If you are looking for a destination that is off the beaten track, rich in culture and history, and blessed with scenic landscapes, then Tezu is the place for you. Tezu is a hill town in Arunachal Pradesh, the northeastern state of India that borders China, Myanmar and Bhutan. Tezu is the headquarters of Lohit district, named after the Lohit river that flows through it.
Tezu is home to the Mishmi tribe, one of the oldest tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, who have a distinct culture, language and lifestyle. Tezu is also a hub for adventure enthusiasts, as it offers various activities such as trekking, angling, rafting, camping and birdwatching. Tezu is a hidden gem that will surprise you with its charm and diversity.
How to Reach Tezu
Tezu is well connected by road, air and rail. The nearest airport is Tezu Airport, which is about 3 km from the town. It operates flights to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia, which is about 120 km from Tezu. It is connected to major cities in India by train. From Tinsukia, you can take a bus or a taxi to Tezu. The road journey takes about 4 hours. You can also drive to Tezu from Guwahati, which is about 550 km away. The road trip takes about 12 hours and passes through scenic routes.
The best time to visit Tezu is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The summer months from May to September are hot and humid, and the monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall and landslides. Tezu is also a popular destination during Makar Sankranti, which falls in mid-January, when thousands of pilgrims flock to Parashuram Kund, a sacred pond near Tezu.
Teju Rivers Valley
One of the main attractions in Tezu is Teju Rivers Valley, a stunning valley along the Brahmaputra river banks near Parashuram Kund temple complex. Teju Rivers Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Arunachal Pradesh, as it showcases its natural beauty, cultural diversity and religious significance.
Location
Teju Rivers Valley is located about 25 km from Tezu town, on the way to Wakro. It is situated at the confluence of Lohit and Sati rivers, which form the Brahmaputra river. The valley is surrounded by green hills and forests, and offers a panoramic view of the river and the mountains.
History
Teju Rivers Valley is one of the ancient settlements of Mishmi tribes, who have been living here for centuries. The Mishmis are one of the oldest tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, and have a distinct culture, language and lifestyle. They follow their age-old traditions and customs, and are known for their hospitality and craftsmanship. The valley is also associated with some legends and myths, such as:
Parashuram’s sacrifice: According to Hindu mythology, Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killed his mother Renuka at the command of his father Jamadagni, a sage. To wash away his sin, he came to this valley and cut off his head with his axe. The head fell into the pond, which came to be known as Parashuram Kund. Every year, during Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims come here to take a dip in the pond and seek blessings from Parashuram.
Rukmini’s birth: According to another legend, Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna, was born here as a Mishmi princess. She was the daughter of King Bhishmaka, who ruled over this valley. She fell in love with Krishna, but her brother Rukmi opposed their marriage. Krishna eloped with Rukmini from here and married her in Dwarka. There is a temple dedicated to Rukmini Devi in this valley, where devotees worship her as the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Significance
Teju Rivers Valley is one of the most sacred places for Hindus, who come here to take a dip in Parashuram Kund or visit nearby temples such as Rukmini Devi Temple or Mahadev Temple. The valley is also a place of cultural and religious harmony, as it hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as:
Makar Sankranti: This is the most important festival in Teju Rivers Valley, which falls in mid-January. It marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, and the beginning of the harvest season. Thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad come here to take a dip in Parashuram Kund and offer prayers to Parashuram. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, with cultural programs, fairs, and feasts.
Tamladu Puja: This is the main festival of the Mishmi tribe, which falls in February. It is a thanksgiving festival to the gods of earth, water and air, for protecting them from natural calamities and diseases. The festival is celebrated with rituals, dances, songs, and games. The highlight of the festival is the sacrifice of animals such as pigs, goats, and chickens, which are then distributed among the villagers.
Activities
Teju Rivers Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers, as it offers various activities such as trekking, angling, rafting, camping and birdwatching. Some of the best places to enjoy these activities are:
Dong Valley:
This is a scenic valley at the confluence of Sati and Lohit rivers, about 40 km from Tezu. It is famous for being the easternmost point of India, where the sun rises first in the country. It is also a popular spot for trekking, angling and camping. The valley offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, and is home to many rare and exotic birds and animals. The best time to visit Dong Valley is from November to March, when the weather is clear and the sunrises are spectacular.
Glow Lake:
This is a glacial lake at an altitude of 5000 feet, about 30 km from Tezu. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, as it reflects the blue sky and snow peaks around it. It is also a great place for trekking, as it is surrounded by dense forests and meadows. The lake is accessible by a 6 km trek from Wakro, which takes about 3 hours. The best time to visit Glow Lake is from October to April, when the lake is frozen and the scenery is mesmerizing.
Chaglogam:
This is a picturesque location on Dalai river, about 80 km from Tezu. It is a hotspot for angling and rafting, as the river is rich in fish and has rapids and currents. It is also a good place for camping, as it has a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The best time to visit Chaglogam is from October to March, when the river is calm and the weather is pleasant.
Other Places to Visit in Tezu
Tezu is not only about Teju Rivers Valley, but also has many other places to visit that are worth exploring. Some of them are:
Tawang Monastery:
This is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, after the Potala Palace in Tibet. It is located about 300 km from Tezu, in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It was founded in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, a disciple of the fifth Dalai Lama. It showcases the rich Buddhist culture and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, and houses many relics, statues, scriptures, and paintings. It also hosts the annual Tawang Festival, which is a celebration of the art, culture, and cuisine of the region.
Tawang Palace:
This is the former residence of the kings of Tawang, who ruled over this region from the 17th to the 20th century. It is located about 2 km from Tawang Monastery, on a hilltop overlooking the Tawang Valley. It displays their royal artifacts, paintings, and weapons, and offers a glimpse into their history and lifestyle. It also has a museum that exhibits various items related to the history, culture, art and religion of Tawang region.
Tawang War Memorial:
This is a monument dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War in Tawang. It is located about 1 km from Tawang Monastery, on a hilltop overlooking the Tawang Valley. It consists of a 40-feet high stupa, surrounded by two halls that contain the names and photographs of the fallen soldiers. It also has a light and sound show that narrates the story of the war and pays tribute to the heroes.
Tawang Museum:
This is a museum that exhibits various items related to the history, culture, art and religion of Tawang region. It is located inside the Tawang Monastery complex, and is open from 9 am to 5 pm. It showcases various artifacts, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, weapons, and costumes that reflect the rich heritage of Tawang. It also has a library that contains rare and valuable books on Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
Tawang Valley:
This is the valley where Tawang town is located, at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains and valleys around it, and is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also a good place for photography, as it has many scenic spots and viewpoints. The best time to visit Tawang Valley is from March to October, when the weather is clear and the flowers are in bloom.
Ziro Valley:
This is the valley where Ziro town is located, about 200 km from Tezu, in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is famous for its unique culture, cuisine, handicrafts and festivals. It is home to the Apatani tribe, who are known for their distinctive facial tattoos and nose plugs. They practice wet rice cultivation and fish farming, and have a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Ziro Valley is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hosts the annual Ziro Music Festival, which is a celebration of the music, art and culture of the region.
How to Get Around Tezu
Tezu is a small town, and can be easily explored by foot or by bicycle. However, if you want to visit the nearby places, you will need to hire a shared gypsy or jeep for sightseeing tours. These are available at the main market or the bus stand, and charge around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per day, depending on the distance and the number of passengers. You can also hire a private taxi or a car, but they are more expensive and less available. The local transport options in Tezu are reliable and safe, but you should always negotiate the fare before boarding, and carry some change with you.
Tezu is a hidden gem in Arunachal Pradesh, that will surprise you with its charm and diversity. It is a place where you can experience the natural beauty, cultural diversity, religious significance and adventure activities of the northeastern state. It is a place where you can learn about the history and heritage of the Mishmi tribe, and witness their traditions and customs.
It is a place where you can enjoy the scenic views of the Teju Rivers Valley, the Dong Valley, the Glow Lake, the Tawang Monastery and more. Tezu is a place that will make you fall in love with Arunachal Pradesh, and inspire you to explore more of its wonders.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Tezu today, and discover its hidden gems.