Snapshots
Murlen National Park is located in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspot, which is about a 1.5-day drive from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, and only 30km from the Myanmar border. The meandering road leading to the little hamlet of Vapar, on the boundaries of the national park, is ideal for herping at night and wayside birding during the day due to its combination of woodland sections and rocky outcrops.
All about Murlen National Park
Situated in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, Murlen National Park is a biologically diverse region of the nation. More than 150 different kinds of orchids and 35 types of medicinal plants call this park home. Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetation, including bamboo brakes, rhododendrons, and unusual blooming trees, makes up the great majority of the forest.
A diverse array of tropical wet broadleaf, semi-evergreen, and evergreen forests may be found within the 100 sq.km protected area of Murlen National Park, with elevations ranging from 400-1,897m. Compared to other Mizoram parks, such as Phawngpui National Park (319km away from Murlen) and Dampa Tiger Reserve (307km away), the mid-elevation ecology is very different.
Not all of this verdant habitat can be explored. In these woods, ecosystems at high altitudes in the canopy are immediately eye-catching because they are so active and tower over us. If you look closely enough at the forest floor and understory, you may find just as many intricate webs of life in the fallen leaves, seeds, and fruit, especially farther into the core region.
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Flora at the Murlen National Park
An abundance of flora fills the national park. In the wilds of Murlen National Park, two new species of Ceropegia were found in 2018: Ceropegia mizoramensis and Ceropegia murlensis. Climbing plants of the ceropegia family are known variously as lantern flowers or parachute flowers because of their unusual blossoms. The verdant greens of Murlen's scenery are enhanced by the mosses, which grow in mats or clusters. Mosses provide an essential ecological niche by developing and adapting to thrive in places where other plants would perish. Orchid variety is another intriguing aspect of Murlen. In 2012, scientists from India's Botanical Survey identified 32 species, including a number of endangered ones.
Wildlife at Murlen National Park
It would appear that Murlen's enigmatic wilds conceal several secrets. The marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), one of the rarest felids in South and Southeast Asia, was finally identified in 2020 by photographic evidence. The national park was named after a newly identified non-venomous snake species in 2022, the Murlen keelback (Herpetoreas murlen). The little we saw was only the tip of the iceberg; there was a lot more going on beneath the surface.
The forest is home to a wide variety of mammals, such as barking deer, leopards, serow, and the critically endangered hoolock gibbon. Another appealing feature, particularly for those who enjoy watching birds, is the park's abundance of birds. Many species rely on it as a vital migration path. Some examples include the hill myna, kalij pheasant, peafowl, and dark-rumped swift. Amphibians and reptiles, including rare and endangered species, complement the park's natural setting.
Murlen National Park - A biodiverse sanctuary in the North East
In addition to providing a safe haven for animals, Murlen is deeply important to the indigenous Mizo people on a spiritual and cultural level. The park is home to the legendary "Lamsial Puk" cave, which the people still hold in great esteem due to its historical use as a refuge during tribal disputes. The area is believed by locals to be a home for ancestral ghosts and forest deities. Neighbourhood conservation efforts in nearby towns like Hnahlan and Murlen have deep historical origins.
Another notable spot is the Khampui, a venerated grove within the park that has remained untouched by humans for millennia. Hundreds of years old, the trees of Khampui are said to guard the forest's ecological and spiritual balance, according to folklore.
When to visit and things to remember
Between the months of October and March, Murlen National Park is at its most beautiful. During these months, you may enjoy outdoor pursuits like birding and trekking thanks to the good weather.
The region gets strong monsoon rains from June to September, which may make the paths rather slick and difficult to navigate. The park is beautiful at this time of year, but it's not the best time to go exploring.
Extreme heat is typical during the summer months of April through June. The heat is at its worst in the middle of the day, so it's best to go in the early morning or late afternoon.
Champhai, a border town, is the nearest major settlement. You can choose between the Champhai Tourist Lodge or the modest rooms of the Vapar interpretation facility for your accommodation needs.
If it rains, there will be no connection and frequent power outages. Bringing power banks is a good idea if you're travelling with equipment.