Saturday, April 16, 2022

Pinch me,is it Heaven???...no its Arunachal..!!!

Arunachal pradesh..,the land of rising sun in India is an unexplored beauty which many might be hesitant to travel because of the distance, weather and altitude.

"Tawang" is a lovely hill station nestled at an altitude of 3048 meters amidst the mighty Himalayas and known for its picturesque landscapes and Buddhist monasteries. Whether you want to soak in the charm of nature or explore the rich heritage of north-east, it is all there.

I had this amazing place in my bucket list from quite sometime back ,but had to stall the plan because of the covid and other reasons. This year had to plan somewhere to take a breather from this stressful ocean of life we are desperately swimming across :-)

And what better place could I think of other than the quaint Tawang nestled in the far north east.

One can plan independently and go here, but since we were traveling with kids we didn't want to take any chances. After a lot of research, found that not many popular travel agencies have the packages to Tawang.

Took help of a few acquaintance of previous travel to North east and got this contact of the travels called " Meenakshi tour N travels" in guwahati . To my luck,its owner Mr.Krishna Mimani turned out to be a friendly and knowledgeable person in the profession and guided me to plan the trip as per my requirement.(Have given the contact details at the end of the blog for reference).

Planned a 7 day trip to Tawang,Arunachal pradesh and Assam, with only khaziranga in particular to spot the Rhinos.

Initially thought will cover Meghalaya and shillong adding 2 more days ..but again skipped them as it involved more travel and had to come back to attend to the responsibilities back home.

So..tickets were booked to and fro from Guwahati,Assam .

Packed a few warm clothes looking at the forecast there.but could have packed more is what I realized later as it turns too cold at the altitudes.

The day came and we were all super excited to travel after quite some time.

Day 1:

Landed in lokapriya gopinath bordoloi airport at 11.45 Am, after a 3 hour flight in morning Air Asia flight from Bangalore.

Mr.Krishna welcomed us to Assam with a call exactly as we stepped out of Airport.

Driver was on time with the necessary documents and we were greeted with a lovely bamboo basket full of goodies and fruits inside the car.The kids were elated with the same and enjoyed the journey with all their favorites.

The route to Tawang is as below:

Assam -> Bhalukpong ->Bombdila->Dirang->Tawang-> Bumla pass(Indo-China border)

The drive from airport to the first stop Bhalukpong was of around 7 hours with some pit stops for lunch and boating on Brahmaputra river. Stopped at a vegetarian restaurant on highway before we embarked further as finding good food or places to eat will be a problem moving on.

Brahmaputra(Siang) river enters India through Arunachal from Tibet(Tsang po).Subansiri River and Kulsi River of the Brahmaputra delta is where we went to spot the famous fresh water dolphins. The boat ride in the vast expanse of the river was calming and adventurous..we rode for about an hour with the cold winds and water lapping our face. We stopped in between to spot the dolphins. Unfortunately because of the weather being cloudy, and probably our luck too we couldn't spot any. Managed to see a few snaps of dolphins seen there, which the boatsman showed.


Then it was almost dark by the time we reached Bhalukpong and stayed overnight at the hotel provided. It was quite cold at night.

Day 2:

Started after breakfast to our next stop towards Tawang. Enroute was nature in its full glory in all the directions.Lovely water falls, picturesque streams and valleys made way to ease our journey. We took some stops as the roads were winding with too many bends and causing some discomfort in our rumbling stomachs.



Better to be on lighter stomach,smell camphor or lemon, chew gums to forego the vomiting sensation.

Stopped at the Ball of fire museum at Tenga region and even managed a small snack break too.Children played happily in the lovely stream flowing there throwing pebbles into the water. Collected a few pebbles to bring back home as memories.

I managed to soak my feet and lap the icy cold water and also soak my soul in the calmness but, just the sound of water flowing amidst the mountains.It was heavenly just being there doing nothing but breathing amidst the mother nature.




I would have settled there if not for the driver calling us to move on as it gets difficult to drive if it gets darker.

We reached Bombdila, to rest before we moved to our next destination.

Day 3:

Started our journey further on early morning, visiting the beautiful monastery in Bombdila.


Then we embarked further on ,stopping in between where ever we felt we could enjoy amidst nature. The abundance of rivers flowing makes your mind and heart flow with them..


We had a small trek in offbeat places,played in waters and walked on rickety wooden bridges.

Further on as we moved up the mountains the roads were foggy with literally no vision. It was a beautiful experience for us ,but hard for the driver to drive.It then started raining, further on snowing heavily as we reached Sela pass in West Kameng. It was a beautiful view with snow on all sides and moving in between the white sheets of snow.




We went out shivering into the snow blankets with minimal warm clothing. The cold breeze almost froze us with its sharp stings. We managed to play in the snow for sometime and FREEZE some memories for lifetime.


The roads further on was a difficult one as they were still under construction,but the drivers were tactful enough to maneuver the biggest of vehicles without a small flinch on their face.

After a tough ride, we were awestruck seeing a gigantic water fall from the window and all the tireness floated away in the breeze coming in from the falls.







The Jung(Nuranang) falls is a white damsel flowing majestically from heaven onto earth with a thunderous sound and drenching everyone in her vicinity with her splashing mist. Felt euphoric,ecstatic, elated and jumped with undefinable happiness into her lap, just like a small child jumps into her mother's lap.

It made the tireness, stress, pains,hurts and my whole being vanish atleast for that duration when I was in that vicinity.

Left the place with a unexplainable feeling, leaving a part of my soul there.

Reached the hotel to reach greater heights the next day..:-) and explore more of this beauty called Arunachal.

Day 4:

We set out from Tawang to explore the higher altitudes of 'Bumla pass' today in another local vehicle(as other vehicles are not allowed).

The pass is around another 35 kms from Tawang Fortunately for us, the sun was shining down gracefully and it was an easy ride on the usually slidy roads. All the permits were obtained before hand by the travel agent and we didn't have any worries.

As we drove, it was like entering a white fairy land filled all over with snow. Small glittery natural lakes peeped out through the icy glaciers and snow filled mountains.






Tried clicking to capture the beauties as much as possible, but after sometime realized the pics didn't do any justice to the real beauty.So I stopped to admire and soak into the serenity of the heavenly atmosphere.

This place can easily put Switzerland to shame with its gorgeousness.

I was ashamed of myself to think Switzerland was best...look at this place and you realise there is nothing like this.

Visited the Indo-China border and some facts were explained by the Indian army there.

Pictures and videos were strictly prohibited to be taken there.

Imagine we couldn't even stand for 5 minutes with the bone chilling cold at 0° temperature there and look at these guys.

The Indian army(Jai hind) is doing a commendable job in these icy cold mountains safeguarding our nation. We and our struggles are really nothing in front of their lives here. Really we should be proud of our army and their sacrifices.

Played in the snow for sometime making snow man and some snow ball fights. Had a hot tea from the army campus and then moved to Madhuri lake(named after the actress as she had done some movie shooting there long back). Had a quick lunch of hot Maggie(spiced with green Chilli pieces)and hot chola Batura from the army canteen in the cold weather outside.

It was time to go back.

Rested sometime in the hotel room and then again set out to visit the Buddha statue and the war memorial. There was a screening show of the war which took place between China and India in the same place . It was freezing cold sitting in the open amphitheater to watch the show.but it was a proud moment singing the national anthem with fellow Indians from different states of India.



Day 5:

Visited the 400 years old Tawang monastery which is the largest monestary in India and the second largest in the world. Even visited the museum beside the monestary to spot some old artifacts and scriptures of Buddhism.The silence inside the monestary calmed the insides momentarily.




We started back on the same route as we had arrived. We stopped again at the Jung falls and it appeared differently now in the sunshine. We were lucky to witness the same wonders in different hues and shades.



We went closer to the milky white falls this time and got drenched .Again played in the clear waters before we started back.

Enroute stopped to buy some fruits like oranges and apples which are grown locally in orchards nearby. The small oranges were too sweet and tasty.

Reached Dirang by evening and directly went to visit the Thupsung Dhargye Ling monestary(as we had to leave early next day on a long drive to Khaziranga)

There were hardly anyone there and the whole place was in pin drop silence. It was quite a big monestary nestled on top of the mountain giving a view of the entire Dirang Valley.




Sat for sometime talking to the silence inside the hall and was it gratifying!!! Never felt the kind of solace before. Complete silence and only sound was of the gush of the wind from outside.

Lovely little flowers of varied hues surrounded the place like dainty necklace around a neck.






There were hundreds of prayer wheels around the temple for offering prayers.The Buddhist prayer wheels are used as an aid for meditation and also as a means of accumulating wisdom, good karma, and means of putting bad karmas and negative energy aside.


Day 6:

Today the drive was quite a long one as we needed to reach Khaziranga.

Drove from Dirang after breakfast. Stopped again in different places to enjoy the journey.

We again took a stop in the army campus at Tenga to take a snack bite.Managed to get some hot Samosas and masala Chai. Even bought some souvenirs for a reasonable price from the shop there. As my travel tradition picked up a buddha idol for my collection.( I have one each from Sikkim,Ladakh,Hong Kong, Thailand)

Kids played in the park there in trampoline, swings and slides.We again managed to sneak some time to play the last time in the cold waters.

Then it was time to leave to Khaziranga.

It was a comfortable drive to Assam, we reached Khaziranga by evening 4 pm. We could spot the one horned rhinoceros and elephants on the way itself,driving to hotel.

It was a beautiful drive through the forest area.


In the evening, we attended a cultural program at a orchid park nearby. It seems the park is huge with different varieties of orchids and boating available. Since it was already evening we could only catch up the cultural program. It was a lovely presentation of folk music and dance by a Assamese troupe which consisted of different dance forms they do during harvesting, pooja etc.

It started raining and we literally sat on the stage to see the final highlight dance of the show Bihu..it was really a treat for the eyes.

And it came as a pleasant shocker to us that we were fortunate to attend the last show of the season and there were not going to be any more shows till next October.

It was a real tiring day but gratifying one.

We went on to do some small shopping of local artifacts like wooden rhinos and some wooden toys. Had a sumptuous dinner and went back to the room. Had to wake up early the next morning for the elephant Safari and also needed to pack all things properly as we had a return flight to Bangalore the next day.

Soon our trip was on its way to end..and it was a difficult feeling.

Day 7:

Woke up early morning to drive to the elephant Safari point. I personally don't like animal safaris as am way too sensitive and don't want any exploitation of animals in any way.

Just went on it for the kids sake, but my little one was on similar thinking after sitting on it and kept on cribbing about hurting the animal. There is jeep Safari too for the same.

The elephant we sat on was named "gintara" and it moved gracefully in the muddy puddles with our weight on its back.We managed to see the rhinos easily. A stag was staring from inside the bushes. Few storks,cranes and wild buffaloes were spotted too. It started drizzling and we had to cover ourselves with plastic sheets for sometime.My daughter was bothered about the elephant getting wet.Only kids can think in those terms.










The Mahout was talking about his life there and complaining of no earning during the last 2 years due to pandemic and their sustainance is solely based on the animals. But again during the peak tourist season they are made to do extra rounds of Safari and they tend to fall sick.

I as usual felt bad for the animal, as to why the earth had human beings ..it was a much better and beautiful place without us.

Bidding bye to the lovely creature feeding it lots of bananas, we left to the hotel to finish the breakfast.

We bought the famous Assam tea at a shop nearby and set out on our drive to the Guwahati airport for our onward journey to Bengaluru.

The experience of the lovely place left a remarkable impact on me.Carrying lots of memories with me in my mind, heart and soul I can still smell Arunachal when I breath..

P.S:

Food:

1.Vegetarians might have a little tough time though there are good hotels on the way all have non veg too in there.

2.Better to pack and carry a few ready to make/eat if you are vegetarians or vegans.

3.Maggie is available every where, but not sure if you can consume is all the time.

4. If with kids carry a ghee bottle as nowhere you get ghee. Even curd and milk not available. Powdered milk available.

Stay:

1. Most hotels are very basic,old and no 5 star facilities available in Arunachal.

2. Heater is available on request.

3.Get used to lizards, spiders and insects in some places.

Carry:

1.Warm clothes, thermals,gloves,socks and shoes.

2.Umbrellas and torch.

3.Id proofs.

4.Camphor , lemon peels, tablets chewing gums for altitude sickness.

5.Extra platic covers for left overs, peels inside the cars, for throwing up on winding roads.

6.Relevant contact numbers stored and shared with family.

Travel agent I went through:

Meenakshi tour N travels, Guwahati

Owner:Mr.Krishna Mimani

Number : +91 70023 08661






Every hue has its own beauty

When the 5 fingers on our own hands are different,some big and some smaller

It is illogical to expect everyone's liking to be always similar..


What is liked by someone may not be the other person's liking..

What the tongue may be enjoying tasting, the teeth might not enjoy biting..


So respect everyone's liking and never talk negative about their choice..

Cus ,What appears like music to your ears, might be their definition of noise..

What appears beautiful to you, might be others version of hideous

What appears as right to you, might be wrong in someone's eyes..

These variations in opinions are just a matter of each ones inner voice..


Even if you differ from the other person's liking/thoughts, don't let hate enter in this mindless ego game..

As it will lead to unnecessary blame..

Resulting in just hurt,insult and shame..

Breaking up of bonds for reasons lame..


Yes,its not easy to like something which we hate..

Just like we can't understand someone's thoughts , whom we cannot relate..


Try and accept every emotion with an open mind..

Try not to hurt someone, doesn't matter if you can't be very kind..

Some life's questions are with answers unknown, 

the answers that only each one of us on our own journeys can ultimately find..

Two faces of life

The whole world is split into two versions of people..

Some whose minds are stronger and some feeble.

The contradiction in life is visible all around

Wherever we see the difference is found..

Some tear it up to display their royalty..

While, some patch up their dignity, to hide their poverty..


Few have everything ,but inside the heart are emptiest.

While,some have no possession but, are still the happiest..


Some having a cosy shelter, find it difficult to even rest.

While, some sleep comfortably on streets, even without a nest..


Some find it difficult to cope thinking life has no scope..

While some manage to sail through, clinging hard to the invisible rope called 'hope'.


Few see only negativity in brightness..

While, some see the positivity even in darkness..

It all depends on which role you chose to play.

As the onus is on each of us, to decide whether to feel good or terrible, every moment every day..

Live like a river...



River is a beautiful gift of nature..

Slitering down gracefully amidst greenery, painting a lovely picture..


She selflessly helps all to live and thrive, throughout her flow..

Be it plants and other organisms to survive and grow..

Not minding whatever the trash, inside her they throw..


Her journey continues seamlessly to join the sea..

She carves her own path along the way, until she reaches where she is meant to be..

God has conveyed a beautiful message by creating rivers..

Yes, life is a rough terrain to traverse...

But, move on with your life, no matter what... don't try to go in reverse..

Racing life...




Life is so unpredictable..

The situations, problems and the losses we face become unacceptable..


In a constant race against time, we keep moving in confusion..

Not knowing whether our life is moving in the proper direction..

In all this illusion,  

Do you think we still have time to write our story or its the time for conclusion.. ??


Some just race through life with a maddening speed..

With a greed to attain much more than what they need..

No guarantee of tomorrow, agreed..

But what is the use of accelerating constantly, risking ones life without a break

When you can't enjoy and relish what you struggled to achieve for your own sake..


Don't stop, but, slow down to a reasonable pace..

Drench in the rain drops..soak in the sun's rays..

Embrace what your life offers you, with a smile on your face

Enjoy the music of life  and the beautiful melody it plays..


Lets do what we always wanted to do and enjoy our time,when we are still here..

As tomorrow is not clear, with the shadow of death lurking on our heads saying something we always fear..

THAT THE END IS ALMOST NEAR..

VERY..very ..near..

Friday, January 28, 2022

Words ....an intellectual fight


Words spilt on to paper, is ones form of expression

How one understands them depends on the reader's perception..


Few words manage to make one smile, few make ones eyes wet ..

Few words resonate with the readers and few fall flat..with deep regret..


Writing makes the heart feel light..

Finding the right words is no less than a intellectual fight..

When the words spill out on the paper to make an impression, there is no more happiness than that for the writer to write..

Soulful writing adds a spark to the creation ,when the words themselves start to ignite..



Connecting the minds....will connect the dots...

Happiness among people is defined, when their minds greatly connect.

Cus, people with similar thoughts give you an unexplainable sense of comfort.

Their feelings,views and thoughts are like mirrors which reflect..

And thats the reason that, whatever they think or say, you involuntarily accept..


Ofcourse, if the other person is having a different mindset, its not to be seen as a defect..

As its a human weakness that everyone thinks that what they think is only perfect..

Forgetting, one should respect all kinds of thoughts and just accept..


But definitely if you are lucky enough to get people who perfectly resonate your thoughts..

Who can match your mind..

Their is no other bliss in life like it, you can ever find..


These souls might just be the missing pieces fitting perfectly in your life's jigsaw puzzle , unsolved..

Think of it as the right time for you to connect with them and let yourself evolve