The Arunachal Pradesh government is embarking on a project to transform the escape trail of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, into a spiritual and religious tourism circuit.
Lumla, a lesser-known location in western Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district, will soon find a place on the national tourism map as the young Dalai Lama had passed through and stayed in this area during his escape from Lhasa to India in 1959.
The Public Works Department is overseeing the execution of this project, which aims to construct five monoliths at each location where the Dalai Lama spent the night during his journey from Tibet to India.
In 1959, anticipating the Chinese crackdown on Tibet, the Dalai Lama, along with family members and aides, escaped to India through the business route Tibet (Tsona) to Khen-Dze-mani under the Zemithang circle in Tawang district.
The escape trail is now being developed into a religious and spiritual tourism circuit.
Key points along the route include the 'Lhasa Dwar' gate, marking the point where the Dalai Lama entered India, and the 'Holy Tree,' which is believed to have grown from a staff dug by the Dalai Lama, now worshipped as a relic commemorating the historic event.
Gorsam Chorten, one of the largest stupas of Buddhism founded in the 12th century, is located 90 km from Tawang. It is said that the Dalai Lama stayed at Gorsam Chorten for a day after entering Zemithang. Zemithang itself is undergoing development as a vibrant village under the Centre's vibrant village programme.
Tsering Lhamu, the Lumla MLA, informed that two gompas at Thonglek and Lumla areas have been completed as part of the project, and a museum displaying various artefacts related to the Dalai Lama is underway at Lumla.
To boost tourism further, a 113 feet Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha) statue is being erected at Buri along the Indo-Bhutan border, contributing to the development of the Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang tourism circuit.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme, focusing on thematic circuits' development, has allocated funds for infrastructure enhancement, including accommodation, cafeteria, wayside amenities, and more at various locations along the circuit.
The completion of the Maitreya Buddha statue is set to enhance the tourism experience, with plans for an annual event to attract more visitors.
Additionally, plans are underway to develop adventure tourism spots and organise festivals, such as the Kora festival, and attract naturalists and ornithologists to witness the Black-necked crane migration and the Red panda sightings in the region.
The initiative aims to promote the unique cultural and natural heritage of the area while providing economic growth opportunities.
Follow us
