Which Valley Is Known As The Land Of Orchids?

India is a wonderful country. It's a land where towering snowy mountains meet vast blue oceans. You can find lush green forests and vast, sunny deserts all in one place. Every state, every region, holds a different kind of wonder. This incredible variety makes India feel like many countries rolled into one. It is a place of deep history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenes. But did you know there are special places in India that are so beautiful they are compared to heaven? These are spots where nature shows off its absolute best. Do you know which famous valley in India is nicknamed the "Land of Orchids"? In this article, we'll discover this enchanting valley, learn about its stunning flower species, and find out exactly why it earned such a beautiful and well-deserved title.

Which State Is Known As The Land Of Orchids?

The state known as the "Land of Orchids" or the "Orchid Paradise of India" is Arunachal Pradesh. This stunning state is located in the northeastern tip of India, bordered by Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. It earned its beautiful nickname because it is home to over 600 species of orchids, more than half of the total species found in India. Its rich tropical and temperate forests, combined with a moist climate, create the perfect conditions for these exquisite flowers to thrive, making it a dream destination for botanists and nature lovers alike. The Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) is the official state flower. Arunachal Pradesh is also famously known as the "Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains", as it is the first state in India to see the sunrise.

10 Lesser-Known Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• The state is known as the "Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains" because the village of Dong in the Anjaw district is one of India's easternmost points, receiving the country's first sunrise.
• Before the 16th century, the region had no documented written history. Most of its history is based on oral traditions passed down through generations of tribes.
• The state officially has 612 documented orchid species, including rare and endemic species not found anywhere else in the world.
• It is a significant biodiversity hotspot, hosting one of the most extensive ranges of flora and fauna in the entire Himalayan region.
• The Foxtail Orchid is its official state flower, but locals have given exotic names to some orchids, such as Sita-Pushpa (Sita's flower) and Draupadi-Pushpa.
• Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of regional languages among all Indian states, with numerous distinct tribal languages spoken by its 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes.

• The state has the Arunachal Pradesh Forest and Plant Resources department that runs the Tipi Orchid Research Centre, dedicated solely to the research and conservation of its rich orchid flora.
• The women of the Apatani tribe in the Ziro Valley traditionally wore distinct large nose plugs (yaping hullo) and face tattoos to make themselves less attractive to raiders from other tribes (a practice discontinued mainly after the 1970s).
• Namdapha National Park, a protected area in the state, is the only park in the world to host four large cat species: the Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard.
• The state has enormous hydropower potential due to its numerous rivers, earning it the nickname "Powerhouse of India" for its untapped water resources.

Which Place Is Famous For Orchids?

The Indian state most famous for its orchids is Arunachal Pradesh. Situated in the northeastern part of the country, it is officially nicknamed the "Orchid State of India". This is due to its sheer concentration and variety of orchid species. Over 600 unique orchid species thrive here, accounting for more than half of India's total orchid diversity. The state's rich, moist forests and varied altitudes create a perfect environment, making it a dream location for botanists. The abundance is so great that a dedicated Tippi Orchid Research Centre was established in the West Kameng district to study and conserve these exquisite flowers.

Where Is The Land Of White Orchids In India?

The place explicitly known as the "Land of White Orchids" in India is the charming hill station of Kurseong, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The name 'Kurseong' is derived from the Lepcha word Kharsang, which literally translates to "the land of the white orchid". The hillsides here are dotted with the beautiful white orchid, Coelogyne cristata, which blooms in abundance, especially in spring.

What City Is Known As The Orchid City?

While no single "city" is uniformly crowned the Orchid City, the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh is striving to become officially recognised as India's "Orchid Capital". The state has the highest concentration of orchids in the country, earning it the nickname "Orchid State". Furthermore, the Tippi Orchid Research Centre near the city of Tippi in the West Kameng district is a key centre for orchid conservation and display.

Which Place Is Called Orchid Paradise In India?

The title of "Orchid Paradise in India" belongs to the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh. Its immense floral wealth, particularly the vast number of rare and endemic orchids, has earned it this prestigious name. With over 600 species, the state offers unparalleled biodiversity, making it a haven for flower enthusiasts and researchers. The lush green forests provide an ideal habitat across tropical and alpine climates.