The Golden Pagoda is an absolute marvel. A local MLA named Chowna main built the Pagoda on Government land and in 2010 it was opened for Public. The most amazing part of this visit was the peace and serenity that we experienced. It was the month of January and the garden of the complex was in full bloom making it a site to behold.
The Pagoda is definitely an off-beat destination for travelers. A peaceful and quite stay amidst golden hues can never be a dull experience for those who prefer something green and serene. However, it is a place that must be admired for the overall beauty, nature and culture both. It is a raw place and not must commercialized. But the facilities are adequate.
A brief background
The Golden Pagoda is a Burmese style Buddhist temple, situated in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest Buddhist pagodas of Northeast India. The temple also functions as, the cultural research center of Tai Khamti and Singpho tribe. Both the tribes are practitioners of Theravada Buddhism. Another interesting fact about the pagoda is that, the World Tripitaka Foundation is developing it as the first international Tripitaka Center in India.
How to reach this landmark
Kongmu kham (Golden Pagoda in khamti language) is a noticeable landmark overlooking the plains as well as hills of eastern Himalayas. The attraction can be reached by all the three means, i.e. air, railways and road.
By air, the nearest airport is Mohanbari airport (Dibrugarh) situated in Assam. It is approximately 123 km from Namsai. Cabs are available from the airport arrival to Namsai at different rates.
By railways, the nearest station is “New Tinsukia Junction”. The distance is also fairly less , i.e. 79.7 km approximately to Namsai. However, to avail cabs or buses one needs to go to Tinsukia town, from there the rides are available.
By road, is the most fun way. all the major towns of Assam are connected to Namsai. if you are staying in any of the districts of Assam it is very easy to rent a car and travel through beautiful roads of Namsai. Roads are amazing and the views are to die for.
So, add Namsai and Golden Pagoda to your bucket list ASAP.
Things to know
This place has a zero entry fee, anyone can visit this place in the visiting hours. It closes in the evening after prayers. However, the place remains well lit making it glow in the golden hues at night. We couldn’t stay at night and enjoy the view because of some personal reasons but my friends pictures did made me jealous a bit.
There is also a guest house for those who want to spend the night amidst this serene environment by paying the rent per day. I recommend those who travel from outside must book a stay to keep the journey hassle free and easy. The Pagoda covers a huge area and it is still developing. My favorite part of this place is the little gift shop at the corner of the entrance gate. This shop has the best rice crackers from Myanmar and numerous little souvenirs to take back home.
The surrounding of this beautiful tourist attraction is naturally blessed. Tea garden, Paddy fields, beautiful rivers and quint villages is all that makes this place perfect to escape from madding crowd. Not to forget the ethnic style eateries along the road will never stop amazing you. The one we went was a bit interior but sitting inside a stream and sipping a glass of martini is enough for me to stop complaining. Digaru resort is a little far from the Golden Pagoda and the food may not be top notch but the ambiance of this place makes it worth a visit.
Finally, no matter how much I say and write about it one must visit and explore our own land that has so much to offer. In fact, there are many raw unexplored lands that are capable of developing into amazing destinations. Living away from home has made me realize that the zeal to discover something new and raw is fascinating. Therefore, I promised myself I will make sure to visit a new place every time I visit home. Till then keep reading and planning your trips guys.
Love…
JintyR.
