TRIBALS, JUNGLES AND RHINOS
Arunachal Pradesh is on the north eastern tip of
India, bordering Bhutan on the west, China on the
north and Myanmar (Burma) on the west and the state
of Assam on the south. Part of the eastern Himalayan
ranges, it covers 83,743 sq kms, its climate varies
from the sub-tropical in the south to alpine in
the north. Evergreen forest covers more than 60
percent of Arunachal Pradesh with its numerous turbulent
streams, roaring rivers, deep gorges, lofty mountains,
snow clad shining peaks, hundred and thousands of
species of flora and fauna. The state is proud of
having more than five hundred rare species of orchids.
The people of Arunachal Pradesh are are simple,
friendly and hospitable and their colourful festivals
are a manifestation of their faith and belief, conceived
by their ancient forefathers, in the power of nature.
Assam is the home of the rarest species of wildlife,
some of which are on the verge of extinction. Leaving
aside a few places in Africa, there is perhaps no
part of the world where such a variety of wildlife
exist. Kaziranga is the only national park in Assam
with an area of 430 sq kms. It is home of the Great
Indian one horned rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal tiger,
elephant, Indian bison, leopard, Sambhar and hundreds
of varieties of birds.
Day 1. DELHI / GUWAHATI
Fly Delhi / Guwahati by morning flight. Transfer
to hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight Guwahati.
Day 2. GUWAHATI
Half day sightseeing tour of Guwahati, The capital
town of Assam. This bustling town is surrounded
by hills that hide ancient temples and is girded
by the wide expanse of the mighty Brahmaputra river.
The Kamakhya temple is where strange tantric rites
are practiced to this day in pursuit of union with
the creator. In contrast to the hustle and bustle
of Kamakhya, Bakhisto is quiet haven for spiritual
pursuits and is situated 16 kms from Guwahati in
a shady glen amidst bubbling brooks. Evening at
leisure. Overnight hotel.
Day 3. GUWAHATI / TEZPUR:
Drive Guwahati / Tezpur (180 kms). The drive is
through beautiful lush green countryside where we
see the rural folk busy with their daily chores.
We arrive at Tezpur in time for lunch. Rest of the
day free to explore this quaint little town. Overnight
hotel.
Day 4. TEZPUR / BOMDILA :
After breakfast we drive to Bomdila (160 kms).
The road passes through low wooded slopes for about
60 kms beyond Tezpur. On the bank of the Bharali
river at an elevation of 190 mts is Tipi, a glass
house with over 7500 orchids. This is the Orchid
Research Centre, and a visit here is most rewarding.
From here the road is fairly steep as it soars up
to the small headquarters of the west Kameng district.
Bomdila is at a height of over 2530 mts. Day free
to explore this pretty town with beautiful snow
clad himalayan landscapes. There is also a Buddhist
Gompa worth visiting. This is the land of the Monpa
'Ibe. Overnight tourist lodge Bomdila.
Day 5. BOMDILA / TAWANG:
After early breakfast we drive to Tawang (180 kms),
The road weaves through picturesque Dirang valley
with its slopes of pine, climbing up to 42l5 mts,Seal
Pass. It's bleak and craggy' and the high attitude
Paradise lake shimmers crystal to blue in clear
weather but becomes grey and ominous when cloudy.
Just below the pass on The Tawang route, is Nuranang
with its trout hatchery. The Tawang monastery is
pretty old years old and houses about 500 Lamas.
It is among The largest monasteries of Asia. This
monastery is situated on a spur over the wide Tawang
vaIley and is surrounded by mountains and seems
to stand guard over the villages below. Overnight
tourist lodge.
Day 6. TAWANG:
Full day to participate in the morning prayers in
the monastery and visit the villages nearby. This
is a quiet place to relax ,recuperate and feel the
sacredness of life. Overnight tourist lodge.
Day 7. TAWANG / TEZPUR :
After early breakfast we drive to Tezpur (340
kms) with packed lunch. This is a long drive but
the beautiful landscapes and Himalayan scenery takes
away all the fatigue.Overnight hotel.
Day 8. TEZPUR / KAZIRANGA :
After early breakfast we drive to Kaziranga. The
terrain we drive is through dense green forests.We
arrive in The famous sanctuary. The home of The
one horned Indian Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal tigers
etc. and hundreds of bird varieties. Overnight at
the wild Grass Resort Kaziranga.
Day 9. KAZIRANGA:
Full day safari in the Kaziranga Notional Park both
on elephant back and by Jeep. Evening camp fire
and bar-be-que. Overnight Wild Grass Resort.
Day 10. KAZIRANGA:
Morning Jeep / elephant safari of the national park.
After breakfast visit the tribal Karbi villages
and see the lifestyle of these tribals at the foothills
of Himalayas. Afternoon visit the tea gardens and
factory to see the entire process of the most popular
brew from the orient. Dinner at tea garden bungalow
of the British Raj (Cultural evening for groups),
Overnight at Wild Grass Resort.
Day 11. KAZIRANGA / GUWAHATI / DELHI:
Early breakfast. Drive from Kaziranga to Guwahati
to connect with Delhi flight
OPTIONS AND EXTENSIONS:
1. Treks and fishing near Dikrang.
2. High altitude fishing and tribal treks
in Ziro area.
3. CALCUTTA / SIKKIM I BHUTAN
POSSIBLE VARIATION
DELHI /IMPHAL / KOHIMA /KAZIRANGA / ITANAGAR /ZERO
/DAPARIZO I ALONG! DIBRUGARH I DELHI (16 Days).
BEST TIME:
Mid September to April.
.