Tuesday 17 April 2012

"arunachall" the land of landscapes


1. Tezpur-Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang Tourist Circuit.

The circuit covers a distance of 350Km starting from Tezpur, the Headquarter of Sonitpur district in Assam to the 17th century Monastery built on a jutting spur overlooking the wide Tawang valley at an altitude of 10,000 ft.

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.
The mighty river Kameng after completing all turbulent courses enters Bhalukpong in a serene flow which provides rare opportunity of adventure tourism and a beautiful picnic spot.

Tipi: (5 Kms from Bhalukpong) is a botanical paradise of the state. It is home to about 450 species of orchids. Some of them are rare and endangered species. There is an orchid museum too. Water falls and its natural beauty are other attractions.

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.

Urgyelling is the birth place of Thangyang Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama and another sacred place. Bramadung Chung/Sengsarbu Ani Gompa, Gyanggong Ani Gompa are nunneries/ monasteries run by nuns. The Ani Gompas are among the oldest of such type in the country.

Tawang is also famous for beautiful natural Lakes, like the
Sangetsar Lake with splendid natural beauty of the surroundings. It is home to snow pigeons and musk deers. PTso Lake is surrounded by a picturesque landscape.

Other important places to see in and around Tawang are the War Memorial, Craft Centre and local markets.
2. Tezpur-Seijosa(Pakhui)-Bhalukpong-Tipi-Tezpur Tourist Circuit.(65 Km fromTezpur)

This circuit takes one to the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary one of the largest sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh located in the East Kameng district with Forest Divisional headquarter at Seijosa .Seijosa is a small but beautiful Sub- Divisional Administrative Headquarter located on thebanks of Pakhui (Pakke) river. It is a hot spot for picnickers. The wildlife sanctuary spreads over an area of 861.95 sq km and has been declared as a Project Tiger Reserve (Pakke Tiger reserve). Some of the major wildlife species found in the sanctuaries are tiger, elephant, gaur, sambar, barking deer, leopard, hornbill etc.



3. Itanagar-Ziro-Daporijo-Along-Pasighat Tourist Circuit.

Itanagar (capital of Arunachal Pradesh) has a rich mixture of archeological sites of great historical value and built up resources and institutions of great socio-cultural significance.

Itafort, ‘the fort of bricks’ from which the State capital derives its name, is situated in the heart of the capital complex. The fort has an irregular shape, built mainly with bricks dating back to the 14th-15th Century. The total brickwork is of 16,200 cubic metre lengths which have been identified by some scholars with Mayapur of Ramachandra, a king of the Jitari Dynasty.

Gekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake) is a beautiful natural lake locally known as Gekar Sinyi (Confined
water) surrounded by landmass of hard rock.

Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has a rich collection of textiles, weaponry, household articles and handicrafts items reflecting the tribal
culture and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

Craft Centre & Emporium at Itanagar is worth visiting where one can see and buy local artifacts like Wall painting, traditional costumes made of natural vegetable and herbal dye yarns, and attractive utility items made of cane and bamboo.

Zoological Park (Zoo) at Chimpu houses a variety of faunaincluding avi-faunal species

Indira Gandhi Park at Itanagar .

Polo Park a small botanical garden located on top of a ridge at Naharlagun (the twin capitalcity) are places worth visiting.

Akash Deep Market & Legi Complex are typical small town shopping complexes.

Ziro(167Km from Itanagar) is a beautiful plateau and headquarter of Lower Subansiri District bounded on all sides by picturesque hillssituated at an altitude of 5000 ft. The place has an imposing landscape ofbeautiful lush green forest, rivulets and elevated patches. It is famous forPaddy-cum pisciculture cultivation which attracts many a tourist from different corners of the country. The area is renowned for the terrace paddy fields where the unique system of poly-culture and water management of the Apatanis is practiced.

Talley Valley (30 Kms from Hapoli old Ziro) is a rich habitat of many unique and endangered plants and wildlife. Talley Valley Reserved Forest and Talley Wildlife sanctuary is situated at an elevated level with rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing and Subansiri flowing through the Reserved Forest and Sanctuary. It is home to highly endangered species like clouded leopard. Pleioblastus simone is a bamboo variety only found in Talley Valley.

Shivling at Kardo Hills. The serene hills of kardo is home to one of the largest shivalinga measuring 25 ft in height and 22 ft in circumference unearthed in the recent past.

Daporijo (327Km from Itanagar& 160Km from Ziro) isheadquarter of Upper Subansiri district situated by the side of the Subansiri river. The small town is endowed with scenic beauty. One can see suspension bridges over Subansiri river made from bamboo and cane- a testimony of rich tribal craftsmanship. Sigem-Daporijo Reserve Forest, Kamala Reserve Forest with its faunal and avi-faunal diversity is worth seeing. Subansiri river is ideal for river rafting, angling and picnic. Museum and Craft Centre are places which could hold your interest.


Menga Cave is a natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a famous place of worship which draws large number of visitors and pilgrims especially during Makar Sankranti and Shivrati.

Aalo(297Km from Itanagar&300m above msl) The Headquarter of West Siang District is situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of Sipu and Siyom rivers against the backdrop of verdant hills. Aalo is one of the oldest towns with a strong educational set up. Patum Bridge over Yomgo River, Museum and Donyi-Polo Dere are the places of tourist attraction. It is an ideal place for trekking, hiking and angling

Likabali(160Km from Itanagar) a Sub Division Headquarter of West Siang District is one of the most widely known and important archaeological site in the State. It is also the entry point to Arunachal from Silapathar in Dhemaji district of Assam.

Malinithan, a place of relics on stones with ruins of temples and valuable sculptures is associated with the mythological legend of Lord Krishna. The site has a temple ruin dating back to 10th & 14th century AD of rich sculptural and architectural value. Beautifully designed and decorated basement of temple, divine images, icons and deities- animal motifs and floral designs, carved columns and panels have been unearthed. It is believed that on the way to Dwarka from Bhismaknagar, Krishna & Rukmini rested here and they were offered choicest flowers by Goddesss Parvati. Malinithan was a cultural centre of north-east India in the remote past.



4. Doimukh-Sagalee-Pake Kessang-Seppa Tourist Circuit

Doimukh (25Km from Itanagar) is situated on the left bank of river Pare and can be seen from the capital complex . Rajiv Gandhi University is situated on a hill top called Rono Hill.

Sagalee (112 K m from Itanagar) is a Sub - Divisional HQ and is situated in a beautiful valley with eye catching natural landscape. The age old tradition and culture of Nyishi Tribe can be a wonderful experience for the tourists.

Pake kessang is a beautiful natural valley. Papum Reserve Forest has a wide floral and fauna diversity.

Seppa(412Km from Itanagar) the headquarter of East Kameng district is a beautiful town located in a valley on the banks of the Kameng river. District Museum, District Craft Centre and Library are attractions for the tourists.




5. Ziro-Palin-Nyapin-Sangram-Koloriang Tourist Circuit.

Palin & Nyapin are beautiful hill stations worth visiting for enjoying high mountains and colourful tradition and culture of the Nyishi community of Kurung Kumey District.


Sangram is a beautiful hill station. River Paging, tributary of kurung river meanders through this natural scenic landscape.The place is ideally located

Koloriang, the headquarter of kurung kumey district is a picturesque hill station. One can enjoy colourful culture of the Nyishi community of kurung kumey district.


6. Daporijo-Taliha-Siyum-Nacho Tourist Circuit.

Taliha Siyum & Nacho all the three destinations are located on the hill slopes by the side of the Subansiri river. It gives immense pleasure for adventure seekers while driving from Daporijo, the district HQ of upper Subansiri to Nacho all along the Subansiri river. The natural settings are the best for white water sports and other adventure activities.



7. Along-Mechuka Tourist Circuit.

Mechuka a Sub-divisional headquarter, is a quaint town with a picturesque valley near the Indo-Tibet border. One can get a great view of snow covered mountain peaks and snow fall during the winter. Mechuka Lake is a high altitude natural lake with pristine natural beauty. One can see the Buddhist Monastery (Samtem Yongcha of Mahayana sect) one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Arunachal situated on a hill top overlooking the valley.



8. Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkiong-Tuting Tourist Circuit.


Pasighat (270Km from Itanagar) headquarter of East Siang district and the oldest administrative center of erstwhile NEFA, is situated on the banks of the mighty river Siang, the main tributary of Brahmaputra and bounded by snowclad peaks, Rocky mountains and a variety of flora & fauna. This circuit offers a unique opportunity for anyone who loves nature.


Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary(13Km from Pasighat) is spread over a cluster of river islands. A cruise through the Siang river is the only way to reach the sanctuary. The unique ecosystem combining the terrestrial and the aquatic phase is the natural habitat of different species of birds including the sojourns made by migratory birds like cranes, wild ducks, storks, waterfowls, etc, from Siberia and Mongolia during September to February each year.The sanctuary is a veritable delight to amateur and professional ornithologists. The forest islands are home to hog deer, hispid hare, wild buffalo, Sambars, elephants and other rainforest macro and micro fauna.

Siang River which originates from Tibet and forms the main flow of the mighty Brahmaputra is a socio-cultural poetry with a unique personification of its own. Many rapids on the Siang river have been a prime attraction for River rafting and water sports. The challenging expedition begins at Tuting in Upper Siang. The river runs through the gorges of Nigguing and Marmon, both, with their thick forest covering, reaching up to the heavens. It negotiates the finest big volume white water in an area, which is often rated as one of the most inaccessible in the world-just getting to the jump-off point takes a journey of four days by boat and jeep. The self-contained 180-km run from Tuting to Pasighat includes a 10-mile stretch of massive rapids with names such as Moing Madness, Zebra Rock and Pulsating Palìsi. But there are calmer moments on the river where one can just float along with the current. The adrenaline rush is high and you’ll be able to dine out for months on the tales you take back home. Abundance of rich aquatic life has attracted anglers again and again.


Mouling National Park (Jengging)(195Km from Pasighat) is in the Upper Siang district, covering an area of 483 sq. kms. Lush green vegetation and home to some rare wildlife such as Takins, Serow, Goral, Clouded Leopard, Black bear, Leopard, Red Panda, etc. During winter, large number of migratory birds are seen in this park. River Siang in this region is at the height of natural and scenic beauty. Meandering through the mighty Himalayas, it provides beautiful landscapes and natural beauty.

Kekar Monying (Black Rock) is in the East Siang District. It is one of the important places of the state where memorials have been erected of Adis who fought with the British at this site on 4th December 1911 and died a heroic death. A stone cliff stands 50metres high with about 500 metres in length.

Komsing: Here the British had erected an epitaph/memorial stone of Sir N. Willamson who was killed by Narmi Manmur Jamoh. There is also a long and high suspension bridge constructed by the British.

Yingkiong(180Km from Pasighat) is the headquarter of Upper Siang district situated amidst beautiful land scape and natural beauty.

Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve covers a part of Jengging, Tuting, Gelling and Singa in Upper Siang district and Mippi and Anini in Dibang Valley district. The Biosphere covers 5111.5sqKm with great altitudinal variation from 500 to 16000 ft height leading to snow clad peaks and glacial lakes. It accommodates 8 forest types viz. sub-tropical broad leaved, sub-tropical pine, temperate broad leaved, temperate conifer, sub-alpine scrubs, alpine pastures, bamboo groves and grasslands. It is one of the identified bio-diversity hot spots in the country.

The triangle, Gelling-Tuting-Singa constitutes the ‘Pemako Zone’ of the Tibetan form of Buddhism with small hamlets of the lamas amidst serene natural environment. The Gompas and Buddhist shrines have golden Buddha statues, old scrolls and other traditional artifacts of the Tibetanform of Buddhism.



9. Tinsukia-Tezu -Hayuliang Tourist Circuit.

This circuit starts from Tinsukia in Assam to Namsai and Tezu in Lohit district and Hayuliang in Anjaw district of Aruanchal Pradesh. The entry point in Arunachal is at Dirak.

Namsai is a Sub-Divisional headquarter famous for several Buddhist Viharas in the Khampti settlement area locally called ‘Chong’. The Chong of Namsai and Manmao are major centres of Theravada sect in the State. Namsai Reserve Forest has both tropical and sub-tropical characteristics.


with lush dense green vegetation and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The natural beauty and biodiversity of Piyong Reserve forest is worth visiting.

Chowkham is the nodal point for Manabahum and Tengapani Reserve Forest with floral and faunal diversity.

Wakro is in the hub of Kamlang Reserve Forest and Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary with dense forest and wide floral and faunal diversity. The Sanctuary is home to hollock gibbon, tiger,takin etc,. Glow Lake is a unique example of high altitude lake with breathtaking scenic beauty, offering immense scope for adventure tourism.

Parasuram Kund is situated within the Kamlang Reserve Forest area. The Kund is surrounded by dense forest of Ruddhraksha trees, the fruit of which is considered sacred to Hindu ascetics as well as general believers of the faith. This place on the Lohit River carries a strong mythological link with the legend of Parsurama, a Hindu sage. According to the legend recorded in the Kalika Purana, Srimat Bhagawata and the Mahabharata, sage Parsurama washed away his sin of matricide in the waters of the Lohit river at Bramhakund. Each year thousands of pilgrims from all over the country congregate onMakar Sankranti day, to wash away their sins. A fair (mela) is held during this period.

Hawa Camp is on the way to Tezu where one can enjoy the panoramic view of the magnificent Lohit valley and sunrise and sun set view from this point.


Roing is a picturesque town in a valley by the side of the mighty Dibang River. Nehru Van Udyan, a beautiful forest park on the riverbank at Deopani has a well maintained garden and an orchidium. Orange gardens against undulating landscape on the way from Roing to Bismaknagar, Baily bridge on Deopani river, Tribal villages of the Idu Mishmi community are other places of interest.

Mayudia (56Km from Roing) is a unique hill resort situated at an altitude of about 8000 ft amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes which provide a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the landscape. The place wears a tranquility of its own and the view of snow-capped mountains adds serenity to its environment. The ascending drive from Roing to Mayudia along the winding twelve-necked point (Baro Golai) of the road provides a sense of adventure as well as close encounter with nature.


Bhismaknagar (30Km from Roing) is the oldest archaeological and mythological site in Arunachal Pradesh. The ruins of the ‘Hill Fort’ made up of burnt bricks dates back to 12th century A.D. The fortress extends over an area of about 10sqKm and has an elongated,

Tezu is the head quarter of Lohit District located amidst beautiful landscape by the side of the flowing Lohit river.

Hayuliang has a breathtaking landscape and natural beauty at the confluence of Lohit and Delai rivers.

Walong : One can enjoy the medicinal waters of the hot springs. There stands a War memorial at Walong in memory of the officers and Soldiers of the India Army who laid their lives fighting the Chinese Army.

Dong: Dong valley is the place where the first Sunrise of the country can be witnessed. It is located on the tri-junction of India,China and Myanmar. Angling in River Lohit is ideal.

Contact


10. Dibrugarh- Roing- Mayudia-Anini Tourist Circuit.

This circuit begins at Dibrugarh in Assam to Roing, the headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley District. semi circular shape. The fort was excavated during 1969-1973 which yielded terracotta plaques, decorative tiles, potteries, terracotta figurines etc. The artifacts throw light on the rich history of the area. Bhismaknagar finds reference in Bhagawat Gita and the Mahabharata. The Idu Mishmi tribe is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, King Bhismaka’daughter and it is believed that Rukmini belonged to this tribe. Popular legends and traditions identify the ruins of the fort as the site of the capital of Raja Bhismaka.

Hunli (90 kms from Roing on the way to Anini) is a quaint town situated in the picturesque scenic valley. Cave temple at Kupuli near Hunli is a sacred place of worship for the tribes of the region. The drive from Roing to Hunli through the well maintained black topped road provides thrill and eye catching scenic beauty.

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake (17 Km from Roing) is spread over an area of 281.5sqKm with varying altitude from 400m to 3368m above msl. It is home to some rare species like wild duck,takin,hollock gibbon, tiger, leopard, red panda, elephant etc,. A vast Lake covering an area of about 4 Sq. Km forms part of the sanctuary. The surroundings of the lake are extremely rich in flora and fauna. Water of the lake is absolutely crystal clear and a walk around this natural lake is a divine pleasure.


Sally Lake resort is 3km from Roing and forms a part of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a natural lake surrounded by thick vegetation. The lake overlooks a beautiful valley.




11. Margherita-Miao-Namdapha Tourist Circuit.

This circuit begins from Margherita in Assam and entry point in Arunachal is at Namchik.

Miao is a Sub-Division headquarter with splendid natural beauty of Noa-Dihing river and green surroundings. There is a Mini Zoo where some important faunal species are housed representing the local diversity. The Forest Museum is a store house of information on forest resources of the state and the region. The Wildlife Library has an excellent collection of books, documents and records on wildlife in the State. The Tibetan Refugee Camp is worth a visit and where colourful woolen carpets of various designs are produced.

Namdhapa National Park is the 15th Tiger Reserve in the country spread over 1985 sqkm. It is the only National Park in the country where four of the felines (tiger, the leopard, the snow leopard and clouded leopard) are found. Bison, Samber and barking deer and a variety of snakes inhabit the park. Another unique feature of this park is that the park covers a wide range of altitude from 200m to 4500m. The upper reaches remain covered with snow during the major part of the year. The Noa-Dihing River meanders through the forest fed by numerous tributaries and has a rich variety of aquatic life. The National Park is also home to a large variety of butterflies and has more than 150 timber species and some of the rare species of medicinal plants like Mishmi Teeta.