We were in Bomdilla, a beautiful mountain village with an air filled with Buddhist chants from the Monasteries around. Bomdilla is towards the west of the Northeast state, Arunachal Pradesh. This place is tranquil and serene. But, at Bomdilla, the travel bug in me was counting days for our trip to the much-hyped (rightly so) place in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang.
Before our much-awaited Tawang trip, an extraordinary journey happened to me. I call it very unusual, in ways like there was no planning and I didn't know where I was going. One fine morning, I have been asked by the husband whether I was interested in visiting a nearby village. I readily agreed, packed some essentials and in no time was on an almost impassable road with lots of twists and turns. From Bomdilla, it took one hour 30 minutes to reach this torpid little village crossing another popular destination called Dirang. Being at a less explored place, a home to a variety of fruit orchards and a serene river was thrilling.
The calmness one craves.
The Sangti Valley received us with a wide smile. The valley has so much prettiness around, aesthetically pleasing houses, calmly flowing Sangti river with an elegant bridge. These are the few first sights that embrace you when you start walking along the street. There are much more to Sangti valley that one must see and experience. Slow-paced living in this beautiful valley with no worry or hurry for tomorrow is what amused us the most. The wooden windows and doors of the houses with soothing colours help us get the vibe of the people living here.
Maize is one of the chief crops grown in this valley. We could see Corn hobs hanging to dry in front of the houses and on the terrace. It is a very common view here during the autumn season.
I knew we get kiwi from Arunachal Pradesh but never in my dreams I thought I would get an opportunity to pick and eat kiwi to my heart's content right from the orchard. I thank my stars for such a lovely day. We bought a whole lot from the farmer and carried it back with us.
If any of you visiting Sangti in the month of October, you must cross the bridge and walk ahead a bit more across the fields to have this golden opportunity of kiwi picking.
Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin's connection with this village.
Our guide, Dorjee Letro took us to his home for tea. He has a homestay. On his dining room wall, we saw pics of some celebrities and spotted Kalki. We couldn't contain our excitement of being at a spot where so many people had visited and stayed. Dorjee is always talking about his sweet encounters with Kalki and many others. He fondly remembers everything like yesterday and talks about it with pure admiration and passion. Kalki and her dad have been there while they were on a motorbike road trip to the North-East states. They stayed at Dorjee's homestay. They were doing a show for Fox Life called Kalki's Great Escape. I religiously watched all the episodes after being at Sangti and knowing the place up close.
At Dorjee's place, they served us crushed corn to eat along with the salty butter tea. To try out local cuisines at their homes is one experience every traveler look forward to. The locals here in this valley will fulfil that fantasy of yours.
How to reach?
When the pandemic subsides, I will come here and write more details of the place like how to reach, the best time to visit and many more. Till then, stay safe and treat your travel itchiness with these beautiful pictures of Sangti Valley.
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