# Palak Dil

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Lake in India

Pala Tipo Palak Dil Palak Dil Pala Tipo Location Siaha district, Mizoram Coordinates 22°20′25″N 92°56′33″E / 22.34028°N 92.94250°E / 22.34028; 92.94250 Type Lentic Primary inflows Two mountain streams Primary outflows Pala lui Catchment area 18.5 km2 (7.1 sq mi) Basin countries India Max. length 0.87 km (0.54 mi) Max. width 0.7 km (0.43 mi) Surface area 1.5 km2 (0.58 sq mi) Average depth 17 m (56 ft) Max. depth 27 m (89 ft) Surface elevation 270 m (890 ft) Settlements Phura, Tongkolong, Siaha Ramsar Wetland Official name Pala Wetland Designated 31 August 2021 Reference no. 2484[1] Location Interactive map of Pala Tipo

**Palak Dil** or **Pala Tipo** ([Mara language](/source/Mara_language) for "swallowing lake") is the largest and biggest [lake](/source/Lake) in [Mizoram](/source/Mizoram), [northeast India](/source/Northeast_India). It is located near [Phura](/source/Phura) village in [Siaha district](/source/Siaha_district), within the [Mara Autonomous District Council](/source/Mara_Autonomous_District_Council) in the southernmost district of Mizoram. Its geographical location falls under the [Indo-Burma](/source/Indo-Burma) [biodiversity hotspot](/source/Biodiversity_hotspot), and is therefore rich in animal and plant species. The lake is a major component of the Palak Wildlife Sanctuary,[2] and it supports the major biodiversity of the sanctuary.[3]

*Pala* is derived from a mythical [Mara](/source/Mara_language) story for the name of the lake while *tipo* means "lake"; it is called Palak Dil in [Mizo ṭawng](/source/Mizo_language). The lake gives the name of the region Palak Assembly Constituency under [Election Commission of India](/source/Election_Commission_of_India).[4][5]

## Origin

According to oral history Palak Dil is said to be formed around 800-1200 CE. It coincided with the period of westward migration of [Mara people](/source/Mara_people) from [Burma](/source/Burma). The origin of Palak Dil is a well known folktale among Mizo people. According to Mara legend the location area was originally a big village called Hnychao. There were about 300 families. At the center of the village was a large rock, underneath of which was a cave inhabited by a giant serpent. Villagers soon noticed that children playing around the rock frequently disappeared. At night their livestock animals were missing too. The village hunters caught the serpent using a gigantic [fishing pole](/source/Fishing_pole), and using a [goat](/source/Goat) (or dog in other version) as a bait. From this point there are two versions:

1. They killed the snake and the meat was distributed to all families. A widow with two children happened to get a share of the head. When she cooked it, the eyes were blinking and rolling, staring at her. Frightened, she threw the cooking pot into the street. When she looked out, their doorstep was being flooded and fled for life with her children. The pool rose to a lake submerging the entire habitation and drowning the rest of the villagers. The lake was eventually called Pala Tipo.[6]

1. In an alternate version, when they caught the snake they could not completely haul out its body and cut it in the middle. The bottom half fell back into the cave with massive thunder. It created an upsurge of water from the cave, submerging the whole village. This became a permanent lake and was called Pala Tipo, literally meaning a "swallowing or submerging lake".[7]

## Hydrology

Palak Dil is oval in shape with a length of 870 meters, width of 700 meters, and depth of 17 to 25 meters.[8] It is believed that a village exists below the lake, some people believes that the lake is haunted by ghosts and demons.[9] Another Legend also believes that a British officer once dropped his sword in the middle of the lake and ordered one of his men to retrieve it, the men dived to retrieve it but came back only after 3 days explaining that he had feasted and was too drunk to return.[10] The lake is fed by two main streams from the nearby mountains. Its drainage is through a small river called Pala Lui. This drainage area creates a stretch of valley, which remains the main agricultural area of the Mara people.[7]

## Wildlife

Palak Dil is home to a number of resident and migratory animals. It is particularly rich in a variety of birds, including endemic bird species. The water is inhabited by common and unique species of fishes. Different species of prawns, [snails](/source/Snail), [crabs](/source/Crab), [turtles](/source/Turtle) and tortoises.[7] More than 70 species of birds have been recorded from the lake and its shore. Among unique species are [Nepal fulvetta](/source/Nepal_fulvetta), [white-bellied yuhina](/source/White-bellied_yuhina), [little spiderhunter](/source/Little_spiderhunter), streaked spinderhunter, [yellow wagtail](/source/Eastern_yellow_wagtail), [black-capped kingfisher](/source/Black-capped_kingfisher), [hooded pitta](/source/Hooded_pitta), [spot-breasted scimitar babbler](/source/Spot-breasted_scimitar_babbler), and [white-rumped munia](/source/White-rumped_munia), which are rarely seen in other parts of the region.[11] In addition aquatic birds and wild ducks in Palak Dil are found nowhere else in Mizoram.[12]

## Conservation

Palak Dil and its surrounding area covering 15 km2. is declared by the Indian [Ministry of Environment and Forests](/source/Ministry_of_Environment_and_Forests_(India)) as a [protected area](/source/Protected_area) under the Palak Wildlife Sanctuary.[13] The surrounding forest is extensively exploited due to [shifting cultivation](/source/Shifting_cultivation). It has been designated as a protected [Ramsar site](/source/Ramsar_site) since 2021.[1]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RSIS_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RSIS_1-1) ["Pala Wetland"](https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2484). *[Ramsar](/source/Ramsar_Convention) Sites Information Service*. Retrieved 7 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-netour_2-0)** ["Mizoram Wildlife"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131028195814/http://north-east-india-tourism.net/Mizoram_Wildlife.htm). *North-East India Tourism*. Indo Vacations™. Archived from [the original](http://www.north-east-india-tourism.net/Mizoram_Wildlife.htm) on 28 October 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Lalramanghinglova, H; Lalnuntluanga; Jha, LK (2006). ["Note on Ngengpui and Palak Wildlife Sanctuaries in South Mizoram"](http://www.indianforester.co.in/index.php/indianforester/article/view/4277). *The Indian Forester*. **132** (10): 1282–1291.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Palak (ST) Constituency 2013 Election Results"](http://www.elections.in/mizoram/assembly-constituencies/palak.html). Compare Infobase Limited. Retrieved 11 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["40-Palak- Mizoram"](http://eci.nic.in/archive/Oct2008/pollupd/ac/states/s16/aconst40.htm). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 11 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Palak Lake"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213520/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/palak-lake.html). Department of Tourism, State Government of Mizoram. Archived from [the original](http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/palak-lake.html) on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-john_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-john_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-john_7-2) Dr John (12 March 2012). ["Palak Dil – Mizorama Dil Lian Ber"](http://www.misual.com/2012/03/12/palak-dil-mizorama-dil-lian-ber/) [Palak Dil – The Largest Lake in Mizorama]. *www.misual.com* (in Mizo). Retrieved 11 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** B. Lalthangliana. [*Mizoram Encyclopedia*](http://www.misual.com/2012/03/12/palak-dil-mizorama-dil-lian-ber/.).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Sajnani, Manohar (2001). [*Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India, Volume 1*](https://books.google.com/books?id=vdMNBxOsvrUC). Kalpaz Publication. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9788178350172](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788178350172).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** N.E. Parry (1932). *The Lakhers*. Firma KLM Pvt.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Birand, Aysegul; Pawar, Samraat (2004). ["An ornithological survey in north-east India"](http://orientalbirdclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Birand-NEIndia.pdf) (PDF). *Forktail*. **20** (1): 15–24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Lalmuansangi; Lalramnghinglova, H (2014). ["Preliminary assessment on water quality and biodiversity in and around Palak Dil in southern Mizoram, India"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104702/http://www.sciencevision.org/current_issue/dl/Lalmuankimi.pdf) (PDF). *Science Vision*. **14** (1): 39–45. Archived from [the original](http://www.sciencevision.org/current_issue/dl/Lalmuankimi.pdf) (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Resource and Biodiversity Base Mizoram"](http://scstsenvis.nic.in/index4.aspx?ssslid=196&subsubsublinkid=60&langid=1&mid=1). ENVIS CENTRE ON ECO - TOURISM. Retrieved 11 April 2014.

v t e State of Mizoram Capital: Aizawl State symbols Animal: Himalayan serow Bird: Mrs. Hume's pheasant Flower: Red Vanda Tree: Indian rose chestnut Fish: Burmese kingfish History Unknown civilisation in Vangchhia Lushai chiefdoms Lushai Expedition Chin-Lushai Expedition Lushai Rising British rule Mizo District 1966 MNF uprising Union Territory Mizoram Peace Accord Government Governors Chief Ministers Legislative Assembly High Court Police Chief Secretaries Districts Aizawl Champhai Kolasib Lawngtlai Lunglei Mamit Siaha Serchhip Hnahthial Khawzawl Saitual Urban Areas Aizawl Bairabi Biate Champhai Darlawn Hnahthial Kolasib Khawhai Khawzawl Lawngtlai Lengpui Lunglei Mamit North Kawnpui North Vanlaiphai Sairang Saitual Serchhip Siaha Thenzawl Tlabung Vairengte Zawlnuam Infrastructure Aizawl Monorail Bairabi–Sairang Railway Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project Lengpui Airport Serlui B Dam Tuirial Dam Vankal Solar Park Vuakmual Airport Education Mizoram University National Institute of Technology, Mizoram Zoram Medical College Colleges Schools Tourist attractions Mt. Hmuifang Mt. Sakawrhmuituai Mt. Phawngpui Lalsavunga Park Mizo Poets' Square Palak Dil Reiek Peak Solomon's Temple Tam Dil Thenzawl Golf Course Tuirihiau Falls Vangchhia Vantawng Falls Protected areas Murlen National Park Phawngpui National Park Dampa Tiger Reserve Culture History Music Language Literature Cuisine People Sports Clothing Topics Geography Highest point Tourism Politics Elections Economy Education

v t e Siaha district District headquarters Saiha State Mizoram Autonomous district councils Mara Autonomous District Council Towns and villages Chakhei Phura Sangau Tuipang Indigenous tribes Mara Mizo Peaks Phawngpui Places of interest Palak Dil

v t e Hydrography of Mizoram Rivers Chhimtuipui De Kaladan Karnaphuli Kau Khawthlangtuipui Langkaih Mat River, Mizoram Mengpui Phairuang Serlui Teirei Thega Tiau River Tlawng Tuichang Tuichawng Tuirial Tuirini Tuivawl Tuivai Tut Lakes Tam Dil Palak Dil Waterfalls Vantawng Tuirihiau Dams Bairabi Serlui B Tlawng Tuirial Related topics Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

v t e Ramsar sites in India Andhra Pradesh Kolleru Lake Assam Deepor Beel Bihar Gogabeel Lake Gokul Jalashay / Reservoir Kanwar Lake Nagi Bird Sanctuary Nakti Bird Sanctuary Udaipur Lake Chhattisgarh Kopra Jalashay Goa Nanda Lake Gujarat Chhari-Dhand Khijadiya Nalsarovar Thol Lake Wadhvana Wetland Haryana Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Sultanpur National Park Himachal Pradesh Chandra Taal Pong Dam Lake Renuka Lake Jammu and Kashmir Hokera Wetland Hygam Wetland Shallbugh Wetland Surinsar-Mansar Lakes Wular Lake Jharkhand Udhwa Lake Karnataka Aghanashini Estuary Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Kerala Ashtamudi Wetland Sasthamkotta Lake Vembanad-Kol Wetland Ladakh Tso Kar Tsomoriri Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Wetland Sakhya Sagar Sirpur Lake Tawa Reservoir Yashwant Sagar Maharashtra Lonar Lake Nandur Madhameshwar Thane Creek Manipur Loktak Lake Mizoram Pala Wetland Odisha Anshupa Lake Bhitarkanika Mangroves Chilika Lake Hirakud Reservoir Satkosia Gorge Tampara Lake Punjab Beas Conservation Reserve Harike Wetland Kanjli Wetland Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Ropar Wetland Rajasthan Keoladeo National Park Khichan Wetland Menar Wetland Complex Sambhar Lake Siliserh Lake Sikkim Khecheopalri Wetland Tamil Nadu Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary Karikili Bird Sanctuary Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary / Nanjundayan Bird Sanctuary Kodiyampalayam Mangrove Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest Pichavaram Mangrove Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex Therthangal Bird Sanctuary Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Vellode Bird Sanctuary Vembannur Wetland Complex Tripura Rudrasagar Lake Uttar Pradesh Bakhira Sanctuary Haiderpur Wetland Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary Sur Sarovar Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary Patna Bird Sanctuary Saman Bird Sanctuary Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Sandi Bird Sanctuary Sarsai Nawar Jheel Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary Upper Ganga River Uttarakhand Asan Barrage West Bengal East Kolkata Wetlands Sundarban Wetland

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Palak Dil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palak_Dil) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palak_Dil?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.