In the mid-1960s, a local American photographer stumbled across a mysterious blackish pool in the middle of an Indian meadow. It was large enough to cover the small village of Hmahga, and it was filled with Asian fish. The photographer named it after himself, and set about photographing it every day for six months. The result is one of the world’s most famous black pools: Hmahga National Park in northern India.
What is a black pool?
A black pool is a natural showcase of India’s wild salmon, which are found in the Bhagsu and Ganga rivers. As the waters of the Bhagsu are the most popular with tourists, it is the only place in the world where you can see the actual fish in their natural habitat. You can spot the fish in their natural habitat at the Bhagsu National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Why is this place so special?
Hmahga is a primeval forest with a rich wildlife. If you happen to visit during the monsoon, you’ll find the entire area covered in jungle and floodplain. This is why the area is called the ‘Negri Narmada’, or ‘black valley’. The rich biodiversity of the park is one of the reasons it has attracted tourists for millennia, and is still attract tourists today.
How to get to Hmahga National Park
The easiest way to get to Hmahga National Park is by boat. The Karam Lake boat trip around the lake to its mouth and then some is a must, as is the trek to the waterfalls. Other than that, boat travel is highly recommended for those who want to get a feel for the park.
How to see the black pool
From the boat ride to the black pool, you’ll be able to see the entire area in all its glory. There are three lakes in the park – the largest of which is Lake Bhagsu. The obscurity of many of the other lakes means that you’ll have to be a very good swimmer to get a good look at the black pool.
Tips for seeing the black pool
– Make sure your camera is working so that you can see the best possible shots. – There are no safety cameras in the parks, and that’s the beauty of it. People go to the park to observe wildlife, and there is no one to college with about what’s in the park. – If you want to get a closer look at the black pool, take your camera along with you. There are no cameras in the parks, but you can still get a good look at the dense stands of trees and the water lilies. – Always wear a suit when you visit the parks because there is no walking in the parks and it is very hot inside.
#Get there early or late
The best time to visit the black pool is in the early morning or late evening when the area is a little less dense and there is less traffic. When you get close to the pool and see the entire area all lit up, you can take some great shots of the black pool before anyone else gets there. – If you’re going during the monsoon, it’s a good idea to bring your swimming costume and wear a hat or a scarf to keep your head afloat in the freezing rain. – If you have young children, it’s a good idea to bring them with you so they can get a feel for the environment and take some interest in what’s happening around them. – Take care in the rain – or sand; or forget about it!
How to visit the black pool
From the boat ride to the black pool, you’ll be able to see the entire area in all its glory. There are three lakes in the park – the largest of which is Lake Bhagsu. The obscurity of many of the other lakes means that you’ll have to be a very good swimmer to get a good look at the black pool. – Make sure your camera is working so that you can see the best possible shots. – There are no safety cameras in the parks, and that’s the beauty of it. People go to the park to observe wildlife, and there is no one to college with about what’s in the park. – If you want to get a closer look at the black pool, take your camera along with you. There are no cameras in the parks, but you can still get a good look at the dense stands of trees and the water lilies. – Always wear a suit when you visit the parks because there is no walking in the parks and it is very hot inside. – If you have young children, it’s a good idea to bring them with you so they can get a feel for the environment and take interest in what’s happening around them. – Take care in the rain – or sand; or forget about it!
