Rih Lake: The Enchanting Heart-Shaped Lake of Myanmar

Overview

Location: Falam Township, Chin State, Myanmar Dimensions:

• Length: 1 mile (1.6 km)
• Width: 0.5 mile (0.80 km)
• Elevation: 2,966 feet above sea level

Where is Rih Lake?

Nestled in northwestern Chin State, Myanmar, Rih Lake is located close to the India-Myanmar border, just 2 miles from the border checkpoint. The lake is about 20 miles from Champhai, India, and approximately 130 miles from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram State. Due to its proximity, it attracts many visitors from India, particularly those who believe in its spiritual significance as a resting place for ancestral souls.

How to Reach Rih Lake

Traveling to Rih Lake from Myanmar usually starts from Kalay Town, passing through the highest peak in Chin State, Kennedy Peak (8,870 feet). The route includes crossing Kanpetlet Mountain and reaching Tiddim Town, which is 60 miles from Kalay. From Tiddim, travelers must cross the Manipur River via the Mansaung Suspension Bridge and continue 32 miles to Rihkhawdar, the small town near Rih Lake. Due to its sacred significance, many visitors from India travel to Rih Lake as part of a spiritual journey. In recent years, the lake has become a tourist attraction, offering boating experiences and bungalow accommodations for overnight stays.

Natural Beauty & Features

Rih Lake is a serene high-altitude lake with a circumference of 2.5 miles. It is surrounded by lush cypress trees, often referred to as the “spiritual fence”, which locals believe acts as a barrier between the physical and spiritual realms. The lake covers 832 acres, with an average depth of 50 feet and a maximum depth of 60 feet. Its blue waters, combined with blooming red and white lotus flowers, add to the enchanting scenery. The mist-covered hills surrounding the lake further enhance its mystical and picturesque charm, making it one of Myanmar’s most stunning natural landmarks.

The Mythical Origins of Rih Lake

Rih Lake is deeply rooted in local folklore and spiritual beliefs. According to legend, over 500-600 years ago, the Mizo-Chin people of the Chin Hills were visited in a dream by a spirit king named Puru Rih. In the dream, he revealed:

"I am Puru Rih, the guardian of souls. I have created a lake in the shape of a human heart, where departed souls will gather before transitioning to the next life."

Following this revelation, the local chief, Huathana, sent people to search for the lake. After seven days, they discovered Rih Lake, and it became known as Rih-Dil (“The Lake of Rih Spirit King”).

Spiritual Significance & Traditions

According to the Mizo-Chin beliefs, every soul must first arrive at Rih Lake before continuing to the afterlife. There are two key spiritual rites:

• The soul must drink from Longlotui, a sacred spring that erases past-life memories.
• The soul must wear Hoilopar, a symbolic flower that marks the transition into the next realm.

Due to these beliefs, annual spiritual ceremonies are held at Rih Lake, where visitors pay tribute by offering coins and flowers into the water to honor their ancestors.

Unique Aspects of Rih Lake

• It is the only heart-shaped lake in the world.
• It is one of Myanmar’s highest-altitude lakes, standing over 1,900 feet above sea level.
• During winter, when temperatures in Hakha drop below freezing (-3°C), Rih Lake's waters remain warm—a phenomenon yet to be scientifically explained.
• Despite having no visible water inflow from streams or rivers, the lake’s water level remains consistent throughout the year, adding to its mystery.

A Must-Visit Destination

Rih Lake is more than just a scenic natural wonder—it is a place of spiritual reverence, cultural significance, and mesmerizing beauty. Whether drawn by its legend, its tranquility, or its unique heart-shaped form, visitors will find Rih Lake to be a truly mystical and unforgettable destination in the heart of Myanmar’s Chin Hills. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ref: Social PTO:CRD