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. The landscape features stunning views of snow-capped mountains, creating a slice of heaven on Earth.
Frozen Sela Lake with a scenic alpine landscape
During winter, the frozen Sela Lake becomes the highlight, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Domestic yaks are often seen grazing nearby.
Shrine of Jaswant Singh Rawat – A War Hero of 1962
Located 21 km from Sela Pass, Jaswant Garh is a shrine dedicated to Jaswant Singh Rawat, who was posthumously honored with the Maha Vir Chakra for bravery during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. His statue and memorial commemorate his heroic last stand against invading forces.
Nuranang Waterfall cascading 100 meters into the valley
Jung Waterfalls, also called Bong Bong or Nuranang Falls, are another major draw for travelers. This natural wonder adds charm to the region and is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s top tourist spots.
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 lush farms and valley in 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 – a heritage site that reflects traditional Monpa architecture.
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 – surrounded by majestic mountains and vibrant greenery.
Both Sangti Valley and Tenga Valley are among the most picturesque tourist spots in Arunachal Pradesh, captivating visitors with their natural beauty.
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.
Peaceful stretch of Balason River running through Dudhia
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.
Visit Balason River: The river provides a source of water for irrigation and offers scenic walking trails.
Birdwatching: Dudhia is a haven for birdwatchers, with species visible in both forest and riverside habitats.
Village Walks: Experience local culture and interact with villagers to learn about their lifestyle.
Visit Kurseong: A nearby hill town just 13 km away, known for Eagle's Craig viewpoint and British-era landmarks.
Scenic Treks: Enjoy walking trails surrounded by pine, bamboo, and rhododendron forests.
Dudhia Church: Visit this local church to admire simple hill architecture and spiritual ambiance.
Lush green tea estates spread across the slopes near Dudhia
Flora and Fauna
Flora:
Tea Plants: Cultivated across surrounding estates.
Bamboo Groves: Found along riverside and village edges.
Rhododendrons: Vibrant seasonal bloomers during spring.
Oak Trees: Tall and shady, supporting local ecology.
Fauna:
Birds: Rufous-necked Hornbill, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Black-crested Bulbul, and more.
Mammals: Barking deer, civets, wild boars, and occasional leopard sightings.
Butterflies: Colorful butterflies especially visible during monsoon.
Reptiles: Home to common snakes, skinks, and lizards in forested zones.
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra Airport (50 km). Taxis available to Dudhia.
By Rail: Kurseong Railway Station (13 km). Good connections via Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Siliguri.
By Road: Dudhia is accessible by road from Siliguri (40 km), Kurseong, and Bagdogra via scenic routes.
By Taxi: Local and pre-booked taxis are easily available from all major points.
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.
Majestic view of Kanchenjunga from Chatakpur
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.
Scenic pine-covered forest area in 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.
Traditional homes nestled in the hills of 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.
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 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, including 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 in Fulbari WetlandSiberian 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.
