Balpakram National Park is one the best national parks in Meghalaya, located around 210 km from Shillong – the capital hill station of Meghalaya. Balpakram literally translates as “the land of perpetual winds” and is locally known as “the land of Spirits” by the Garo Tribe.The jungles, towering cliffs, and even the rivers in the Balpakram National Park play a significant role in Garo Folklore with its mythical and mysterious stories. Besides its mythical charm, this is one of the national parks in Meghalaya that is home to incredible wildlife, including the endangered wild water buffalo, and a rich variety of unique plants.
Garo Hills Balpakram National Park is a must-visit during your Meghalaya Trip as this place perfectly blends nature, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural!
Let’s know more about this place with our Travel guide to Balpakram National Park.
One of the best places to visit in the Garo Hills in Meghalaya is the Balpakram National Park. It was declared a national park on 27th December 1987 by the late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi. Spanning 220 sq km, it is located in the South Garo Hills at an altitude of about 910 m (3,000 ft), near the tri-border of Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Bangladesh.According to the Garos, a local tribe of this region, this hill is believed to be the final resting place of dead spirits, adding a mystical charm to its rugged terrain. This belief is supported by the numerous strange yet naturally occurring physical and biological structures in the area. There are a variety of rare flora and fauna found in the area, including marine fossils, making Balpakram National Park, a biodiversity hotspot.
What makes this place even more extraordinary is its rugged terrain, shaped by unending summer winds and storms, which have sculpted the plateau into a continuous mass of rock and rubble. But the real gem lies in the deep gorge, often compared to the famed Grand Canyon of the United States.
This canyon divides the Garo Hills Plateau from the Khasi Hills Plateau, making it one of the most beautiful valleys in Meghalaya. The rocky Balpakram Plateau offers breathtaking views of the plains of Bangladesh, with silver rivers meandering through its landscapes.
If you’re looking for offbeat places to visit in Meghalaya, Balpakram National Park is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. This unique national parks in Meghalaya blends natural wonders, wildlife, and fascinating tales into an unforgettable experience.
