Top Pilgrimage Sites In Arunachal Pradesh

Are you planning to explore pilgrimage sites this coming holiday season? With spirituality and religion gaining mainstream traction, it is clear why people are increasingly flying to pilgrimage sites. Having emerged as a leading tourist spot, Arunachal Pradesh gets to witness a heavy influx of pilgrims throughout the year. The northeastern Indian state boasts an abundance of holy attractions that are frequented by people of all faiths.

The monasteries and shrines in Arunachal Pradesh are steeped in tranquility. The picturesque and serene surroundings of pilgrimage sites promise a rejuvenating experience. When in Arunachal Pradesh, you can easily catch sight of Hindu pilgrims and Buddhist monks clad in religious attire. Above all, a pilgrimage tour is ideal for travelers who want to drown themselves in spirituality.

If you are planning to explore such places in Arunachal Pradesh, you have stumbled on the right blog! Here are the top 5 pilgrimage sites that deserve to be on top of your travel bucket list.

1. Akashi Ganga

Dating back thousands of years, Akashi Ganga is a renowned pilgrimage site that draws worshippers from all over the world.

What’s special about this temple is that it is associated with a prominent story of a Hindu deity known as Lord Shiva. The temple is located close to a sacred pond which is said to have medicinal properties.

2. Malinithan

Situated near the incredibly picturesque Siang Hills, Malinithan is another pilgrimage tourist spot that has shot up in popularity among modern travelers. There was a time when the Malinithan Temple used to be a bustling religious site. But the temple has now been reduced to ruins. It was in the 20th century when most of the relics were unearthed from the temple.

Evidence found around the temple suggests that it was constructed with granite stones back when Aryan influence was prevalent in the region. Once you reach Malinithan, you will get to see a large variety of interesting relics and sculptures that will give you an instant glimpse into the lives of ancient tribes.

3. Bomdila Monastery

Located in the midst of natural surroundings, Bomdila Monastery is mainly known for its large size. The grand architectural design of the monastery can enthrall anyone in the blink of an eye. Established back in 1965, the monastery is steeped in a long and rich history. Bomdila Monastery has been rebuilt extensively over the years and the building now houses a large prayer hall.

If you want to learn about monks and enjoy stunning vistas, you must embark on a pilgrimage to the Bomdila Monastery. Thanks to the pleasant climatic conditions, you can visit Bomdila monastery at any time of the year.

4. Meghana Cave Temple

Meghan Cave Temple is a pilgrimage site dedicated to a deity called Lakulisha.

While the temple was discovered in 1962, its history stretches back to almost 5000 years. The land on which the temple is situated guarantees fantastic views of scenic rivers and lush green forests. Meghna Cave Temple also boasts intricately detailed carvings of ancient Sanskrit texts that can captivate the attention of anyone in a flash.

5. Tawang Monastery

Steeped in scenic landscapes, Tawang Monastery is a dream destination for people who are new to pilgrimage travel. The monastery sits atop a hill and comprises 65 residential buildings. The library within the monastery stocks some of the oldest scriptures like Tengyur and Kangyur. Most notably, Tawanang Monastery houses a big statue of Buddha that sits peacefully within the complex.

How To Reach Arunachal Pradesh Via Air?

Since most of the land in Arunachal Pradesh is mountainous, the state does not have its own airport at the moment. The nearest airport to Arunachal Pradesh is the North Lakhimpur Airport. The airport is situated at a distance of 72 km from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.

After you land at the North Lakhimpur Airport, you can continue the rest of the journey in a rental car or shared cab. Guwahati International Airport is the second major airport that is located in close proximity to Arunachal Pradesh. The drivable distance between Guwahati Airport and Itanagar is 320.8 km, which can be easily covered within 8 hours.

With Cleartrip, you can avail of huge discounts while booking your flight to North Lakhimpur and Guwahati Airport. Once you reach Arunachal Pradesh, you can travel to your preferred pilgrimage site via APSTS buses, sumo taxis, private cabs, etc. Commuting within Arunachal Pradesh will be quite easy as the state boasts multiple transportation modes.

Quick Tips For A Flawless Travel Experience In Arunachal Pradesh

Here are some smart tips that can work wonders for improving your travel experience in Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Craft a practical budget: You must take out time from your schedule and create a practical budget before planning out anything else. You can easily craft a realistic budget by taking into account the cost of airfare, transportation, food, etc. A well-planned budget will help you keep expenses under check.
  • Look for money-saving travel offers: When it comes to booking a flight to Arunachal Pradesh, cutting down on airfare expenses becomes a vital priority. You should always keep an eye out for coupon codes if you want to reap the benefits of money-saving offers.
  • Book your hotel in advance: Finding a decent hotel at the last minute is no walk in the park. This is why you must book your hotel stay a few days prior to your trip. Consider booking your hotel via Cleartrip to avail exciting discounts and deals that will help you maximize savings in the long run.
  • Get quality footwear: The majority of pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh are situated amid mountainous regions. Since pilgrimage tours call for strenuous walking, you will need high-quality trekking boots to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience. Don’t hesitate to invest in quality footwear, as trekking boots are durable enough to last for years.

Final Words

Now that travelers are raring to explore spirituality, religious tourism is booming in popularity across the country. Arunachal Pradesh is among the top tourist places in India that attract swaths of pilgrims. The widespread abundance of pilgrimage sites has indeed made Arunachal Pradesh a favorite among travelers. Flying to a historically significant pilgrimage site is a surefire way to reinvigorate your senses. In fact, a pilgrimage tour becomes imperative when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The best part about pilgrimage travel is that it gives you the golden opportunity to socialize with like-minded pilgrims. Moreover, you get to discover ancient relics and idols within temples that speak volumes about a long-gone history. If you have always been keen to learn about religion and spirituality, pilgrimage tours can definitely broaden your horizons.

Nevertheless, it is vital that you plan your vacation in advance to keep last-minute booking issues at bay. You must also create a sound and realistic budget to avoid unnecessary travel expenses that crop up at the last moment. Make sure you adhere to all the pointers above to plan your pilgrimage tour with ease. Do check out similar blogs and offers on hotel bookings and flights at Cleartripto get the best deals.

FAQs

Which is Arunachal Pradesh’s most famous temple?

While there are a plethora of religious attractions in Arunachal Pradesh, Akashi Ganga is by far the best pilgrimage site in Arunachal Pradesh. Linked with Lord Shiva, Akashi Ganga Temple attracts a huge number of pilgrims all year round.

Which are the most popular pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh?

Steeped in rich history, Arunachal Pradesh is mainly famous for its pilgrimage sites and religious attractions. Tawang Monastery, Meghana Cave Temple, and Malinithan are some of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh.

Does Arunachal Pradesh have an airport?

As of now, Arunachal Pradesh does not have an operational airport. North Lakhimpur Airport is the closest airport to Arunachal Pradesh. The airport is well-connected to other cities, and it receives flights almost 4 days a week.

Can children travel to pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh?

Children can freely explore the pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh, given that they are accompanied by an adult.

Is Arunachal Pradesh open for tourists amid Covid?

Now that Covid has abated to a great extent, Arunachal Pradesh is open for local and international tourists alike. Above all, make sure you follow all the Covid-19 protocols to pave the way for a safe and memorable travel experience.

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