My journey for the hidden town of Miao started from Delhi. Since there is no direct route to Miao, I decided to go to Tinsukia first. I took a train from New Delhi to Tinsukia, Assam. Although the travel time was 36-40 hours, the journey was very exciting, passing through various Indian states and entering Assam gives you the glimpse of the mountains. After reaching Tinsukia, I decided to go to the hotel.
After getting freshen up, the first thing I wanted to do was explore the Tinsukia Market, famous for its traditional items, handmade by the locals. Items from all over the North-East are available in the Market. I found various items that exhibits the local customs and traditions of the States. I bough a Naga Shawl, a speciality of the Nagaland.
Later in the evening, I tried local cuisine at a nearby dhaba. Rich in all spices, it will give you a taste of heaven. Madhur-milan, a famous sweet shop in the market, is a must visit place if you have a sweet tooth. After walking around a bit, I retrieved back to the hotel for the night.
The next day I woke up early to start my journey for Miao. After having a light breakfast, I went to the Tinsukia bus station nearby and took a local Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS) bus to Miao. Please keep in mind that since Miao is in Arunachal Pradesh, Inner Line Pass mandatory to enter the State. I had obtained the permit beforehand in order to avoid any last minute headache. It took us approx 5-6 hours to reach Miao. The turns and curves of the road, the high and dense forests makes the journey itself picture perfect.
However, the true beauty of the Sun State was the dense and lush jungles. As I reached Miao, the breathtaking scenary left me astounded as the calmness present in the air made its way to my soul. The quiet surroundings will make you want to absorb the peace within. The air was filled with various fragrances, carrying the fragrance of blooming flowers and the whispers of the ancient forests. Miao is a hidden gem on the banks of Nao-dihing river, tucked away in the breathtaking landscapes of Northeastern India.
The raw beauty of nature, the rich tapestry of tribal cultures, and unique attractions, the dense and lush jungles are a few things that set the town apart from the world. Trekking through the trails, I marveled at the myriad shades of green and the symphony of sounds from unseen creatures.
The vibrant tribal culture of Miao captivated my heart. I had the privilege of witnessing the graceful dance performances by the tribes, their vibrant costumes swaying in harmony with their rhythmic movements. Engaging with the locals, I discovered their traditions and artistic talents. The bustling markets were a treasure trove of tribal handicrafts, where I found myself drawn to the intricate bamboo and cane products, handwoven textiles, and the mesmerizing tribal jewelry. It was here that I realized the true essence of Miao's cultural heritage—its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with the winds of change.
The Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Miao transported me to a realm of tranquility and spiritual introspection. The Namdroling Golden Pagoda, with its resplendent golden facade and intricate artwork, exuded amidst nature's embrace, provided a serene escape for meditation and self-reflection. As the prayer flags fluttered in the gentle breeze, I felt a profound sense of peace and harmony enveloping my soul.
The natural wonders surrounding Miao left me in awe of Mother Nature's artistic prowess. The Noa-Dihing River, with its crystal-clear waters and verdant banks, beckoned me to immerse myself in its embrace. Walking along its shores, I marveled at the symphony of nature—a symphony composed of birdsong, rustling leaves, and the gentle rush of water—a melody that touched my heart in ways words cannot express.
After a long but adventures day, I went to my friends place for the night.
The next day we woke up early to explore nearby places. I decided to go to the World War II memorial at Jairampur. Upon reaching there, I was stunned to know that there is a cemetery of the soldiers of Chinese Army stationed in India. These soldiers lost their lives during the Second World War fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army. However, what is more heartbreaking is that up until a few years ago, no one knew about the existence of this cemetery and it was only discovered when the adjoining road was being repaired by the Indian Government, after which it has been taken care of by the Government.
After spending the entire afternoon there, I decided to go back as I had to catch my bus for Tinsukia. Although it has been almost a decade since my trip to Miao, the memories are still as fresh. The whole trip was a realization as to how simple life can be how much we complicate it with unnecessary pleasures.
