The beauty of Arunachal Pradesh unfurls in front of the eyes right from Bhalukpong (the entry point of the state through Assam) itself --- a cute town on the Himalayan foothills. The journey from Bhalukpong to Dirang is wonderful to say the least. The Tipi Orchidarium, amid the Himalayan heights is not only extremely green and soothing to the city-polluted eyes; it is a treasure trove of exquisite orchids and biological beauties. Next ‘arrives’ the Kameng river which accompanies us in our path of journey with its full glory and tide. Giant waterfalls, temples, monasteries, chortens, tiny hamlets around the picture-postcard Tenga Valley are simply out of the world! And the Upper Monastery in Bomdilla, situated under the pristine blue sky and amidst the green mountain, cannot be described in mere words.
The journey towards Tawang is dotted with the majestic Sela Pass, adjoining lake meandering around mountains, Jaswantgarh War Memorial (tribute to the gallant warrior Jaswant Singh Rawat who had kept the enemy at bay for 72 hours till he fell to the bullets during the 1962 Indo-China war) and the unparalleled Jung Falls.
And the Tawang Saga starts with the historic monastery, one of the holiest shrines of the Buddhist World. The Tawang war memorial, with the names of more than 2000 brave martyrs of India inscribed within its premises, indeed brings a lump in the throat and moist our eyes. Perhaps we have taken our independence and freedom for granted!
The journey towards Bumla Pass was nothing but an adventure of sorts. As if the muddy narrow steep roads were not treacherous enough, the combination of fog, rain and cold winds made the situation more adverse and extreme. But all gets compensated by the sheer beauty of the journey. Series of waterfalls, many of which even inundate the road and the literally colourful mountains, as if God itself has painted the rocky walls of the Himalayas through the plants, shrubs and flowers of all hues possible, cannot be described through mere words. And the Indo-China Border not only leaves us awe-struck due to its location at such a gallant height, the life of hardship endured by our forces at such an extreme condition makes us humble. Pankang Teng Tso Lake, situated on the way, is also delightful to watch.
Arunachal Pradesh will simply mesmerise all. Be it its natural beauty or beauty of its people- the state is indeed unique. Right from hotel to restaurant to shops to road side labour force --- women of Arunachal Pradesh are leading the way with meaningful contribution, that too with a divine smile on their faces. The menfolk are also extremely co-operative, hard-working and jovial in nature.
However, it was distressing to note the lack of international tourists in Arunachal Pradesh. Even the Indian tourists were Bengali-dominated. It seems that certain states of North, South and West India have become synonymous with tourism in India. Why doesn’t the Centre project Arunachal Pradesh as a premier tourist destination? Is the government of Arunachal Pradesh also a bit serious about exploiting the immense tourism potential of the beautiful state? If sincere efforts are taken to improve the road and air infrastructure of the state and its tourist destinations get extensively promoted, Arunachal Pradesh would seriously see an extensive economic growth through the path of tourism only.
