Topography and Natural Description of Bam:

 The Rukni Valley, essentially the Bam region of South Cachar, is renowned for its natural beauty. The Bam area spans the east and west banks of the Rukni River. Originating in the Situal region of Mizoram, approximately 25 km east of Aizawl, the Rukni River flows northward, entering Bam at coordinates 24.43292 N and 92.79669 W between Bishnupur Forest Village in Assam and Bagha Bazar in Mizoram. The river travels through Bam and exits at Ramprasadpur after covering a distance of 18 km. Beyond Bam, the Rukni River merges with the Sonai River in Sundar Part II.

 The Sonai River, another hill river originating in Mizoram, enters Bam 19 km east of Vishnupur Forest Village. It meanders along the eastern fringe of Bam, predominantly passing through extensive forested and hilly lands west of the Bhuban Hill range. The river’s basin in Bam includes Dhlakhal Forest Village, Machkhal Forest Village, Jurkhal Forest Village, Kalakhal Forest Village, and Jurkhal Shukla Vaidya Basti.

 The Rukni or Bam Valley is a picturesque area surrounded by mountains on three sides. To the west, the boundary is defined by the Rengti Hills, a range running from north to south and enveloped by dense forests. The hilly region of Mizoram marks the southern boundary, while the lush forests of the Bhuban Hills cover the eastern side.

 The Bam region is characterized by a combination of mountains, jungles, forests, and hills, interspersed with fertile green fields. About 66% of the area consists of forests and rugged terrain, while the remaining 34% features fertile fields with dense human settlements. Small streams and channels from the forests and mountainous terrain feed the Rukni and Sonai rivers. The fast-flowing rivers, with their winding paths, have created numerous horseshoe-shaped lakes, or “anwas,” by meandering and leaving behind their bends.

  Within the 66% forested area of Bam, 35 forest villages have developed amidst the woods and forests. These villages are home to diverse communities, contributing to a rich cultural environment. Traditional settlements are primarily concentrated in the northern part of Bam, while the southern and eastern regions, characterized by hilly terrain and dense forests, remain sparsely populated.

 Eola Tilla, also known as Gamari Tilla, is the highest point in Bam, located south of Jamalpur. From this hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bam region. To the west, the Rengti Hills form the natural boundary with Hailakandi, extending 4 to 7 kilometers east to west and approximately 13 kilometers north to south. The direct distance between Lailapur in Bam and Bilaipur in Hailakandi is no more than 6 kilometers. The scenic beauty of the Rengti Hills captivates tourists, and viewpoints such as Dholai View Point and Bhaga View Point offer picturesque vistas of Bam. The view from the hilltop, especially towards the east, is particularly mesmerizing.

  

Panoramic view of Bam from EolaTilla :Photo credit-Dr.Anwaruddin Choudhury

Bam’s mountains are adorned with some unique rock formations and waterfalls. Notable waterfalls include the Tingloy Waterfall west of Arjanpur, the Tabatkur Waterfall west of Joydhonpur, the Khiang Waterfall along the Mizoram border, and the Panchora Water Slide. Additionally, the Disharu Waterfall, located 2 kilometers east of Kalakhal, is famous for its water sliding. The Mosinlar Waterfall, situated 2 kilometers east of Smithnagar FV on Bhuban Hill, is another highlight.

 Tabatkur Waterfalls in Rengti Hills near Joydhanpur village

Bam offers extensive opportunities for adventure tourism, with tracks for trekking and hiking, and mountain streams suitable for rafting and rowing. Homestays, if developed in the 35 forest villages will allow visitors to experience the local life and culture of various ethnic and tribal communities. Most of these villages are located in the Shewratol Gaon Panchayat, which borders Mizoram. Nearby, the Turial Dam in Mizoram is a popular tourist attraction. The natural beauty of Bam, highlighted by bloggers and YouTubers, continues to attract nature-loving tourists.

Rukni River flows through Bam at Rajghat :Photo credit-Manjur Ahmed Laskar 

 To the west, the Rengti Hill range marks the boundary between Bam and Hailakandi, while the 10 km wide Bhuban Hill range to the east serves as a natural barrier separating Bam from Manipur. The Bhuban Mountain Range, part of the eastern boundary of Bam, has recently been designated by the Assam government as part of the 320 square kilometer "Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary." This protected area is expected to enhance the appeal of the Bhuban Mountain region and support wildlife conservation efforts in Bam.