West Siang

Malinithan

Among all the archaeological sites in Arunachal Pradesh, Malinithan, a place of high sanctity, is the most ornamental and sublime. Set on a mound of about 60 metres high, overlooking the vast stretch of the Brahmaputra Valley, Malinithan is situated near the Assam-Arunachal border at a point where the plains end and the hills begin. It is only one kilometre east of of the circle headquarter Likabali and about 8 Km from Silapathar in Assam. Linked by road and rail communications Malinithan is easily approachable. Like many other sacred places in the north-eastern region, Malinithan is also associated with the Krishna legends. According to the tradition, Krishna and Rukmini, daughter of King Bhishmak, took a rest at this place on their way to Dwaraka from Bhishmaknagar. They were received cordially by Siva and his consort Durga (Parvati) as guests. Durga garlanded them with choicest flowers. At this, Krishna, in prais, addressed her as Malini (mistress of the garden). Since then, the place ceme to be known as Malinithan or Malinisthan - the seat of Malini. Relics of stone images of Malinithan littered all over the mound came to notice from the early twenties of the present century. In course of a series of excavations beginning from 1968 and ending in 1971, ruins of temples and valuable sculptures were unearthed at this site. Beautifully designed and decorated basement of a temple, divine images, icons of Hindu deities, fine sculptures with animal motifs and floral designs, broken columns and panels with carvings were among the huge mass of stony remains, which were dug out as if from a buried treasure. The fame of Malinithan as a holy place must have spread far and wide in early times. It is still a place of worship, and draws a large number of visitors and pilgrims.

Season for Visit	:	Throughout the year.
Languages Spoken	:	Adi, Hindi, Assamese & English.
How to Reach	:	By bus and car from Silapathar.
Location	:	Likabali, 8 Km from Silapathar.
Nearest Railhead	:	Silapathar by Arunachal Express from New Bongaigaon
Nearest Airport	:	Lilabari (By Vayudoot)
Where to Stay	:	Circuit House, Inspection Bungalow
What to See	:	Ruins of a big temple belonging to 14th - 15th century. The Brahmical images, namely Indira on Airavata, Kartikeya on peacock, Surya on chariot, Ganesha with mouse and huge Nandi Bull can be seen on the site.

Akashiganga

On the way to Along from Likabali, there exists a sacred place, about 25 km from the nearest railhead at Silapathar in Assam, hallowed as Akashiganga. The name Akashiganga is suggestive of a water channel in the hill. It is believed that the this place is associated with the legend narrated in the Kalika Purana (8th Century A.D.) that where the corpse of Sati (Parvati) was cut into pieces by Vishnu with his discus at the refusal of Siva to part away with it, her head fell somewhere near Akashiganga. the place is, therefore, held high in esteem as a pithasthan where the devoted Hindus on pilgrimage take a holy dip in a nearby water-pool formed by the falls. The place provides a magnificent bird's eye view of the river Brahmaputra glimmering far below.

Season for Visit	:	Throughout the year.
Languages Spoken	:	Adi, Hindi, Assamese & English.
How to Reach	:	By bus and car from Silapathar.
Location	:	12 Km from Likabali.
Nearest Railhead	:	Silapathar by Arunachal Express from New Bongaigaon.
Nearest Airpor	:	Lilabari (By Vayudoot).
Where to Stay	:	Circuit House, Inspection Bungalow.
What to See	:	The Sacred Kund.

Gompa at Mechuka

The Gompa at Mechuka is one of the oldest monasteries called Samten Yongcha of Mehayana sect located at a hilltop in the western most part of Mechuka, a place of tourist interest in the district of West Siang. This Gompa as per oral history of Membas is a contemporary of the great Tawang monastery.

Season for Visit	:	Throughout the year.
Languages Spoken	:	Memba, Adi, Hindi, English.
How to Reach	:	Aircraft from Mohanbari (Assam) or roadways via Along.
Location	:	Mechuka.
Nearest Railhead	:	Silapathar.
Nearest Airport	:	Mohanbari (By N-32)
Where to Stay	:	Circuit House, Inspection Bungalow.
What to See	:	Numerous ancient statues, literature., etc.