For all those adventure freaks craving for a value-for-money weekend, Bhalukpong on the Assam-Arunachal border can be the perfect getaway. With all the thrills and frills it has to offer, travelling along the foothills on which the hamlet is located can be a memorable experience.

It was one spring morning that I, along with a journalist friend, set out to break the monotony of our daily chores. With a cramped schedule challenging us, there was a consensus on Bhalukpong as our destination, considering its proximity.

While there were commercial vehicles for the taking, we chose to indulge in a decent level of comfort and hence opted for the cushy personal car.

We drove from the south bank of the Brahmaputra via Nagaon district to the historic town of Tezpur en route to our destination.

The odd sojourn, be it at the roadside eateries or a fishery institute that had interesting ornamental fish on offer, meant that we were way behind time.

What should have been a four-and-a-half hour journey, got stretched to six hours as we finally crossed the magnificent Kaliabhomora bridge to enter the cultural town.

Located at a distance of 52 km from Tezpur, Bhalukpong is partly located in Sonitpur district and partly in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

We started early and after passing through lush green farmlands, the distinct transition in the ambience was apparent. Dense forests greeted us as we passed by the road that led to the Nameri National Park, famous for its tigers, deer among other fauna.

But with time as a serious constraint, the temptation of exploring the newly set-up eco-camps at the park had to be put on hold.

As we approached our destination, inner line permits had to be obtained to cross over to the Arunachal side of the hamlet.

The imposing mountains and the surrounding greenery was a treat for the heart, mind and soul.

But there was more to follow. As we closed in on a place called Sessa, cascading waterfalls along the roadside tempted us into a quick, natural shower.

There were more delights with the shallow waters of the Jia Bhoroli flowing over the colourful pebbles, making us recall our childhood days.

About 3km from Bhalukpong is the Tipi Orchid Centre, which has over 500 species of orchids and hybrids. A peek at the resources of the centre can be an unusual but refreshing experience.

We put up at the cottages set up by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC). These lodges offer tourists a spectacular view of the mountains on the horizon and the Jia Bhoroli.

With the adventure bug tickling us, we rushed to experience the outdoor attractions waiting just for us.

First, we tried our hand at angling in the river. As luck would have it, leave alone a prize catch, we did not even see a mahseer (large fish).

Then we decided on a brief trek on the long and winding mountain road. This, however, compensated for the rather ordinary outing on the waters.

While those daredevils with a penchant for white-water rafting might as well try their luck with the activity on the turbulent currents of the river near Tipi, we chose to play it safe in the absence of able hands and deferred the idea.

Close to the area is Pakhui wildlife sanctuary, a portion of which is connected to the Nameri National Park towards the north. Home to variegated fauna and flora, including the Bengal tiger, the great pied hornbill and endangered birds like the white-winged wood duck, this 826-sq km sanctuary is a must-visit for nature aficionados.

Bhalukpong is also the gateway to Bomdila, famous for its monasteries and carpets, and Tawang, also known as the hidden paradise of Arunachal Pradesh. The latter, of course, has the famed Buddhist monastery amid snow-capped mountains and can be reached by road and air. The best time to visit the place is between October and May.

Like all good things, our two-day trip, too, came to an end. But Bhalukpong and its mesmerising delights certainly did recharge our cells, grey and otherwise. A sense of rejuvenation at the end of the day meant that the brief reprieve was more than worthwhile.

Going

Located at a distance of 52 km from Tezpur, Bhalukpong is partly located in Sonitpur district (Assam) and partly in West Kameng district (Arunachal Pradesh)

Staying

Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) cottages

Saurav Bora