Rih dïl

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Rih Dil
Location Chin State, Myanmar
Coordinates 23°20′24″N 93°23′06″E / 23.340°N 93.385°E / 23.340; 93.385Coordinates: 23°20′24″N 93°23′06″E / 23.340°N 93.385°E / 23.340; 93.385
Basin countries Myanmar
Max. length 1 mi (1.6 km)
Max. width 0.5 mi (0.80 km)

Rih dïl (lit. Rih lake) is located in Chin State (Burma) just about 3 kilometers from the village of Zokhawthar (India border). The lake is about one mile in length and half a mile in width. It is about 3 miles in diameter and the depth is about 60 feet. Rih Lake is well known for its shape which is heart. The romantic heart-shaped lake or Rih lake is also known as "Rih Dil" in their own language.[1]

History

According to legend, there was a girl named Rihi who had a cruel stepmother. One day, her father took Rihi’s younger sister into forest and killed her. Rihi eventually found her dead sister and was inconsolable. A good spirit known as Lasi found Rihi weeping and revealed to her the healing powers of a particular magical tree with whose leaf Rihi revived her sister back to life. In order to quench the thirst of her younger sister, Rihi turned herself into a small pool of water with the help of a leaf of the same magical tree. Later, Rihi was compelled to change herself into a white mithun, and wandered around in search of a permanent place where she could be safe. While she was looking for a safe haven, her urine formed rih note or small lakes wherever she went. It is believed that such lakes can still be found in the Vawmlu Range, Zur forest near the village Natchhawng; a place above Bochung village; the area of Khawthlir village, all of which are in Myanmar. She eventually surveyed Sanzawl village for her permanent settlement not far from which flowed the river Run. But the demon spirit of the river threatened to suck her dry if she settled there permanently. It is believed that Rihi then surveyed the valley of Champhai but found that unsuitable too. She finally settled in the present location in the form that she cherished the most – that of a lake. The name Rih retains the name of Rihi.[2]

Transportation

The area is rarely seen by anyone from outside the region due to the difficulty of access. But some travel agents in Yangon are now expressing interest in cashing in on the growing desire of tourists to explore the remote area. The travelers used a full-size express bus from Yangon to Monywa in Sagaing Division, but from there they transferred to a 33-seat mini-bus, which was more suitable for negotiating the tricky roads of Chin State.[3] Visitors from India can enter from the India-Myanmar border gate. They pay gate pass fees of Rs. 10 for a person and go directly to the Rih Lake by public buses.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Rih". Retrieved 20 May 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Historical". mizoturism.nic.in. Retrieved 20 May 2012. 
  3. ↑ Bawi, Nuam (2011). "Transportation". Retrieved 20 May 2012. 
  4. ↑ "Visitors from India". 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2012. 
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