Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, the Orchid Paradise in Arunachal Pradesh

Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is a mesmerizing land filled with diverse and colorful flora and fauna, located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The sanctuary is popular for its wide range of diverse types of orchids that are grown at this place. The chief highlight of this place is its diverse range of flora, which includes several rare and colorful species of orchids.

The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary was established in the year 1979. Later on, the original area of it, which was about 85 hectares, was extended to over 100 sq. km in order to provide larger area for the natural habitat of larger number of orchids. At present, the sanctuary comprises of Doimara and Tenga forest reserves. In November 1989, the place was notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Attractions

The wide extended area of this sanctuary, which is spread over an area of about 100 sq. km, is a home to diverse varieties of orchids of different shape, size and color that attracts a large number of domestic as well as international tourists. The place houses over 200 species of charming orchids including some of endemic species of orchids. Some of the species of sub-tropical orchids that you can spot at this place are Liparis, Coelogyne, Bulbophyllum, Dendorbium, Eria and Phaius along with seven endemic species of saprotrophic orchids that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In fact, each and every corner of this sanctuary is filled with vivid orchid species that pleases the eyes of the visitors as well as makes them feel happy. The place is a popular tourist destination of Arunachal Pradesh and you are a flower lover then this place is definitely not to be missed.

The management of the sanctuary has made sincere efforts to preserve the natural habitat of such a large number of orchid species.  This exotic place is situated between 900 to 3100 m MSL comprising tropical, sub-tropical and temperate conditions of climate and vegetation. Such a diverse type of climatic conditions supports a wide variety of orchid species making it a paradise for orchids in India.

Adventure enthusiasts can also have a fun time at this place. The department of Environment and Forests has developed several trekking routes for exploring the wide area of this sanctuary, which makes a visit to this place even more pleasurable. The entire landscape of the place comprises of rugged terrain, high peaks, deep gorges and valleys, which makes it perfect place for adventure enthusiasts. The Tipi River flowing through the sanctuary also adds to the charm of this place.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the place is during the months of October to April.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not a problem while visiting this place. The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary provides several staying facilities to its visitors where they can stay and explore this dynamic place. The Forest Rest House in Tipi village and the PWD bungalows available at Tenga, Bhalukping and Dedza (Jamiri), are some of the good options for staying at this place. All these accommodation facilities available close to the sanctuary are well equipped with all the basic amenities ensuring a comfortable stay for the visitors.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to this place is Tezpur, which is located at a distance of about 160 km. The airport conducts bi-weekly flights to Kolkata. Bus and taxi services are available from the airport to get to the place.

By Rail: The nearest railway head to this place is at Bhalukpong. Regular bus and taxi services are available from the station to the place.

By Road: The place can be easily accessed by road from Tipi, which is located at a distance of about 20 km. Sessa is also well connected with places like Tezpur and Itanagar. Regular bus and taxi services are available from all these places to the sanctuary.