| EAST INDIA
>> ARUNACHAL PRADESH |
Arunachal, one of the
most sparsely populated states of India, borders
China, Bhutan and Myanmar. There are five major
rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, Siang (later the Brahmaputra
in Assam), Lohit and Tirap. The mountain ranges
follow the river systems. Home to a complex mix
of communities, its people are friendly, colourful
and simple. Arunachal can be justifiably proud of
its rich flora which ranges from the alpine to the
subtropical, from rhododendrons to orchids. Its
verdant forests, turbulent streams, lofty mountains
and snow clad peaks make it a unique place offering
the tourist numerous opportunities for rafting,
hiking and mountaineering.
Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in classical literature
such as the Kalika Purana, and in the epics of Mahabharata
and Ramayana, it is believed that sage Vyasa meditated
here and also that the remains of the brick structure,
scattered around two villages in the hills north
of Roing was the palace of Rukmini, the consort
of Lord Krishna. Arunachal Pradesh was also the
birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama |
Itanagar |
Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal
Pradesh, is a beautiful historic city, also known
as `the Land of the Dawn lit Mountains'. It is located
in Lower Subansiri. The new district is being named
Papum Pare. It has been identified with Mayapur,
a city of the 14th or 15th century A.D. The new
township has modern buildings, bazaars and traditional
homesteads.
Important attractions include the old brick fort
(Itafort), Buddhist Monastry, Jawaharlal Nehru Museum,
Ganga Lake (Geykar Sinyi) and Zoo. On the banks
of the Bharali river at an elevation of 190 mtrs.
is Tipi, an orchidarium with over 7500 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 biotechnology. 40 kms. Away from here is the
Orchid Park at Sessa.
The journey onwards is most adventurous and perhaps
the most difficult as Bomdila, the headquarters
of the West Kameng District is at a height of 2530
mtrs., offering wonderfully panoramic views of Himalayan
landscapes and snow clad ranges. The scenery is
spectacular but there is a tingling sense of fear
too - it is a long way down!
There are apple orchards and Buddhist monasteries,
for travellers are now entering an area that had
had strong Tibetan and Buddhist influences over
the centuries. The area has many Buddhist monasteries
called `Gompas' and there is also a crafts centre
producing very fine carpets of colourful designs.
Around the area are good trails for trekking enthusiasts.
A 10 km. drive from Bomdila takes you to Tawang,
a Buddhist pilgrimage site, where the Dalali Lama,
the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, goes to preach
and pray. The most striking building in this Buddhist
village is the tall central monastery, the Tawang
Gompa.
The 400 year old monastery dominates the valley
with a grand view of the Himalayas. The Tibetan
influence here is unmistakable, with the elaborately
painted wooden windows and other motifs. Prayer
flags flutter in the breeze and inside, the monks
- there are some 500 lamas - light lamps, rush about
their chores and drone in joint prayer. An 8 mtr.
high gilded statue of the Buddha is here, as are
numerous ancient Thankas or traditional paintings
and manuscripts.
Losar, (Feb-March) the main festival is fixed in
consultation with the Buddhist calender. |
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