Editor,
My family and I managed to coordinate a short trip (8th to 13th November) to a few places in Arunachal Pradesh. Much to the disbelief of our friends, we did not include Tawang in our plans. Nor did we follow the usual road trip from Guwahati. Instead, we flew to Itanagar from Kolkata and drove south through Assam to reach Bhalukpong.
Magically, upon reaching the Arunachal border, the ascent began, and with it, the air gradually became much cooler. The puffy white clouds floated lazily in brilliant blue skies, setting the tone for a rather unhurried and leisurely trip. The well-maintained roads snaked their way through lush green hills, offering breathtaking views and stunning vistas of terraced hills, picturesque valleys, and gently meandering rivers. It felt as though we were in one nonstop promotional video, edited to perfection.
We had chosen Bomdila as our base. This cozy, compact little town offered every convenience required within walking distance, and we were fortunate to have booked a hotel right in the middle of the marketplace, opposite the new Monastery. The market is compact and offers fresh vegetables and fruits, woolen garments, apparel, local handicrafts, curios, souvenirs, fast food, tea stalls, and even an ATM! Every morning, we would wake to the deep, reverberating sound of the Dunchen, accompanied by drums and trumpets, which in itself was meditative.
From Bomdila, we decided to visit the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery in Dirang. Strategically situated on top of a hill, this architectural wonder offers a combination of spiritual and scenic experiences like no other. The vibrant colors, intricate murals, and colorful decorations are a feast for the eyes and the senses. One can spend hours just admiring the sheer effort that has gone into developing this architectural splendor. A walk around the monastery helps one soak in the tranquil atmosphere, transforming you into a state of meditation and deep reflection. If that is not enough, the viewpoints on the upper levels offer panoramic views of the surroundings, transporting one into a state of pure bliss.
We overheard some other tourists referring to a place called Mandala and decided to visit after grabbing a quick lunch. That spontaneous decision turned out to be a game changer. Mandala was breathtakingly beautiful. Alpine meadows, lush forests, and rugged terrain combined to provide a visual treat. It was cloudy and pretty cold when we reached the top, and the sun was about to set shortly. The light all around created a surreal experience as we stood at the base of the large Buddha statue, looking up in complete awe. The drive back to Bomdila was enchanting. The hills became ghostly silhouettes, and over time, the hills were dotted with little lights representing limited habitation. If there was anything I regretted on this trip, it was not having spent more time at this magical place called Mandala.
“Picture-postcard perfect.” That’s exactly how I excitedly described Shergaon to my sister and brother-in-law over the phone. The drive from Bomdila passes through army cantonments, which were clean, neat, and beautifully maintained. We requested our driver to stop frequently, as we found so many places beautiful and selfie-worthy. Shergaon is what great memories are all about.
The short trek to the small, cute waterfall was worth the effort. The gently flowing stream brought about a sense of calm and inner peace. That sense of tranquility was shattered, however, as we attempted to cross the moaning and creaking, colorfully decorated hanging bridge. Not only does it sway from side to side, but it also moves up and down, scaring the daylights out of you. But once you cling on and reach the middle, the view is mindboggling. Fear is quickly replaced with awe as you soak in the sensational surroundings. This walk made us quite hungry, and thankfully, we discovered a newly opened restaurant that served the most mouthwateringly delicious Indian food.
While writing this, I closed my eyes for a moment and was lost in the flood of fabulous memories from this brief yet amazing trip. And I promised myself I would visit again. And again. This state has tremendous potential, and given an opportunity, I would love to work with the tourism department to help guide them in promoting the many fascinating places and fabulous experiences.
At the same time, I would like to draw the immediate attention of the concerned government departments to the growing issue of pollution and garbage. I urge them to reconsider how water pipes have been laid down, as they are exposed on the roads, leading to wastage of precious water from the joints. I also request the government to train men carrying catapults and airguns to become guides rather than hunters and help the birding community grow. I would use this letter to urge locals to refrain from burning garbage, especially plastic. I also request tourists and locals alike to plant more trees in Arunachal Pradesh. Let “Green Arunachal, Clean Arunachal” not be a mere slogan, but a successful mass movement.
Lastly, I would like to thank the locals – homestay owners, tea stall operators, shop owners, staff in the restaurants, and others we interacted with – for the warmth and hospitality that made our trip truly memorable. We will surely be back. Soon.
Tarun Sircar,
Kolkata