The Origin Story: Legends and Lore
The name
“Pala Tipo” reflects
its Mara roots: Pala, stemming
from myth, and Tipo, meaning
“lake.” Mara folklore credits the lake’s creation to a dramatic tale involving
a mysterious serpent that resided beneath the central village rock in a
settlement called Hnychao.
During the Mara people's westward migration
from Burma (circa 800–1200 CE), the serpent supposedly caused children
and livestock to vanish mysteriously.
In one
version of the story, village hunters managed to kill the beast. When a widow
tried to cook its head, the snake’s blinking eyes terrified her so profoundly
that she flung the pot into the street. Water rose from the spot and flooded
the village, giving birth to the lake.
Another
version suggests the serpent was sliced in half, triggering a thunderous
eruption of water from its cave that drowned the entire village. Either way,
the transformation of Hnychao into a submerged lake earned it the haunting
nickname: the swallowing lake.
Geography and Hydrography
- Coordinates: 22°12′09″N, 92°53′18″E
- Area: ~30 hectares (1.5 sq. km)
- Depth: Avg. 17 m; Max. 27 m
- Elevation: ~270 m
- Drainage
Basin:
~18.5 sq. km
Two
mountain streams feed the lake, while Pala
Lui, a small river, handles its outflow. The resulting valley nourishes
agriculture for the Mara people and forms an important local resource.
Biodiversity Bonanza
Pala
Tipo’s placement in the Indo-Burma biodiversity
hotspot means its waters are alive with rare and endemic species. The
lake hosts:
- Fishes, prawns, snails, crabs,
turtles and tortoises
- Over
70 bird species,
including:
- Black-capped kingfisher
- Yellow wagtail
- Nepal fulvetta
- Hooded pitta
- White-rumped munia
This
haven also draws aquatic birds
and wild ducks, many of which
aren’t found elsewhere in Mizoram.
Tourism and Scenic Appeal
Pala
Tipo’s lush surroundings and expansive water body make it a popular picnic spot in Saiha district.
Surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills, the lake offers visitors:
- Boating opportunities
- Wildlife observation
- Spectacular landscape
photography
Thanks to
its biodiversity, the lake supports eco-tourism,
providing visitors with rare glimpses of flora and fauna found only in this
region.
Ecological Concerns and Restoration
Human
impact hasn’t spared Pala Tipo. Shifting
cultivation practices have led to significant deforestation. In
response:
- The Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests declared 15 sq. km surrounding the lake as
Palak Wildlife Sanctuary
- Recognized by Bombay Natural History Society as
a potential Ramsar site for
wetland preservation
These
efforts aim to conserve not only the lake but the surrounding natural habitat
vital to its ecosystem.
How to Visit Pala Tipo
- Distance: ~76 km from Saiha
(district HQ)
- Road
access:
Motorable for light vehicles
- Nearby
Cities:
Saiha, Champhai, Tiddim
- Nearby
Villages:
Phura (main route), Tongkalong, Lawngban
Whether
you’re an explorer, birdwatcher or just a nature-lover, Pala Tipo offers a
serene getaway where myth meets nature in the quiet Hills of Mizoram.