Author: Administrator

I was thinking of travelling somewhere to escape the daily humdrum, and just like that, on a whim, decided to sign up for the April chapter to central Arunachal Pradesh, with a focus on Aalo and Mechuka, with WeGoBond.

Arunachal, like most other North Eastern states, is incredibly beautiful yet unexplored, especially the central part of the state. With no organized tourism in the region, we geared up for an adventure through bumpy roads, gushing rivers, swaying bridges, verdant valleys to reach the fabled Mechuka. We witnessed rains throughout our trip—unseasonal, I am told, largely owing to climate change—which only rendered the landscape with rich hues of green. The entire place was lush and covered in a canopy of dense greenery.

The entire state of Arunanchal Pradesh is dotted with hanging bridges that are made up of bamboo and ropes, and some partially of steel. These bridges serve as a lifeline for the villagers, to cross rivers and move from one place to another. This was my first time on such a hanging bridge. Unlike the locals for whom it is a cakewalk, I was petrified as they sway a lot! It was either to see what lies on the other side or wait for my fellow travellers to return and share stories. Fear of missing out loomed large, and grabbing the hands of my travel mates, one careful step at a time, I managed to cross these bridges.

The highlight of our trip, Mechuka, was next. It is variously known as Mechukha or Menchukha, which, in Memba dialect means medicine (men), water (chu), and snow (kha), or the land blessed with medicinal snow-fed water. The town is located at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level and lies just 29 kilometres away from the Indo-China border. The place is dreamy and unspoilt with picture-postcard views of snow-capped mountains, quaint wooden houses, and meandering roads with horses and other animals running wild. It is an ideal place for long walks to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Finally, we got a taste of the local cuisine at the homestays that we stayed in as well as at roadside dhabas. Be it the Galo or the Memba tribe, the staple food is rice. One of the main ingredients is bamboo shoot, and boiled or steamed leafy vegetables as well as meat such as pork or chicken dominate the food scene. The cuisine of this state is mostly devoid of spice, nonetheless it is very healthy and tasty. Chutneys and condiments made out of chillies add to the flavour and complement the dishes. Not to forget, we were happy-high on apong, the local alcoholic drink made out of fermented rice!

Mechuka is a hidden gem and will remain fresh in my memory for a long time. The valley is beautiful, its people warm, and the food delicious and guilt-free. If you have a taste for the offbeat then Mechuka should definitely feature in your Bucket List.

To paraphrase innumerable quotes, travelling is as much about the destination as it is about the journey –unless of course it’s just “beam me up Scottie” and there you are. Even Harry Potter’s quicker forms of travel had a host of experiences-from getting splinched (ouch) to landing up in the wrong fireplace!

Though not involving lost body parts or destinations, our journey to Hampi and thereafter to other places, was enjoyable, comfortable and beautiful too. Fellow travellers contribute immensely to this of course and our group was fun loving, easy going and extremely sporting.Our unique energies gelled pretty well into a whole of great enjoyment and some madness!

Driving through India is never boring and the rides during this tripwere no exception. Fields of varied crops lined our way and the closest we got to a red carpet were red chilly fields. Cotton, rice and sugarcane were part of this amazing assortment and we had many stops for a closer look and to take photos. The sugarcane specially was unusual-it had flowered and looked delicately pink and pretty-most unlike say any we had seen up North. Languorous windmills waved us on and sheep caused traffic jams added their joy too.Some of the group were keen birders and ever so often, we had interesting avians pointed out to us.

Interestingly, while these sites were all deeply religious-specially the Virupaksha Temple-the only active shrine in the group of monuments called Hampi, stories from yore say that the rulers were secular and the populace had the freedom to practice their chosen religion. Even more, the influences of other cultures are reflected in the carvings and ever so often one sees a distinctly Oriental face or even, a European seeming gargoyle to say nothing of a two Mulla Nasruddins playing chess! Camels from Rajasthan have also found their way to the Kings Celebration platform.

While Aihole and Pattadakal are both temple complexes, the former has distinct Buddhist influences and the latter is syncretic in terms of the structures are built in styles both from North and South India.

In Badami, the caves are carved from sheer rock face- exquisite  works of art. Shiva and Vishnu being worshipped and right on top, a Jain temple.

This village and our brief interaction with its daily life was an enriching and enjoyable. We met the simple folk who live there-got a glimpse into their traditions which are reflected amply in their clothes, ornaments and way of living. Their weekly market is a kaleidoscope of colour, bustling and buzzing, where news and gossip is exchanged in the midst of of buying and bartering with goods -metal implements, trinkets, vegetables, to home made mahua liquor or fermented rice beer served in leaf cups. The local “haat” is the heart of the small community.

Their food is simple and unpretentious and occasionally-a tad horrifying!  It includes rice, bamboo shoots, moringa leaves and sundry others sourced from the wild. A local beverage or rather gruel is “MandiyaPej” a nutritious gruel of ragi millet or corn. It is said to have cooling properties. It also includes exciting items such as “ant chutney” which was intriguing to say the least!

My heart lightens up now when I think of that divinely beautiful land.

Arunachal Pradesh can overwhelm you with its loveliness and enchant you with the spiritual tranquillity in its air. We would spend about eight hours travelling by Innovas every day, and the roads were often in bad condition. However, that was just a trivial side note in our travel story. From beginning to end, our attention was absorbed by the stunning vistas that surrounded us.

Splendorous mountains…lush fields…pretty villages…sparkling streams…verdant forests…clear blue skies with fluffy white clouds…gorgeous waterfalls…

Each morning, we would set out with a sense of adventure, and each evening, we would retire to our rooms with the contentment of having seen more breath-taking sights.

We visited serenely beautiful monasteries where monks of all ages were absorbed in studies and prayers. At the gorgeous Nuranang waterfalls, all the elements of nature seemed to come together to create a magical display. While strolling through a picturesque, tranquil Monpa village, I found it hard to remember what kind of lives we led in our bustling cities. The stunning Sela Pass had so much scenic beauty that it was difficult to decide which way I ought to stand and stare. At the Jaswantgarh and Tawang War Memorials, we heard incredibly touching and inspiring tales of bravery by the soldiers who fought in the Indo-China War of 1962 and laid down their lives for our motherland.

Patriotic emotions welled up again when we visited the Bumla Pass, which marks the Indo-China border, and saw brave soldiers who endure extremely harsh conditions to protect our country.