Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bhalukpong is between the months of October and MayBefore you go up to the mountains of Tawang to meet the Monpas and the Buddha, this is where you let your hair down. The tiny town of Bhalukpong is famous for its natural beauty. It has a number of picnic spots along the banks of the Kameng River. Bhalukpong is a remote destination, and like few other Indian towns, it has escaped the virtual tourist invasion in recent times.Bhalukpong has it all—the Kameng river that is ideal for rafting, and in case you can't bear the temperature, which can be really low, there are the mountains or solitary treks. You could also go angling, for in the waters of the Kameng swims the giant mahseer, the final test of the fisherman.
ORIENTATION
■ Bhalukpong is located in the southwestern part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the northeastern region of India. It is located near the Kameng River and is at a distance of 52 km from Tezpur.
HOW TO GET THERE
■ Arunachal Pradesh is divided into various sectors. Bhalukpong is located in a remote part of India amongst the Himalayan ranges. It does not have an airport or railway station of its own. Though you can drive from Itanagar, a better approach to Bhalukpong is from Tezpur in Assam, 60 km away.
WHERE TO STAY
■ Bhalukpong has a Circuit House and a forest guesthouse. The best place to eat is probably your guesthouse.
WHAT TO SEE
■ Pakhui game sanctuary, located very close to Bhalukpong. Here lives the Bengal tiger, the great pied hornbill among a number of other endangered species. Venture a little further, keep your fingers crossed and you can hope to meet the elephant herd and, as the sun sets, the leopard.
■ Tipi orchidarium, about 7 km away. This is nature's treasure-house of beauty. Showcased here are more than 500 species of orchids that bloom in the wilds of Arunachal Pradesh.
