Exposure Trip to Balpakram National Park: A Report
The Department of Education at Don Bosco College, Tura, embarked on an enriching exposure
trip to Balpakram National Park in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya from the 13th to
the 16th of March. The trip was designed to provide students with a hands-on learning
experience about the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region.
A team of 28 enthusiastic travelers, accompanied by four Assistant Professors from the college,
namely, Mrs. Rubitha A. Sangma & Ms. Nokme M. marak, of the Dept. of Education and Ms.
Kasaan Chokchim M. Sangma & Mr. Uzziel S. Momin, of the Dept. of English, shift-1. The
team set off at exactly 9:35 AM under the leadership of Mr. Dipu Marak, the General Secretary
of the A∙chik Tourism Society. The journey commenced via Dalu Road, taking the travelers
through the scenic landscapes of Meghalaya bordering Bangladesh. After approximately five
hours of travel, the team arrived at their destination at 2:35 PM. Upon arrival, the group
proceeded directly to the Ranger’s Office for necessary document verification before heading
towards the Rompa Inspection Bungalow (IB) at around 3:20 PM. Upon reaching the IB, the
students began setting up their tents, preparing themselves for the exciting days ahead.
On the morning of the 14th of March, at precisely 6:00 AM, all campers gathered for breakfast,
consisting of bread and jam, before packing food for the day’s expedition. By 7:20 AM, the team
reached the entrance of Balpakram National Park and officially entered at 7:40 AM. The journey
through the national park was divided among three separate vehicles, led by Mr. Dipu and the
female professors in his SUV. The terrain was challenging, yet the breathtaking beauty of the
surrounding hills made the journey worthwhile. At approximately 9:45 AM, the team reached the
base of the helipad. After a brief lunch break, the trek commenced at exactly 10:26 AM. The
students covered a distance of approximately five kilometers, pausing occasionally to take group
photographs at significant landmarks. The trek was particularly remarkable as it brought to life
the places so vividly described in A∙chik folklore. Witnessing the mesmerizing bloom of the
Dikge flowers and physically stepping onto historically and mythologically significant sites
venerating the Garo mythological characters such as Giting, Goera-ni Ambitang, Dikki, and
Bandi, it was an astonishing experience for all. By 2:10 PM, the group reassembled at the
helipad and began their descent back to the IB for the night.
The following morning, on the 15th of March, the team set out for another adventure—this time
to the infamous Deoban Wari. The group of 28 trekkers was divided under the guidance of three
experienced local guides, each with a designated role to ensure the safety of the students. The
lead guide walked 100 meters ahead, the youngest and fastest guided the main group, and the
third guide acted as a sweeper to ensure no one was left behind. The initial plan was to visit three
spots—Dobakkol Cave, Chigisim Wari, and Deoban Wari. However, the eldest guide, relying on
his keen tracking skills, discovered fresh elephant tracks along the path to Chigisim Wari. Given
the potential risks of encountering wild elephants, the group decided to bypass Chigisim Wari
and proceed directly to Deoban Wari. After an arduous trek, the team reached their destination at
approximately 12:45 PM, where they had their lunch before making their way back to the pickup
point. The steep uphill return trek proved challenging, taking nearly two and a half hours to
complete. By 4:10 PM, the entire group had descended to the national park gate, and then we all
proceeded to our beloved Rompa IB, where an unexpected and delightful surprise awaited us.
To the campers’ astonishment, Mr. Dipu Marak and the A∙chik Tourism Society had arranged a
special live music performance at the Rompa Inspection Bungalow as part of the Meghalaya
Grassroot Project live shows. Renowned artists from across Garo Hills performed for both the
students and the local community, creating an evening filled with music, dance, and
unforgettable camaraderie.
On the final day, the 16th of March, the team bid farewell to the caretakers, cooks, and local
children before departing for Siju at precisely 9:40 AM. The route via Chokpot was particularly
challenging due to its poorly maintained roads. Despite the arduous journey, the stunning
landscape of South Garo Hills provided a visual feast. The lush green hills, sporadic clusters of
pitcher plants, and the famous Simsang River were breathtaking sights. The group arrived at Siju
Limestone Cave, also known as Dobakkol or the Bat Cave, at 1:45 PM. They took a brief lunch
break on the river beach before proceeding to explore the cave.
The Siju Cave proved to be an enthralling experience, distinguished by four remarkable features.
Firstly, its location amidst verdant terrain, accompanied by nearby waterfalls, added to its
mystique. Secondly, its massive structure, measuring approximately 350 feet in length, 28 to 35
feet in breadth, and 22 to 25 feet in height, was awe-inspiring. Thirdly, the impressive stalactite
and stalagmite formations, which sparkled like jewels under the flashlight, made the cave an
extraordinary natural wonder. Lastly, the presence of thousands of bats and the overpowering
ammonia-like odor from their waste (guano) created a uniquely immersive atmosphere, making
the visit feel almost uncomfortably pleasant.
With some time still available, the team decided to visit the nearby Rongchang Rock Formation,
located just a few hundred meters from the Siju Cave. The formations were mesmerizing, their
unusual shapes and structures captivating every traveler. As we moved on further, the visuals
became more familiar, and it was not until one of the campers had shouted out "the film Rapture
was shot here!" that we realized that indeed Mr. Dominic Megam Sangma, the national award
winner in the film fraternity, IFFM Award winner for Best Director Critics Choice had shot his
film ‘Rapture’ at this particular location.
Following the exploration, the group began their return journey, traveling via Williamnagar and
finally reaching Tura at 9:00 PM, officially marking the end of an unforgettable adventure. The
exposure trip to Balpakram National Park and its surrounding attractions was a truly enriching
experience that provided the students with a deeper appreciation of nature, folklore, and local
culture. The memories created during this journey will undoubtedly be cherished for a lifetime.
