Itanagar 
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is also known as 'the Land of the Dawnlit Mountains'. It is located to the east of Tawang and has been identified with Mayapur, a city dating back to the 14th -15th century AD. The major attractions of Itanagar include the Itafort, Buddhist monastery, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum, and the Ganga lake (Geykar Sinyi) and the Zoo. It is also ideal for boating, canoeing and angling on the river Dikrong.

Tawang 
Tawang, perched at a height of over 10,000 ft, is world-renowned for its 400 year old Buddhist Monastery, one of the biggest monasteries in India. The Monastery was founded by a monk, Mera Lama, a contemporary of the fifth Dalai Lama. Before the establishment of the Monastery, Tawang was a centre of Tantric religion. The Tawang Monastery is also known as the ‘Galden Namgyal Lhatse’. 
The ‘Parkhang’ hall of the monastery houses the library which boasts rare hand written and block-printed Thankas or manuscripts of revered books like ‘Tangym’, ‘Kangyur’ and ‘Sungbhum’. The other uncommon works of Buddhist literature include 108 gold-embossed manuscripts of the ‘Teaching of Lord Buddha’ and 225 volumes of the explanations of Buddha’s teachings covered with specially designed moth - proof silk adorned with paintings. The monastery complex also includes a towering 18 ft high gilded statue of the Buddha. There is also a craft centre, which produces exquisite woollen carpets. Tawang is also suitable for trekking and hiking. 

Dirang 
It is a sub-divisional headquarters in the West Kameng district. The attractions of this place are apple orchards, sheep breeding farms and natural hot springs. It is ideal for trekking. 

Tipi 
On the banks of the Bharali river at an altitude of 190 mts is Tipi, an orchidarium with more than 7500 orchids, such as the Dainty Lady's Slipper or Dendrobium. Arunachal has the widest range of orchids in the country, and at Tipi, scientists are creating new, hybrid species employing the latest techniques of biotechnology. This place is also ideal for rafting, and angling on the river Kameng. Another 40 kms away is the Orchid Park at Sessa

Bomdila 
The headquarters of the West Kameng District, Bomdila is located at a breathtaking height of 2,530 mts, commanding majestic views of the Himalayan landscape and several snowy peaks. The region boasts many apple orchards and Buddhist monasteries, 'Gompas'. there is also a crafts centre that produces exquisite carpets of varying designs. Around Bomdila are fine trails for trekking enthusiasts. 

Bhalukpong 
Headquarters of the Bhalukpong circle, Bhalukpong is ideal for rafting and angling on the river Kameng. It also has an orchid centre. 

Pasighat 
Headquarters of the East Siang district, it is located on the banks of the river Siang. The Lali Wildlife Sanctuary is the highlight of the region. The place is also ideal for rafting, boating and angling on the river Siang. 

Tezu 
Tezu is the headquarters of the Lohit district. The Parasuram Kund is a holy place of the Hindus, where pilgrims from all over the country come for a holy dip. The place is also ideal for rafting and angling on the river Lohit. 

Namdhapa 
The Namdhapa National Park is famous for the extremely elusive snow leopard, and the clouded leopard. Three major rivers drain this area and flow into the Noa Dihing, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. Some of the inhabitants of the Park include the gaur or mithun, elephant, Himalayan black bear, takin, the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, musk deer, slow loris, binturong and the red panda. Several primate species like the Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and the hoolock gibbon can be found in the area. The inaccessibility of a major portion of the Park has helped in preserving the pristine quality of the region. The Park is also a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. 

The best time to visit the Park is from October to March. 
The nearest rail-head is Ledo (56 km) and the nearest airport is Dibrugarh (163 km).
The Government Tourist Lodge, Miao and Rest House at Namchik are the available means of accomodation.

Contact: Field Director, Project Tiger, P.O. Miao, Dist. Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh.

Top