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Bio-diversity of Dehing Patkai Region
The Dehing Patkai region is bountifully rich in biodiversity. It falls under Indo- Burma hotspot, which is one of the twenty-five richest biodiversity hotspots of the world. The Indo-Burma hotspot comprises about 2 million square kilometers of tropical Asia, east of the Indian sub-continent.The region includes all of Cambodia, Laos, nearly the entire territories of Thailand, Myanmar and Bhutan,parts of Nepal,far eastern India and extreme south China,Hanian Islands in south China sea and Andman Islands. The region is still revealing its biological treasurers.Three-mammal species have been discovered in recent years.The hotspot has the world's highest diversity of fresh water turtle species.
The Dehing Patkai region is bountifully rich in biodiversity. It falls under Indo- Burma hotspot, which is one of the twenty-five richest biodiversity hotspots of the world. The Indo-Burma hotspot comprises about 2 million square kilometers of tropical Asia, east of the Indian sub-continent.The region includes all of Cambodia, Laos, nearly the entire territories of Thailand, Myanmar and Bhutan,parts of Nepal,far eastern India and extreme south China,Hanian Islands in south China sea and Andman Islands. The region is still revealing its biological treasurers.Three-mammal species have been discovered in recent years.The hotspot has the world's highest diversity of fresh water turtle species.
The Digboi forest division falls under Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and it is situated in between 27° 15’ to 27° 30’ north longitude and 95° 25’ to 95° 45’ east latitude. The Digboi Division is also integral part of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve with total area of 609.55 sq.km. and a total of 160 wild elephants. Recently Dehing Patkai Sanctuary has been notified with the total area of 116 sq. km., consisting of Upper Dehing (West Block) Reserved Forests, Dirok and Joyopore. The sanctuary is famous for many species such as Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Black Panther, Hoolock Gibbon, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Barking deer,Bison,Bear, Common Monkeys, Slow Loris , Flying Squirrel, Mongoose,Pangolin Great Indian Civet, Birds like Winged Wood Duck, Hornbill, Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Myna, Dove, green pigeon, Barbet, Bulbul, Vulture, Kite, Hawk, Owl, Bat, Giant Bat, varieties of cranes, Darter, Stork, Cormorant, Monitor Lizard, Python, Viper , Cobra and many more varieties of poisonous and non poisonous snakes.
The Upper Dehing Reserved forest is famous and is also known as rain forest. The entire forest of the Dehing-Patkai region houses many endemic species,and the forest are of multistoried types with five canopy layers. The first canopy is covered with luxuriant growth of Hollong,Titasopa and Borpat ec.. The second canopy consists of Nahar with Sam, Mekai, Amari, Kadam, Bhomora, Barhomthuri, Bhelkor, Bogipoma and Bhola. The third canopy is mainly dominated by Morhal, Ajar, Mej, Owtenga, Bajiow etc. The fourth canopy is mainly covered by woody shrubs like kaupat, Tora, Bogitora etc. Palms like Geruga, Tamul, Tokopat, tree ferns, cranes, woody climbers like oblonga are also common. The ground flora consists of various shrubs like Bon Moduriam, Bon posola, Dhopat tita, Digholti etc.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, the only of its kind lies partly in Dibrugarh district and partly in the Tinsukia District. It is 13 Km from Tinsukia town which is 483 Km. from Guwahati. It covers an area of about 340 Sq. Km.. Of the seven parts of the park one part is wet land and rest is mainly grassland and dense forest.
The main attractions of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park are its semi-wild horse and white winged Wood-Duck. Other animals are Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Samber, Slow Loris, Indian wild water Buffalo, capped Langur, Gangetic River Dolphin, Indian Wild Dog etc. More then 250 varieties of local and migratory birds are also found in the Park.
THE STILWELL ROAD
During the World War-II Japan occupied Burma in early part of 1942 forcing the British troops to retreat to Assam. The Japanese then cut off their road communication to China and isolated it.They then advanced towards the North.
With a view to recover Burma by the British and the defence of China and maintaining the supply line to Chinese Nationalist Forces, a joint Command, namely, South East Asiatic Command with British, America and China was hurriedly formed in Assam under the Supreme Command of Admiral Lord Luis Mountbatten with his headquarters at Singapore and General Joseph W. Stilwell as Deputy Supreme Commander. General Stilwell was American President Roosevelt's special representative. His advance headquarters was at Taipha on the Chindwin in Hukawang valley of Myanmar beyond the Patkai. The rear headquarters was at Shillong. He was entrusted with additional responsibilities of the American commitment of supplies to the Chinese Nationalist Forces of General Issimo Shiang Kaishek which prompted the General to plan the road. Further, General Stilwell was commanding General of China, Burma, India and Chief of the Chinese Expeditionary Forces in India with responsibility to maintain direct liaison between the Chinese and the United States Forces. In order to maintain the supply line to China from Ledo Rail head in Assam, the road was planned in February, 1942 initially from Mogaung on the Myitkyina Railway on the Irrawadi river in the Kachin State of Myanmar (Burma)
The project was initially named Ledo Road. There was already a road for light vehicular traffic from Burma rail head of Lashi to Kunming in the Yunan Province of China hurriedly built in 1938 when the Japanese were troubling China. From Kunming, there was a railway to the New Nationalist Capital of Chungking. There was also railway construction between Myitkyina and Mogaung and Myitkyina-Lashio. At the same time Myitkyina air field had to be cleared from the Japanese. This was done by forming two specially trained Forces known as American-Kachin Rangers and Chindit Forces. They located harassed, attacked, killed the Japanese and blew-up their camps and pushed them towards Mandalay. Thus the line was cleared facilitating construction of the road.
From the Administrative point of view, a Political Officer was found to be most essential for the tribal area. A post of Political Officer for Rangpang area, then known, covering the present Changlang district and the Tirap Transferred Area was created by the Assam Government with headquarters at Margherita. Mr. Lambert IPS, ARP Officer Jorhat was posted in Feb 1942,Mr.E.T.D.Lambert was actively involved in the planning and construction of the road. He was on special duty for six months.
Then Mr. G.E.D. Walker, Assistant Political Officer, was posted as Political Officer. Another Officer involved was Md. Imdad Ali, IPS, from Assam, as Assistant Political Oficer. The route was surveyed by Air and Ground. According to the plan and approved by the General Headquarters, the road was to be taken along the Diyun river to Chukan Pass and then to Mogaung, The Diyun is the upper course of the Buri-Dihing and NoaDihing rivers. The road work was started accordingly from this side and Miao in two parts. But the Political Officer while submitting the plan suggested an alternative via the then existing bridle path from Ledo to Shimbwiyang, about 171Km in Hukawang valley through the Pangsau-Pass and then to Mogaung, which would have been easier and time saving. The General Headquarters subsequently reconsidered the suggestion and approved it. The work at Miao was then ceased and the labour-force diverted to Nampong. The labour force of about 1,200 was all tribal(s) from present Siang, Lohit of Arunachal and some Garos, Semas and Pnars. They were under the command of 9th Platoon 2nd Assam Rifles commanded by Jamadar Ratna Bahadur Limbu under the control of the Political Officer. 10,000 Chinese and Kachins were working from the other side starting from Yunan-Burma Railway construction. Simultaneously, pre-fabricated Hamilton iron bridges, two in each, over the streams and small rivers were also built. Another road i.e. the present Highway No 38 which does not form part of the Stilwell Road, but linking it was also built simultaneously, as there was no road communication to Ledo at that time.
The road work starting from April, 1942 with a length of 1,079 miles, i.e. about 1,736 Km was completed and through by October, 1944 within a record time of two and a half years. The road connected all important places between Ledo and Kunming numbering ten particularly beyond the border from Shimbwiyang onwards. Out of the entire length of the road of 36 miles, i.e. 57 Km fall in India, 646 miles, i.e. 1,040 Km fall in Myanmar and the rest 397 miles. i.e. about 639km. in China,
Though the work was first started from this side by the Civil Authority under the direct supervision of the Political Officer, later in December it was taken over by the American Engineers for quicker progress. Though the road was originally named Ledo Road, it was later dedicated to the memory of General Stilwell for his dedicated service to be remembered for ever.
After the war the road was maintained by the Political Officer and then by the CPWD, NEFA from zero mile to the border and kept open for civilian purpose including tourists with a Central Excise and Land customs Post at Nampong. Similarly, the Myanmar Government maintained it but later abandoned it. The road became impossible for vehicular traffic due to heavy land slides. The portion between the zero mile and Jairampur - 23 Km. falling in Assam jurisdiction was handed over to Assam Government some years back for maintenance who in turn handed it over to NEC. However NEC too, did not pay necessary attention and now the portion is all worn out.
The Arunachal portion up to the border, about 36 Km, continued to be maintained particularly up to Nampong from Administrative and Security point of view, Nampong being an Administrative center with several establishments including Assam rifles Bn. Hqs.. At Jairampur bus services also regularly ply up to Nampong. However, owing to insurgent activities the border was sealed by out Government several years back barring movement of civilians including the tribal(s) living on the border causing hindrance in their cultural relations and village economy by way of barter system of trade with their counterparts.
Golf Courses in Upper Assam
Upper Assam is the Mecca of Golf as far as the North Eastern States are concerned. Upon entering Upper Assam you will have the choice of Nine Golf Courses, each one posting its own unique challenges leaving a lasting impression on one's mind.
If you drive up to Upper Assam you will be greeted by the Moran Polo Club, which manages the Golf Course at Thowra Tea Estate. This 9-hole course though flat poses its own challenge as every hole has an Out of Bound to its left or right thus hitting a straight ball is a must.
If in case you arrive by Air you will fly over the Golf Course maintained by Dibrugarh District Planters Club that is although a flat 9-hole course is extremely narrow and will penalise any liberties taken with it.
The area of Upper Assam is then thrown open to seven more Golf Courses surrounding the town of Tinsukia all within an hour's drive. Either the Tea Companies or the Oil Companies maintains these courses.
Short of Tinsukia is Kanjikhowa Golf Course which is maintained by Panitola Planters Club. Though this 9 hole course plays short the real challenge is in trying to hit the Greens in regulation as they are small and have strategically placed bunkers around them.
North of Tinsukia are the Tingra, Zaloni and Naharkatia Golf Courses. The Tingra Golf Club is maintained by surrounding Tea Estates. Right selection of clubs is a must as playing any loose shots can have adverse effects on the card as well as to the pocket as the paddy fields are a hazardous part of the 9 hole course and show no mercy but the Ball Boys.
Ten Kilometers past Tingrai is the Zaloni Golf Club situated in the heart of the oil town of Duliajan. Oil India Ltd maintains this course and is a very tight 9 hole course lined by trees on either side of the fairways. This unique feature of course is that one can play till late into the evening as the last few holes are flood lit.
Another 20 km past Duliajan comes the Naharkatia Golf Course again maintained by surrounding Tea Estates. This is a long 73 per 9 hole course where all long irons and fairway woods come into play.
East of Tinsukia 20 Kms. away lies the Samdang Golf Course maintained by DoomDooma District Planters Club. This is the most attractive, difficult and challenging 10 hole course as it is a combination of both flat and hilly terrains which makes each lie different from the next.
The furthest away to the North-East lies the most picturous 9 hole golf course, maintained by Margherita Club which in turn is maintained by the Tea estates around it. Though this is a short course it is difficult course it is made difficult by the many gauges and drains cutting across the fairways and also tests the fitness of the golfer because of steep decants and climb on almost every hole. This course is famous as the Coal Fields of Assam and the Patkai hills over look it. Do not get carried away by the beauty of this course it will catch you like Eve.
Last but not the least lying 15 Kms short of Margherita is the famous Digboi Golf Links which is the only 18 hole Golf Course in Assam where two of the most prestigious Tournaments are held annually- The All Assam Amateur and the only Professional Tournament held in the North East The Servo Masters.
This course lives upto the expectations of all the professional golfers and is maintained by Indian Oil Corporation.
Orchids of Brahmaputra Vally
Orchids are a thing of beauty and joy to the onlooker and the grower who grows them to bloom. Northeast(NE) India is indeed blessed with these exquisitely beautiful flowering plants in abundance. The lush green luxuriant forests right from the basins of great Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers to the high mountain peaks clad with fog, cloud and snow all around are the real treasure houses of the flowering gems- the ORCHIDS.
In India there are about 1200 species of orchids out of which abount 825 species are estimated to occur in the Northeast India and abount 700 in Brahmaputra Vally including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam. Several of them are rear, endangered, spectacular and ornamental. Because of their curious shape, brilliant colour and long lasting qualities of flowers, they are considered as "gems" in the field of floriculture
Orange Cultivation in Tinsukia District
Orange that is grown predominantly in some areas of the district are of the variety “Khasi Mandarin” (Citrus reticulata Blanco) locally called as “Humthira”, “Kamala”, “Ronga Tenga” etc.
The history of introduction of this South-East Asia originated crop is not clearly known. But it is certain that some members of the Moran community first started cultivating it and till date this aboriginal group is the prime grower of the crop. The agro-climatic condition of the district is very much suited for cultivation of orange. Tinsukia district is in fact the largest producer of orange both in terms of area and production in Assam. The area under this crop in the district is 1350 Hect. including new plantations and the production is 19760 M.T. with a productivity of 16000 Kg. per Hect.. The major pockets of orange cultivation in the district are Kakapathar, Hapjan, Doomdooma, Phillobari, Ketetong, Margherita and Talap.
Orange that is grown predominantly in some areas of the district are of the variety “Khasi Mandarin” (Citrus reticulata Blanco) locally called as “Humthira”, “Kamala”, “Ronga Tenga” etc.
The history of introduction of this South-East Asia originated crop is not clearly known. But it is certain that some members of the Moran community first started cultivating it and till date this aboriginal group is the prime grower of the crop. The agro-climatic condition of the district is very much suited for cultivation of orange. Tinsukia district is in fact the largest producer of orange both in terms of area and production in Assam. The area under this crop in the district is 1350 Hect. including new plantations and the production is 19760 M.T. with a productivity of 16000 Kg. per Hect.. The major pockets of orange cultivation in the district are Kakapathar, Hapjan, Doomdooma, Phillobari, Ketetong, Margherita and Talap.
The average area of an orange orchard has been found to be about 4 (four) bighas though the area of individual orchards ranges from 2 bighas to 120 bighas. Though during last few years due to poor health of orange orchards resulting from use of improper planting material as well as poor management practices and in particular, because of a complex problem called “Citrus Decline” had temped the orange growers towards tea plantation i.e. another profitable venture on the same kind of land and agro-climatic condition, but recently again there has been a trend amongst the orange growers to go back to orange cultivation due to more labour intensive nature of tea and associated technical problems and, of course, because of the thrust given by the Department Agriculture, Govt. of Assam, through rejuvenation programmes and area expansion programmes under Techonology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. Thus the area under “Humthira” has increased by 20% in the district.
In conclusion, it can be said that the very fate of the orange growers along with this declining unique non-pollutant fruit of the world and related industries, is depending upon the efforts of every concerned departments and of course, public awareness to come out with self inspiration so as to work for self and for mass development.
Moreover, Orange orchards can also be projected and developed as point of tourists' attraction. A visit to an orchard, heavily laden with oranges and to behold the beauty and colour and to get engulfed in the irresistible fragrance it spreads, would be an alluring experience.
Herbal Medicine and Tribes of Dehing Patkai
Dehing Patkai region which encompasses all the vegetation types due to altitudinal variation ranging from tropical rain forest to Alpine meadows is the repository of maximum concentration of wide verities of many rare and endangered plant and animal species including medicinal plants. According to a survey conducted by State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar, there are hundreds of plant species having medicinal potentiality in this area and Namdapha National Park has the maximum verity of such medicinal plants.
The local tribes, with isolation for centuries and complete dependence on natural resources, have acquired a unique knowledge of using herbs to cure many diseases. Some of them even have herbal practitioners in their society. The author had come across quite a few herbal practitioners who are expert in healing diseases like hypertension, jaundice, malaria, pneumonia, rheumatic pain and diseases relating to womenfolk etc. Among the Khamti tribe, treating bone fracture stands out prominently. Usually a healer maintains a small garden of some important medicinal plants of frequent use. However, many vital medicinal plant materials are collected from the forest.
In recent years there has been some move to involve poor and marginal farmers in the remote and backward places in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants having marketing potentialities. With little governmental or institutional support the herbal practitioners may be engaged in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Small plants may be established in the nearby areas for the extraction of crude products. Government agencies have to be engaged in procurement and marketing of crude products so as to give due benefit to the growers. The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants like Pachouli and Geranium has already been initiated in some parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. So, the sustainable use of bio resources holds the key of the future development of the tribal communities residing in the fragile eco-system of the region.
Namdapha Tiger Reserve
Amidst lofty blue hills of the Patkai mountain ranges and vast undulating meadows along the turbulent river, Noa-dehing lies a sprawling valley of unexplored pristine “tropical wet evergreen forest” in Changlang Distt. Of Arunachal Pradesh. This is the Namdapha National park.
Namdapha, the 15th “Tiger Reserve” of the country, has derived its name from a tributary called “Namdapha” joining the the turbulent river, Noa-dehing at Embyong. The river originates from Myanmar flowing right across the park from east to west direction. The park has altitudinal variation from 200m (MSL) to 4500m at Daphabum , where snow capped ruggedness over the vast forest expanse of 7 different “forest types” ranging from “wet evergreen” to “alpine scrub”. Perhaps, no park and sanctuaries in the world has such variations as Namdapha which has never in the past under rules and exploitation of the Mongols, the Moghuls, the British or Indian Maharajas,geographical formation of Patkai Hills adjoining to Eastern Himalayan foothills, vast undulating meadows, swift flowing rivulets crisscrossing the park and open grasslands all supported seemingly the endless variety of flora and fauna of Namdhapa, making it a part to the world’s 12th Bio-diversity Hotspot.
Namdapha, an unexplored forest expanse of enchanting beauty and lush green vegetation is a true ‘wilderness’. Undergrowth is thick and interwined making it impenetrable cobwebs of vaious species of cane, bamboo, wild banana, climber, shrubs and herbs. The grandeur of ‘ tropical wet evergreen forest’ is simply awesome and exciting. There are 150 timber species of which the gigantic Hollong, Hollock, Mekai, Jutuli, Champa and Bhola are important. The rare pine tree species of Pinus merkusai and Abies delavavi found in Namdapha are not viable elsewhere in India. Among the many orchids and medicinal plants, the rare Bluevanda and coptis teeta are worth mentioning
Namdpha is serene and green with teeming wildlife, where nature has retained its glory at her best. It is the only National Park where all the 4 big cats i.e., Tiger, Leopard, SnowLeopard and Clouded leopard are recorded to be found. It is also the habitat of the endangered ‘mammal’ species like Slow Lorries and Hollock Gibbon the only ‘ape’ species of India. Of the many other animals in Namdapha are the elephant, black bear, deers and various reptiles viz cobra,viper,krait, pyton etc. Among the avi-fauna the most notable are the White Winged Wood Duck, whole variety of Pheasants and of course, the Great Indian HornBill. The rare and most endangered leaf deer [M. putaoensis] and black barking deer [M. crinifron] found only in China and Myanmar have been discovered in Namdapha. The tiger and leopard population which were 52 and 35 only in 1995 have increased to 61 and 70 respectively by the year 2001 due to effective conservation measures
Places of Tourist Interest
Dehing Patkai festival has been organised with an aim to highlight the tourist potentialities of the catchment ares of the river Dehing and the Patkai foot-hills. The lush green vallys and scenic splendour of this area covering the geofraphical ares of Tinsukia-Dibrugarh districts and south eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, cast spell on visitors.
Tinsukia Town
Tinsukia is the ideal stopover for tourist visiting Dehing Patkai region. The commercial town of Assam is situated 500 Km away from Guwahati. The Shiv Dham and Marut Nandan Kanan Park are some of the added points of attraction for visitors. Tinsukia is well connected to the rest of the Country by rail and road.
Dibru Saikhowa National Park
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a part of one of the prominent biodiversity hotspots of the World, located almost 13 KM away from Tinsukia. This Park is famous for the presence of Feral horses. It is partly wetland, partly grassland and dense forests.It is the home of the globally endangered White Winged Wood Duck, Slow Loris, Gangetic Dolphin, Water Buffalo, Hoolock Gibbon, Elephant etc.
Bherjan-Borjan-Padumoni Wildlife Santuary
This Wildlife santuary is at a distance of about 6 Km from Tinsukia. It is famous for different species of primates including endangered Hoolock Gibbon.
Bell Temple
This temple of Lord Shiva, symbolised by a huge Banyan (pipal) tree, is at a distance of 17 Km from Tinsukia. It is belived that one may get his/her wishes fulfilled by offering a bell to this temple. Belivers hang the bells to the branches of the pipal tree and this is how the temple got its unique name.
Digboi
The first oil town of Asia, where oil well was drilled commercially in September 1889. A refinary was commissioned in December 1901, first of its kind in Asia and it was only refinary till India achieved independence and now it is the oldest operating oil refinery in the World. Digboi also has the distinction of establishing the first oil museum in India. The 18 hole Golf Course is an added attraction in Digboi close to Upper Dehing Reserve Forest. This golf course is known for its scenic beauty. A visit to the nearby War Cemetery and the Centenary park can offer a unique experience.
Sadiya
About 75 Km east of Tinsukia Sadiya is a sub-divisional headquarter of Tinsukia District. In medieval times, there were trade routes leading from Sadiya into Tibet, China and Burma (Myanmar). Sadiya was the central market for all hill tribes inhabiting the extreme North-East. The place of the Chutias, Sadiya is famous for Tameswari temple. It is one of the important centers of Shakti worship in Assam. A visit to Sadiya can also be an experience to relish as one has to catch a ferry at Dhola Ghat to cross the mighty Brahmaputra to reach Sadiya.
Parashuram Kunda
Situated in the Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh, Parashuram Kunda is abount 150 Km. from Tinsukia. It is one of the prominent centers of pilgrimage for the Hindus where thousands of devotees flock together to take a dip in it during Makar Sankranti(in mid January). The popular belief is that a holy dip in the 'Kund'(a small lake) washes away all the sins.
Rukmini Island
A beach island covering an area of 3.25 Sq.Km. is situated in the midest of the river Brahmaputra. It is a safe heaven for many indigenous and migratory birds. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches, sand banks for sun baths and parasailing. The place is ideal for a holiday that brings you away from the madding crowd,hustle and bustle of the modern life.
Margherita
One of the sub-divisional headquarters of Tinsukia district, the Coal Queen of Assam, Margherita is nature's own paradise. The splendour of the mystic Patkai ranges on one side and the river Burhi-Dehing flowing right across with a carpet of lush green tea gardens forming the natural landscape of the other, Margherita is a true gift of nature. It was the British who, exploring oil and coal, set up a company here, the first of its kind in the state called 'the Assam Railways and Trading company' as early as 1881. Margherita is famous for plywood products and the first plywood factory was established here in 1924, which happened to be the fifth in India.
One of the sub-divisional headquarters of Tinsukia district, the Coal Queen of Assam, Margherita is nature's own paradise. The splendour of the mystic Patkai ranges on one side and the river Burhi-Dehing flowing right across with a carpet of lush green tea gardens forming the natural landscape of the other, Margherita is a true gift of nature. It was the British who, exploring oil and coal, set up a company here, the first of its kind in the state called 'the Assam Railways and Trading company' as early as 1881. Margherita is famous for plywood products and the first plywood factory was established here in 1924, which happened to be the fifth in India.
A ride through the beautiful tea gardens contouring the hillocks of Dirok, Namdang and Namtok section, touching the foothills of Patkai Ranges will be a treat for one's eyes. Watching the process of making tea and a visit to a plywood factory may also be a pleasant experience.
The picturesque Margherita Golf Course, a favourite destination for Golfers, has also added a feather to the crowning beauty of this tiny little town.
War Cemetery
Down Memory-lane trips to world war-II cemeteries located in Digboi, Lekhapani and in Jairampur(A.P.) with epitaphs of hundreds of British and Chisese soldiers will be a touching experience.
Miao Carpet Factory
It is not simply a manufactory! It's not only a carpet producing unit!! But it is a centre of well organised effort to earn livelihood in a foreign land. It is the life line of the Tibetan Refugee Camp situted almost 5 Km. ahead of Miao Town. These Tibetan people have been here for generations and still they have a hope to get back their homeland. To sustain in a self suffecient way, they formed a socity which have a school upto VIII standard, a hospital, a creche, an old age home, a small market, a centre of religious activity(gonpa) and of course their bread and butter the carpet factory. The factory has a total of 38 skilled weavers who using raw materials brough from Ludhiana(Punjab) work as long as ten/twelve hours a day knitting their dreams on the carpet. The colourful hand woven carpets with their fine finishings, are of export quality. They are having emporiums in Arunachal Pradesh , Assam and Delhi etc. and have a retail outlet within the factory premise as well. The factory has a turn over of around 15/20 lacs per annum. The entire socity falls under the administration of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.
Pangsau Pass
Pangsau Pass in the Patkai ranges is abount 130 Km. away from Tinsukia in the Indo-Myanmar border. The area is in Arunachal Pradesh and located at a distance of just 12 Km. from the beautiful town of Nampong. The journey to Pangsau Pass from Nampong through the abandoned stretch of Stilwell road with dense forest on one side and deep gorges on the other can offer a thrilling experience to the adventurists. A forthnightly market is also held at the border where people from both side take active part. Interestingly, the age old barter system is still prevalent amoung the natives in this market. One can have a spectacular view of the mystic 'Lake of No Return' from Pangsu Pass.
Pangsau Pass in the Patkai ranges is abount 130 Km. away from Tinsukia in the Indo-Myanmar border. The area is in Arunachal Pradesh and located at a distance of just 12 Km. from the beautiful town of Nampong. The journey to Pangsau Pass from Nampong through the abandoned stretch of Stilwell road with dense forest on one side and deep gorges on the other can offer a thrilling experience to the adventurists. A forthnightly market is also held at the border where people from both side take active part. Interestingly, the age old barter system is still prevalent amoung the natives in this market. One can have a spectacular view of the mystic 'Lake of No Return' from Pangsu Pass.
Travel Information
Air Routes : The Indian Airlines, Sahara Airlines, Jet Airways and Deccan Air operate regular flights to Guwahati. The other towns to which Indian Airlines operate flights are Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. The Indian Airlines also connects Guwahati to the capitals of most of the other North Eastern states. From Dibrugarh it is 40 minutes journey to Tinsukia by road.
Links :- FLIGHTS TO/FROM ASSAM (DOMESTIC and INTERNATIONAL)
INDIAN AIRLINES www.indian-airlines.nic.in
JET AIRWAYS : www.jetairways.com
SAHARA AIRLINES : www.airsahara.net
AIR DECCAN : www.airdeccan.net
AIR INDIA : www.airindia.com
Rail Routes :
Tinsukia town is well connected by Broad gauge Railway. All Important trains viz. Rajdhani Express (daily), Brahmaputra Mail (daily), Kamrup Express (daily), Inter-city Express (daily) runs to and fro. The New Tinsukia Railway station is located in the Tinsukia town.
Train No. Train Name Origin Dept. Time Destination Arrival
2424 DBRT RAJDHANI Ghy 18:30 TINSUKIA JN. 03:45
2436 NDLS DBRT RAJDHANI Ghy18:30 TINSUKIA JN. 03:45
4056 BRAHMAPUTRA MAIL Ghy 13:15 TINSUKIA JN. 02:10
5934 ASR DBRT EXP Ghy 20:00 TINSUKIA JN. 06:45
5603 INTER CITY EXP Ghy 20:30 TINSUKIA JN. 08:10
5959 KAMRUP EXP Ghy 16:45 TINSUKIA JN. 04:45
5929 DIBRUGARH EXP Ghy 15:25 TINSUKIA JN. 18:35
For more information visit Indian Railways
Road :
The 37 National highway connects Tinsukia with rest of the country. There is regular Day & Night Delux Bus services from Guwahati to Tinsukia.
Receiption counters at Mohanbari Airport/ New Tinsukia Railway Station and at Panitola - the district boundary. Please get in touch with volunteers in the reception counters for free folders and route maps etc.
Lekhapani, the festival site is situated at a distance of 70 Kms. From Tinsukia Town and connected by motorable road via National Highway 38
3 comments:
it is a beautiful places over the world.
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