Explore Sela Pass

    Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the border of the West Kameng and Tawang districts in Arunachal Pradesh. With an elevation of 4,170 meters (13,700 ft), it connects Tawang town to Tezpur. This breathtaking place is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from October to May, when snowfall is less likely to block the routes. The landscape features stunning views of snow-capped mountains, creating a slice of heaven on Earth.

    Frozen Sela Lake
    Frozen Sela Lake with a scenic alpine landscape

    One of the main attractions during winter is the frozen Sela Lake, surrounded by a picturesque alpine landscape. Domestic yaks can often be seen grazing in the valley near Sela Pass.

    Located 21 km from Sela Pass, Jaswant Garh is a shrine dedicated to Jaswant Singh Rawat, who posthumously received the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery during the Battle of Nuranang in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

    Shrine of Jaswant Singh Rawat
    Shrine of Jaswant Singh Rawat

    This brave soldier held off Chinese soldiers for 72 hours, and the Indian Government has built a memorial in his honor, featuring his statue and a recounting of his heroics. This area experiences very cold temperatures due to its high altitude.

    Nuranang Waterfall
    Nuranang Waterfall

    The Jung Waterfalls, also known as Bong Bong Falls or Nuranang Falls, are another major attraction in Arunachal Pradesh. With a drop of about 100 meters, the Nuranang Waterfalls are a spectacular feature of the region, making them a unique selling point for Arunachal Pradesh tourism.

    Explore Dirang: A Hidden Gem in Arunachal Pradesh

    Dirang is a picturesque valley located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It serves as a popular overnight tourist destination for visitors heading to Tawang. Situated 43 km from Bomdila, Dirang is nestled beside the Kameng River, also known as Jia Bharli in Assam, at an altitude of 4,900 feet. The weather is pleasant for most of the year, making it an ideal getaway.

    Scenic view of Dirang

    The view of the valley is mesmerizing. A bridge over the Kameng River offers tourists a chance to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding paddy fields. Some of the must-visit places include:

    Dirang Dzong:

    This 17th-century village stands as a living testament to the culture and heritage of Dirang. Located on the banks of the serpentine Dirang Chu River, it provides a glimpse into the ancient past of Arunachal Pradesh. The fort was built to protect the locals from attacks from nearby regions.

    Dirang Dzong Sangti Valley:

    Located 15 km from Dirang, Sangti Valley is a stunning destination known for its dense forests, beautiful river, and breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. It is a true paradise for tourists and offers picturesque landscapes alongside Tenga Valley.

    Sangti Valley

    Both Sangti Valley and Tenga Valley are among the most picturesque tourist spots in Arunachal Pradesh, captivating visitors with their natural beauty.

    A Guide to Dudhia: The Hidden Gem of Darjeeling District

    Dudhia is a small village located near the Balason River in the Kurseong subdivision of the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. The village is surrounded by lush forests, tea gardens, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the region's natural beauty.

    Travelers who visit Dudhia can explore the nearby tea plantations, known for producing high-quality Darjeeling tea. They can also stroll through the village to see the local way of life and visit the Balason River, a crucial source of water for irrigation. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with various bird species found in the forests and along the riverbanks.

    What to See and Do

    • Explore the Tea Gardens: Dudhia is known for its tea plantations producing some of the best Darjeeling tea. Take a stroll through the gardens and learn about the tea-making process.
    • Visit Balason River: The river provides a source of water for irrigation. You can take a walk along the riverbanks and enjoy scenic views.
    • Birdwatching: Dudhia is a haven for birdwatchers. The area is home to various bird species found in the forests and along the riverbanks.
    • Take a Stroll through the Village: Experience local life by walking through the village. You can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
    • Visit Kurseong Town: Kurseong, located approximately 13 kilometers away, is known for its tea gardens, scenic views, and historic landmarks such as the Eagle's Craig viewpoint and the Kurseong Railway Station.
    • Enjoy the Scenic Landscapes: Dudhia is surrounded by lush forests and scenic landscapes. Take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in the region's beauty.
    • Trekking: Dudhia offers several trekking routes, ranging from easy to challenging. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the region's natural beauty while indulging in this adventurous activity.
    • Visit the Dudhia Church: The Dudhia Church is a beautiful structure that offers a glimpse into the region's history and architecture.

    Flora and Fauna

    Flora:

    • Tea plants: Dudhia is known for its tea plantations producing some of the best Darjeeling tea.
    • Bamboo: Bamboo groves can be found in the forests surrounding the village.
    • Rhododendrons: The region is home to several species of rhododendrons, which bloom in vibrant colors during the spring season.
    • Oak trees: The forests are dotted with oak trees that provide shade and shelter for the local wildlife.

    Fauna:

    • Birds: Dudhia is a paradise for birdwatchers, with species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Black-crested Bulbul, and many more.
    • Mammals: The area is home to several mammals, including leopards, barking deer, wild boars, and civets.
    • Butterflies: The region boasts rich butterfly diversity, with various species spotted during the monsoon season.
    • Reptiles: Several reptile species, including snakes and lizards, can be found in the forests and grasslands.

    How to Reach

    • By Air: The nearest airport to Dudhia is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dudhia.
    • By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kurseong Railway Station, approximately 13 kilometers away, well-connected to major cities in India, including Kolkata and New Delhi. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dudhia.
    • By Road: Dudhia is well-connected to major cities in West Bengal via a network of roads. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Siliguri, located approximately 40 kilometers away, or from Kurseong to reach Dudhia.
    • By Taxi: Taxis can be hired from Bagdogra Airport, Kurseong Railway Station, or Siliguri to reach Dudhia. Taxis are readily available and can be booked online or through local travel agencies.

    Welcome to Chatakpur

    Chatakpur is a small hilltop forest village, 7 km from Sonada. It is a dream destination for nature lovers. This hill, located within Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and behind Tiger Hill, offers nearly 120-degree panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Kumbhakarna, Kabru Dome with its associate peaks, Kabru Fork, and Rathong.

    Kanchenjunga
    Majestic view of Kanchenjunga

    The scenery is magnificent, showcasing the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped mountains of West and North Sikkim. The most attractive feature of Chatakpur is the breathtaking sunset and sunrise from the watchtower, providing a more private and less crowded experience compared to Tiger Hill. A sunrise observatory offers a wider and more panoramic view.

    Chatakpur
    Scenic view of Chatakpur

    Huge pine trees grow up to the steps of the pine forest on one side of the hill. This location is suitable for people of all ages and is a charming, quiet spot for a quick getaway to relax or enjoy a short hike to a Forest Dept.-approved location.

    How to Reach

    The shortest route from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station or Bagdogra airport is to go towards Kurseong (via the Hill Cart Road or through Rohini Road), and then further up towards Darjeeling via the Hill Cart Road. At Sonada, take a right along the Forest Office Road, which eventually meets Chatakpur Road. Chatakpur is about 6 km from Sonada.

    Chatakpur
    Chatakpur village

    It takes roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Chatakpur from NJP or Bagdogra. The route from Sonada runs through wooded areas and can be challenging to navigate. Although this is the quickest route and often used by local vehicles, the road is in poor condition. It is advisable to avoid using this path if possible.

    Best Time to Visit

    You can visit Chatakpur all year, except during the monsoon season (July to mid-September) when exploring the jungle is not feasible. The tourist eco-village resort is closed during this period. Winter may be quite chilly from November through February, and if you are lucky, you might experience snowfall. Be sure to carry appropriate winter gear during this time.

    CHATAKPUR WEATHER

    Exploring the Fulbari Canal Wetland

    Fulbari Canal is located 10 km from Siliguri and attracts a large number of migratory birds in winter. Visitors start arriving at this wetland in mid-November and depart by the first week of March.

    Eurasian Wigeon
    Eurasian Wigeon in Fulbari Wetland

    Jalpaiguri district is home to Fulbari Wetland, which spans over 4.90 sq km from Nayabasti to the main barrage. Fulbari 1, 2, and a portion of Phansidewa Block, which includes the villages of Porajhar, Barapathuram, and Paschim Dhantala, are part of the Rajganj and Phansidewa blocks that govern the area. Enthusiastic bird lovers and photographers visit this place during the season, where the birds float on the river, forming bonds in nature.

    Various species of migratory birds, including the Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Northern Lapwing, and Gadwall, arrive every year from Tibet, Siberia, and Mongolia. There is also bushland at Porajhar, on the western side of the river.

    Black-winged Stilt
    Black-winged Stilt in Fulbari Wetland
    Bluethroat in Bushland
    Siberian Bluethroat in the bushland of Porajhar

    Some endangered species like the Yellow-breasted Bunting are sighted every year. The Siberian Rubythroat is also one of the main attractions of Porajhar. The Wryneck is also available in this bushland during the winter season.

    Wryneck
    Wryneck spotted near Porajhar

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