By T. Beihronga
Surrounded by lush green and thick forest, the majestic beautiful and Geological wonders “SÀPHAO” was located in the southern corner of Mizoram at Siaha District on the bank of River KOLODYNE (Beinò), the biggest majestic river in the state. It was situated along the south western part of Siaha District (Mara Autonomous District Council area) nearby the village Lòdaw, which was approximately 100 Kms a way from District Capital Siaha.
It was a majestic huge rocks beautifully a lign and engraved which was more or less similar to the engraved an aged Hindu temples or five to six standing passenger Buses on its station.
It was very hard to express in words all the structures and design. That’s the reason it has drawn attention from various parts of the country and abroad.
Its origin was rooted in the Mara’s mythology. It was considered as a Sacred by the communities during the pre-christian era. The Mara communities were formerly known by the British officials as the Shendoos or the Lakher, but they called themselves as Mara till date. The Myths itself depicts as the result of fierce brawal between the Devils, Queen of River Beinò called Beinò Khasò and La-ao Khasò. The story tells us that the split rocks and cracks and engraves were formed as a sign of battle between the two natural super power during the pre-christian era back to the past hundred centuries. Some claims the term “Saphao” was derived from a Matu word (Sub-tribe of Mara communities) meaning a Ship. Each majestic rocks has its own names and terms viz., Chako/beichhona (Fireplace), Chòka (kitchen), Dawka (Table), Dyuchhai (Chair), Opipa ( Common room), Chhòpada ( bed room), Ie-o (toilet) and Ngaisina (bathroom).
ACCESSIBILITY :
Throughout the season except July and August.
HOW TO REACH :
Nearest Airport is Lengpui Airport near Aizawl.
BY ROAD AND WATER :
After peacefully landed at Lengpui, one could get a Private Taxi or Maxicab for Aizawl. Daily Maxicab are always available to Siaha.
Please contact the under person for your routine trip. They are always ready to welcomes you and arrange all the necessities like Transportation, Fooding and lodging, interpreter and tour/local guide.
SIAHA to SÀPHAO :
Accessible both by road and water under the arrangement made by the concerned NGOs called Mara Thyutlia Py.
BY WATER : The place was also accessible by Speed boat from Salyutlana (Paletwe) which was around 70 kms..
Contact ;
Shri T Beihronga & N. Solomon Beihlotha
Email : [email protected].
Ph. – 07085195319
— 06909569159 (whatsapp)
-08131967746
DO’S & DON”T :
1.No plastic. It’s No plastic zone.
2.No harms/ littering of plants, natural flora and fauna.
3.No fire residue to be left.
4.No marking/engravement is allowed.
5.Medical First aid has to be provided by the tourist themselves.
6.No fishing without prior permission.
7.Fishing with any kind of poisonous substances/chemicals or by electrical is strictly prohibited.
OTHER PLACE OF INTEREST :
One could enjoy the serene beauty of nature which was one of the largest important hot spot of biodiversity called “Pala Wetland” lies towards the south of Saphao which was around 20 Kms from Lòdaw and 17 kms from the Village Pala and Phura. Infact “Pala lake” was the biggest natural Lake in the state. Surrounded by beautiful hills and thick evergreen forest. One could have enjoy the forest by nature trail and trekking. The scenic beauty of the landscape itself is worth to witnessed. Once we crossed the Protected area of the lake, there lies “Kiasie Tlapi Tòkalò Wildlife Sanctuary”, 57 kms towards the south which was interestingly borderdered with Myanmar.
