Arunachal Pradesh - beautiful

From Guwahati, we went to Bhalukpong in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. We touched Bomdila and Sela Pass from there and finally reached Tawang, by road.

It is believed that the name Tawang was given by Mera Lama in the 17^th century. But many think that the name is derived from its surroundings.

Tawang covers an area of approximately 2085 sq. km. It is bordered by Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the southwest and the Sela ranges that separate West Kameng district in the east.

The inhabitants of Tawang belong to the Monpa tribes. Only, a village named Shyo is inhabited by, people of Tibetan origin.

The Monpas are fair in complexion and have a well-built body. They belong to the Mongoloid stock. Their houses are made of timber and stones. Animal husbandry and agriculture are the principal means of their livelihood.

We visited the Tawang Monastery. It is one of the most significant elements in the social and religious life of the Monpas. This monastery is called “Galden Namgyel Lhatse”. It is one of the largest lamaseries of the Mahayana sect, in Asia. Lamaseries constitute several sections, spanning near about four hundred years, which are devoted to love, learning and purity of life.
This fortified area covers 135 sq. meters.

I remember the complex being enclosed by a compound wall. It was 610 meters long. There are sixty-five residential buildings and ten other structures within the complex. The library has 850 bundles of Tanjur and Kanjur, which are valuable ancient scriptures. It dates back to the 17^th century AD.

We learnt that the Monpas had two principal festivals, Losar and Torgya. These are annual festivals. We were lucky to experience Losar, which is celebrated during the commencement of the new year. Dungyur is celebrated every third year of Torgya. Both Torgya and Dungyur are celebrated within the premises of the Tawang Monastery with mirth and gaiety.

The beauty of the lakes around Tawang mesmerized me. The Pankang Reng Tso Lake is heavenly. It is difficult to believe that such a place can exist only 17 kilometers away from the maddening crowd of the town. The charming beauty of this natural treasure enabled me to connect with nature in the truest sense.
Other beautiful lakes are Sangetser Lake and Banggachang Lake.

I also have vivid memories of my visit to the Parashuram Kund. We reached Tinsukia by train and took a bus for Parashuram Kund.
Parshuram Kund is located 13 miles north east of Tezu, which is the district headquarters of Lohit district.

Tezu is a growing town and is famous for its scenic beauty. Thousands of pilgrims come to this place from every nook and corner of India every year during the Parashuram Mela in the month of January. I was lucky to be present in the Parashuram Mela once.

From the Mela, we went to Bhismaknagar. It is located in the Dibang Valley district. It is a sacred heritage of the Idu Mishmis. It is an epitome of past glory. It indicates the high standard of civilization that once existed around Bhismaknagar. It is believed that Bhismaknagar was a strong hold of the Chutiyas (12^th – 16^th centuries). But the excavations throw new light on its much earlier antiquities.

We visited Bhismaknagar in the month of November. We got down from train at Tinsukia. From there we took a taxi for Bhismaknagar. We had arranged for a stay at the Inspection Bungalow of Sunpura.

The archaeological ruins of Bhismaknagar enthralled me. I understood that Bhismaknagar stands for what is best in the tribal and Aryan way of life. It represents the Catholic spirit of the ancient Indians. It also speaks for the contribution made by the Idus to the synthetic fabric of Indian culture.

Presently, Bhismaknagar has become the nucleus of a renaissance, which is the determination of a sturdy race to revive its traditional heritage, while accepting everything that is progressive.

I have many pleasant memories of my visit to Bomdila. It is a charming small town situated at a height of about 8000 feet above sea level. We could see the magnificent landscape and snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan Range.

The Buddhist monastery of Bomdila has a wonderful ambience. It is a repository of culture and is among the primary attractions of the area.

Bomdila attracts a number of tourists with its pleasantly cool climate. The Buddhist Gompas, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and beautiful apple orchards make this place exotic. The artistic people of Bomdila are appealing too.

Bomdila is the headquarters of the West Kameng district.

Bomdila stays fresh in my memory because of its craft center. It displays local crafts. It produces beautiful carpets with exquisite designs. It also has wonderful masks.

I was also enthralled by, the Buddhist monasteries in and around Bomdila. The shopping center amazed me as it gave us the first feel of the local version of Himalayan Buddhist life.

From Bomdila we went to the Dirang Valley. The natural beauty was charming. Our drive through the Sela Pass was a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

I remember the Orchid Research and Development Station at Tippi. We also stopped at the Orchid conservation sanctuaries at Sessa and Dirang.

I enjoyed my visit to Itanagar. It is situated at the foothills and has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since April 20, 1974.

The township of Itanagar is situated at 350 meters above sea level. Administratively, it comes under the Papumpare district.

The major tribe of the Itanagar region is the Nishis or the Nishings. But, Itanagar is also often referred to as “mini India”. People from all over the country live here in harmony.

Being a capital town, Itanagar is easily accessible from the rest of the country by road and air conveyance. We reached Itanagar by a deluxe bus, which started from Guwahati. Helicopter service is also available between Guwahati and Naharlagun at Itanagar.

I remember the historical fort called Itafort. It dates back to the 14^th to 15^th centuries. Itanagar is named after this fort.

We visited the legendary Gyakar Sinyi or Ganga Lake. It is a beautiful picnic spot, located six kilometers away from Itanagar. It is a green forest lake surrounded by primeval vegetation and orchids. Tall trees and tree ferns provide a small taste of the gorgeous forests of the state.

Itanagar is the capital of the largest North-Eastern state of India.

I was charmed by, the beautiful yellow roofed Buddhist shrine. This temple was consecrated by the Dalai Lama