A Travel Blog

At a Glance:— capital—Itanagar, Area:— 83743 square Kilometers, Population— 1091117, only 0.11% of total population of India. Male— 573951, Female: — 517166. 13 persons live per square kilometre. Female 901 against each 1000 male. In area it is 14^th and in population it is 26^th in India. Rate of literacy 54.74%, 29% Hindus, 14% Buddhists, 4% Christians, 1% Muslim and other 52% have no religion. Growth of population from 1991-2001—26.21%. Main language — Manpa, Aka, Mizi, Khamti. Apart from these there are hundreds of tribal languages. In all Government departments English is used. Side by side, Bangla, Asomia and Hindi is in vogue. Rice is their staple food.

Weather is different in winter, summer and in rainy season. Rainfall at Kameng 33, Subansiri 266, Siang 229, Lohit 393 and in Tirap 370 inches. Temperature at Kameng 0.5 degree – 23.3 degree, Subasiri-2.2 degree- 28.5 degree, Siang 3.1 degree – 33.0 degree, Lohit 4.7degree—37.3 degree celseus Tirap 9.1 degree—31.2 degree. The state has 5 aerodrams, but no air service is permitted.

For foreigners—To obtain Restricted area permit is mandatory. Application to be submitted to the Secretary, ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India(F.1) Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi—110001, Ph—011-22619709.

Domestic tourists are required to obtain ILP by applying to joint Secretary ( Political) Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar or Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Kautilya Marg, New Delhi ph—23013956.

Description of the state in details: — It is the land of dawn-lit mountains; in other words it may be called the land of the rising sun. In the long past, it was called by the name of Udaigiri and Udayachal. It is the biggest state in North East India. Though the density of population is the lowest. It is bounded by Myanmar in the East, by Tibet and China in the north and in the west it is bounded by Bhutan. The river Brahmaputra originating from China and entered Arunachal Pradesh and started flowing the north to south direction.

The River Brahmaputra is known as Sang Po in Tibet. In Arunachal Pradesh three rivers namely Siang, Diang and Lohit have joined with one another and become Brahmaputra. The river Brahmaputra in Bangladesh has become Jamuna. Kameng, subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap. These rivers, water of which is as white as crystal, have been flowing in Arunachal Pradesh. In National interest the state is not open to all. It is a hidden land. Different episodes of the Mahabharata are heard in the state. Arunachal is state of Skyscraper Himalayas; state covered with aborigin forests, a state of wild animals of rare species, a state of purely tribal, the state is called a paradise of orchids also. In 1948 the present Geographical area was given the name of North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). NEFA took a new name Arunachal Pradesh in 1972. In 1987 it became a full fledged state of Indian Union. Itanagar is its headquarters

The whole of state is mountainous, covered with deep green forests. Herbs and shrubs of rare variety are in plenty in the state. 62% of the land is covered with forests. The main source of income is forest wealth and agriculture. In summer, a large numbers of flowers and more than 500 varieties of orchids are found in the state. Tipi, a place is famous in the world for its garden of orchids. Thousands of kinds of Birds are found in the state. Manpa – Nokte – Aka – Apatani – Adi – Miri – Wangchu – Mismi – Tansa – Khampati – tribes of Mongolian origin live in the state. There are 20 prominent communities of tribes in the state and non- prominent is not less than 62. 79% of the population belongs to schedule tribe group. They use more than 60 tribal languages. Hindi is used as the bridge among them. Attire, religious rituals are different. They treat the visitors very sincerely. Their complexion is beautiful. Arunachal may be called as heaven of tourism. They worship nature. They are vaishabs and Buddhists. Till now no influence of the Christianity is perceptible in the state. Mithun, a cross breed of cow and buffalo, is their God. The most important thing is to note that they are free from terrorism and conflict. The state is also famous for handicrafts. Furniture and other things made of cane and bamboo fetch a lot of money to the state. The state has no railway network. There are several airports but no aircraft lands. Road connectivity is progressing rapidly. 7401 kilometres carpeted rods are the main system of communication.

Bomdila: — Nearest Airport is Tezpur 160 kilometers away. Nearest Railway station is Bhalukpong, 100 kilometers away. Buses ply to Bombila from Tezpur. Buses also ply from Guwahati. It is situated 2530 metres above sea level. Road from Tezpur to Bombila is very beautiful,. The road has gone through the dense forest, by the side of the Kameng River which plays hide and seek with the road. On way to Bombila a tourist will find Sonai- Rupai sanctuary before reaching Bhalukpong chechpost where a tourist is required to show his/her Inner Line Permit. Bombila is foggy. The place is chilly. During December to March snow falls here. The splendid Himalayas wrapped in snow is very charming to look at. The place is famous for its natural sights and sounds. The mountain goes up as like as staircases here. All the houses are in the shape of villa. Monpa tribes live here. Their custom is that they neither cremate nor burn the dead, rather they cut the dead into hundred pieces and float them in river. Buddhist upper Monastery and lower monastery are here. Art and craft center is near the market. At the lower part of Bombila there are District museum, Library and Apple Garden. Here a great collection of cherry flowers can be seen. Tensing Gang is the Tibetan colony. Bombila pass is nearby from where snow peak, Indo China Border and MCmohan line can be seen. In 1962 China occupied Bombila and advanced more interior upto Fut Hills on way to Misamari near Tezpur. April and May and September and October is the best time to tour.

Taqwang: — STD Code—03794. There is a circuit house, a Dak Bungalow and a P.W.D. Information Bungalow at Tawang. For booking please contact Deputy Commissioner Towang Telephone 222221. Near market, you will find Tourist Lodge of Arunachal Pradesh Government (T) 222359. At bus stand there are several hotels. Some of them are H. Buddha ph—222954, Tawang Inn ph—224096, H. Dungphu ph—223765 and H. Gangchin ph—224243.

The meaning of the word Tawang is “bless of horse”. Tawang is famous for its natural beauties. It is 180 kilometers away from Bomdila. Monpa tribes live here. Tibetan scripts they use though pronunciation is different. Until 1914 Tawang had been under the rule of Lassa.

AP transport buses ply to Tawang on every alternate day from Bomdiala. Private Night super buses also ply to tawang from Tezpur on every alternate day. The road from Bomdila to Tawang has gone via Dirang town which is 37 kilometers North West off Bomdila. The buses have to ascend a pass 9500 feet above sea level. In the shadows of pine tress Dirang town is situated on the bank of Dirang River. Apple gardens, Buddhist Monastries, orchids and Eark Research center are places worth visiting. Mithun is their domestic animal. There is a hot water spring here. Different diseases are cured if one baths in its hot water. There is a sheep breeding center at Dirang, at the feet of Sangti Mountain. It is better to stay at Dirang for one night. Indescribable beauty of nature is found at Sangti and at Baishakhi. Away from Baishakhi the war – memorial has been erected in the memory of those soldiers who sacrificed themselves for their mother land in the war against China in 1962 at a place 4331 meters above sea – level. The snow wrapped Sela Top has to be passed on this route. One Kilometre long Sela Lake is very beautiful. It is called Paradise Lake. Ice floats in its water. Rivulet comes down from Sela Top. There is a trot hatchery at Nuranamang. Agriculture activities are being carried out on the slopes of the Mountains. Yak is found at Sela. Shiv temple and Buddhist mountain caves welcome you here. This road leads you to Chinese Border. No permission to reach Bomla which borders India with China.

Tawang, 3048 above sea level, is famous for its nature beauty. To have a clear picture of nature, a visitor should go to Gelu where Tawang Monastry is situated. Tawang Monastry was built by Monpa lama Loore Gyaltse. Its previous name was Namgyel Lhalse. It is the second most ancient and in India it is the biggest Monastery. Here 500 Lamas can stay. A 26 feet long Image of Buddha is worshipped here. Innumerable idols Frescos and pictures have adorned the Monastery. Coiling and walls of the Monastery are decorated with the biography of Buddha. The library can boast of Tibetan books. Buddha’s message and advices are explained in those Tibetan books. The legend has it that, the Lama started on horse back to select a place for building a monastery. His horse stopped at Tawang. The monastery came into being at Tawang. In the 8^th centaury the Lama Padmasambha sowed the seed of Buddhism at Tawang. The sixth Dalai Lama was born here.

On way to Tawang Monastery, near the village Jang, the turbulent spring comes down from the mountain. 12 kilometers away from Tawang, Aanki cave is situated. This cave is more than 350 years old. This cave is maintained by female monks. Snow falls here from November to March. Chilly weather dominates. At regular intervals temperature goes down to freezing point. No cloud is seen in the sky of Tawang. Yearly festival takes place in January.

Gorgeous mask dance by Lamas, Folk dance of Monpas are famous. Crystal clear pitisor Lake is 15 kilometres away from Tawang on way to Lassa. There are 108 lakes on the top of the mountain. These Lakes are created by the melting snow. Nagula pass is 5 kilometres ahead of the lake. Natural beauty of the whole road is only comparable with that of heaven. Takshang cave is on way to Lumpa from Tawang. Lumla is a beautiful hill town from where a road has gone to Bhutan.

At Tawang, there is emporium where nice handicrafts are sold. Churpi, a substance like chewing – gum is used by the tourists to keep the body temperature normal. Shamba is their favourite food. Chhang liquer is their favourite drinks and is available here and there.

Itanagar: — Itanagar is the capital town of Arunachal Pradesh. This town is connected by nearest Airport of Lilabari of Assom which is 67 kilometres away from Itanagar or one can go to Itanagar via Rangia Junction of N.F. RLY. From Rangia buses ply to Itanagar, a distance of 226 Kilometers. Buses go to Itanagar directly from Guwahati also.

Old and new Itanagar is situated at a distance of 10 kilometers away from each other. Old Itanagar is still a new town only came into being in 1973. Its actual name is Naharlagan. It is 200 meters above sea level and is as like as a picture. It is surrounded by not so high mountains. Markets, shops, residences and even long distance bus stand are in Naharlagan. On the other side, on a hill top, there are polo ground, Botanical garden and mini zoo. Asomia, Hindi and English are spoken. Bangla is also spoken here. By the down side of the town, the Achin river flows. The Tribals live on the banks of the river.

State secretariat Assembly house are in Itanagar which was once the capital of ancient Jitari dynasty here. It is on an area of 2500 acres. About 25 thousand people live here. Climate is neither hot nor chilly. There are regular bus services between the two towns. There is a beautiful Buddhist cave inside a beautiful garden here. This cave was built in Tibetan style. The town is nicely visible from the cave. Jawahar state Museum displays the colorful diversity of Tribal life along with ups and downs of Arunachal Pradesh. There is a fort here built by Ramachandra, the last king of Jitari dynasty. Handicrafts center sells a variety of homely made articles. Gyaker Sinyi Lake is 6 kilometers away from Itanagar. It is a very beautiful lake. Boating is permitted. Warrior Nishi clan of tribals live near the lake. They carry otyo (knife) with them. A sanctuary is nearby on an area of 2.5 square kilometres. The Government of India has set up its tourism office here. Travel is best in the period of October to March. Heavy woolen garments are necessary in winter.

Zero: — Zero is district headquarters, situated 1538 metres above sea level, of lower Subansiri district. Though it is 1538 metres above sea level, main town is on a concise flatland on the Apatani Velley. It is famous for its natural beauty. Five small rivulets namely Subansiri, Nishi, Apatani, Dafala and Miri flow nearby. Zero is the home to Apatani tribes. They are fond of hunting. Jum cultivation is the source of livelihood. Local beer made of rice is the favorite beverage. Their complexion is beautiful. They love to wear colorful dresses. Women wear ornaments in their nose made of cane. Men tie their hair in a big shape and put feather in their hair. On waist they carry knife. They believe they are the heir of aborigin Apatani. The Sun and the Moon are their Gods. Mico is their spring festival in the months of March and April. This festival continues for ten days. Likewise, Sirom Molo, Socham, Dri and Niyokum festivals of the Nisus also attract a large numbers of tourists. The Sunset in Zero is very beautiful.

Zero Town is divided into two parts also. The gap between the two parts is 5 kilometres. The road leads to new Zero covering 1500 metres height and again going down 200 metres. Shops, markets and banks are in new Zero town. A Government’s handicraft center is also at new Zero town where hats made of cane are available apart from other articles made of bamboo.

Tale sanctuary is 38 kilometres away from Zero where one can go by a jeep covering 30 kilometres and then 8 kilometres on foot. Natural botanical garden covers the whole of the valley. This sanctuary is on an area of 337 square kilometres. The diversity in plants, animals and birds changes with the change of height in the sanctuary. Innumerable clouded Leopards and bears are here. One can stay at forest Dak Bungalow. For visit and stay, the Range officer, Hapoli, Lower Subansiri, Arunachal or Deputy Commission Zero can be contacted.

The small hilly town of Daporizo of upper Subansiri district is 166 kilometres from Zero town. All sides of this town is encircled by not so high mountains. Tagin and Hilmiri tribes live here. There is a hanging bridge made of bamboos here. Mithun is their domestic animal. Natural cave at Nengu is 19 kilometres from this town. You can go there by auto rickshaw or Bus. The front of the cave is very narrow and crawling is a must for entering the cave Torch is necessary. In another cave the God Shiva is worshipped. 33 kilometres from here is Kodok from where the snow covered Himalayas can be seen. In the extreme north, the NA tribes live in house made of stones. Tibetan influence is visible in their life style. Helicopter service is available to different locations of Arunachal from Dapozioro.

How to reach Zero —- State transport corporation’s buses ply to Zero from Itanagar via North Lakhimpur of Assam. A bus takes 6 hours to reach Zero. It is 150 kilometres from Itanagar. Buses go to Zero also from Lilabari of Assom. The distance is same.

Accommodation: —- Circuit House ph—03788- 224196. Luxury H. Peak Lodge, H. Blue Pine ph—224812, H. Green View Ph—223435, H. Pine Ridge ph—224725.

Along :— It is the district headquarters of west Siang district. The town is on the south bank of the river Siam. The town is 650 feet above sea level. It is 165 kilometres away from the Zero town. Bus and other conveyances ply also from Itanagar which is 350 kilometres from Along. Regular bus is available from the north Lakhimpur of Assom which is 147 kilometres from Along. Nearest RLY station is Shilapathar which is 169 kilometres from Along and situated in Assam. Nearest Airport is Lilabari of Assom, 263 kilometres from Along.

Along is famous for Ramkrishna Mission. There is a newly built temple called the temple of Dayni Polo here. The two words dayni and Polo mean the Sun and the Moon respectively. The Sun and the Moon are the Gods of the Tribals. Museum and crafts center may be seen near the hospital.

On way to Likabali and Shilapathra 25 kilometres from Along and 7 kilometres from Likabali, there is a cascade called Akashi Ganga spring. This spring is mentioned in the Kalikapuram of 8^th century. The Kalikapuran says that the ‘Head’ of the ‘Kali’ fell here. Hence this place is one of 51 piths of The Hindus. On the last day of the month of Chaitra (13th or 14^th) April a grand fair is held here and people have pious bath in the water of the spring. The beauty of the river Brahmaputra is very nice here. There are many hotels here. These are of good standard.

Malinithan :— Nearest Railway station is Shilapathar and nearest Airport is either Dibrugarh or Lilabari. Buses ply to Malinithan from Itanagar via north Lakhimpur. Manilithan is notable for discovery of the relics of ancient temple. Shilapathar 10 kilometres, Lilabari 110 kilometres, Pasighat 100 kilometres, North Lakhimpur 109 kilometres, Itanagar 185 kilometres are from Malinithan respectively.

At a distance of 23 kilometers on way to Shilapathar from AkashiGanga, at Lilabari, where the mountain meets the plain land, a temple made of stone and a surprising palace dating back to 12^th century has been discovered. The main temple remains intact though God and Goddess have been deshaped. A museum has come up with a lot of sculptures of Maliniland. On the terrace of the mountain, apple gardens deserve a special mention as they attract the tourists squarely.

Pashighat : — On the trans of Siang River, 155 feet above sea level is situated district head quarters of East Siang district called Pashighat. It is one of the beautiful towns of Arunachal Pradesh. It also the gate way of Arunachal developed in 1911 by the British. Once upon a time it was the head quarters of NEFA also. On the outskirts, there are forests river beds, hills where the tribals live. To reach Pashighat one is to cross the Raksing checkpost. The natural beauties of Pashighat are beyond comparison. Apart from Natural beauty, it has another attraction — the gorgeous festival of Solunglok of the aborigine community. This festival continues for seven days in the month of April every year. Nearby lies the De Aring sanctuary on an area of 190 square kilometres. This sanctuary is the paradise of birds. Migratory birds assemble here from September to February every year. There are different kinds of wild animals in the sanctuary. Permission to visit can be obtained from D.F.O. Pasighat Boats of forest department or of private company are available to reach De Ariang sanctuary.

Buses ply to Pasighat from Markongshelek, Itanagar, Shilpathar and Guwahati. From Guwahati a bus takes 20 hours to reach Pasighat. From Itanagar a journey to Pasighat takes 9 hours.

Tezu / Parshuram Kunda:—- The following is the road map to reach Tezu. From Pasighat to Shilpathar, then proceed 10 kilometres more and cross the Brahmaputra at Sonari Ferryghat. On the other bank of the Brahmaputra is Dibrugarh town. From Dibrugarh proceed to Tinsukia town. Tezu is 120 kilometres from Tinsukia. Or proceed directly from Guwahati to Tinsukia by train and then proceed to Tezu if you prefer to visit Tezu without visiting other parts of Arunachal. Or you may reach Dibrugarh by Air from Calcutta or Guwahati. From Tezu proceed to Dhawala ghat to cross the Brahmaputra by launch and reach Sadia of Arunachal. On way to Sadia, at Sonpur 1 LP is to be shown. There are two Dak Bungalows and circuit house here. Contact D.C. Dibang vallley WLS, Roing for permission to stay. 12 kilometres away from Roing, Mehao Lake is situated in a dense forest zone. Mehao sanctuary, is nearby on an area of 281 square kilometres. For staying at Bungalow and a visit to sanctuary needs permission from D.F.O Roing ph—03803 - 222408.

On the western side of Sadia are Dihong and Dibong rivers. They are the contributories of the river Lohit. The river Brahmaputra starts from here as a result of these three rivers joing with one another. Sadia was a modern town. But the severe earth quake of 1950 destroyed this modern town. The river Brahmaputra changed its course swallowing Sadia. Sadia is now an Island.

Tezu is 140 kilometres from Dibrugarh. Tezu is the district head quarters of Lohit district of Arunachal. Tezu is called Kashmir of Arunachal. The river Tazab flows nearby. The word Tezu has been derived from the word Tazeb. The natural beauty of Tezu is indescribable. Climate is healthy. The houses are made of wood. The Mishmi tribes live here. They claim themselves to be heir of Parshuram. There are a Shiva temple and a Buddha Bihar at Tezu. Hats made of cane by the Mishmi are famous.

On one side of Tezu stand the Himalayas and on the other side is Dikarang valley covered by perennial trees. Dikarang is bounded by the Saurashila in the east, by the river Swarnashree in the west, by the Brahmaputra in the south and by the Manas Soravar in the north. The river Dikarang is flowing and has met the river Dibang at Sadia. The rays of the rising Sun fell first on the Saura shila Mountain. The other attraction of the valley is Walang — the beautiful place of change amid the natural beauty. In the year 1962 Chinese soldiers attacked.

The extra marital relationship between the beautiful wife of saint Shantanu and Brahma is the source of legend of this pond. It is described in the kalikapuran that Renuka, the wife of strong and powerful saint Jamadagni became the victim to lust of king Chitraratha. Vargaba, son of Renuka became very furious and decided to take revenge of unethical relationship between his mother and Chitraratha. So he killed his mother Renuka with an axe ( Parshu ) and then bathed in the water of this pond. He also drank its water of and got rid of sin of matricide. Since then, the name of this pond has become Parashuram Kunda, though its previous name was Brahmakunda. In 1971 a new temple was built, inside the temple there is a stone made image of Parashuram.

On the day of Full Moon, in the month of January, a grand fare is organized for a month here. The ancient pond is not in existence now. It was partially damaged by floods in 1843, and was completely absorbed by river Lohit following severe earth quake in 1950.

The easiest way to reach Parashuram from Calcutta is to take a train to Tinsukia/ Tezu and hire a jeep from Tezu for 20 kilometres journey and cross the river Digaru by launch and them walk for 3 kilometers. The attraction of the road is indescribable.

Khonsa: — Khonsa, 3000 feet above sea level, is the district head quarters of Tirap district. Nearest RLY station is Naharkatia of Assam 89 kilometres away from Tirap. From Margarita RLY station over this distance. The road is very narrow and remains dark during even day service because of dense forest on either side of the road. Namclik river is the natural boundary between Assam and Arunachal. Inner Line Permit is to be shown at check post. Crossing the border the first town inside Arunachal is Miao. It is 200 metres above sealevel, surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is a very beautiful town. Miao is district town of Changlang. Lourist Lodge is available at Miao.Office of Field Director of namdafa Tiger project is here.

Namdafa Tiger Reserve: —- This Tiger Reserve is in the district of Chalang on the border with Mayanmar. It is an indescribable Reserve mixed with Sky touching perennial tropical forests, peaks covered with snow, Alpine jungles and deciduous trees. Yet the place is not widely known for lack of accessibility. It is the easiest way to reach Namdafa from Tinsukia via Miao. From Miao it is 24 kilometres to reach Divan. Namdafa is also famous for different species of butterflies. At Devan there is a forest lodge called Divan forest Lodge, a wooden two storied house. For booking contact, Field Director, namdafa Tiger Project ph—03807—222249.

At some places it is 200 metres above sea level and at other places it is 4500 metres above sea level. Tiger project is on an area of 1808 square kilometers. Tigers of cal species such as Leopard, snow Leopard, clouded Leopard are famous at Namdafa. Namdafa is a home to 450 wild animals. It is also a place for ornithologists. While crows are other source of attraction to visitors. Touring season is the best during December to March.

BijoyNagar: — It is land deep forest and mountains. The river Noa-Dihang flow, Place is bounded on three sides by Myanmar. It is one of the famous places of Arunachal Pradesh where a center of Buddhist culture developed. In the 17^th century Khamti and Sinfo communities came from Myanmar and settled down here. They developed it as a center of Buddhist heritage. They built Buddhist mound and Buddhist Bihar. Lisu community lives nearby. This Lisu community lives nearby. This Lisu community is a marvelous example of mixture of Mogolian and Aryan culture. It is told that Lisu community is the descendant of soldiers of Greek regiment which the Alexander the Great led to India in 3 hundred B.C. Bus and jeep services are available from khonsa to Bijoynagar. Buses ply also from Margarita. It is 240 kilometres from Margarita to Bijoynagar. From Miaw one can go to Bijoynagar. The beauty on the eitherside of road deserves mention. At Bijoynagar Information Bungalow is available.

Hotels and other places of accommodation in Itanagar and other towns. There is a dearth of good hotels in Itanagar. Hotels of ordinary standard are very cheap. Here only good hotels and other accommodation mentioned.

At Itanagar: — H. Arunachal ph—0360—2244960, H. Rajdhani – 2244400. MLA Hostel c/o Chief Engineer or Additional Deputy commissioner POLO Ashok Ph—22312626-27, H. Aru Subansiri Zero Point ph—2212806.

At Zero—Circuit House – 03788—224196, Peak Lodge ph— 224812, H. Green View ph—223445.

At Along :— Dak Bungalow, H. Magson ph—222434, Holiday Hotel Cottage ph—222039.

At Pasighat :— Information Bungalow c/o D.C. Siang District Pasighat.

At Tezu:— PWD Dak Bungalow and Information Bungalow.

At Khonsa Tourist Lodge.

At Miaw:– Tourist Lodge, Information Bungalow.

At Tawang:– (03794) Circuit House c/o D.C. tawang ph—222221, Tawang Inn ph—224096. H. Sam Dupling ph—224213, H. Dolma ph—224131.