Bomdila

Places to visit in Bomdila:

*Bomdila Monastery: Also known as Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery, this is a significant Buddhist monastery established in 1965. It offers a tranquil environment ideal for meditation and features beautiful wall paintings and architecture reminiscent of Tibetan styles. The monastery attracts many pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace.
*Sessa Orchid Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers, covering over ten hectares and home to more than 200 species of orchids. The vibrant colors and lush greenery make it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and photography.
*Bomdila Viewpoint: The Bomdila Viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and valleys. It is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset when the mountains are bathed in golden light.
*Apple Orchards: Bomdila is renowned for its apple orchards, which bloom beautifully in the winter months. Visitors can stroll through these orchards, enjoy the fresh air, and even taste freshly picked apples during the harvest season.
*Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 60 km from Bomdila, this sanctuary is famous for bird watching and houses rare species such as the red panda and Bengal tiger. It offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
*Craft Center and Ethnographic Museum: This center showcases local arts and crafts, including hand-woven carpets, ethnic masks, and traditional artifacts. Visitors can learn about the local culture while shopping for unique souvenirs.
*R.R. Hill: As one of the highest points in Bomdila, R.R. Hill offers stunning views of the landscape and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. From here, visitors can see routes leading to Bhutan and Tawang

Best time to visit Bomdila:

The best time to visit Bomdila are during spring (March to May) and autumn months (September to November). These seasons feature mild weather and clear skies, perfect for sightseeing. However, autumn also hosts numerous local festivals, adding to the cultural experience.

How to reach Bomdila:

Bomdila can be accessed via public transport or private vehicles. The nearest airport is in Tezpur, approximately 300 km away, while the closest railway station is at North Lakhimpur (118 km away). Shared SUVs called sumos are commonly used for travel within Arunachal Pradesh.  If you are travelling from Guwahati to Bomdila, the most common route is to take NH 27 from Guwahati towards Tezpur, and then continue on NH 15 and NH 13 to reach Bomdila. The total distance is approximately 330 kms, and the journey can take around 12 to 14 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.
 

Places to stay in Bomdila:

Anu Homestay is a nice and cozy homestay in Bomdila, within 10 minutes from the main market. It is opposite to Buddha stadium, near main road at Bomdila. The best part about the rooms is that they provide bed warmers, which greatly helps with the extreme cold. Some rooms also have heaters and there is a big flask of warm drinking water in every room. It also has the most important amenity of a geyser and the staff are polite and very helpful.

Last Travel Tips:

Carry warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in winter.
Engage with local culture by trying Tibetan cuisine and participating in local festivals like Losar.
Be prepared for limited mobile connectivity and plan your routes carefully due to winding mountain roads.
 

As of the 2001 census, Bomdila had a population of around 6,685 people, with a literacy rate of 69%. The community is diverse, primarily inhabited by various tribes including Monpa, Sherdukpen, Miji, Bugun (Khowa), and Aka. Multiple languages are spoken in the region, with Bhutia and Nepali being the most common.

Bomdila is renowned for its Buddhist monasteries or gompas. The largest monastery, established in 1965, resembles Tsona Gontse Monastery in Tibet and attracts many pilgrims. Other notable gompas include Lower Gompa and Middle Gompa, which feature significant Buddhist artifacts and prayer halls.