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I have added quite a bit of information on Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern most state in the Indian sub-continent. Look forward to your visit to this picturesque, serene land of the orchids!!

Tourist Circuit 4: - Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkiong

This circuit starts from Pasighat, the district headquarters of East Siang district, the oldest administrative centre of erstwhile NEFA. Situated on the bank of the mighty Siang River, the main tributary of Brahmaputra bound on both sides by snow-clad peaks, rocky Mountains and virgin forests. As yet an untamed terrain, this circuit offers a unique opportunity for anyone who loves nature. Major attractions: DR. DAYING ERING WILD LIFE SANCTUARY, a rich habitat of many unique plants, birds and wild animals. The Sanctuary is home also to a variety of animals like the Hog deer, Hispid, Hare, Bengal Floricans, Raptors and a host of migratory water bird MOULING NATIONAL PARK, situated in the Upper Siang district, covers an area of 483 Sq km. It is home to some of the rarest wild animals such as Takin, Serow, Goral, Clouded Leopard, Black Bear, Leopard, and Red Panda etc. During winter, a large number of migratory birds can also be seen in this park. KEKAR MONYING (BLACK ROCK) is situated in the East Siang district. It is one of the important memorials of the state erected in memory of Adis who fought with the British at this site on 4th December 1911 and who died a heroic death. KOMSING is the site where the British had erected the epitaph for Sir Neol Williamson killed by Narmi Manmur Jamoh. SIRKI WATER FALLS AND ANCHAL GHAT is an ideal location for trekking, hiking, picnic, and outing. Other important places to see are the Pegu Lake, Nubo Bridge, High Altitude Tea Garden at Ramsing Village, Ako Dumbing Hill station, Rengging village, Riga village, Raneghat Siang bridge, J.N. College Pasighat, Museum, Craft centre, Emporium, famous Adi Ponung dance, War dance of Minyong (TAPU).

Tourist Circuit 3: -Roing-Mayudia-Anini

This circuit begins at Roing, the district headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley District. Tourist information centre Office of the District Tourism Officer, Roing. Phone No. 03803-222468. Places of interests: MAYUDIA Mayudia, a unique hill resort is 56 km from the district headquarters Roing. It is situated at an altitude of about 7000 ft. amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes. The blanket of snow that envelops the place between December and March brings in a unique solitude of peace and calm to the place. Accommodations are available at a beautiful guesthouse overlooking the picturesque valley. A drive from Roing to Mayudia lush green mountainous landscape is in itself a wonderful experience. BHISMAKNAGAR It is the oldest archaeological site of Arunachal Pradesh. A magnificent 'Hill Fort' made of burnt bricks lies mute spectator to the vagaries of time. Built during to 12th century A.D, the ruin of the Hill Fort is a short distance of 29 kms from Roing. The Bhismaknagar Fort, excavated during 1969-1973, has yielded some exquisite artifacts like terracotta plaques, decorative tiles, potteries, terracotta figurines etc. The artifacts shed light on the rich cultural heritage of this place. HUNLI This picturesque small town is situated about 90 kms from Roing on the way to Anini. An interesting cave temple at Kupunli near Hunli draws a lot of the religiously inclined. The Motor drive from Roing to Hunli through the well-maintained roads provides an exhilarating experience in a scintillating setting. CHIMRI FORT or RUKMINI NATI situated 12 kms. North of Roing is the remains of an ancient fort made of brick. It dates back to 12th Century A.D. MEHAO LAKE MEHAO LAKE Situated at a distance of approximately 17 kms from Roing, the lake forms a part of the Mehao wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of about 4 Sq. km the lake is enveloped on all sides by a rich variety of flora and fauna. SALLY SALLY, a lake resort, is just 3 kms away from Roing. It forms a part of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. A Natural lake surrounded by lush green vegetation, it overlooks the beautiful valley down below on the far horizon.

Tourist Circuit 2: - Itanagar-Ziro-Daporijo-Along-Pasighat

ITANAGAR (Capital of Arunachal Pradesh) Places of interests ITAFORT ITAFORT: Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, derives its name from the historical Itafort. Situated in the heart of the town, this historical fort is built mostly with bricks in the years of a bygone era. Believed to have been built with more than 80 lakh bricks, the fort has a towering presence even today. The Fort has been identified by some scholars with king Ramachandra of Mayapur belonging to the Jitari Dynasty, dating back to the 1360 -1550 AD. GAEKAR SAENYIK (GANGA LAKE), situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a distinct feature of the capital. The lake locally known as GAEKAR SAENYIK (confined water) abounds in natural beauty. Other important places to visit are the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Craft Centre, Emporium Trade Centre, Donyi-Polo Centre for hearing impaired, the State Forest Research Institute, the Zoological park, NERIST, Arunachal University, Central and State Libraries, Baba Vishwanath Temple, Kali Mandir, Legi Shopping Complex and the Akash Deep complex. ZIRO Situated at an altitude of 5000 ft. (approx), Ziro is a beautiful plateau and the district headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. Places of interests: TALLEY VALLEY - tale means paradise in the tribal languages of the Arunachalis. Talley valley is 30 Km away from Hapoli (Ziro). It is a picturesque little township where paddy is cultivated in terraced hills. The concept of paddy-cum-pisciculture has attracted people and the practice has gained momentum over the years. Other places of interests are Tarin Fish Farm, Parsi-Parlo archeological site, Orchid Garden and Pine & Bamboo groves. DAPORIJO Daporijo is the district headquarters of Upper Subansiri district. Places of interests: MENGA CAVEis a famous place of pilgrimage for all devotees of Lord Shiva. The Shrine attracts a large number of pilgrims and devotees during the Makkar Sankaranti and shivrathri festival. The Subansiri River in Dapordo is ideal for river rafting, angling and picnic. The local Villages, the district library, the museum and craft centre are also places that hold interest. LIKABALI: Sub divisional headquarters of West Siang district MALINITHAN is the remains of relics and ruins of temples and valuable sculptures belonging to the bygone era. The place is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. It is believed that on the way to Dwarka from Bhismaknagar, Krishna & Rukmini rested here and Goddess Parvati offered them the choicest flower during their stay. ALONG Along, the headquarters of West Siang District is situated on the south bank of river Yomgo. An ideal place for trekking, hiking and angling, Along has been catching up as hot tourist destination in recent years. The Patum Bridge over river Yomgo, the local museum and the Donyi-Polo Dere are other places of tourist attraction. PASIGHAT The headquarters of the East Siang district; Pasighat is situated on the bank of river Siang called the Brahmaputra in Assam and Tsangpo in Tibet. Dr.D.Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, at Pasighat is the home for a host of wild animals like the wild buffaloes, tigers, sambar deer, Honger, Hispid Hore, Bengal florican, Raptors, and migratory water birds and wild ducks. The Museum and Shopping Centers are other places of tourist attractions. RIVER SlANG RIVER SlANG is ideal for angling and river rafting. There are numerous small and big tributaries of Siang that meander through the lush green landscape. Golden Masheers, trouts, Labeobatas and Sehizo trout are the exotic fishes that have found home in the river. For long an angler's paradise, the Siang is a delight for the fishing freaks. Tourist information centre: Office of the Zonal Tourism Officer, Pasighat. Phone No. 0368-223315.

Tourist Circuit 1:- Tezpur-Bhalokpung-Bomdila-Tawang

This Circuit starts from Tezpur in the plains of Assam and takes you all the way up to the seventeenth century Tawang Monastery. Nuranang en route offers you a splendid opportunity for snow and rainbow trout fishing. The Sela pass on the way runs through a high altitude lake of shimmering crystal blue clear water. Flocked on both sides by rhododendrons of various hues, the Lake is a brilliant portrait of bliss by nature. Tipi is another important station along the route. A botanical station housing 500 varieties of orchids, which grow abundantly in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh is a must see for all visitors. Places of interests BHALUKPONG (65 kms. from Tezpur) An Orchidarium at Tipi (5 km from Bhalukpong) is the Botanical paradise of the state. About 300 species of the orchids can be seen in the flora-glass house. Some of the orchids here are rare and endangered. Located 24 kms from Tipi, on the way to Bomdila is an Orchid Sanctuary at Sessa. The sanctuary is home for over 2600 orchids of 80 different species, nurtured and cultured in their natural environment. Scenic beauty, exotic water falls and the evergreen forests along the banks of river Kameng is dream come true for the Nature enthusiast. The meandering Kameng river provides excellent opportunity for white water rafting. It's also been the Anglers' paradise for long. BOMDILA (165 kms. from Tezpur) At a height of 8500 ft., Bomdila, the headquarters of West Kameng District, is the land of the Monpas, Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Miji and Bugun (Khawas) tribes. Places of interests: Buddhist Monasteries, an Ethnographic Museum, a Craft center where fine woolen carpets and Masks of exquisite designs are produced. At Bomdila you get a breathtaking, Bird's eye view of Kangto and Gorichen, the highest peaks of the state nestling majestically in the Himalayan landscape. Tourist information centre: Office of the District Tourism Officer, Bomdila, Phone No. (O3782)-222049. DIRANG (42 kms. from Bomdila) Places of interests: Buddhist's Monasteries, the Nuranang Water falls at Jung, the Hot Springs of Dirang with medicinal properties for curing skin ailments. The Apple and Kiwi Orchards, the National Yak Research and Breeding Centre, at Nigmadung are also interesting spots to visit. Sheep Breeding Farm at Sangti valley, where the Siberian Black Necked Storks visit during winter (nine kms. from Dirang) is the place to go for vivid bird enthusiast. The Trout Hatchery farm at Nuranang is also an interesting place to visit. SELA PASS SELA PASS is on the way to Tawang, the world's second highest motorable pass at 14000 ft. height running along the Paradise Lake is hiker's paradise. JASWANT GARH ( 14kms. from Sela Pass) JASWANT GARH ( 14kms. from Sela Pass), the War Memorial raised to pay homage to Jaswant Singh, a soldier who received the Mahavir Chakra awarded by the Govt. of India for bravery (Posthumous), is a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression. In the battle of Nuranang in 1962 during the Chinese aggression, this brave son of the country showed unmatched valor by fighting and holding the invading Chinese for 72 hours, all alone before he met the martyr's end. TAWANG (183 kms from Bomdila) Nestling in the lap of Himalayas at 11,500 feet above sea level lies Tawang - the beautiful land of the Monpas. A picturesque canvas of mesmerizing natural grandeur, it fills one's mind with spiritual bliss. With its cascading waterfalls, and glistening snow-white peaks, Tawang brings you closer to Mother Nature. Places of interests: TAWANG MONASTERY: Built in the 17th Century AD, the Tawang is the second largest in Asia. It is located atop a hillock at a height of about 10,000ft. With a history of over 400 years, the monastery is the largest of its kind in the country and controls seventeen Gompas in the region. It is the fountainhead of spiritual life for the followers of the Gelugpa sect of the Mahayana School of Buddhism. The legendry 17th century Tawang Monastery, perched atop a hill, beckoning the visitor is sure to churn in a poetic bliss with its ethereal beauty. The Tawang monastery is associated with the famous Torgya festival, which is held in the 11th Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah (i.e. December to January as per the Gregorian calendar). The festival brings out the Monpas from far and wide in all their colourful finery. The festival provides ample opportunities for the Gompas to sell an array of all their wares. Other important places to see near Tawang are P.T.TSO lake, Sangetser Lake, the 700 year old Gorsham Chorten, the Nuranang fall, Gontse Garden Rabgayaling, Singsar Ani Gompa(a nunnery still being used by the Nuns), a Craft Centres producing very fine woolen carpet and masks in a burst of colors and myriad of designs. Tourist information centre: Office of the District Tourism Officer, Tawang. Phone No. (03794)- 222359.

Monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh

The monasteries of Arunachal are some of the major attractions in the northeastern part of India. These religious places are an ideal location for those who are inclined towards contemplation and meditation

Orchids of Arunachal Pradesh

In Arunachal's rich flora and fauna, one must make a special mention of the orchids. Of the thousands or so species of orchids in India, Arunachal is home to over 500 of them. These orchids bloom in a brilliant hue of colours and come in some spectacular shapes and sizes. Some of them bear exotic names like Sita-pushpa and Draupadi-pushpa, as it is believed that these Goddesses have worn the orchids. Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department has developed an Orchid Research and Development Centre at Tipi in West Kameng district for propagation and conservation of these species. In addition to this Orchidarium at Tipi, two Orchid conservation sanctuaries have been developed at Sessa and Dirang in West Kameng district. In the rich tropical forests of the Tirap district, clusters of the beautiful blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea) adorn the trees. Their large blue - violet blooms are delicately veined, swaying gently in the breeze - whispering among themselves the secrets of their beauty. The bamboo orchid, Arundina graminifolia, the pretty evergreen species can be seen blooming with attractive pink - purple flowers in open the sunny areas, blushing and bowing in the areas near Tipi. An Orchid Research Centre at Tipi boasts of a good collection of orchids. Dendrobium gibsonii are clusters of beautifully formed yellow flowers coloured with a rich maroon in the center. And the Dendrobium nobile are white and purple flowers found along the roads leading to Sessa from Tipi. Sessa, 24 km from Tipi, has an Orchid Sanctuary, which abounds in a variety of species including the beautiful white Coelogyne nitida (which grows on moss covered rocks), the tree borne yellow; Cymbidium elegans and Dendrobium chrysanthum (bright yellow flowers with two dark reddish brown blotches in the centre) present a magnificent sight when in bloom. In Dirang Orchid Sanctuary, Paphiopedilum fairieanum - The "Lost lady slipper orchid" which is very rare, endangered and endemic orchid found in dirang area. Tipi is house to tropical orchids, Sessa for Sub-tropical orchids and Dirang is for temperate orchids.