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About Arunachal Pradesh...
Arunachal Pradesh, a veritable treasure house of nature, tucked away in the north eastern tip of India , invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and vales encircled on three sides by Bhutan, China and Myanmar. Come to Arunachal Pradesh to revel in nature in its full splendour. Enjoy the salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable Participate in the colorful festivals that reflect the ancient faith of several tribes who have been harmoniously living in the cradle of nature since time immemorial. Visit places of worship and pilgrimage such as Parasuram Kund and the 400 year old Buddhist Monastery at Tawang or take a trip to the sites of archeological excavations like Malinithan and Itafort. Go angling, boating, rafting, trekking, and visit the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that dot the state. You could pick and choose from five distinct fields of interest- Cultural, Adventure, Nature, Heritage and Art and Craft.
The largest state in the north east that covers an area of 83,743 sq.km with evergreen forests covering more than 82 percent of the state. Average rainfall of above 3000 mm per year and climate variation from the sub – tropical in the south to Alpine in the north. Inhabited by 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes. Thinnest population density in the country with only 13 persons per sq. km. Home to more than 500 varieties of orchids.
Places To Visit...
Bhalukpong
(56 Kms from Tezpur & 213m above msl) is the entry point to Arunachal. It is famous for Archaeological ruins of King Bhaluka, an ancient ruler of the region. A historical fort of 10th-12th Century AD is situated in the foothills of the region.The stone remains of the fort can be seen. Some of the important remains of the capital of King Bhaluka and his grandson Bana of Mahabharata fame have been preserved which speak of its earlier glory.
Sessa
(24 Km from Tipi on the way to Bomdila) A natural orchid sanctuary amidst chirping birds spread over 10sqKm. Over 2600 Orchids representing 80 species have been cultivated in natural surroundings. It is an exemplary effort of natural resource conservation.
Bomdila:
(109 Km from Bhalukpong & 2700m above msl) is the Headquarter of West Kameng District and home of the Aka(Hrusso), Miji(Sajalong), Monpa, Sherdukpen, and Bogun(Khawas) tribes. Craft centre, Monasteries, Ethnographic Museum, Emporium etc. are worth visiting. One can also watch various snow clad mountain peaks from Bomdila including a bird’s eye view of Kangto and Gorichen Peaks, the highest peak of the state.
Dirang
(42 Kms from Bomdila &1497m above msl) Hot water springs where people take bath for curing skin ailments, Apple and Kiwi orchards, National Yak Research and Breeding Centre at Nigmadung, Sheep Breeding Farm and Sangti Valley where Siberian black necked storks visit during winter are the places worth visiting.
Sela Pass
(45 Kms from Dirang & 4114m above msl) On the way to Tawang, Sela Pass is the world’s second highest motorable pass at 14000 ft with a high altitude serene crystal blue water natural lake. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscape is a dream come true feeling.
Nurannang
(12 Kms from Sela Pass) is home to Coldwater Snow and rainbow Trout Fish Hatchery where one can go fishing in the chilly waters.
Jaswant Garh
( 4 Kms from Nuranang) A memorial for Veer Jaswant Singh of the 4th Garhwal Rifles, the recipient of the Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) who alone stopped the Chinese Army for 72 hours during the 1962 aggression, is a place where patriotic emotions of all find a natural expression.
Tawang:
(183 Kms from Bomdila & 3500 m above msl) has a unique historic perspective mixed with natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges and Tawang chu River and Valley.Tawang is an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism famous for Tawang Monastery of the Gelukpa founded by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso during the 17th century, and a contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama. This is the second largest Monastery in Asia and the largest one of its kind in the country which controls 17 Gompas in the region. The most imposing part of the Monastery is the three storied assembly hall which houses the temple and the 28 ft high Golden statue of Buddha.The monastery has a big library having an impressive collection of ancient books and manuscripts where the famous Buddhist scriptures Kangyur and Tangyur inscribed in gold are preserved.
Tiger Hill:
Situated at an altitude of 2,590m (8,482 ft.) and 13-km from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.
Phalut & Sandakphu:
A week's smallest-trip of Phalut and Sandakphu will get one within reach of the high peaks; for the onlooker it affords a more spectacular panorama than at Tiger Hill. Giant flowering Rhododendron trees, a pointillism of reds pinks and whites Dwarfs comprise of the en route trail. On attaining heights of over 3,048m, one is surrounded by skeletal trees devoid of leaves and branches, which are especially eerie when the clouds roll in and envelop the area.
Pashupati:
Further afield, in Pashupati on the Nepal border, one can purchase foreign goods at reasonable prices, view wildlife such as the endangered one-horned Rhino, Deer, Gaur, and wild boar while seated atop an Elephant's back at Jaldapara Game Park; learn of the Lepcha legend at the confluence of the Teesta and Ranjeet Rivers; relive Kalimpong's past glory as a trading post by visiting the market filled with traditional Tibetan medicine, spices, musk, wool and silk; or for the truly adventurous-hire some ponies and a crew and take to the hills.
Kurseong:
Kurseong is mid-way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then one can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.
Mirik:
Mirik is 52-km from Siliguri and 55-km from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. Mirik is being developed as a new hill station in the mountains. Tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations surround Mirik. It has all the facilities to fulfill the needs of a tourist.
Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri:
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. Kalimpong:
Kalimpong is within Darjeeling province and is a sub-division of Darjeeling. It is a small but bustling town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal - Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1,250m. This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it settled down with West Bengal.
Batasia Loop, Darjeeling
This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a very good market where you can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by the local women at very reasonable price.
Happy Valley Estate, Darjeeling
We all start our day with tea but we seldom know how the tea is processed. Here one can watch the tea from the gardens being processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.
Natural History Museum, Darjeeling
A great place to be at, for all those who have great interest in knowing about the history.The museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen . Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various stones are displayed in a very attractive manner in the museum.
Kanchenjunga View, Darjeeling
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.
Darjeeling Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden of Darjeeling houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is the only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers.
Observatory Hills, Darjeeling
This point provides one of the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with the colorful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some them are very aggressive.
Botanical Gardens, Darjeeling
This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. This place is near the Darjeeling taxi stand. The gardens also has a green house.
Bhutia Busty Monasteries, Darjeeling
Founded in 1879, this monastery follows the Vajrayana school of both Kargyud and Nijingmapa order, known as red hat.
Samten Choling Monasteries, Darjeeling
This Monasteries belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the yellow hat. This is the seat of ven. Dromo Geshe rinpoche, the second. A 26 ft. tall stupa has been built recently in memory of Lama Anagarika Govinda, a great scholar from Germany well known for his book on Buddhism.
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