Saturday, March 2, 2024 - Discovering Itanagar's Rich Culture

Itanagar, a bustling city with temperatures soaring up to 25 degrees, I found the weather surprisingly pleasant, especially coming from Chennai. However, having just visited higher altitudes like Tawang where temperatures dropped below zero, Itanagar felt unusually hot.

Starting our day, we first visited the city's main monastery adorned with vibrant prayer flags and echoing with the soothing chants of Buddhist monks. From the monastery, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the city, capturing a few photos before moving on to our next stop.

Our next destination was the ITA Fort, dating back to the 14th century and holding significant historic and architectural value. Despite the passage of time, only a few visible bricks remained, serving as a poignant reminder of its storied past.

Continuing our tour, we made our way to the Thai Monastery, also known as the Khamti Monastery, where my wife made a shocking discovery. She had left her handbag containing critical items like bank cards, ID cards, and mobile phones while posing for photos at the ITA Fort. With anxious thoughts racing through our minds, we quickly requested the driver to make a U-turn and head back to the fort.

Upon our return, to our immense relief, the bag was still untouched, and my wife breathed a sigh of relief as she retrieved it. Before breaking for lunch, we made a quick stop at the Thai Monastery, marveling at its unique architectural style, a standout amidst the architectural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh.

During our journey, we made a stop at the state museum, where we delved into the intricate details of various ethnic groups through models showcasing their origins, occupations, and traditions. It was a truly enriching experience to learn about their diverse cultures and heritage.

In Itanagar, finding vegetarian options can be a challenge, as many prefer home-cooked meals over dining out. However, we stumbled upon a restaurant called "Malabar Kitchen," indicating its Kerala origins. Here, we enjoyed dosa and lassi for lunch.

Afterwards, we returned to the hotel to see if we could squeeze in a visit to a nearby lake, Ganga Lake, which would be the final destination of our day and our Arunachal vacation. Surrounded by lush green valleys, the lake offered a tranquil escape not far from our hotel.

In the evening, we spent our time leisurely strolling through the streets and busy packing our luggage for our return journey.

Weather :Enjoy moderate temperatures during the day, perfect for exploring Itanagar's cultural attractions. However, be prepared for cooler evenings, so layer up accordingly.

Special Tip: Engage with local residents to learn more about their cultural practices and traditions, and don't forget to visit the local markets to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs as mementos of your trip to Itanagar.

Friday, March 1, 2024 - From Bomdila to Itanagar

Continuing our journey, we bid farewell to Bomdila and embarked on the road to Itanagar, the bustling capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Along the way, we traversed through breathtaking landscapes and quaint villages, offering a glimpse into the rustic charm of life in the Himalayan region.

Our first stop was at Nag Mandir, a place steeped in history dating back to 1966. This sacred site holds cultural significance for the locals and visitors alike, serving as a beacon of spiritual solace amidst the serene surroundings.

We also marveled at the Nechipu Tunnel, a recent inauguration spanning 500 meters, which has drastically reduced travel time by six kilometers and 30 minutes to less than 30 seconds. This crucial infrastructure improvement has not only enhanced connectivity but also addressed safety concerns, as the previous road was prone to accidents due to frequent fog, causing sluggish traffic movement.

During our journey, we made a pit stop at the Tippi Orchid Research Center, where we were treated to a stunning view of the Kameng River, a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra. The center showcased the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting its wealth of orchid species and diverse flora.

As we continued our scenic drive through Arunachal's dense mountains and Assam's picturesque tea gardens, we crossed back into Arunachal Pradesh, inching closer to our final destination, Itanagar. Checking into Cygnett Inn, we couldn't help but notice the abrupt change in geography as we entered the Arunachal border, transitioning from the flat plains of Assam to the towering mountains of Arunachal Pradesh in the blink of an eye.

Local Food to Try: Upon reaching Itanagar, indulge in the local cuisine, including dishes like Bamboo Shoot Fry, Apong, and Pehak (fermented fish chutney), at eateries in the city.

Weather: Expect moderately humid temperatures during the day with cooler evenings, so dress accordingly for the journey to Itanagar.

Special Tip: Keep your camera ready to capture the scenic beauty of the countryside during the drive, and take breaks at roadside stalls to sample local snacks and interact with villagers.

Thursday, February 29, 2024 - Unveiling Bomdila's Charms

As the sun rose above the horizon, we found ourselves enchanted by the allure of Bomdila, a picturesque town renowned for its tranquil monasteries and vibrant markets. Our exploration began at Upper Gompa, where we immersed ourselves in Buddhist rituals and marveled at the intricate artwork embellishing the monastic structures. Witnessing young monks and students immersed in learning their rich culture added a beautiful dimension to the experience.

Later, we ventured to the viewpoint, only to encounter an unexpected reunion. Our driver was halted by a military personnel from the Assam Rifles, who, to everyone's surprise, turned out to be his schoolmate, marking a joyous reunion after six years. Driving through steep curves, we were enveloped by low clouds, hindering our view of Bomdila.

Our journey continued to Lower Gongpa and Bomdila Craft Center, where we indulged in purchasing locally crafted souvenirs, each piece a testament to the artisans' skill and craftsmanship. Learning about a carnival happening at the nearby district ground, we braved the cold to explore the vibrant displays from across the North East states, a testament to the region's rich cultural diversity.

I was taken aback by one particular seller who struck up a conversation with us, asking where we were from. To my surprise, he revealed that he hailed from Nagaland and shared his fondness for Chennai's idly, dosa, and chutney. It was a delightful moment of connection, bridging the geographical gap through our shared love for South Indian cuisine.

Returning to the hotel post-lunch, we strolled through the bustling lively New Bomdila Market. Here, we had the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, each item holding a piece of the town's unique charm and cultural heritage.

Weather: Enjoy pleasant weather during the day, but be prepared for cooler temperatures in the evening. Dress in layers to stay comfortable while exploring Bomdila's attractions.

Special Tip: Engage with locals to learn more about their culture and traditions, and don't hesitate to haggle at the market for souvenirs. Additionally, visit the Bomdila Viewpoint for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peak

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Journey to Bomdila

As we awoke, we were greeted by the mesmerizing sight of low clouds drifting onto our room balcony, a truly breathtaking moment. With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to the serene beauty of Tawang and embarked on a picturesque journey to Bomdila.

En route, we made pitstop at the war memorial commemorating the Sino-India war of 1962. Here, we paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Seeing the names of soldiers from the Madras Regiment filled me with pride, yet it was also a reminder of the gaps in our education system, where such crucial historical events are often overlooked.

Our next stop was Jung Waterfalls, a vital source of power for the entire Tawang region. Due to the winter season, the waterfall's flow was reduced, impacting electricity generation in Tawang. Undeterred by the snowy roads and mist-covered skies, we continued our journey to Bomdila, pausing in a village to savor the flavors of local cuisine for lunch.

Arriving in Bomdila, we checked into our hotel, Tsepal Yangjom, conveniently located in the heart of the main market. As we settled in for the night, the day's experiences lingered in our minds, reminding us of the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines the landscapes we had traversed.

Local Food to Try: Upon reaching Bomdila, savor the flavors of local cuisine such as Thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), Gyapa Khazi, and Zan as you dine at traditional eateries in the town.

Weather: Expect cool temperatures during the day with chilly evenings, so layer up to stay warm and comfortable throughout the journey.

Special Tip: Take breaks during the journey to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Don't miss capturing the stunning vistas of the Himalayas from strategic viewpoints along the route.