Popularly known as the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains, the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India is the first Indian state to greet the rising sun. With its borders touching China, Bhutan, and Myanmar, this beautiful land is full of dazzling flora and fauna that attracts tourists from all over.
The gurgling rivers, misty hills, graceful waterfalls and snowcapped peaks along the Tibetan border add to the charm of this incredibly beautiful state. Ruled by many powerful kingdoms in the past, the state is dotted with innumerable historical monuments and archeological sites that add to its rich cultural heritage. Places of worship, wildlife heritage sites, and festivals- the state has it all.
All About The Orange Festival
One of the most prominent festivals of the region is the Orange Festival. Every December, with the onset of winter, the lush forests of the tranquil valley of Dambuk are filled with the sweetest and juiciest oranges. The valley comes alive to embrace the biggest and hottest festival of the year – OFAM (Orange Festival of Adventure and Music).
This year’s Orange Festival is going to be held after a two-year covid hiatus. And you know it is going to be bigger and better. Scheduled to be held from 15th to 18th December 2022– the festival is nothing short of an adrenaline rush – be it the exciting international lineup of Flipsyde, Big Mountains, or the 4*4 fury adventure.
Now if that is not enough then here are some other reasons to pay a visit to Dambuk this winter.
The valley of Dambuk is blessed with abundant nature. Lying under the clear, starlit skies sounds like a great way to end your year, doesn’t it? The crystal blue rivers, the calming greens, the white snow-capped hills, and the orange-laden slopes- Dambuk is not just another mark on the map.
Nearly thirty years ago, Arunachal Pradesh decided to go on an orange plantation drive to boost the state’s economy. The first plantation was started in Dambuk, where it became the main cash crop. The OFAM, in a way, is an ode to the fruit that brought prosperity to the area. Starting in 2015, the festival has kept getting bigger and better every year, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Things To Do
A treat for the eyes and ears and a therapy for the soul; the festival is full of art performances like the Tapu war dance and great music with adrenaline-filled competitions. The four-day festival has featured incredible artists- Flipsyde, Thunder Mothers, Trance Effect, Bipul Chettri, and the Travelling Band, The Iron maidens, Bombay Basement, Ladies Compartment, and more.
This year’s lineup is especially exciting- Flipsyde will return to the OFAM stage after his last show of 2019. Joining the band will be UK’s FUR- an indie rock band, and the international pop-reggae band Big Mountain. And like every year, there will be amazing stalls offering mouthwatering local cuisine, freshly brewed rice wine and orange juice.
OFAM is as much about music as it is about adventure. One can partake in numerous activities such as river rafting in the rapids of the Dibang river, parasailing and ATV riding.
If you like peace and quiet, then the region is blessed with a picturesque river bank ideal for picnics and fishing. Some of the popular picnic spots are Iphi Pani ghat and Bomjir.
Places To See
- Head to Roing, the nearest town, and the district headquarter with modern amenities of the market, banking, medical and administrative offices.
- Around 1 km from Roing town is a beautiful forest park, Nehru Van Udyan, located on the bank of the Deopani river, which offers a picturesque view of the sunset.
- Like historical sites? Bhismaknagar Fort has situated 30 km from Roing. It is a heritage monument site linked with the Indian mythology of Mahabharata. It is an idela place for birdwatchers and trekkers.
- Enjoy a rejuvenating bath at Jie Hot Springs in Jia village. It is about 20-minute drive from Dambuk.
- Want an insta-worthy shot? Head to Mayudia pass located 58 km from Dambuk. It is a tourist hotspot with snowy landscapes and ample photo spots.
Where To Stay
During the festival season camping and homestays are the best options. There are also hotels and guesthouses in the nearby areas. It is advised to pre-book your stay owing to limited availability. Some accommodation options include:
- Circuit House, Roing
- Eze Tower, Forest guest house
- Mishmi Hill Camp, Ezengo, Behind Jawaharlal Forest Park
- Yatri Niwas, Ezengo, Near Power Grid Station
- Dibang Valley Jungle Camp/Help Tourism
- D. S. Hotel, Near Statndard Diagnostic Centre, Roing
- Hotel Lasa, Main Market, Roing
- Hotel Mimu, Lower Market, Near State Transport Station
- Hotel Zeemuko, Lower Market, Near State Transport Station
- Bomjir Resort, Bomjir
How to Reach:
Indigo flies directly from New Delhi and Kolkata to Dibrugarh. The route has a domestic layover from Mumbai. Else, catch a train from Guwahati to Dibrugarh and follow with a cab ride to Dambuk. Busses are available from Tinsukia, Assam via Roing to Dambuk. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia, Assam.
Feature Image, Photo Courtesy: Orange Festival Dambuk/Facebook/Ashish Photography
In Partnership with Arunachal Pradesh Tourism
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