Nestled in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, Khonsa is a small town that is gradually becoming a popular tourist destination for those who seek to explore the hidden gems of Northeast India. Blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Khonsa offers a unique experience to travelers who are looking for offbeat destinations. In this travel guide, we will take you through the top things to do and see in Khonsa.
How to Reach Khonsa
The nearest airport to Khonsa is Tezpur Airport, which is located around 200 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a shared cab to reach Khonsa. The nearest railway station is the Harmuti Railway Station, which is around 160 km away. From there, you can hire a CarForSure or take a bus to reach Khonsa. The roads are well-connected, and you can also hire a taxi from nearby cities like Dibrugarh or Guwahati.
Best Time to Visit Khonsa
The best time to visit Khonsa is from October to April. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.
Top Things to Do in Khonsa
Visit the Khonsa Museum: The Khonsa Museum is a must-visit for those who want to learn about the history and culture of the local tribes. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional weapons, costumes, and musical instruments.
Explore the Namdapha National Park: The Namdapha National Park is a biodiversity hotspot that is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. You can take a guided trek through the park and spot animals like the Hoolock Gibbon, the Clouded Leopard, and the Asiatic Black Bear.
The Wangcha Festival is celebrated by the Nocte tribe, which is the largest tribe in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is a celebration of the Nocte culture and heritage and is marked by traditional dances, songs, and rituals.
Trek to the Patkai Hills: The Patkai Hills are a range of hills that are located near Khonsa. You can take a trek through the hills and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests.
Visit the Tirap River: The Tirap River flows through Khonsa and is a popular spot for picnics and camping. You can also go river rafting in the river and enjoy the thrill of the rapids.
Explore the Local Markets: The local markets in Khonsa are a great place to buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. You can find items like bamboo weavings, wooden carvings, and traditional textiles.
Where to Stay in Khonsa
Khonsa has several options for accommodation, including guest houses and hotels. Some of the popular options are as follows -
Tirap Cottage: Located in the heart of Khonsa, Tirap Cottage is a cozy guesthouse that offers comfortable rooms with all basic amenities. The guesthouse also has a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
Hornbill Guest House: Hornbill Guest House is a homestay located in the outskirts of Khonsa. The homestay offers a peaceful and serene environment with comfortable rooms and delicious home-cooked meals.
Hotel Blue Pine: Hotel Blue Pine is a budget hotel located in the center of Khonsa. The hotel offers basic amenities like clean rooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Bamboo Hideaway: Bamboo Hideaway is a homestay located in the nearby village of Pongchau. The homestay offers comfortable rooms made of bamboo and thatch with all basic amenities. The homestay also organizes trekking and sightseeing tours.
Nature Nest Eco Resort: Nature Nest Eco Resort is a unique resort located on the banks of the Tirap River. The resort offers comfortable cottages made of bamboo and thatch with all modern amenities. The resort also has a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.
Tirap Homestay: Tirap Homestay is a traditional homestay located in the nearby village of Longliang. The homestay offers comfortable rooms with all basic amenities and delicious home-cooked meals. The homestay also organizes cultural tours and village walks.
Hotel Legacy: Hotel Legacy is a budget hotel located in the heart of Khonsa. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with all basic amenities and a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Wangla Homestay: Wangla Homestay is a traditional homestay located in the nearby village of Wangla. The homestay offers comfortable rooms with all basic amenities and delicious home-cooked meals. The homestay also organizes cultural tours and village walks.
Tirap River View Guest House: Tirap River View Guest House is a budget guesthouse located on the banks of the Tirap River. The guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with all basic amenities and a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Hotel Siang: Hotel Siang is a budget hotel located in the heart of Khonsa. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with all basic amenities and a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
These are some of the popular homestays and hotels in Khonsa that offer comfortable accommodations to travelers. Each of these options has its unique features and amenities, so choose the one that suits your preferences and budget.
Where to Eat in Khonsa
Khonsa has several small restaurants and eateries that serve traditional local cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include smoked meat, bamboo shoot curry, and fish dishes. You can also try the local rice beer, which is served in bamboo containers. Below are some of the popular restaurants -
Tirap Family Restaurant: Located in the heart of Khonsa, Tirap Family Restaurant is a popular restaurant that serves a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, and local cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious momos and thukpa.
River View Restaurant: River View Restaurant is a cozy restaurant located on the banks of the Tirap River. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the river and serves delicious local and Indian cuisine.
Khonsa Kitchen: Khonsa Kitchen is a casual restaurant located in the center of Khonsa. The restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and is popular for its chicken fry and egg curry.
Wangla Restaurant: Wangla Restaurant is a small restaurant located in the nearby village of Wangla. The restaurant offers delicious local cuisine and is known for its bamboo shoot pickle and smoked meat.
Bamboo Cafe: Bamboo Cafe is a small cafe located on the outskirts of Khonsa. The cafe offers a peaceful environment and serves delicious snacks and beverages.
Tawang Restaurant: Tawang Restaurant is a popular restaurant located in the center of Khonsa. The restaurant serves a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, and local cuisine and is known for its thukpa and momos.
Aman's Kitchen: Aman's Kitchen is a small restaurant located in the outskirts of Khonsa. The restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and serves delicious local cuisine.
Hotel Blue Pine Restaurant: Hotel Blue Pine Restaurant is located in the budget hotel, Hotel Blue Pine. The restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and Chinese cuisine and is popular for its chicken and mutton dishes.
New Tirap Restaurant: New Tirap Restaurant is a casual restaurant located in the center of Khonsa. The restaurant serves a wide range of Indian and Chinese cuisine and is popular for its biryani and noodles.
Mimi's Cafe: Mimi's Cafe is a small cafe located in the outskirts of Khonsa. The cafe offers a cozy ambiance and serves delicious snacks and beverages.
Conclusion
Khonsa is a hidden gem in the northeast of India, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. Whether you're looking to explore the region's natural wonders, learn about its rich history and traditions, or simply relax and unwind in a peaceful setting, Khonsa has something for everyone. So pack your bags and head to Khonsa for an unforgettable experience in the northeast of India.
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