The Orchid Research Center, Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh India

Arunachal Pradesh is a state blooming with various kinds of flora, out of which orchids are arguably considered the most beautiful. Orchids are flowers with unusual shapes, beautiful colours and a very delicate fragrance. To protect the ones that are too delicate to survive in the harsh environmental conditions The Orchid Research Centre was inaugurated at Tipi in 1972. It is located at a distance of around 180 kms from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam on the banks of pristine river Kameng and is surrounded by evergreen mountains.

The Centre has come a long way from being a research centre to being the third largest orchidarium in the world. It is spread over a massive 110 acres and houses around 50,600 orchids. The board at the entrance names this centre as the temple of orchids, while just opposite the entrance is a warning asking visitors to beware of elephants. The main attraction of the centre is its fibre proof glass house that has around 1000 beautiful exotic orchids in pots and hanging baskets. Adding to ambience of the area is a pond with a fountain located centrally in the Research Centre.

Another attraction is the Orchid Museum that contains specimens, maps, jars and photos of different orchids found in Arunachal Pradesh. The centre has also attempted to recreate the natural habitat of the orchids and created a Natural Orchidaria. These are two in number and contain orchids growing under Erythyrina and Teak plantations. The orchids growing in their full beauty in their natural habitat is a sight to behold. Also worth seeing are the Orchid Herbarium, Tissue culture laboratory that produces 20000-40000 seedlings of exotic, rare and endangered orchids to distribute to farmers for rehabilitation in their natural environment.

Another incentive for Orchid lovers is the presence of Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in same district. For those who want to have a little adventure too along with the sightseeing one can always go for rafting in the river Kameng.