Dampa Tiger Reserve
While Dampa Tiger Reserve is a beautiful sanctuary, people should know the guidelines while exploring the place and pack their bags with the appropriate items. Hence, here is a list of things to keep in mind while visiting the reserve:
1. Respect Flora & Fauna
Tourists are always advised to ensure that their stay at the reserve does not inconvenience the natural inhabitants. Flora and fauna are not to be meddled with. Any trash or unused items should always be kept with the tourists and not littered.
Moreover, feeding the animals is not allowed for safety purposes. In fact, people can not pluck any plants. These measures are made to keep the area’s serenity intact and the flora and fauna in safe environments.
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2. Follow Guidelines
People visiting the Tiger Reserve must get permission and pay ticket fees and certain other additional fees to enter. Before exploring the park, they are advised to follow all the guidelines mentioned by the reserve’s authorities.
These guidelines could include a no-litter policy, forbidding people from visiting certain areas, or even requiring caution for certain activities. Knowing the guidelines beforehand saves a lot of hassle for tourists. Hence, when people see the Reserve, they should keenly check for the rules and regulations.
3. Note The Ticket Fees
People visiting the Tiger Reserve are recommended to note the rates of each service provided. For example, the basic entry fee for adults and children differs, as is the case for Indian nationals and foreigners.
Moreover, other activities could cost more, like getting a guide or going on challenging trails. These additional fees are often non-refundable; hence, the details should be considered when availing of them. Thus, learning about the fee structure benefits people visiting the tiger reserve.
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4. Pack Appropriately
People are advised to pack according to their needs in comfortably portable bags with which they can walk long distances. Tourists can bring with them a set of comfortable clothing suitable for the reserve’s weather and a pair of shoes that help them in hiking and trekking.
Further, many tourists can encounter insects inside the reserve, and thus, they are advised to carry insect repellents with them. Carrying water bottles, energy drinks, caps, and other utility items is also a good idea while travelling to the Dampa Tiger Reserve.
5. Hire A Guide
When visiting the Dampa Tiger Reserve, getting a guide is a great idea, especially if the traveller is new to the region. In fact, many tourists who have flown down to Mizoram are advised to hire a guide to explain the trails, the culture, and the guidelines.
These guides also come in handy when people want specific culinary experiences nearby or expect a particular activity. Getting lost in linguistic barriers is no one’s dream. Thus, a guide is what most need. Moreover, the cost of hiring a guide is not as high at the reserve.
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Best Ways To Reach
Here are a few ways to reach the Dampa Tiger Reserve:
By Air
The nearest airport to the Dampa Tiger Reserve is the Lengpui Airport, only about 130 km from the sanctuary. This airport is connected to all the major cities of India. After that, people can take public transport to reach the reserve.
By Rail
The closest railway station to the reserve is the Silcahr Railway Station in Assa, about 200 km away. Like the airport, this station is well-connected to all major cities. After getting off at the station, people can travel by bus or taxi to the reserve.
By Road
The reserve is well-connected to the city of Aizawl and has excellent roads. Hence, people can ride a taxi or get on a bus to reach the Dampa Tiger Reserve. They can also drive their vehicle if they feel like it.
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The Dampa Tiger Reserve was established as an ecological initiative to conserve and protect vulnerable species. However, the project has now become more than just a conservation centre. A massive crowd of tourists visit the place each year for sightseeing and other adventure activities. Hence, if you, too, are intrigued by the beauty and ample activities offered at the Tiger Reserve, book a trip to North-East now! Bring your family and friends for a wholesome adventure under the reserve’s thick canopy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dampa Tiger Reserve
What is the Dampa Tiger Reserve famous for?
The Dampa Tiger Reserve is famous for its big cats, including the clouded leopards. Besides, there are over 300 species of vibrant birds here.
Which river flows through Dampa Tiger Reserve?
On the West of the reserve, the place witnesses river Khawthlangtuipui, while on the east of the place, the Teirei River drains the reserve. These are the tributaries of the river Teirei.
How many tigers are in the Dampa Tiger Reserve?
The Dampa Tiger Reserve houses many big cats, such as Asian golden cats, Marbled cats, leopards, and clouded leopards. Although the reserve had a minimal tiger population in the beginning, there have not been any tiger sightings in the recent couple of years.
How big is Dampa Tiger Reserve?
The Dampa Tiger Reserve has a total area of 1033 sq. km. It is divided into two areas: the critical tiger habitat area of 545 sq. km and the peripheral area of 488 sq. km.
What animals can be spotted in Dampa Tiger Reserve?
People can spot many animals in the Dampa Tiger Reserve, including 59 vulnerable mammal species. These include jungle cats, jackals, Asiatic black bears, Sambars, Asiatic elephants, clouded leopards, macaques, and porcupines.
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