Bomdila - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

The small town of Bomdila is perched amongst the panoramic settings of the lofty ranges of the eastern Himalayas. It is a remote destination and like few other Indian towns, it has escaped the virtual tourist invasion in recent times. Bomdila is known for its scenic environs along with its Buddhist monasteries and apple orchards. It also attracts the adventure seeker with its numerous trekking trails.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Bomdila Map

The Hill Resort

Bomdila is the headquarters of the West Kameng district of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Bomdila offers to the tourist panoramic view of the awesome Himalayan terrain with its snow-covered summits. It is famous for its apple orchards and travelers can take a walk through them. It also has a couple of Buddhist monasteries or gompas. The area around Bomdila has a number of trekking and hiking trails that attracts the adventure seeker.

Breathtakingly beautiful Bomdila, 3,500 metres high in the Himalayas, is the headquarters of the west Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. This lofty paradise is snow clad for a major part of the year and makes a delightful destination to get away to in summer.

The journey to Bomdila is quite as exciting as the town itself. As you drive up here via Tezpur, you wind past gentle, wooded slopes, the fragrance of pine hanging heavily in the air. The landscape changes dramatically as gnarled gorges give way to plains that undulate into hills.

The Bharali river rushes down the mountains, providing some splendid angling opportunities for mahseer. Tipi, an orchid conservation centre further uphill, is a glasshouse with a fantastic collection of exotic orchid species and hybrids. The Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary across the river Kameng is another interesting stop where you can linger awhile

The Past

The origin of Bomdila is lost in time. It was a part of the kingdom of Tibet in medieval times. Local tribal rulers and rulers from Bhutan generally ruled it from time to time. The Ahom rulers of Assam did not interfere with the local tribes except for retaliatory raids into the tribal territory.The British had declared this area of Arunachal Pradesh as off-limits in 1873. The area has remained a cause of disagreement between India and China since India gained independence in 1947. China invaded the area around Bomdila in 1962, but later withdrew its troops from the area.

Shopping

Bomdila is also known for its crafts. The main craft center within the town is known for producing exquisite woolen carpets and traditional masks. Travelers hunting for souvenirs can buy traditional craft items from the main craft center or from various shops around the town.

Information Tit Bits

Foreign travelers visiting the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh must obtain a Restricted Area Permit from the Foreigner's Regional Registration Offices in Delhi [Arunachal Bhavan, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (Ph: 011-3013915)], Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) and Calcutta [Arunachal Bhavan, 4B Chowringhee Place, Calcutta (Ph:033-2486500)] in order to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Permits are generally valid for 10 days. Permits can also be applied for at any overseas Indian consulate. These permits are checked at the airport and their photocopies have to be submitted in the local hotels while checking in for routine local police verification.

Places To Eat

Tourists can relish traditional Tibetan food like momos and thoopa in Bomdila.

Elevation

Bomdila - 3,500 metres

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Location Details

Bomdila is located in the northwestern part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the northeastern region of India. It is set amongst the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 2,530 m above sea level. The weather in Bomdila is alpine. Summers (April-June) are short and mild, while winters are cold (November-February). It experiences rainfall between July and September.

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How to Reach There and Distances

Bomdila is located in a remote part of India. It does not have an airport or railway station of its own. It is connected by road with other towns in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Bomdila can be reached from the town of Tezpur by local bus or shared jeep.

By Air

Nearest airport is Tezpur (160 km) served by Indian Airlines & NEPC Airlines.

By Rail

Railway station is Bhalukpong (100 km).

By Road

Bus services of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation are plying to Bomdila from Tezpur via Bhalukpung- Tipi-Tengavafiey-Rupa.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Bomdila is best visited between March and October. Carry light woollens and a windcheater for summer and heavy woollens and snow protection for winter.

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Tourist places near Bomdila

Sites Nearby

The small town of Tawang is located north of Bomdila and the journey from Bomdila to Tawang takes the traveler through some breathtaking mountainous terrain. Tawang is perched at a height of over 3,400 m above sea level, and is world-renowned for its 400-year-old Buddhist monastery. The origin of this monastery can be traced to the mid-17th century and is an important Buddhist center of northeast India.