Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is a unique ecological paradise spread over an area of 100 square kilometers in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Established in 1979, it is the only sanctuary in India dedicated primarily to the conservation of orchids in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is part of the Kameng Protected Area Complex and is a haven for botanists, nature lovers, and photographers. It is home to over 200 species of orchids, including several rare and endangered varieties that are found nowhere else on earth. The terrain is rugged, characterized by deep gorges, sparkling streams, and cascading waterfalls that create the humid environment necessary for orchids to thrive. The altitude ranges from 1,100 to 1,800 meters, allowing for a diverse range of tropical and sub-tropical vegetation. Walking through the sanctuary feels like entering a prehistoric forest, with moss-covered trees and colorful blooms hanging from the branches. The sanctuary also houses a research center that works on the propagation of these delicate flowers. Beyond orchids, the forest is rich in wildlife, including red pandas, pheasants, and various butterfly species. The government has developed several trekking routes within the sanctuary to allow visitors to explore the deep interior safely. Each season brings a different set of blooms, making it a year-round destination for flower enthusiasts. The air is filled with the sweet scent of wild flowers and the sound of distant birds, providing a truly immersive nature experience. It is a critical center for biodiversity and a testament to the rich natural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Visitors can also visit the nearby Tipi Orchid Research Centre to see lab-grown varieties and learn about tissue culture. The sanctuary is not just a tourist spot but a vital laboratory for Himalayan ecology. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife & BotanicalEntry Fees:
Nominal Conservation Fee: A small entry fee of approximately Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 is charged for adults to enter the sanctuary. These funds are used for the maintenance of the trails and the conservation of endangered species. There might be an additional small charge for ...Nominal Conservation Fee: A small entry fee of approximately Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 is charged for adults to enter the sanctuary. These funds are used for the maintenance of the trails and the conservation of endangered species. There might be an additional small charge for professional cameras. It is a small price to pay for the incredible work being done to preserve India's floral heritage.
:Timing:
Regular Visiting Hours: The sanctuary is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. It is closed on certain public holidays.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning is the best time to visit as the birds are active and the flowers often have dew on them,...Regular Visiting Hours: The sanctuary is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. It is closed on certain public holidays.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning is the best time to visit as the birds are active and the flowers often have dew on them, which looks beautiful in photographs. Avoid visiting during heavy rain as the trails can become slippery and leach-prone.
:Special Events:
Orchid Bloom Festival: While not a fixed calendar event, the peak blooming season in April and May is celebrated by the forest department and local nature clubs with guided walks and educational workshops. This period attracts the maximum number of researchers and tourists...Orchid Bloom Festival: While not a fixed calendar event, the peak blooming season in April and May is celebrated by the forest department and local nature clubs with guided walks and educational workshops. This period attracts the maximum number of researchers and tourists, creating a festive atmosphere for nature lovers who gather to celebrate the arrival of spring and the spectacular floral display.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Epiphyte Wall: There is a specific section of the sanctuary where the trees are completely covered in epiphytic orchids and moss. This "living wall" of green and color is the best spot for capturing the essence of the sanctuary's humid forest. The contrast between the...The Epiphyte Wall: There is a specific section of the sanctuary where the trees are completely covered in epiphytic orchids and moss. This "living wall" of green and color is the best spot for capturing the essence of the sanctuary's humid forest. The contrast between the dark, gnarled tree trunks and the delicate, bright orchid blooms makes for a powerful and beautiful composition that highlights the sanctuary's unique character.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Trek Through the Orchid Trails: The forest department has carved out specific trekking paths that take you through the most densely populated orchid zones. As you hike, you can spot different varieties of flowers blooming at various heights on the trees. It is a slow and rewarding walk where every turn reveals a new color or shape. This activity is best done with a local guide who can help identify the rare species and explain the local ecology.
Visit the Orchid Research Centre: Located close to the sanctuary, the Tipi Orchid Research Centre is a must-visit. Here, you can see thousands of orchids in a nursery setting, including hybrids created for commercial use. The center has a museum that displays the diversity of Arunachal's flora and a laboratory where you can learn about the intricate process of orchid tissue culture....
Information
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Why Famous:
Exclusive Orchid Biodiversity: The sanctuary is famous for being the first and only one of its kind in India dedicated to orchids. It holds international importance due to the presence of rare genera like Dendrobium and Bulbophyllum. It is also famous for its role in scie...Exclusive Orchid Biodiversity: The sanctuary is famous for being the first and only one of its kind in India dedicated to orchids. It holds international importance due to the presence of rare genera like Dendrobium and Bulbophyllum. It is also famous for its role in scientific research, having discovered several new orchid species over the decades, making it a "Mecca" for researchers and environmentalists worldwide.
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Architecture:
The Orchid Conservatory: The main architectural feature within the sanctuary is the Orchid Conservatory and the research laboratory. The greenhouse structure measures approximately 40 by 60 feet, designed with glass and specialized mesh to maintain a constant humidity leve...The Orchid Conservatory: The main architectural feature within the sanctuary is the Orchid Conservatory and the research laboratory. The greenhouse structure measures approximately 40 by 60 feet, designed with glass and specialized mesh to maintain a constant humidity level and temperature. Its design allows for maximum sunlight while protecting the delicate orchid species from the harsh mountain winds, creating a controlled environment that mimics the deep jungle floor.
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How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Tezpur (Salonibari), about 80 KM away, followed by Guwahati (230 KM).
By Train: Bhalukpong is the nearest railway station (30 KM), which is connected to the major rail networks of Assam.
Read More -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Tipi Orchid Research Centre (5 KM), 2. Bhalukpong (30 KM), 3. Bomdila Monastery (34 KM), 4. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (20 KM), 5. Dirang Valley (64 KM), 6. Nag Temple (10 KM), 7. Kameng River Rafting Point (15 KM), 8. Shergaon (55 KM), 9. Rupa Town (45 KM), 10. Apple Orchards of Bomdila (35 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Wear full-sleeved clothes and carry insect repellent as the humid forest is home to leeches and mosquitoes.
Packing Essentials: Sturdy trekking boots are a must for the rugged trails, and a light raincoat is useful as it ...
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Hunli VillageTalon River ValleyDirang ValleyNuranang FallsSela PassSessa Orchid SanctuaryBordumsaDebanDiyunJairampurKharsangNampongPangsau PassTengapani RiverWorld War II CemeteryVijoynagarBuddha Vihar ChaglogamMore PlacesNote:-
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