MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| BOMDILA |
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| Bomdila guide
>>> Bomdila travel guide and tourist information on Bomdila, how to get to
Bomdila, also details on sightseeing in Bomdila, best time to visit Bomdila and
accommodation in Bomdila |
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Breathtakingly beautiful Bomdila, 3,500 metres
high in the Himalayas, is the headquarters of the west Kameng district in Arunachal
Pradesh. This lofty paradise is snow clad for a major part of the year and makes a
delightful destination to get away to in summer.
The journey to Bomdila is quite as exciting as the town itself. As you drive up to Bomdila
via Tezpur, you wind past gentle, wooded slopes, the fragrance of pine hanging heavily in
the air. The landscape changes dramatically as gnarled gorges give way to plains that
undulate into hills.
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The Bharali river rushes down the mountains,
providing some splendid angling opportunities for mahseer. Tipi, an orchid conservation
centre further uphill from Bomdila, is a glasshouse with a fantastic collection of exotic
orchid species and hybrids. The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary across the
river Kameng is another interesting stop where you can linger awhile. After Tipi, the road
climbs sharply to get to Bomdila. The town is surrounded by lush apple orchards that
stretch far and wide. Bomdila itself is tiny, but it is spread over a wide ridge that
straddles a mountain. There is a panoramic view of the Himalayas and its frosty peaks and
the pretty Kameng valley with its orchards.
A number of treks and hikes into the mountains start at Bomdila. From simple little
walking trails to more strenuous treks, Bomdila is at the hub of hiking activity in the
Kameng region.
Bomdila, like other towns in the area, has a strong Buddhist and Tibetan influence. There
are a fair number of gompas here and the town has quaint little eating-places where you
can savour traditional Tibetan cuisine plus the all time favourite momos and thookpas.
The Craft Centre at Bomdila turns out a range of superbly designed dragon
carpets that are on sale. Also produced at the centre are traditional thangka wall
hangings, paintings and masks. Most of these are intricately crafted with minute details
and varied themes. So come back home with a little bit of Bomdila in your suitcase - and a
lot of Bomdila in your heart!
Getting to Bomdila
From Kolkata, the simplest way to get to Bomdila is to first reach either Guwahati (1081
km from Kolkata) or Tezpur (1100 km) in Assam. You can fly or take a train to either city.
From both Tezpur and Guwahati, there are public and private buses to Bomdila (160 km) and
trains to Rangapara and Bhalukpong, 100 km from Bomdila.
Best time to visit Bomdila
Bomdila is best visited between March and October. Carry light woollens and a windcheater
for summer and heavy woollens and snow protection for winter.
Accommodation in Bomdila
Besides some middle rung and economy hotels, accommodation is possible at the Tourist
Lodge, the PWD Inspection Bungalow and the Government Circuit House (with permits).
Contact the Reservation Authority: Deputy Commissioner, Bomdila, Tel 03782-222021. You can
easily get an accommodation to suit your budget starting from Rs 50 to Rs 800.
Note:
Indian tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh require an Inner Line Permit, which takes
approximately three weeks to be issued. Contact The Liaison Officer, Government of
Arunachal Pradesh, 4B Chowringhee Place, Kolkata: 700013; Tel: 91-33-2486500.
Foreign tourists intending to visit Arunachal need clearance from the Home Ministry and a
Restricted Area Permit, which takes approximately three weeks to be issued. The Permit is
valid for 10 days. A minimum of four and a maximum of fourteen tourists must travel
together on a tour arranged through an approved travel agent.
For more information on permits, see Arunachal
Pradesh.
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