Orange is the word. Does it remind an Indian of a place in the country. If at all it lights a bulb, the best guess one would make is that of Nagpur. There is a place in the world where an Orange festival is held each year. Far from the country's centre, in the picturisque settings on the gentler of the Himalayas. The Month is November. The State is Tripura. We explore the Jampui Hills here.
Jampui Hills is located 250 k.m. from Agartala justifiably regarded as the orange bowl of Tripura. During November every year, the unique Orange & Tourism festival is celebrated in the Jampui hill. A large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, participate and enjoy this festival. The rainy season is no less charming. During this season the hill is covered with floating clouds and it provides a rare experience for the tourists.
The formation of clouds at the bottom of the hill range and its gradual ascendance from the bottom to the top slowly engulfing the whole hill range in its mystic lap is an experience to treasure. The climate in the Jampui jhills is inviting the year round. No wornder it is referred to as the 'the permanent seat of spring'.
The highest peak of Tripura ‘Betalongchhip’ falls in this hill range which is 3600 feet high and from where tourist can see the panoramic view of Mizoram, Chittagong hill tracts and various other hill ranges of Tripura. There are good trekking routes in the hill range for tourists.
Beside the orange laden trees the green forests fo Jampui hills have a lot more in store. The forests are also home to various species of orchids. Many other wild trees bear flowers.
The view of rising and setting sun from various view points in Jampui hills is a wonderful sight for the tourists. Tourists visiting the Jampui hill cannot afford to miss the view of the sunset and the sunrise. Various view points in the hill range provide excellent panoramic views of the valley and villages of Mizoram. From the watchtower at the highest peak, Betlingchip(3200 feet high), the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Kanchanpur - Dasda valley other hill ranges of Tripura and Mizoram unfold an enigmatic scenic vista.
The hill range has 11 villages inhabited by Mizo (Lushai tribes) and also by Reang tribes. Population of the hill range is about 8,000 and the main occupation of the villagers is orange cultivation. The Lushai tribes mainly inhabited in the hill range have a very strikingly distinct cultural identity. They are quite well-off people having neat and clean houses well equipped with modern amenities. Most of them speak English fluently and follow Christianity.
Boating facility in the Sabual village of the hill range has been introduced. On this heavenly hill one can enjoy the perfect accommodation at the Eden Tourist Lodge. It is the property of the Tourist Department of Government of Tripura. It provides modern facilities and services along with great hospitality. Other great option is to stay with the people there as a paying guest.