Rangapahar Reserve Forest

Rangapahar Reserve Forest in Dimapur (celebrated across Northeast forestry as Nagaland's oldest protected forest tract and the biological green lung of Dimapur valley, encompassing 4.9 sq km of semi evergreen canopy alongside the 176 hectare Nagaland Zoological Park, world famous for its repository of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, deer park sanctuary housing spotted chital deer and barking deer, Himalayan black bears, wild boars, flying squirrels, exotic butterflies, colorful hornbills, forested streams, and peaceful walking pathways), located in Rangapahar in Dimapur in Nagaland, stands as Dimapur's premier eco tourism sanctuary.

Established during the British colonial era as a reserved timber and medicinal tree sanctuary, Rangapahar protects valuable timber species including Hollock, Nahor, Teak, and Gomari that once covered the vast Dhansiri river floodplains.

It's the home of ancient medicinal herb trails where local traditional healers study wild roots and bark extracts, the open deer breeding paddocks shaded by towering mahogany trees, the lively water ponds attracting migratory winter teals and kingfishers, the tranquil shaded picnic clearings set under dense tree canopy, and an intensely peaceful, deeply refreshing forest atmosphere filled with the rhythmic chorus of cicadas and cool woodland breezes.

It represents a rich Nagaland lowland forestry heritage, wildlife conservation legacy, and relaxing family day out tourism where tropical tree canopies, deer paddocks, herbal trails, and Dimapur city sightseeing unite in Rangapahar Reserve Forest.

Located in Rangapahar along Army Cantonment Road, it sits 6 km southwest of Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) and Dimapur Airport (DMU), 8 km from Kachari Ruins, 15 km from Diezephe Craft Village, and 20 km from Triple Falls, easily reached in 15 minutes by local auto rickshaw or taxi.

The Medicinal Herbal Flora & Lowland Forest Canopy

Rangapahar is renowned across Nagaland for its diverse repository of medicinal and aromatic plants, including wild ginger, serpentwood (Rauvolfia serpentina), neem, and wild turmeric utilized in indigenous Naga healing traditions.

The forest acts as an indispensable carbon sink and natural temperature regulator for the warm Dimapur plains, maintaining cooler microclimates throughout scorching summer months.

Truth is, taking an early morning stroll beneath the towering canopies while sunlight filters through dew drenched leaves is pure bliss for tired city travelers.

The Deer Park & Avian Birdwatching Trails

Thriving Deer Park: The forest houses large populations of graceful spotted deer (Axis axis) and barking deer that graze freely in designated open fenced forest zones, delighting visiting children.

Lowland Birdwatching Haven: Over 120 species of residential and migratory birds frequent the reserve canopy, including Great Pied Hornbills, Emerald Doves, Asian Fairy Bluebirds, Black hooded Orioles, and Indian Rollers.

Dimapur Full Day Eco & Heritage Tour Itinerary

The Complete Dimapur Day Circuit: Morning visit to ancient medieval Kachari Ruins (8:30 AM to 10:00 AM) -> drive to Rangapahar Reserve Forest & Zoological Park (10:30 AM to 1:00 PM: nature trails, deer park & birdwatching) -> traditional lunch -> afternoon excursion to Diezephe Craft Village (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM) -> evening scenic sunset visit to Triple Falls (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM).

Visitor Tips & Precautions: Wear closed walking shoes, carry eco friendly drinking water, use insect repellent on forest trails, and refrain from feeding or disturbing the resident wildlife.

After exploring the lush forest trails of Rangapahar Reserve Forest, visit Kachari Ruins, tour Diezephe Craft Village, or explore Triple Falls.