Memories of North East India Tour : Paradise resides in this corner of the country

ACF’s undergo training in Central Academy for State Forest Service (CASFOS). The training is similar to training IFS officers undergo. The duration of training is 2 years. They undergo both academic training and also field training in the forests. Total number of days dedicated for tours are 145.Our first and introductory tour of five tours across the course took place from 07 February 2023 to 22 February 2023 in the North East region of India. The memories of the lush green hills of the North East, dew drenched meadows, colorful birds, pristine lakes, warmth hospitality of the people will cherish forever. These long journeys are some of the most enjoyable road rides in our life which will stay forever in memory. 

In this tour we had the privilege of seeing some very beautiful places of Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

We spent the first four days of this tour in Nagaland. During this, we got a chance to see the tribal culture of Nagaland closely in India's first green village 'Khonoma'. Khonoma is not only India but also the first 'Green Village' of Asia. It is situated at a distance of 20 kilometers from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. This village surrounded by greenery is about 700 years old. Khonoma is home to the 'Angami' tribals. This tribal group is known for its bravery and martial arts skills. Khonoma village is also famous for its lush green forests and traditional farming techniques. This village, which has become a model of green village, has already adopted the principles of sustainable development many years ago.

About 100 years ago, the Angami tribals fought against the British. When the British Army armed with modern weapons attacked these warriors of Nagaland, they gave a befitting reply to this attack. Due to their strategic skills and martial arts skills, the tribal group caused heavy losses to the British Army in this battle. Also, till 1830 and 1880, he did not allow the British Raj to enter his village. Today Khonoma is a model of sustainable development for the whole world including India, where people have transformed their area into natural gold with just a few changes and precautions.

On 10th February 2023 we went trekking to Dzukou Valley. Can't believe that such a place exists on earth! Manipur and Nagaland have been at loggerheads for years over the ownership of the Zuko Valley. Although, politically, the valley shares the state territories of both Manipur and Nagaland, most of the area falls under Manipur state limits as per the Survey of India maps.

We also visited the Kohima War Cemetery during our visit to Nagaland. Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to soldiers who died in the Second World War at Kohima in April 1944. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which maintains this cemetery among many others in the world, there are 1,420 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War at this cemetery, and a memorial to an additional 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers who were cremated in accordance with their faith



We spent the next few days of the tour in Jorhat. On 12th February we did trekking in Hulongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. It is named after the hoolock gibbon found here, which is the only ape species in India. This tailless primate, with long arms twice the length of its legs, is a jungle gymnast, swinging through the isolated, evergreen forest.


We spent 13th and 14th February at Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat. It is one of the constituent institutes of 'Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education', Dehradun. During the training at RFRI, lectures on various forestry topics were delivered by Scientist and Staff of the institute. Valedictory session was chaired by Dr. R.K. Borah, Director, RFRI and training ended with vote of thanks and a group photograph.

On 15th February we left for Majuli Island. Majuli is the world's largest river island and it attracts tourists from all over the world. It became the first island to be made a district in India. The main objective behind our visit to Majuli Island was to study the indigenous methods being used by the local people to prevent water erosion.














On 16th February we enjoyed a jeep safari at Kaziranga while on 17th February we enjoyed an elephant safari in the national park. Elephant safaris and jeep safaris are the best ways to experience Kaziranga National Park. Two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses live in the park, and Kaziranga has the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.The park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the very few original natural places in India. Undisturbed by human presence (encroachments), Kaziranga remains a great forest.














































On 18th February we did trekking in Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary. The mighty Brahmaputra River flowing behind the sanctuary provides a scenic backdrop to it. It consists of woodland, grassland, water bodies at the bank of river Brahmaputra.

On 19th February we reached Nameri National Park where we enjoyed rafting and trekking. The Nameri National Park in Assam, adjacent to the Pakhui (Pakke) Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh, is spread over an area of about 1,000 sq km. The park is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, about 35 km from Tezpur. This place is no less than a paradise for bird lovers. About 300 species of birds like hornbills, black storks, ibisbills (puga), babblers, plovers are found here. One can also spot tigers, leopards, sambhars, spotted leopards, gaurs, wild boars, various types of bears as well as other wild animals like elephants. The experience of the jungle tour of this bio-diversity park was unforgettable.



In the last leg of the trip, we reached Arunachal Pradesh where we visited Pakke Tiger Reserve on 20 February and Tippi Orchid Center and Orchid Sanctuary at Sessa on 21 February. On 22nd February we left from our base station Bhalukpong in Arunachal Pradesh and reached CASFOS Barnihat at 3.00 PM.


Overall it was an unforgettable tour which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the Officer Trainees. Indeed,training period is the most beautiful part of IFS/SFS officer.

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