Emuli Grasslands: Gateway to the Hidden Seven Lakes Trek of Arunachal Pradesh

This serene and beautiful destination is ideal for nature lovers and trekkers. It offers an unforgettable adventure in one of India’s most scenic and remote regions. It is an unspoiled highland meadow with lush, green grasslands, colourful wild flowers and stunning mountain backdrops of the Eastern Himalayas. It is the starting point for an exciting high altitude journey through the Mishmi hills to seven glacial lakes. I am talking about Emuli Grasslands that is located in the Dibang valley of Arunachal Pradesh.



The journey to Emuli grasslands begins at Emuli village where you can park your car and start trekking uphill. As you start climbing, you will notice the Mathun river to your right and it pretty much keeps you company from down below as you crisscross your way to the top. Every now and then, flat stretches appear that allow you to catch your breath and admire the vistas surrounding you. Unlike most of the hills in this region, this route is full of grasslands owing to the high speed of winds that blow here through the year. These high winds only allow short to tall grasses to grow here, unlike other parts where thick evergreen and coniferous forests grow. As you reach the top, these grasslands give way to the forests that are typical of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the Emuli top that is the starting point for the trek to the seven glacial lakes that include Dini, Chene and Huhu.

The trek can be classified as easy to moderate, but it can get tough during the rainy season when the trail gets slippery on the sharper inclines. It is best to go with a local guide who will take you on the correct trail. And do remember to carry some water and snacks with you as you will certainly need some food supplies during the trek. A good pair of walking boots, sunglasses and a warm layer is recommended.



Emuli grasslands is more than just a gateway to the seven glacial lakes. It offers an escape to an untouched world that is home to rich biodiversity with snow capped mountain views, tranquil atmosphere and dancing wildflowers and grass. Whether you are a trekker, a nature lover or simply a traveller, you will definitely fall in love with this soul-stirring paradise in a remote corner of Arunachal Pradesh.



Best season to visit:

Emuli grasslands is at its prettiest best during the wet months from June through November. During this time, the trail can be a bit slushy and slippery. I went during March and during this time, the trail was nice and hard, but the views were of dry grass and most of them had been flattened by the wind.



How to reach there:

The nearest airport would be Tezu, about 300 kms away, but the nearest airport with the best connectivity would be Dibrugarh, about 390 kms away. The nearest large railway station would be Dibrugarh, about 390 kms away.

If you are traveling by bus, you will have to travel first to Roing and then to Anini before finally making your way towards Emuli.

If you are traveling by road in your own vehicle, you will take the scenic route from Roing to Anini via Mayodia pass and then turn left towards Emuli. Once you cross Emuli village, do keep an eye out for a signboard that shows you the trekking path. At the trekking path, park your vehicle, carry your gear and starting hiking to the top. The trek to the top of Emuli grasslands should take you anywhere between two and four hours depending on your fitness. Beyond that lies the starting point for the seven lakes trek.



Where to stay:

The nearest place to stay would be Anini, about 24 kms away (or 40 minutes away). At Anini, you can find homestays, guest houses and resorts that cater to a wide variety of budgets.

If you are planning on camping at Emuli, you should either plan to carry your camping equipment (tent, sleeping bags, etc.) or ensure that your trekking group has some accommodation plan for you.



Where to eat:

The nearest and the best place to eat would be Anini were you can find both snacks and proper meals. If you are planning on doing the long trek, it is best to carry your food supplies with you or ensure that your trekking group takes care of it for you.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Traditional wooden hanging bridges of Arunachal Pradesh

2) Mayodia Pass: Arunachal Pradesh’s high altitude gem

3) Anini: Gorgeous hill station of India

4) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary: Land of waterfalls and mini Switzerland in India

5) Ranaghat Bridge near Pasighat: Mesmerizing view of the Brahmaputra river

6) The World of Rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang

7) India’s Last Cafe: Gorgeous pit stop enroute Lamang, Arunachal Pradesh

8) Lamang: Unknown snow covered paradise of India

9) Arunachal Pradesh’s Kaho: The First Village of India

Continue Reading...

Cycling from Kallidaikurichi to Brahmadesam: Soak in Oodles of Rustic Tamil Nadu charm

Gorgeous ancient temples, lush paddy fields, banana plantations and tuber farms, quiet village roads with cows, buffaloes and goats giving you company, the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries and smiling locals are what you will find on this rustic cycling route between Kallidaikurichi and Brahmadesam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This rustic part of the country offers excellent routes for cycling if you can handle the humidity and/or if you can start early in the morning. Previously, I had written about the scenic and rustic cycling route between Kallidaikurichi and Manimuthar Dam and cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Both these cycling routes are closer to the mountains of the Western Ghats and the route is mostly green and full of coconut groves and paddy fields. This cycling route form Kallidaikurichi to Brahmadesam is a bit away from the mountains, though you can still see the mountains as you ride between these two villages.



The cycling route would be Kallidaikurichi –> Ambasamudram –> Gowthamapuri –> Brahmadesam. On your way back, you can either opt for a detour via Kovilkulam to see another bridge on the Gadananathi river or you can opt for the temple route of Thiruvaliswaram Valisvara Temple and Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy temple. Both these detours will take you back to Ambasamudram via two different routes and you can then return to Kallidaikurichi.

This route takes you past umpteen irrigation canals, large swathes of paddy fields, ponds, lakes, pretty little villages and colourful temples. Brahmadesam to Kallidaikurichi distance would not be more than 8 kilometers, but there are more than enough places where you can stop for a pit stop or to explore the attractions in detail.



The highlights on this route would include:

1) Kallidaikurichi Thamirabharani river banks where you can enjoy a swim and a bath

2) Kallidaikurichi paddy fields, the kannadigan canal and the Brahmin agraharams with their many temples. You can cycle through the different streets to get a flavour of the Brahmin culture and the rich agraharam houses

3) The Thamirabharani river bridge between Kallidaikurichi and Ambasamudram

4) Kasibanathaswamy temple, the Ambai Periyakoil Padithurai and the line of trees on either side of the road. This entire stretch is an extremely popular movie shoot location

5) Banana plantations at Gowthamapuri

6) 10th century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple, a top attraction on this route

7) Gadananathi River banks and bridge at Brahmadesam

8) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvaliswaram

9) The Magnificent 10th Century Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple with an ashtanga vimana



Do carry a pair of pants or a veshti (dhoti) which you can wear over your cycling shorts in case you plan to visit any of the temples (shorts aren’t allowed in most of the temples). Most of the temples close by 9 or 9:30 AM, so you should plan your trip accordingly.

A typical plan would be to start at sunrise so that you can catch the sunrise colours at the Thamirabharani river banks or at the Thamirabharani river bridge. You can also experience the morning life of the village people with their swimming, praying, meditating and other temple activities and agriculture work. You can have a simple breakfast of idli, vadai, sambar with filter coffee at Hotel Gowri Shankar and then head towards Brahmadesam. As you have had breakfast, you can stop at all the places for photographs or for chats with locals. The Brahmadesam Kailasanathar temple closes at 10:00 AM in the morning, so if you reach by 8 AM, you will get a good couple of hours to explore the temple at leisure. Do not miss to taste the temple prasadam (usually pancha mirtham or curd rice). As the sun goes up, you can head to the Gadananathi river for a swim or just to watch the locals go about their chores.

If you plan to visit Mannarkoil temple or the Thiruvaliswara temple, make sure to have an early breakfast and reach them before 8 AM as both places close by 9 AM.



In addition to your cycling helmet, do carry a cap, a pair of sunglasses, a bottle of water or may be two bottles of water, a couple of energy bars and a spare set of pants or dhoti for your temple visits.

If you feel hot and thirsty, do indulge in some red tender coconut water (locally called sevva elaneer) and sugarcane juice (during certain months of the year). Vehicular traffic will be minimal and can be found only between Kallidaikurichi and Ambasamudram. Once you cross Ambasamudram, only the odd motorcycle, bus or tractor will cross you on the village roads.



The best season to embark on this cycling route would either be between June and August or between November and February. This is when the weather would be pleasant, the water bodies full, the farms at their active most and the terrain will be lush green.

Cycling from Kallidaikurichi to Brahmadesam is a great way to explore this offbeat part of rural Tamil Nadu and soak in all of its rustic charm. And as there is hardly any incline between these villages, people of most ages and fitness levels would be able to enjoy this cycling experience.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest

2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages

3) Kambhavurutty Falls: Scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala

4) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala

5) Achankovil Sastha Temple: Ancient healing temple located in the pristine forest of the Western Ghats

6) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Kerala

7) Ottakkal Weir View Point: Lovely pit stop on the Thenmala – Kollam highway

8) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that falls like milk from the sky

9) Aryankavu Sastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats

10) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways

11) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala

12) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers

13) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view

14) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu

15) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views

16) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway

17) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats

18) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India

19) 13th century Kasi Visavanathar Temple at Tenkasi

20) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple

21) Shanghumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram



22) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari

23) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari

24) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters

25) Varkala Beach: The stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins

26) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail

27) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama

28) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India

29) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway

30) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon

31) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

32) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve

33) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river

34) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu

35) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

36) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded

37) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south

38) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

39) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away

40) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli

41) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder

42) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village

43) Thamirabharani River Delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness

44) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea shore magic

45) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi

46) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

47) The Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village

48) The exotic tropical fruits of Puliyarai

49) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu

50) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature

Continue Reading...

Traditional Wooden Hanging Bridges of Arunachal Pradesh: A Photo Story

You will feel a rush of adrenaline when you walk over these hanging bridges. Fast flowing Himalayan rivers, lush greenery and tall mountains greet you on these wooden hanging bridges that sway with your every step and where you can feel even the slightest change in wind velocity over the valley. Some of these are hand woven using bamboo, some of them are built using local wood, using metal or a combination of wood and metal. Most of these bridges are mainly meant for pedestrians, but a few of them allow bicycles and motorcycles too. The main purpose of these traditional wooden hanging bridges is to connect the main roads with the remote tribal villages, especially when the rivers are full of water and carry with them strong currents. They are not for the faint-hearted (us tourists), but for the locals, it is the only way they can access the other villages and the cities, so they seem to have learnt the art of crossing it with heavy loads even in the most rowdy of weather. These hanging bridges are steeped in rich tribal history and local folklore too. These are the traditional wooden hanging bridges of Arunachal Pradesh. Each village in every district of this large Indian state seems to have their own version and they are a must-see and must-experience on your holiday to Arunachal Pradesh. The iconic ones are the ones at Boleng, Damro and between Zido and Tuting, but each of the ones below are special and a must experience for all those visiting Arunachal Pradesh.

During my recent holiday to central and eastern Arunachal Pradesh (Lamang, Mechuka, Anini, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaho and more), I came across many of these suspension bridges. This photo story aims to share these bewitching handing bridges of Arunachal Pradesh with you. Hope you like them and I hope it entices you to add them to your Arunachal Pradesh holiday itinerary.

Above photo: I spotted this elderly local gentleman as he was walking on the wooden hanging bridge of Mechuka. This bridge spans the Yargyup Chu river and it is quite long. It is in fairly good condition as locals still use it for daily commuting and on a good day, one can see the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas while walking on this bridge, thus making for a spectacular photo or video.



Above photo: Mechuka is famous for its traditional wooden suspension bridges that span the Yargyup Chu river. While some of them are in disrepair, this one was in great condition and was being used by the locals. While some people stop to soak in the sights while crossing the bridge, I find comfort in crossing it and then admiring the surroundings as the bridge seems to sway with every small breeze and human step taken.



Above photo: Another hanging bridge of Mechuka, but not in great condition, but locals still use it. It certainly didn’t confidence to me and my friend.



Above photo: A misty and rainy scene from Mechuka’s wooden hanging bridge. During the rains, the wooden planks slip with each step, there is hardly any visibility at the center of the river and the cold winds add to the challenge. Overall, an adventurous experience in crossing this bridge.



Above photo: This dilapidated wooden bridge spans a small stream that joins the Yargyup Chu river and that is on the way from Mechuka to Lamang. It is a very short bridge, but missing a lot of wooden planks in it.



Above photo: I spotted this suspension bridge on the way from Along to Mechuka. It was over the Siyom river and it connected to a remote tribal village on the other side of the river and completely cut off from civilization without this bridge, especially during the rains.



Above photo: This gorgeous hanging bridge is over the Lohit river in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. I spotted this bridge on the way to Kaho, the first village of India. A waterfall greets the entrance to the hanging bridge from the main road.



Above photo: This wooden hanging bridge is one of the best places to enjoy the emerald view of the Lohit river in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. This bridge is the only way to reach the tribal village on the opposite side of the main highway connecting Tezu with Kaho. And because of this, it was in excellent condition and made for an adventurous walk.



Above photo: Mechuka is one of Arunachal Pradesh and India’s best hill stations. Unfortunately for me, it was grey, cloudy and rainy during my 4 day visit, but I am definitely planning to visit some other time to see all its gorgeous valleys and snow capped peaks from its wooden hanging bridges. Some of the photos taken from this hanging bridge are absolutely stunning where the water below is bluish-green, the skies are blue, the surrounding nature is lush green and the mountains in the background are all snow capped.

Continue Reading...

Exploring Andhra Pradesh: Journeys Worth Taking

When you start thinking about traveling across Andhra Pradesh, it’s not the ticket booking process that comes to mind first, but the road itself. The drive—or bus ride, in most cases—becomes part of the experience. The state’s highways wind through coastal plains, temple towns, and stretches of farmland that change with every district.



APSRTC, the state’s transport backbone, happens to make these journeys accessible to almost anyone. Once your ticket booking is done online, the rest of the trip is about soaking in what the route offers—whether it’s the bustle of Tirupati’s pilgrims or the quiet charm of Araku’s valleys.

Andhra Pradesh by Road: A Landscape of Variety



Traveling through Andhra Pradesh means seeing a state that feels like several regions rolled into one. In the north, Visakhapatnam greets you with beaches like Rushikonda and heritage spots such as Kailasagiri Hill. Move inland, and you hit lush green hills that lead to Araku Valley, famous for its coffee plantations and waterfalls.



Further south, the dry plains around Kurnool and Anantapur (with the iconic temples at Tadipatri and Lepakshi) remind you that the state’s geography isn’t uniform—it’s dramatic. Coastal towns like Machilipatnam and Kakinada offer glimpses of fishing life and colonial relics, while temple towns such as Srikalahasti and Tirupati add a spiritual rhythm to the journey.

And in the middle lie the fertile plains of the Godavari and the Krishna rivers, the cultural hubs of Rajahmundry and Vijayawada, the serene backwaters of Konaseema and the eye catching Gandikota canyon over the Pennar river.



According to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), domestic tourist arrivals in 2023 crossed 221 million, making it one of India’s top five states for domestic travel.

Top Routes to Experience by Bus

Route	Approx. Distance	Highlights	Suggested Travel Time
Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam	350 km	Coastal views, fresh seafood, historic cityscape	6–7 hours
Hyderabad – Tirupati	560 km	Temple pilgrimage, forested roads near Srikalahasti	Overnight (8–9 hours)
Visakhapatnam – Araku Valley	120 km	Ghat roads, coffee plantations, Borra Caves	3–4 hours
Guntur – Kurnool	300 km	Countryside, farmlands, Rayalaseema cuisine	6 hours
Vijayawada –Konaseema	190 km	Krishna River bridges, scenic paddy fields, Backwaters of Godavari River	4 hours

Most of these routes are served by regular APSRTC services, which means you can pick a bus type that suits your comfort level and budget.

The Journey, Not Just the Destination



Traveling across Andhra Pradesh gives you a sense of time that trains or flights can’t. The view outside your window isn’t static—it evolves every hour. The journey from Vijayawada to Vizag begins with crowded bus stations and ends with the sight of waves brushing against the highway.

The Visakhapatnam–Araku stretch is a standout. It’s a narrow, curving ghat road, dotted with roadside stalls selling bamboo chicken, a local delicacy. Fog often drapes the valley in early mornings, making the ride feel cinematic. According to a report by The Hindu (2023), Araku Valley saw a 35% year-on-year rise in visitors, driven largely by improved road connectivity and public transport options.



And then there’s Tirupati. Pilgrims boarding the Hyderabad–Tirupati route often start in silence and end their journey with chants. The long road builds anticipation. APSRTC runs hundreds of these daily services, ensuring round-the-clock access to one of India’s busiest temple towns.

Why Road Travel Still Matters



While air travel between Andhra cities is growing, road journeys remain the state’s backbone. They’re cheaper, more accessible, and connect smaller towns untouched by airports. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Andhra Pradesh maintains over 123,000 kilometres of roads, of which 4,500 km are national highways.

That scale explains why buses remain popular. As per APSRTC’s annual operational report (2023), the corporation serves nearly 44 lakh passengers every day, covering both urban commutes and long-distance routes.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re mapping out a trip across Andhra Pradesh, start by deciding what kind of experience you want—spiritual, scenic, or cultural. For temple visits, routes linking Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Srikalahasti are reliable. For nature and quiet, Araku, Konaseema and Lambasingi are unmatched.

Book early through redBus for APSRTC services, especially during festivals and long weekends. You’ll find options ranging from Express to Ultra Deluxe, with the choice to select seats and check live schedules.

Service Type	Description	Ideal For
Express	Basic service, affordable	Short trips
Deluxe	Comfortable seating	Families
Ultra Deluxe	Air-conditioned coaches	Long-distance
Amaravati / Garuda Plus	Premium seating, Wi-Fi in some buses	Overnight travel

Closing Thoughts



Andhra Pradesh isn’t just a state to pass through—it’s one to experience at road level. Booking your seat online takes minutes, but the memories you’ll make on those routes last much longer. The scent of the sea in Visakhapatnam, the mist over Araku, or the temple bells of Tirupati—each journey carries a story.

The value of travel here lies in slowing down just enough to see the details, to let the journey itself become part of the reason you went.

Note: Some of the pictures in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

Continue Reading...