Dipor Bil

Guwahati Assam

#17 Among Things To Do in Guwahati

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Guwahati Travel Packages

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5 Nights / 6 Days

6-Day Assam and Meghalaya Adventure with Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Dawki

Guwahati(1N) → Shillong(4N)

₹23,250/person

5 Nights / 6 Days

5 Nights Assam and Meghalaya Highlights with Shillong, Dawki, Cherrapunji

Guwahati(2N) → Shillong(2N) → Cherrapunjee(1N)

₹14,250/person

5 Nights / 6 Days

6-Day Meghalaya Wonders: Guwahati, Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Scenic Treks

Guwahati(1N) → Shillong(2N) → Cherrapunjee(2N)

Sold By: TravellEasy(5.0 )

₹21,500/person

3 Nights / 4 Days

Explore Guwahati, Kaziranga: 3 Nights 4 Days Tour

Guwahati(1N) → Kaziranga National Park(2N)

₹10,150/person

6 Nights / 7 Days

Enchanting Meghalaya 6-Night Tour: Waterfalls, Living Root Bridges & More

Shillong(2N) → Cherrapunjee(2N) → Dawki(1N) → Guwahati(1N)

₹24,900/person

7 Nights / 8 Days

8-Day Meghalaya Highlights: Cherrapunjee, Living Root Bridges, Mawlynnong & Shillong

Guwahati(1N) → Shillong(3N) → Cherrapunjee(2N) → Mawlynnong...

₹35,999/person

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Tags : Lake

Timings : 24 hrs

Time Required : 1 - 2 hrs

Entry Fee : No Entry Fee

Dipor Bil, Guwahati Overview

Dipor Bil (Deepor Beel), a large freshwater lake on Guwahati's southwestern edge, is Assam's only Ramsar-designated wetland within a city, and one of the few permanent water bodies of its scale left in the Brahmaputra valley. Recognised as an Important Bird Area, it hosts large winter populations of migratory waterfowl alongside resident species, and its reed beds and marshland double as a feeding ground for wild elephants moving down from the nearby Rani-Garbhanga hills. Boat rides across the lake and birdwatching from its fringing villages are the main activities, drawing a crowd similar to Pobitora's but for wetland rather than grassland wildlife. Its closeness to Guwahati, barely half an hour from the city centre, makes it an easy half-day addition for travelers already based in the capital.

In 2002, Ramsar Convention listed it as a Ramsar site due to its vast variety of flora and fauna and its wetland characteristic. Winter season is the best time to visit the spot as the weather conditions attract hibernating birds from far west and south countries. Considering the density and diversity of breeds flocking the place annually, Birdlife International has also declared it as Important Bird Area (IBA) and adequate measures are taken to preserve the rich culture and environs.

History of Dipor Bil

The name Dipor Bil has been derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Dipor’ meaning ‘elephants’ and ‘bil’ meaning ‘wetland’ or ‘lake’. It is believed that the lakeside was once and important dockyard for the Tai- Ahom and the Mughals. At one point in time, Kampitha and Rambrai Syiemship (political authority of Meghalaya) had control over this site.

Flora and Fauna at Dipor Bil

Dipor Bil boasts of an enormous variety of flora and fauna, rich biodiversity and varied wildlife. The lakeside has divergent species of plants- water hyacinths, water lilies, aquatic grasses, marshy lands and vegetation patches. As per research 18 varieties of phytoplanktons have been found at the site. Also, rare plants like Euryale Ferox, potamogeton crispus etc have been spotted.

Needless to mention, Dipor Bil is a proud abode of a sweeping number of very rare and endangered birds. Harbouring close to 19000 birds on a single day basis, the lake is a dwelling of approx 220 bird species out of which 70 are migratory. Some endangered birds found here include Spot Billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, White Bellied Eagle, Siberian Crane etc. A total of 20 amphibians, 12 lizards, 18 snakes, 6 turtle and tortoise species have been listed here. Considering the aforementioned factors, the area attracts a lot of researchers, students and wildlife photographers other than the regular tourists.

Utility of Dipor Bil

Dipor Bil also serves as the source of fresh water to the villages and districts in the precinct, providing them with clean drinking water. Close to 14 villages (approx. 1200 families) are dependent on the lake for livelihood, directly and indirectly. Besides providing water, the lake is a breeding ground of freshwater fish which not only provides a vital diet of proteins to the locals but their trading also helps the fishermen upkeep their sustenance. Known to be the largest lake (beel) in Brahmaputra valley of Western Assam, Dipor Bil has also been classified as representative of wetland type under Burma Monsoon Forest biogeographic region.

Conservation of Dipor Bil

Dipor Bil is managed and maintained by the Tourism and Forest Department of Assam. The fisheries department is responsible for the conservation and preservation of fish as this is the prime source of livelihood for the people. The Bird Sanctuary is responsible for the protection and conservation of birds at the lake. Since, a large number of endangered birds visit the arena, extreme efforts are made to save these birds from extinction.

For the same purpose, Ramsar Convention declared the area as a Ramsar site to take adequate conservative measures for the wildlife preservation. Shooting of birds, hunting and trapping for pleasure is prohibited in the area. Tall towers have been constructed for efficient and convenient bird watching without disturbing the avifauna.

Best Time To Visit Dipor Bil

Dipor Bil witnesses a high humidity climate all through the year which is also called as Mesothermal climate. Summers can get exceedingly hot and humid. And monsoons are known for the heavy rains and swamping. Winters ( October to March) are the best time to visit the lake since the lake size reduces in area and a little cultivation is also practised. Besides, the temperature is at its best with very pleasant weather conditions.

How To Reach Dipor Bil

Located on the National Highway 31 (NH 31) around 14 kms from the city of Guwahati on the Jalukbari Khanapara pass, Dipor Bil can reached by hiring a private taxi cab or driving down to the place.