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Tourist Places in Arunachal Pradesh |
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| Tuesday, 18 March 2008 | |
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History of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal
Pradesh, a serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India. The land
stretches from the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas to their peaks, invites
you to relax in its picturesque hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate
and meet its simple and hospitable people, with their glorious heritage of arts
and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the
inexorable . Arunachal is one of the most sparsely populated states of India,
bordered by China, Bhutan and Myanmar. There are five major rivers - Kameng,
Subansiri, Siang (later the Brahmaputra in Assam), Lohit and Tirap and the
mountain ranges follow the river systems. The state is the home of the complex
mix of various communities, who are friendly, colourful and simple people. The
rich flora ranges from the Alpine to the subtropical, from rhododendrons to
orchids. Its verdant forests, tumultuous streams, condescending mountains and
snow clad peaks make it a unique destination.
The Land has got a mythological importance and the widely scattered
archeological remains at different places bears testimony to its rich cultural
heritage. The arts and colourful festivals are carried through ages. The strong
faith on age old traditional beliefs and power of nature is still evident.
Arunachal Pradesh is considered to be the Nature 's treasure house and home to
orchids, known for their elegantly beautiful blooms, from one of the leading
region with more than six hundred species, growing in different elevations and
climatic conditions throughout the state.
The age old monasteries and gumphas, sacred lakes, ruins of forts &
palaces, beautiful and ever smiling people with graceful hospitality will greet
you, throughout your sojourn in the state.
Tourist Places in Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang
Tawang, the land of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribes with centuries-old
monastery, Dragon gates, hundred pristine lakes and numerous waterfalls,
situated high up in the misty-eyed Eastern Himalaya. Savouring its wonderful
isolation. The true beauty lies in the unpampered vistas, serenity of its
lakes, restlessness of brooks, and the spiritual fragrance and ever smiling
people.
The soggy, rocky mountains, snowcapped summits and old Monasteries looming
large in the skyline, are the real treasures of the place. The township stands
on the spur of a hill over 12,000 ft. above the sea level. It is the major
centre of the Mahayana Buddhist and the headquarter of Tawang district.
Tawang Monastery
Tawang is famous for its 400 years old Buddhist
Monastery locally called Gumpha.It is the fountainhead of spiritual life of the
followers of the Gellupa sect of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. The Tawang
Monastery is associated with the famous Torgva festival which is held in the
eleventh Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah during Dec-Jan as per the
Buddhist Calendar. The Tibetan influence here is unmistakable, with the
elaborately painted wooden windows and other motifs. Prayer flags flutter in
the breeze outside. There is an 8 meter high gilded statue of Lord Buddha here.
A must visit is the craft centre which produces very fine woolen carpets of
colourful designs and masks.
Around Tawang
Se La Pass, Lies on the way to Tawang .The World's Second highest Pass, the
Sela Pass at 4,125 meter, which runs through a small ridge and along a placid
lake called the Paradise Lake , in India. The highest pass of the state of
Arunachal Pradesh and the third highest of the world is a wonderful place to
visit .
Pakang Teng Tso Lake, the spectacular lake lies at about 17km from Tawang and a
dazzling example of the hidden treasure amidst the vast green vegetation.
Urgelling Monastery: The birth place of Tsangyang Gyasto, the sixth Dalai Lama
of a Monpa Mother, and belonging to Nyingmapa sect is situated at a distance of
5km from Tawang.
Bomdila
The headquarters of West Kameng district is situated at a height of 2,530
metres. Offers spectacular panoramic views of Himalayan landscapes and snow
clad mountains. Bomdila, lies amidst apple orchards, wild orchids, forests and
cascading waterfalls. This area has had strong Tibetan and Buddhist influences
over many centuries and hence there are many Buddhist monasteries called
'Gumphas' here. There is a craft centre here which produces very fine carpets
of colourful designs and masks. Other places of interest here are apple
orchards and the Ethnographic Museum .
Around Bomdila
Bhalukpong a beautiful picnic spot was the capital of Bhaluka, the grandson of
King Bana. This beautiful place lies at 64km from Tezpur on the foot of Aka
Hills (Arunachal Pradesh). The remains of the fortification of the kings are
still visible. The hot spring, a big orchid garden at Tipi and the unspoiled
beauty of nature, is the priced possession of the place. Jia-bharali River
passing through the place is angler's paradise. This picturesque spot lies on
the way to Bomdila and is the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, from the south
west.
Tipi, Asia's largest orchidarium, the Orchid Research Centre is located here in
the West Kameng district. The Orchid centre on the bank of river Bharali,
surrounded by evergreen forest has more than 500 species of orchids. On display
are some of the finest species with names like the Dainty Lady's Slipper or the
more formal sounding Dendrobium. Arunachal has the largest range of orchids in
India and at Tipi; scientists are creating new, hybrid species using the latest
techniques of bio technology. Buses are also available from Bomdila and
Bhalukpong.
Dirang is the sub-divisional headquarters in West Kameng districts; situated in
between Bomdila and Tawang. Of interest are Apple orchards, yak breeding farms,
a few kilometers from Dirang and hot springs where people go for a holy dip to
wash away sins and diseases and Kalachakra Gompa. Ideal for Trekking and
hiking. Recommended clothing is heavy woolen in winter and light woolen in
inclement weather and cotton in summer.
Itanagar
A modern settlement built in the vicinity of the ruins of a medieval capital.
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh, it is a beautiful historic city, also known
as 'the Land of the Dawnlit Mountains '. It is located to the east of Tawang
and has been identified with Mayapur, a city of the 14th or 15th century A.D.
Itafort is a historical fort situated at the heart of the capital complex in
Papum Pare District. It is a fort of irregular shape, built mainly with bricks.
Total brick work is of 16,200 cubic meters, length. There are three gates on
three sides viz; Eastern, Western, and Southern which is said to be built by
Ahoms. It is estimated that more than 80 lakhs of bricks, 45 cubic meters of
stone and 46,300 mandays were required to build the fort. Besides this, other
places of interest are the Buddhist Monastery , Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial
Museum , and Emporium and Ganga Lake where boating facilities are available.
Around Itanagar
Naharlagun, situated at a distance of 10km from Itanagar, is a twin town of
Itanagar. One can visit the Zoo, Craft Centre, and Polo Park. The place is
ideal for trekking, hiking, boating and canoeing on the River Ganga and angling
on the River Dikrong.
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