Tourism

Arunachal has the largest range of orchids in India. There is an Orchidarium at Tipi near the banks of the Bharali River in the West Kameng District, west of Tawang district. It houses 500 or more varieties of orchids which grow abundantly in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the rarest species of Orchids are on display. In the Orchid research centre, scientists create new hybrid varieties of orchids using the latest techniques of biotechnology. The place is also ideal for rafting and angling in river Kameng. The river is a perfect rafting spot and a fishing haven, perfect for mahseer fish which can be found on the Jia Bhorali river that branches off from the Kameng river. Buses are available from Bomdila the headquarters of West Kameng district and Bhalukpong, the entry point only 3km from Tipi. 

Bhalukpong on the Assam- Arunachal border straddles the edge of the Kameng river and is surrounded by the evergreen forests of the Pakhui Game Sanctuary.  Pakhoi sanctuary can be reached by crossing the Kameng river in a dug out canoe and is a lush rain forest of tangled moss, lichen and ferns. Nearest airport is Tezpur (52km) and the nearest railway station is Rangapara. For accommodation contact Circuit House, Phone: 03782- 234424, Forest guest house, Phone: 03782-234478

Malinithan situated at Likabali, headquarters of sub-division of West Siang district is a place of great sanctity, associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. There are ruins of a big temple belonging to the 14th -15th century here. Excavations have unearthed the beautifully designed basement of the temple, valuable sculptures of Indra and Airavata, Surya, Nandi Bull and other divine images, animal motifs and floral designs, carved columns and panels. The legend behind the place is that Krishna and Rukmini rested here on their way from Bhismakanagar to Dwarka and they were offered very fine flowers by Parvati. Krishna pleased with the offering praised Parvati and addressed her as Malini-Mistress of Garland. It is believed that, the place came to be known as Malinithan since then.

The legendary Akashi Ganga waterfalls is situated 5km from Malinithan in East Siang District. There is a beautiful view of the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries far below from here. Pilgrims come to Akashi Ganga to take a bath as the water is believed to wash away ones sins. The legend is associated with Parvathi narrated in the 8th century Kalika Purana. Parvati is believed to have been cut into pieces and her head fell somewhere near Akashiganga. 

For accommodation contact the Circuit House Phone : 03795- 265213, Forest Guest House :03795- 265294. The nearest Airport is Lilabari (Tezpur) and the nearest railway station is Silapathar. Can be reached by road from Silapathar.

Roing in Dibang valley district is known for the historical fort of Bhishmaknagar named after the king Bhismaka located at the foot of the mountains between the Dikrong and the Dibang rivers. The Bhishmaknagar Fort which was first excavated in 1996-97, testifies to the penetration of the Aryan culture into Arunachal in the 4th century A.D. The fort built with clay bricks and embellished with pottery has an elongated semi circle shape extending over an area of about 10 sq. km.  

Accommodation is available at the circuit house and Inspection Bungalow at Roing. (Phone : 03803-222203) The nearest airport is in Dibrugarh ( Assam) and the nearest railway station is Tinsukia. Buses are available from Sadiya (24 miles). 

Tezu is the district headquarters of the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. There is a famous pilgrimage centre Parasuram Kund some 21km north east of Tezu. It is a shrine of all-India importance located in the lower reaches of the river Lohit. Thousands of pilgrims, visit the place in winter every year, especially on the Makara Sankranti day for a holy dip in the sacred kund which is believed to wash away one's sins. The legend behind the belief recorded in the Kalika Purna, is that the great sage Parasuram washed away the sin of killing his mother in the waters of Brahma kund. A great fair is held to which wild cows, rare fur-rugs and other curios are brought down by the mountain tribes. There are also facilities for trekking from Tezu to glow lake which takes one day, hiking and river rafting and angling on the river Lohit.

The nearest railway station is Tinsukia (120km) from where you can take buses via Namsai. There are also buses available from Sadia. The nearest airports are Tezu and Dibrugarh (Assam). Contact Deputy Commissioner, Tezu Phone : 03804 - 222222 (O), 222221 (R) for stay at the Circuit house at Tezu. Hotel Osen (Phone: 03804-222776, 223097)

Situated in the Changlang district,140 Km away from Dibrugarh, the park covers a range of altitudes from 200 to 4500 metres. It is the home of the rare Hoolock Gibbon. An unique feature of the park is that it is the only one park in the world in which four of the great felines are found viz., the tiger, the leopard, the snow leopard and the clouded leopard. It is also an ideal for trekking and hiking. Accommodation is available in the Forest Inspection Bungalow in beautiful surroundings of evergreen forests overlooking river Noa-dihing. Miao the entry point, a few kms away can be reached by road from Margherita (63km) in Assam.

Mouling National Park 

This park is located in West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. It covers an area of about 500 Sq.Km. The forest of the park is semi evergreen type. The area is famous for three varieties of goat -antelopes, locally known as takin, coral and serow.

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