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Kolkata 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 here 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.
The
Bharali river rushes down the mountains, providing some splendid angling opportunities for
mahseer. Tipi, an orchid conservation centre further uphill, 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 thoopas.
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!
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