wilderness lake chalets Umananda Mandir HINDU TEMPLE (Peacock Island) The temple complex sits on a small forested river isla

The biggest attraction is magical Tawang Gompa (admission free, camera/video 20/100; hdawn-dusk) backdropped by snow-speckled peaks. wilderness lake chalets Founded in 1681, this medieval citadel is reputedly the world s second-largest wilderness lake chalets Buddhist monastery complex and famed in Buddhist circles wilderness lake chalets for its library. Within its fortified walls, narrow wilderness lake chalets alleys lead up to the majestic and magnifi cently decorated prayer hall containing an 8m-high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Come here at dawn (4am to 5am) to see row after row of monks performing their early morning prayers. Across the central square is a small but interesting museum ( 20; h8am-5pm) containing images, robes, telescopic trumpets and some personal items of the sixth Dalai Lama. Spectacular wilderness lake chalets chaam (ritual masked dances performed by some Buddhist monks

Adjacent to the mandir is theRoyal Palace, closed to visitors except for during the annual Kwak Tenba festival, when a colourful procession led by the titular maharaja heads to the Polo Ground wilderness lake chalets for religious ceremonies and cultural festivities. The festival takes place on the fourth day of Durga Puja.

Hotel Rajawas (%2323307; www.hotel rajawas.com; AT Rd; s/d from 687/860; wilderness lake chalets ai) is a new, mirror-fronted hotel with a flowerfilled lobby, cheeky modern wilderness lake chalets art on the walls and decent wilderness lake chalets bathrooms. The deluxe rooms are the best bet (single/double 1144/1399). If you ve just trudged in from the mountains and jungles of Arunachal Pradesh you ll think its in-house restaurant (mains 120-160) is the best thing since sliced bread (or maybe cold dhal).

Umananda Mandir HINDU TEMPLE (Peacock Island) The temple complex wilderness lake chalets sits on a small forested river island, accessed by a 15-minute ride on a ferry ( 10 return, half hourly 8am to 4.30pm) from Kachari Ghat, which itself offers attractive afternoon river views. The Shiva temple, which sits atop the island, is less interesting wilderness lake chalets than the boat ride out to it.