About Balpakram

Balpakram National Park (BNP) is situated about 3000 ft ASL near the tri-border of Garo Hills, Khasi Hills & Bangladesh. Balpakram is about 170 Kms from Tura and about 60 Kms from Baghmara, the District Headquarter of South Garo Hills. Balpakram National Park was declared as the National Park by the then Governor of Meghalaya on 31st January 1986 and was later inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Late Rajiv Gandhi on 27th December 1987.

Balpakram is a place of immense importance in the folklore of the Garos and it is considered sacred by the Garo forefathers and ancestors. It is believed that the soul of a deceased person passes through Balpakram in his journey to the afterlife. Before the advent of Christianity into Garo Hills, the Garo tribals were animistic and they cremate their dead.
There is an old saying in Garo that,
"Every A'chik must see Balpakram, If not in life, then in death ".

Best time to visit Balpakram National Park is from late October to mid April. The famous "Dikge" or the ground orchid Curcuma Psuedomontana starts to blooms in late March till May but they die out as soon as the rain comes in. Accommodation are available near the gate of the Balpakram National Park at Hatisia. Permission for entry into the National Park and accommodation at Forest guest houses is required.

It is advised to take all necessary permissions for entry and accommodation in advance to avoid inconveniences. Entry fees are applicable for both domestic & foreign tourists.
Permission can be obtained from the BNP office mentioned below.

The Director,
Balpakram National Park,
Chitmang Building, Forest Colony, Baghmara,
South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, INDIA.