Bhalukpong, a beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh, is surrounded by scenic natural beauty, historic gardens, and tranquil lakes.
It is dotted with several attractions that are worth a visit. Be it the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary or the Tipi Orchidarium, you will never run out of amazing places to explore during your journey.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Bhalukpong,
- Bhalukpong Fort
- Bomdila
- Sessa Orchid Centre
- Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tipi Orchid Research Centre/ Station
- Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
1. Bhalukpong Fort
The Bhalukpong Fort is one of the heritage tourist sites in Arunachal Pradesh that date back to the 10th century. The historical grandeur showcases the rich tradition of the region.
The Fort was once the stronghold of the Salasthambhas, a powerful dynasty that ruled the region from the mid-seventh century. Later, it came under the control of the Palas of Assam from the 10th to the 12th century CE.
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The Fort bears the name and legacy of King Bhaluka, whose majestic presence is evident in its architecture. Although the Fort is now in ruins on the banks of the Bharali River, some of its brick structures and ring wells remain intact. The Fort also preserves the historical identities of Bana, King Bhaluka’s grandson, and a brave warrior of Mahabharata.
Today, the Fort is mainly inhabited by Aka tribes.
2. Bomdila
Bomdila is a scenic town situated in the Kameng ranges of Arunachal Pradesh. This place is known for its breathtaking scenic landscapes.
The town is bounded by very few houses, but most of the areas are still inaccessible. The entire town is filled with a spiritual fragrance from the Gompas and a natural energy encircles it.
The Buddhist monasteries and the charming apple orchards draw many tourists. You can admire the rugged cliffs against the blue sky, and feel the alpine breeze gently caress your skin.
There are also numerous challenging trekking trails, which makes it an ideal spot for adventure seekers.
3. Sessa Orchid Centre
Sessa Orchid Centre is one of the most fascinating attractions in Bhalukpong.
The center showcases more than 2500 cultivated varieties of 80 different species of orchids. They dazzle the visitors with their colors. Hues of yellow, magenta, mauve, and pink create a vibrant atmosphere. Some of the orchids are very rare.
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Here, you can explore different herbariums, museums, and gardens. The flowers in the pots and hanging baskets look stunning.
4. Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular attraction in Bhalukpong for its diverse wildlife and Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary is located in the Kameng District at the eastern foothills of the Himalayas. It was declared a sanctuary in 1977 and a reserve in 2002.
You can see a variety of animals such as jungle cats, elephants, wild dogs, Himalayan black bears, gaurs, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, hog deer, wild boars, and plants as well. The sanctuary is also known as the Pakke Tiger Reserve and is committed to conserving and protecting the Royal Bengal Tiger.
It also has more than 300 bird species.
The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is dotted with different types of eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests, lowland semi-evergreens, and evergreens, as well as many orchids.
5. Tipi Orchid Research Centre/ Station
Tipi is a place along the banks of River Kameng, about 6 kilometers uphill from Bhalukpong. The Orchid Research Centre was set up by the Department of Environment and Forests of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972. Now, it is run by the Orchidology Division of the State Forest Research Institute.
The Orchidarium has over 50,000 orchids, a museum, a herbarium, butterflies, and a garden that will surely amaze you. The highlight of the center is its fiber-proof glass house, which displays around 1000 exotic orchids in pots and hanging baskets.
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It has rich orchid germplasm with 200 tropical species, 50 hybrids, and 80 temperate species at Dirang, and is an important resource for the various research projects of the Orchidarium.
Tipi Orchid Centre also promotes orchid conservation, cultivation, and propagation among the local tribes and visitors.
6. Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling
The Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling Monastery is a prominent religious attraction in Bhalukpong. It is home to many Buddhist Lamas and monks and is an important center of Mahayana Buddhism’s Lamaistic faith. According to legends, it was built in 1965-66 by the 12th reincarnation of TsonaGontse Rinpoche.
The main Gompa has three sections: the Lower Gompa, the Middle Gompa, and the Upper Gompa. The Upper Gompa is regarded as the prime monastery. The Lower Gompa showcases the excellence of Tibetan architecture. The Middle Gompa is the oldest of the three. The main attraction of the Middle Gompa is the Blue Medicine Buddha, also known as the “Lord of Medications”. Lamas and monks believe that Lord Buddha heals the illnesses of the locals.
These are some of the major attractions and places to visit near Bhalukpong in Arunachal Pradesh.
Whether you are looking for nature, culture, adventure, or spirituality, you will find it here. Experience the tranquility and charm of Bhalukpong by visiting these places.
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