Arunachal Pradesh
HISTORY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Thhere is a deem idea about the history of Arunachal Pradesh. History was only available during the period of Ahoms in 16th century. The Northwestern parts of this area are inhabited by the Monpas (an Ethnic of Tibetian descent in the Indian territory of Arunachal Pradesh). They had established the Monpa kingdom of Monyul, which flourished between 500 B.C. and 600 A.D. They have kept the historical records of their existence in their language. Later this region came under the loose control of Tibet and Bhutan , especially in the Northern areas. The remaining parts of the state, especially bordering Myanmar, were under the Ahoms until the annexation of India by the British in 1858. Arunachal was popularly called North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA) before 1962 and was a part of Assam. Later in 1987 it became a separate state from Assam.The inhabitant of this area are of tribal origin and have their distinct culture and heritage. The tribe consisted of the Daflas, Bangnis, the Monpas and their religion is mainly Buddhism. The Apatanis were the agriculturists. The other main tribe of Arunachal is Adi (previously known as Abor meaning 'those who cannot be controlled') They also called themselves as Adi (Meaning Hill Man).
A treaty has been signed between China, Tibet and Britain in Shimla in 1913-1914 for the northern boundary, about 550 miles long, in dispute between India and China which is known as the Mc Mohan Line. Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by Myanmar on its east, Bhutan on the West ,China on the North and the Northeast. It is the largest State in the North east that covers an area of 83,743 sq km, with ever green forest covering more than 82 percent of the state. Average rain fall of above 3000mm per year and the climate varies from the sub- tropical in the south to Alpine in the north.Inhabited by 26 major tribes and a number of sub- tribes. Arunachal is having thinnest population density in the country with only 13 persons per sq km. Home to more than 500 varieties of orchids. it is the only state that can claim to have four major varieties of the big cats in the jungles-tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard.
TAWANG
Tawang (Ta meaning horse and Wang meaning Chosen) is also known in another Tibetan name as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means a true name within a celestial paradise in a clear night. Tawang is traditionally inhabited by the Monpa who follows Gelupa Sect of the Mahayana School of Buddhism It is the birth place of the sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyasto. It is known as “The Land Of The Lamas” surrounded by ancient Buddhist monasteries and beautiful lakes.Places of Interest :
Tawang Monastery (Vihar) : Tawang Monastery about 400 years old, situated at an altitude of approximately 10,000 ft. is the second largest Buddhist monastery in India. It also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. The monastery is the house of more than 700 monks. The monastery was founded by Merag Lama Lodre Gyamtso, in 1681 in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso. As per the legend, the site of the Monastery was chosen by the horse of Merag Lama. Merag Lama, who had been unable to decide a site to establish the monastery. One day he was praying in cave, seeking a divine guidance. When he came out after the prayers, he found his horse was missing. On search, the horse was located standing quietly on a hilltop. Considering that as the sign of divine blessing he decided to construct the monastery at the very spot. The monastery is also called Galden Namgey Lhatse meaning celestial paradise. There is a magnificent 8 meter high statue of Lord Buddha. The ancient library inside the courtyard has an excellent collection of thangkas, painted with the blood from the nose of 5th Dalai Lamaand valuable Buddhist manuscripts mainly Kanjur and Tanjur numbering 850 bundles.
Urqelling Monastery : It is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama who is the only Indian to have risen to such a high position in Gelupka Sect of Buddhism so far. Inside the monastery there are several Stupas (Vihar) and people from all walks of life visit this place during Buddhist new year to get the blessing for the coming year. The Craft Center: The craft center in Tawang sells beautiful masks, hand woven carpets, jewellery in silver, coral and amber, ‘chubas’ the local dressand delightful affordable mementos.
Tawang War Memorial : The memorial is dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 Sino-Indian war. The memorial is 40-foot-high and like a stupa in design. It is locally called ‘Namgyal Chortan’. The names of 2420 martyrs imprinted in gold on 32 black granite plagues.
Sella Pass : The entry point into the Tawang Valley is Sela pass at an elevation of 13700 ft above the sea level.. Legend says that a monpa woman supported sepoy Jashwant Singh during his battle with the Chinese. She brought sepoy Jashwant supplies and used to heal his wounds. When Jashwant got martyrdom she killed herself as an act of loyalty. The glimpse of Paradise Lake in the Sella Pass makes your visit worth. Most of the time the lake is covered with thick blanket of snow.
Jaswant Garh : The war memorial is located 14 kms from Sella Pass on the way to Tawang. The memorial pay homage to Jaswant Singh Rawat, Mahavir Chakra Awardee posthumous (the second highest award from the Indian Army). In the famous battle of Nuranang against Chinese in November 1962, Rawat and two other soldiers from 4th Batallion Garhwal Rifles were instrumental in killing 300 Chinese soldiers in 72 hours.
Sangestser Lake : Popularly known as Madhuri Lake is located 35 kms away from Tawang near the China Border. The drive to Sangestser Lake is full of thrill and one can still see the war bankers that had been used during the Chinses aggression in 1962 and the beautiful PTSO lake.
» BEST OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Shillong-Cherrapunjee.
» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati.
» SEVEN SISTER TOUR
Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Kohima-Imphal-Aizawl-Silchar-Agartala.
» TAWANG TOUR WITH EXTENSION
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong.
BOMDILA :
On the way to Tawang , situated at height of 8500 ft (distance from Tezpur 180 kms), Bomdila is a picturesque town in the foothills of Himalayas and the headquarter of West Kameng District the land of the Monpa, Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Miji and Bogun (Khawas) tribes. One can see the brilliant landscape and snow-clad Gorichen ranges of the Himalaya on a clear day. With its apple orchards, Buddhist gomphas and a magnificient view of the Kameng Valley Bomdila can be named as a mini paradise. Bomdila is also an ideal place for nature lovers with several trekking and hiking trails are now opened for the adventure seeker.Places of interest :
Bomdila Monastery : The monastery has been built under the guidance of Dalai Lama. It is a residence of more than 200 Buddhist monks. From the monastery one can have the breathtaking view of the entire Bomdila. The time of pray is in dawn and dusk, attending which, one can have the absolute peace of mind.
Tipi Orchid Sanctury and Research Center : An Orchidarium at Tipi (5 kms from Bhalukpong) on the way to Bomdila is the Botanical paradise. About 300 species of orchids can be seen in the flora – glass house. Some of them are rare and endangered species. By the side of the glass house there is an orchid museum too.
Dirang : Dirang 40 kms from Bomdila is situated at an altitude of 1497 meters. It is an ideal hill resort in West Kameng district with beautiful Apple Nursery, Kiwi Farm, Yak Research Centre, Buddhist Gompa, Hot Water Spring and ancient Dirang Jong (Fort). It is the base camp for trekking to Gorichen peak and other bird watching trails.
» BEST OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Shillong-Cherrapunjee.
» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati
» SEVEN SISTER TOUR
Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong-Kaziranga National Park-Kohima-Imphal-Aizawl-Silchar-Agartala
» TAWANG TOUR WITH EXTENSION
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Diarang-Bhalukpong
ITANAGAR
The Capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is situated at the foothills of Himalayas. The name Itanagar is derived from the historical Ita-fort (Ita meaning brick) which dates back between 14th and 16th century. The major tribe in Itanagar is the Nishies. Situated on the top of the hills the city offers a very pleasant climate. The Capital city is being divided into two zones by 10 kms Stretch. The other part is known as Naharlagun. It became the Capital of Arunachal Pradesh on 20th April 1974.Places of interest :
Ita fort : The historical Itafort situated in the middle of the town. It is an fort of irregular shape built with more than 8 million pieces of bricks. The fort has been built during Jitari Dynasty which dates back to 1360 to 1550 A.D.
Ganga Lake : Situated in the foothills of the Himalays the lake is locally known as Gekar Sinyi (confined water)
One can also visit Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Craft Centre, Emporium, Donyi –Polo Centre for hearing impaired etc.
» ARUNACHAL PRADESH TRIBAL TOUR
Guwahati-Tezpur-Itanagar-Ziro-Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh.
» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati
ZIRO
Ziro, a small picturesque town situated at an altitude of 5000 feet with Pine and Bambooroves, villages, a craft centre and high altitude Tarin Fish Farm is an ideal place for relaxation.Places of interest :
Talley Valley : Tally valley is located 30 Kms away from Ziro. Tale in Apatani dialect is the name of a plant and to many other tribes the word means paradise. The local population grow paddy in tarraced fields all over the valley. The Apatanis, the main tribe of this region grow rice by terrace farming and their indigenous irrigation system is unique amongst the Arunachal tribals. The Apatani village comprises of long rows of houses with a fertility totem in front of each house. They use an indigenous herbal salt that's rice in iodine whick is quite unique. As a real nature lover, for every tree they fell, five fresh saplings are planted. The Apatani women are very skilled in handicraft and handloom as one can be see from the wonderfull JIKHE pattern, woven jackets and intricately patterned JILANG shawls. The men are expert in metallurgy and bamboo craft.
» ARUNACHAL PRADESH TRIBAL TOUR
Guwahati-Tezpur-Itanagar-Ziro-Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh
» GLIMPS OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Guwahati-Nameri National Park-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang-Bhalukpong-Itanagar-Ziro- Daporizo-Along-Pasighat-Dibrugarh-Mon-Lonwa-Mokokchung-Kohima-Kaziranga- Guwahati
MAYODIA
Mayodia, a unique hill resot situated at an altitude of 7000feet. It is named after Maya, a Nepali girl who missing in the snow and could not be traced out. It is an ideal trekking destination and paradise for bird watcher as many endangered specis are recorded including Trogopan. The scenic beauty of the snow clapped Miodia during winter is eye-catching. Miodia is 56 kms from Roing, the district head quarter of Lower Dibang Valley.NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK
The unique features of Namdapha covers a wide range of altitude from 200 meters to 4500 meters. It is the only National Park in the country four bug cats i.e. Tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard are found. The other animals are bison, sambar, barking deer gaur, elephant, Himalayan black bear, takin, the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, musk deer, slow loris and the red Panda etc. Spreaded in an area of 180,782 hectares it had been declared as a National Park in 1972 and in 1983 as a tiger reserve.Activities :
• Guided Trekking & bird watching.
• Camping inside the park.
» EASTERN ARUNACHAL TRIBAL TOUR WITH EXTENSION TO DIGBOI
Dibrugarh-Tai Phakial-Roing-Mayodia-Tezu-Chongkham
