We need to talk about Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram

As per the 2018 report, a total of 2967 tigers are estimated to be in the tiger habitats across India. That’s a low number for any species. As of 2022, there are 53 Tiger Reserves in India, protecting these animals who are on the brink of extinction. Out of 53, how many do you know of? You are a wildlife warrior if you know all 53; a wildlife enthusiast if you know 10; and a dud if none. We don’t want you to be a dud so we will talk about Dampa Tiger Reserve, one of the least known tiger reserves in India.

Dampa Tiger Reserve is tucked snug in the western flank of Mizoram, covering an approximately 500 sq km area of the Lushai Hills. In 1994, Dampa was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative. Before being recognised as a tiger reserve, Dampa was a wildlife sanctuary, a vast forest area, home to many species of flora and fauna and avian life. Like most of the forests in the northeastern part of India, Dampa is also best explored on foot. A mean feat, as exploring the northeastern tropical forests is not for the faint hearted. This was probably one of the reasons why Dampa Tiger Reserve stayed out of the discussion for way too long.



Dampa is home to sloth bear, serow, hoolock gibbon, slow loris, the endangered Phayre’s leaf monkey, India leopard and clouded leopard to name a few. And of course, the Bengal tiger. This was more of a doubt than a reality, until very recently in May 2021 when a camera trap finally captured a definite picture of a Bengal tiger. Last recording was seven years ago, and before that, tiger scat was the only proof of their existence. Ever since the news broke out, the wildlife community has been abuzz with talks about Dampa’s latest sighting.

What a great time to be influenced by a tiger (wildlife) to travel and go see places we wouldn’t have otherwise thought about! Dampa Tiger Reserve is a protected area, so needless to say, a lot of rules and regulations come with it. Mainly, not littering. Unlike big names like Jim Corbett, Dudhwa, Ranthambore and Sundarbans, Dampa does not have the type of terrain for four wheelers. You need to enter the reserve with an expert guide. For birding enthusiasts, Dampa is a great spot for birding too. Great, wreathed and oriental pied hornbills, scarlet backed flowerpecker, red-headed trogon, imperial pigeon, Malayan night heron, blue winged leafbird, are some of the avian fauna that call Dampa home.

1. When is the best time to visit Dampa Tiger Reserve?
   November to March is the perfect time to visit Dampa. The weather is pleasant this time of the year.
2. Is Inner Line Permit required to enter Mizoram?
   Yes. It can be obtained from the Liaison Officer, Government of Mizoram, in Kolkata, Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati and New Delhi.
3. Do we need a special permit to visit Dampa Tiger Reserve?
   Yes. Apply to the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Department of Mizoram, for a permit. For this you can either go to the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Tuikhuahtlang in Aizawl, or the DCF-Wildlife Office at New Capital Complex in Aizawl.