If you are looking for a peaceful and picturesque getaway in the Northeast, Jampui Hill is the perfect destination for you. Jampui Hill is the highest point in Tripura, and it is also known as the land of eternal spring.
It offers panoramic views of the valleys and hills, a rich variety of orchids, a vibrant Mizo culture, and an exciting paragliding facility. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Jampui Hill, and why you should visit this hidden gem in Tripura.
History and Origin of Jampui Hill
Jampui Hill has a fascinating history and origin that dates back to ancient times. According to legend, Jampui Hill was the place where Lord Krishna hid his wife Rukmini from the wrath of her brother Rukmi, who was defeated by Krishna in a game of dice. Another legend says that Jampui Hill was the place where Lord Rama spent some time during his exile.
Jampui Hill was also the home of the Lushai tribe, who migrated from Myanmar and settled in the region. Later, Jampui Hill was occupied by different dynasties, such as the Tripuri, the Mughals, the British, and the Bangladeshis. Today, Jampui Hill is a tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. It has a population of about 8,000 people, who belong to various ethnic groups and speak different languages, such as Mizo, Bengali, Kokborok, and English.
Natural Beauty and Climate of Jampui Hill
One of the main attractions of Jampui Hill is its natural beauty and climate. Jampui Hill is blessed with lush greenery, pleasant weather, rich biodiversity, and spectacular sunrise and sunset views. The average temperature of Jampui Hill ranges from 15°C to 25°C throughout the year, making it an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of the plains.
Jampui Hill is also home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, such as orchids, ferns, rhododendrons, bamboo, wild boar, barking deer, leopard cat, hornbill, parrot, and peacock. Some of the best places to enjoy the nature and scenery of Jampui Hill are:
Betlingchhip: This is the highest peak in Jampui Hill, at an altitude of 3,080 feet. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.
Thaidawr Tlang: This is another viewpoint that offers a stunning view of the sunrise and sunset over the horizon. It is also a popular spot for camping and picnicking.
Vanghmun: This is a picturesque village that showcases the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Mizo people. It has a church, a school, a market, and a community hall.
Phuldungsei: This is a border village that lies on the boundary between India and Bangladesh. It has a unique feature called No Man’s Land, which is a strip of land that belongs to neither country.
Orchid Diversity and Festival of Jampui Hill
Another attraction of Jampui Hill is its orchid diversity and festival. Jampui Hill is known as the orchid paradise of Tripura, as it hosts more than 150 species of orchids. Some of the most famous orchids found in Jampui Hill are Vanda coerulea (Blue Vanda), Dendrobium nobile (Noble Dendrobium), Cymbidium aloifolium (Aloe-Leafed Cymbidium), and Paphiopedilum insigne (Slipper Orchid).
Every year in November, Jampui Hill organizes an orchid festival to showcase its orchid diversity and promote its orchid tourism potential. The festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire the colorful and fragrant orchids on display. The festival also features cultural programs, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and seminars on orchid conservation and cultivation. Some of the best places to see and learn about the orchids of Jampui Hill are:
Orchidarium: This is a greenhouse that houses more than 100 species of orchids collected from different parts of Tripura. It also has a laboratory where orchids are propagated and studied.
Orchid Garden: This is a garden that displays various types of orchids in their natural habitat. It also has a nursery where orchids are grown and sold.
Orchid Research Centre: This is a centre that conducts research and training on orchid conservation and cultivation. It also provides guidance and support to orchid growers and enthusiasts.
Mizo Culture and Accommodation Options in Jampui Hill
Another attraction of Jampui Hill is its Mizo culture and accommodation options. Jampui Hill is the cultural hub of the Mizo people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the region. The Mizo people have a rich and vibrant culture that reflects their history, religion, and lifestyle.
They celebrate various festivals, such as Chapchar Kut (Spring Festival), Mim Kut (Maize Festival), and Pawl Kut (Harvest Festival), which involve dancing, singing, music, games, and feasting. They also have a distinctive cuisine that consists of rice, meat, fish, bamboo shoot, and fermented soybean. They also have a unique handicraft industry that produces items such as bamboo baskets, hats, mats, and musical instruments. Some of the best places to stay and experience the Mizo culture in Jampui Hill are:
Eden Tourist Lodge:
This is a government-run lodge that offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a scenic view of the hills. It also has a restaurant that serves delicious Mizo dishes.
Vanghmun Tourist Lodge:
This is another government-run lodge that offers cozy rooms with basic facilities and a panoramic view of the valleys. It also has a cafeteria that serves tasty Mizo snacks.
Local Homestays:
These are private homes that offer homely rooms with traditional decor and a warm hospitality. They also offer an opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their culture.
You may also like to check out Suraj Roy's travel adventures to Jampui Hills - the one & only hill station in Tripura!
Paragliding Facility and Adventure Activities in Jampui Hill
Another attraction of Jampui Hill is its paragliding facility and adventure activities. Jampui Hill is one of the few places in India where paragliding is available. Paragliding is an exhilarating sport that involves flying in the air with a parachute-like wing. It offers a thrilling experience of soaring over the hills and valleys, enjoying the bird’s eye view of the landscape, and feeling the adrenaline rush.
The paragliding facility in Jampui Hill is located at Betlingchhip, and it is operated by a certified instructor who ensures safety and guidance. The paragliding facility is open from October to March, and it can be booked online or on the spot. Some of the other adventure activities that can be done in or around Jampui Hill are:
Trekking: This is an activity that involves walking through the trails and paths of the hills, exploring the nature and wildlife, and discovering new places.
Camping: This is an activity that involves staying overnight in tents or huts in the hills, enjoying the starry sky, bonfire, and barbecue.
Cycling: This is an activity that involves riding bicycles on the roads or tracks of the hills, experiencing the breeze, speed, and scenery.
Birdwatching: This is an activity that involves observing and identifying the various birds that inhabit or visit the hills, such as hornbill, parrot, peacock, eagle, and dove.
How to Reach and Best Time to Visit Jampui Hill
The last thing you need to know about Jampui Hill is how to reach and best time to visit it. Jampui Hill is located about 200 km from Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. It can be reached by road or air. The nearest airport is Agartala Airport, which has flights from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Jampui Hill.
The road journey takes about 5 hours, and it passes through scenic landscapes and villages. The best time to visit Jampui Hill is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, the orchids are in bloom, and the paragliding facility is open.
Some of the tips or precautions to take while traveling to or staying in Jampui Hill are:
1. Carry proper documents or permits for entering or exiting Jampui Hill, as it is a border area.
2. Pack suitable clothes or accessories for the climate and activities of Jampui Hill, such as warm clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, shoes, etc.
3. Respect local culture or norms while interacting with the people or visiting their places of worship or residence.
4. Avoid littering or harming nature while exploring or enjoying Jampui Hill.
Did You Know? Adventure Sports Enthusiasts Will Soon Be Able To Paraglide In Tripura's 'Land of Eternal Spring'!
Jampui Hill is a hidden gem in Tripura that offers nature, culture, and adventure. It is a place where you can relax your mind, rejuvenate your body, and enrich your soul. It is a place where you can witness the beauty of nature's creation.
Thank you for reading the article. Hope you enjoyed it and learned something new.
