Zailad Wildlife Sanctuary
Zailad Wildlife Sanctuary is a breathtaking ecological treasure spanning approximately 21 square kilometers in the western hills of Manipur. It is most famous for its cluster of seven high-altitude lakes, with Zeilad Lake being the largest and most prominent. The sanctuary is a mosaic of semi-evergr een forests, bamboo brakes, and aquatic ecosystems that provide a home to rare species such as the Hoolock Gibbon, leopards, and the Great Indian Hornbill. The lakes are legendary among the local people, who believe they are inhabited by powerful spirits and giant pythons. During the winter months, the sanctuary becomes a vital stopover for migratory birds from Siberia and other parts of the world, making it a bird watcher's paradise. The terrain is rugged and steep, with the lakes nestled in natural depressions on the hilltops. The biodiversity here is exceptional, with a wide variety of medicinal plants and wild orchids growing in the humid environment. The sanctuary is not just a protected area but also a sacred site for the local Rongmei people, who have lived in harmony with these waters for generations. The tranquility of the lakes, reflected against the dense green hills and the floating clouds, creates a surreal landscape that feels untouched by time. It is a place of profound silence and natural beauty, offering a rare glimpse into the primordial wilderness of Northeast India.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 Full DayPlace Type:
Wildlife Sanctuary / WetlandEntry Fees:
Entry Ticket: INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children (subject to change by the Forest Department).
Camera Fees: A fee of INR 200 to 500 may be charged for professional photography equipment to support sanctuary maintenance. ...Entry Ticket: INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children (subject to change by the Forest Department).
Camera Fees: A fee of INR 200 to 500 may be charged for professional photography equipment to support sanctuary maintenance.Timing:
Regular Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Closed on Sundays).
Ideal Visit Time: 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM for wildlife activity and 03:30 PM to 05:00 PM for the sunset view. ...Regular Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Closed on Sundays).
Ideal Visit Time: 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM for wildlife activity and 03:30 PM to 05:00 PM for the sunset view.Special Events:
World Wetlands Day: Celebrated in February, often involving local school children and forest officials in awareness walks and cleaning drives.
Zeliangrong Cultural Festivals: The local villagers often perform traditional dances near the lake...World Wetlands Day: Celebrated in February, often involving local school children and forest officials in awareness walks and cleaning drives.
Zeliangrong Cultural Festivals: The local villagers often perform traditional dances near the lake during community celebrations to honor the water spirits.Best Photo Spots:
Lake Mirror Reflection: The best shots are taken at sunrise when the water is perfectly still, reflecting the surrounding hills like a glass mirror.
Migratory Waterfowl: Use a telephoto lens to capture the vibrant colors of ducks and herons ...Lake Mirror Reflection: The best shots are taken at sunrise when the water is perfectly still, reflecting the surrounding hills like a glass mirror.
Migratory Waterfowl: Use a telephoto lens to capture the vibrant colors of ducks and herons against the blue water.
The Forest Canopy: Shots of the mist rising from the trees surrounding the lake provide a moody and atmospheric forest aesthetic.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Boating on Zeilad Lake: Take a traditional dugout canoe or a small boat to explore the edges of the lake and spot aquatic life.
Wildlife Photography: Patiently wait near the lake shore at dawn to capture shots of barking deer or rare birds coming to drink.
Trekking Between Lakes: Embark on a circuit trek that connects all seven lakes, a journey that takes you through various forest types and elevations.
Guided Bird Watching: Join an expert to identify the various ducks, cranes, and teals that migrate to the sanctuary during the winter.
Picnicking at the Banks: Enjoy a quiet lunch at the designated spots near the lake, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature.
Studying Rare Flora: Look for t...Boating on Zeilad Lake: Take a traditional dugout canoe or a small boat to explore the edges of the lake and spot aquatic life.
Wildlife Photography: Patiently wait near the lake shore at dawn to capture shots of barking deer or rare birds coming to drink.
Trekking Between Lakes: Embark on a circuit trek that connects all seven lakes, a journey that takes you through various forest types and elevations.
Guided Bird Watching: Join an expert to identify the various ducks, cranes, and teals that migrate to the sanctuary during the winter.
Picnicking at the Banks: Enjoy a quiet lunch at the designated spots near the lake, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature.
Studying Rare Flora: Look for the Michelia champaca and other grand forest trees that form the backbone of the sanctuary's forest.
Angling and Fishing: With permission, engage in sustainable fishing in the designated areas of the lake, a popular local pastime.
Herpetology Tours: For those interested in reptiles, the swampy edges of the lakes are perfect for spotting various species of frogs and snakes.
Landscape Painting: The mirror-like surface of the lake reflecting the hills is a classic subject for plein-air artists.
Star Gazing: If staying nearby, the lack of light pollution makes the sanctuary an incredible spot for viewing the Milky Way over the dark water.
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Seven Sacred Lakes: It is the only place in the region with such a high concentration of mountain lakes, each with its own local legend and ecological characteristics.
Python and Migratory Birds: Famous for being one of the few places wh...The Seven Sacred Lakes: It is the only place in the region with such a high concentration of mountain lakes, each with its own local legend and ecological characteristics.
Python and Migratory Birds: Famous for being one of the few places where large Indian Rock Pythons can be spotted near the water, and for its role as a major hub for migratory waterfowl. -
Architecture:
Lakeside Ecosystem Design: The primary "architecture" of the sanctuary is its natural lake system, which covers several hectares of the total area. The lakes are fed by perennial springs and monsoon rains, creating a unique wetland habitat at a high altitude.Lakeside Ecosystem Design: The primary "architecture" of the sanctuary is its natural lake system, which covers several hectares of the total area. The lakes are fed by perennial springs and monsoon rains, creating a unique wetland habitat at a high altitude.
Conservation Huts and Trails: Modern architectural interventions include a few wooden forest guard posts and small bamboo gazebos for visitors, typically measuring 12 feet by 12 feet. These are designed to blend with the environment, using thatched roofs and open sides to allow for maximum ventilation and views of the water. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Imphal; the sanctuary is a 4 to 5-hour drive from the airport.
By Train: Jiribam is the nearest station, followed by a 4-hour road journey.
By Road: From Tamenglong town, hire a local jeep or...By Air: Fly to Imphal; the sanctuary is a 4 to 5-hour drive from the airport.
By Train: Jiribam is the nearest station, followed by a 4-hour road journey.
By Road: From Tamenglong town, hire a local jeep or 4x4; the road is narrow and can be slippery during the monsoon.
By Local Transport: Shared taxis run to Zeiladzang village daily from the main market in Tamenglong. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to March): The absolute best time for bird watching and comfortable trekking around the lakes.
Monsoon (June to September): Best for seeing the lush greenery, though many trails become inaccessible and the risk of leeches is ...Winter (October to March): The absolute best time for bird watching and comfortable trekking around the lakes.
Monsoon (June to September): Best for seeing the lush greenery, though many trails become inaccessible and the risk of leeches is high.
Golden Hour: The late afternoon provides the most beautiful light for seeing the depths of the water and the surrounding forest. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Barak Waterfall (15 km), 2. Tharon Cave (30 km), 3. Tamenglong Town (40 km), 4. Buning Meadow (60 km), 5. Dailong Village (35 km), 6. Mount Kisha (50 km), 7. Makru River (45 km), 8. Jadonnang Park (42 km), 9. Khoupum Dam (90 km), 10. Imphal City (160 km).
Tourism Tips
-
Health and Safety: Watch out for snakes in the high grass near the lakes; always stay on the marked trails.
Packing: Bring binoculars, mosquito repellent, and water-resistant footwear for the marshy lake edges.
...Health and Safety: Watch out for snakes in the high grass near the lakes; always stay on the marked trails.
Packing: Bring binoculars, mosquito repellent, and water-resistant footwear for the marshy lake edges.
Accommodation: Basic forest rest houses are available at Zeiladzang, but most visitors stay in Tamenglong town and do a day trip.
Cash and Connectivity: No ATMs or mobile network available inside the sanctuary; inform your family of your plans before leaving the town.
Reviews
FAQs
Tamenglong Itineray And Cost:-
Zailad Wildlife Sanctuary Tourism:-
Other Places In Tamenglong :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Manipur Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Akham Khou
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Azuram Community Reserves
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Barak Waterfalls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Buning Meadow
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dailong Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Devpriya Hill
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dilji Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Duithailong Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gailong Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jiri Makru Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kambiron Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Khoupum Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Khoupum Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kisha Khou
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kuilong Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Naga River
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities