The World of Rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang: A Photo Story of Exotic Blooms
It is a riot of colours during the spring months. The Eastern Himalayas are decked up in full colour. I am talking about rhododendrons that burst out in colourful blooms during the spring months in the Himalayan forests. Rhododendrons can be spotted at many places in India – Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. But, this is one of the lesser known locations where the forest is untouched and where there are hardly any crowds.
This location is between Mechuka and Lamang in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. And if you visit here during the spring months of March and April, you will see the entire landscape dotted with these colourful rhododendron flowers. I got a chance to see these exotic blooms up close a few months back when I visited Eastern Arunachal Pradesh (mainly the area of Mechuka, Anini and Kaho). A short drive from the gorgeous Mechuka valley to the unknown snow covered paradise of India called Lamang will present many sightings of these fabulous looking flowers. Some of them are located right next to the roads, while others are the foreground of valleys and waterfalls. Some of them are also located amidst snow. And that too in multiple colours along with other exotic flora. This photo story of exotic blooms aims to showcase this world of rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang to you and I hope it entices you to visit this destination next spring for your own offbeat rhododendron experience.
Above photo: This gorgeous scene of red rhododendron flowers, pink leaves fresh ferns and an overall lush atmosphere was spotted right by the main road that leads from Mechuka to Lamang.
Above photo: I spotted these pink rhododendron flowers just at the snow point a few kilometers below Lamang. The snow and the rhododendron flowers offer a great combination and are a treat for the eyes.
Above photo: Another rhododendron shot amidst beautiful nature. This shot of pink rhododendron flowers with waterfalls, misty forests and pine trees in the background was seen very close to India’s last cafe.
Above photo: Little different shade of pink seen here. Rhododendron flowers with their droopy leaves add a lot of colour to the landscape during the spring months.
Above photo: Here, you can see these flowers amidst dense greenery and moss covered branches. These pinks against a green background make for fantastic viewing.
Above photo: These are not rhododendron flowers, but these white flowers are exotic too and you can see them blooming at many places between Mechuka and Lamang during spring.
Above photo: This is a close-up of the bright red rhododendron flowers that were blooming very close to the highway connecting Mechuka with Lamang.
Above photo: The white rhododendron flowers are as equally magnificent as the red and pink ones.I spotted these very close to the Hanuman point between Mechuka and Lamang.
Above photo: A rich mixture of red rhododendron flowers, colourful leaves and pretty ferns all in one frame. You will see many such spectacles on your drive from Mechuka to Lamang.
Above photo: Here is a close-up of the white rhododenron flowers that were blooming very close to Hanuman point on the Mechuka – Lamang highway.
Above photo: These red rhododendron flowers were seen blooming in abundance on the walking path at Gurudwara Shri Tapo Ashtan Sahib. This Gurudwara is located between Mechuka and Lamang and closer to Mechuka.
Above photo: These bright red rhododendron flowers against the dark green background are a sight for sore eyes. I spotted these while heading to eat at the langar of Gurudwara Shri Tapo Ashtan Sahib between Mechuka and Lamang.
Above photo: These rhododendron flowers are so pretty that they will catch your attention at many places between Mechuka and Lamang and will entice you to stop your vehicle and take some pictures.
Above photo: While photographing rhododendron flowers, I spotted these small white exotic flowers. These tiny flowers were absolutely stunning and showed me that the flora here is truly diverse and special.
Above photo: The Mechuka to Lamang forest stretch is not only famous for rhododendron flowers, but also equally famous for its rich and diverse exotic flora. A case in point is this amazing plant that was growing on the rocks by the main highway.
Above photo: Another close-up of the white rhododendron flowers. They are slightly smaller in size when compared to the red rhododendrons, but they bloom in bunches making for a flowery treat.
