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Spread across beautiful settings, the Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest tourist spots in Aizawl, characterized by its height and greenery. Being one of the wildlife sanctuaries in India at a rather high altitude, it offers a different viewpoint and a cool climate that sets it different from most wildlife sanctuaries. It provides shelter to a number of plant species and a great variety of mammals, acting as a habitat for different flora and fauna. With such biodiversity and landscapes, it is definitely a place one would like to visit for many nature and wildlife lovers and photographers.
Location
Photo: Mapuia Hnamte / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Udhampur district. The sanctuary falls in the Tawi River basin and has a large variety of flora and fauna, hence earning the tag of being biodiversity-rich. It has steeply sloping hills that are completely covered with dense forests and provide a habitat for many species of wildlife.
How To Reach
Photo: Nad Hemnani / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Air
The closest airport is Guwahati in Assam, about 200 km away. To reach the sanctuary, one can hire a taxi or take a bus from Guwahati.
By Train
The nearest central railway station is Rangapara, Assam, about 150 km from Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary. A taxi or bus can be hired from Rangapara for going forward.
By Road
You could drive in from Guwahati or other nearby cities. Though the route to the sanctuary is picture-perfect, it might comprise winding roads. Driving in from Guwahati takes about 5-6 hours.
Things To Do
1. Wildlife Viewing Trails
Photo: Cindy Heppelmann & Hp.Baumeler / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Follow the various nature trails and get a view of the varied wildlife. The trail offers a chance to spot several species like leopards, black bears, and many birds in their natural habitat. The best time for sightings is early morning and late afternoon.
2. Tawi River Area
Photo: kazuend/ Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Visit the Tawi River inside the sanctuary, set up in a picturesque environment that is very congenial to nature lovers. The riverbanks are suitable for bird watching. The tranquil ambience offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Places To Visit Around Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Tawang Monastery
Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
Located approximately 30 km from Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, this is the biggest monastery in India and one of the most significant institutions for Tibetan Buddhism. It is dated back to the 17th century and contains several Buddhist texts, ancient manuscripts, and artefacts. This monastery provides tranquil peace and serenity with magnificent architecture and colourful murals. It provides an enriching spiritual experience to the viewer and an invaluable view of the beauty of the Tawang Valley.
Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 790104
2. Bumla Pass
Photo: Tabish q / Wikimedia Commons
Situated approximately 40 km from the sanctuary, Bumla Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass on the India-China border. At this strategic location, one gets a panoramic view of the rugged Himalayas and a serene landscape in the foreground. This pass is of historical importance because it was one of the sites for military defence and can be visited through a permit, hence the unique opportunity to experience the region’s rugged terrain and army history.
Location: Mizoram 790104
3. Sela Pass
Photo: Dhrubazaanphotography / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sela Pass, one of the world’s most famous mountain passes, is located at 4,170 meters and 70 km from Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is surrounded by scenic beauty and serene lakes like Sela Lake. The snow-covered pass offers breathtaking views of surrounding peaks most of the year and is a high point on the way to Tawang. This provides a perfect environment for photographing and enjoying the serene beauty of high-altitude landscapes.
Location: Mizoram 790105
4. Panga Teng Tso Lake
Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
It is a pristine, high-altitude lake, around 60 km from the sanctuary. It is surrounded by lush green meadows and towering, snow-capped peaks. The crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings make it a place that every nature lover and anybody looking for peace would like to be in. The ambience of the surrounding area is suitable for leisurely walks and picnics—both done to retreat into the serene surroundings of nature.
Location: Panga Teng Tso lake, Arunachal Pradesh, India, Tawang
5. Jaswant Garh
Photo: Saurabhgupta8 / Wikimedia Commons
This memorial of war, around 40 km from Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, is dedicated to the courageous soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat, who showed exemplary courage in the Indo-China War of 1962. This monument, in picturesque surroundings of beauty, is dedicated to his bravery, complete with a museum depicting the historical background of the war. It is a place of poignant historical context and beauty.
Location: Arunachal Pradesh 790105
Where To Stay
Photo: Markus Spiske / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are many types of accommodation available around the Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary – all of which are developed to cater to many types of preferences and price points. Accommodations here vary from simple but comfortable hotels to lodges and guesthouses. Some may even offer services like guided tours inside the park. For those who want to stay a little more authentically, some eco-friendly resorts or lodges bring you closer to nature. Some of them are Hmuifang Tourist Resort, The Lushai INN, Tourist Lodge, and more.
Where To Eat
Photo: kalpa mahagamage / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary has a few excellent restaurants. Due to this, most meals require one to take a walk into the nearby towns and villages to experience the local eateries offering a good variety of choices. Numerous dhabas and small eateries are serving up local delicacies and traditional cuisine. Bring a picnic or snack if it’s easier to eat at least part of your dinner outside in the great outdoors. One restaurant located near the sanctuary is Tawi Lodge Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Rutendo Petros / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary attracts a lot of visitors every year. The visitor rush is, however, still considerable throughout the year except during the rainy season. Therefore, one can view the hubbub of visitors in this sanctuary during the entire year.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: pure julia / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Follow all safety instructions given by the sanctuary. View the wildlife from a safe distance and avoid feeding or teasing the animals.
- If you intend to take photographs, note the restrictions on using flash and be careful not to disturb the wild animals.
- Apply the maxim “Leave No Trace.” Avoid litter and stay on trails to preserve a natural environment.
- Hiring a local guide may help in understanding and navigating the sanctuary.
- Take some water, food, and a first aid kit since most of these facilities might not be in the sanctuary.
- Dress up accordingly with some comfortable shoes for your jungle hike.
- Make sure you do not litter and disturb the animals in the sanctuary.
A mix of natural splendour and historical heritage, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary probably belongs to one of the must-visit places in Mizoram. Making it a very unique area for nature lovers and trekkers as it presents one with a mountainous atmosphere surrounded by variegated flora and fauna. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy this opportunity for lifetime encounters with nature at close quarters.
Cover Photo: Scott Walsh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
