Looking forward to an offbeat holiday? Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh could be the right fit. Here’s a complete travel guide for you. By Karan Kaushik
Here’s everything you should know before planning your trip to Namsai
The Destination
This lesser-known town must be on your list for its grand pagodas, age-old monasteries, scenic charms, and lovely people. Namsai’s landscape features lush paddy fields, gurgling rivers, shiny pagodas, traditional bamboo houses, and inviting tea plantations. Home to the Tai Khampti and Singpho tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Namsai is home to the famous Golden Pagoda, its top tourism hotspot, and an ideal location for an offbeat family holiday spot.
Also known as the Kongmu Kham, the pagoda will impress you with its zen vibes and well-kept lawns. Witnessing cute little monks indulge in their evening prayers is a delightful experience. You can also visit the Namsai Monastery for a truly enriching time. From Namsai, you can make daytrips to Parshuram Kund, Chongkham, Wakro and Jairampur.
The Way
By Air
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The Mohanbari Airport at Dibrugarh is the nearest airport (123km) from Namsai. Taxis are easily available there for Namsai.
By Road
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Travelling to Namsai by road is a rewarding experience in its own right. The town is connected to important cities such as Tinsukia, Guwahati, Siliguri, Dibrugarh, and Itanagar. You may either hire a cab or book a bus from https://apsts.arunachal.gov.in
By Rail
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At 79.7 km, New Tinsukia Junction in Assam is the nearest railhead from Namsai. Taxis and buses from Tinsukia to Namsai are readily available.
Things to do in Namsai
Golden Pagoda
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Located in Tengapani, the Golden Pagoda is the prime attraction in Namsai. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Northeast India and serves as a major tourist magnet for Namsai. Also known as the Kongmu Kham, the pagoda and its impressive lawns were constructed in 2010. The place boasts several grand statues of Buddha, among other mythological figures. The pagoda features ornate carvings, lovely walkways, a well-kept orchid centre, a meditation centre, a library, a guesthouse, and a prayer centre.
Namsai Monastery
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Among the many monasteries that call Namsai home, the one you must visit is the Pariyati Sasana Buddhist Vihara, also known as the Namsai Chong or Namsai Monastery. It’s best to pay an early morning visit to the monastery and get drenched in spiritual fervour. Soak in the zen vibes as you interact with the warm and hospitable monks here. The monastery is located right in the centre of the town and gorgeous golden-coloured temples and chortens encompass its building.
Parshuram Kund
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One of the most popular places to visit from Namsai, the Parshuram Kund is steeped in legend. It is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus and draws thousands of devotees throughout the year. The pond is dedicated to sage Parshuram, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Nestled on the Brahmaputra plateau along the southern banks of the Lohit River, Parshuram Kund is deemed sacred by devotees. It is said that taking a holy dip here will rid one of all their sins.
Chongkham
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Namsai also offers some incredible road trips. One that you must embark on is from Namsai to Chongkham. Located on the foothills of the Mishmi Hills, Chongkham serves as the nodal point of the Manabhum and Tengapani reserve forests. it was once touted as Asia’s richest village. To see here are beautiful pagodas, picturesque river islands, quaint villages that are home to the Khamptis and Singpho tribes, and a museum that depicts their lifestyle.
Best Time To Go
The ideal time to visit Namsai is from October to February. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to August.
Permits
You would need an Inner Line Permit to explore Namsai and around. Apply for the permit at arunachalilp.com. You can also get them from concerned authorities of the state governments in Delhi, Kolkata, Tezpur, Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, and Jorhat.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
Related: These 7 Offbeat Places In India Are Perfect For Your Next Family Vacation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Namsai is famous for the Golden Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Northeast India.
Answer: Earlier a part of the Lohit district, Namsai got recognition as a separate district in 2014.
Answer: The bustling market of Namsai has shops selling local attire like phanoy, and wraparounds and traditional jewellery worn by the Khamptis and Singphos. You can also buy Khampti purses or bags and the famous tea of Namsai.
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