Zeilad Lake

Zeilad Lake, located near Makoi village in Tamenglong district of Manipur, is a picturesque lake situated atop a hill and part of the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary, one of four such sanctuaries in the state. The lake is famous for its rich biodiversity, hosting various species including pythons, fish, large tortoises, ducks, cranes, and teals, making it a key habitat for water and migratory birds.

The sanctuary encompasses seven lakes and covers an area of about 21 square kilometers within the Barak River basin, characterized by semi-evergreen and wet hill forests. It is home to diverse flora like Michelia champaca and Mangifera indica, and fauna including tigers, leopards, hoolock gibbons, and the Great Indian Hornbill.

Zeilad Lake holds cultural significance for indigenous communities such as the Rongmei Naga, for whom the lake is a sacred site connected to local folklore. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with some local concerns about proposed development activities, emphasizing the need to preserve its ecological and cultural heritage. The lake is accessible for visitors seeking natural beauty, wildlife observation, and peaceful surroundings, especially between October and April when the weather is most favorable.