River of Blood in India : why the water turns red 
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What is the River of Blood in India, and why does it turn red in certain seasons?

River of Blood in India flows through Arunachal Pradesh with striking myths and geology

DEBOLINA ROY

The Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh, aka the River of Blood in India, amazes with its vivid red-orange waters and rich local myths. Rising in the Zayal Chu range of eastern Tibet, it slices through Anjaw district and the Mishmi Hills. Then it flows into Assam, meeting up with the Brahmaputra. This river is famous for its rapid current, rocky gorges, and its constant, stunning roar that visitors won't forget.

All you need to know about the River of Blood in India, the Lohit river

River of Blood in India gets its unique colour from both geology and myth at Parashuram Kund. The water turns red in the rain because of iron-rich laterite soil. Plus, there's a legend about the sage Parashuram who drowned his sins here after he accidentally killed his mom following his dad's orders. Devotees think the red colour comes from the site being blessed by divine powers. Each Makar Sankranti, big crowds show up to take a dip and perform rituals.

The Lohit River runs through a biodiverse and culturally rich area. It goes from alpine zones to dense tropical forests. Up top, rhododendrons pop, while down below, orchids rule. The hilly areas are home to the Mishmi people, and the plains belong to the Khampti and Singpho, who have Buddhism at their core. Plus, it's famous for medicinal herbs such as Mishmi teeta. So, this spot mixes ecology and the tapestry of Tibetan, Southeast Asian, and Indian influences.

The River of Blood in India links remote frontiers through one of the country’s most picturesque road journeys, running 190 kilometres from Tezu to Walong. This route follows the river, crossing hanging bridges, forests, and military checkpoints. Tezu acts as the main base with places like guesthouses and government rest houses. Near the Indo-China border, Walong is famous for its isolation and stunning, untouched beauty.

To travel there, you need permits since conditions can change quickly because of landslides and rain. The best time to visit Lohit River is October to April, when the weather clears up. The river pass through valleys, villages, and places that are still untouched by modernization. Planning and getting those permits is super important for safely exploring this distant area in Arunachal Pradesh.

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