Arunachal Pradesh

-The Land of Dawnlit Mountains

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism 1

Arunachal Pradesh which is known as one of the Seven Sisters of India is a northeastern state in India.

This state has a 13.84 lakhs population according to the 2011 census. It is surrounded by three countries, Bhutan to the west, Myanmar to the East and China to the north.

Assam is the only neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh. The total area covered by Arunachal Pradesh is 83,743 Sq.km and it consists of 21 districts.

History of Arunachal Pradesh:

The people of Arunachal Pradesh are descended from great AboTani, the first man of five tribes: Tagin, Nyishi, Adi, Galo, and Apatani.

Due to historical claims, this place is facing obstacles to understanding the early traditions and culture of this beautiful state.

It also finds mention in the Hindu epic literature such as Kalika Purana, Mahabharat, and Ramayan.

This is the place where sage Parashuram atoned for his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bismaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini.

At some places in Arunachal Pradesh bear testimony which is rich in cultural heritage.

Arunachal Pradesh also knew as’Land of Rising Sun’ became an Indian state on 20 February 1987. It is also known as North-East Frontier Agency till 1972. The first general election to the Assembly was held in February 1978.

Popular languages of Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Pradesh is a state which is composed of varied tribal groups who speak different tribal languages such as Adi, Aka, Apatani, Dafla, Nishing, Miji, Gallon, Nocte, Wancho, etc.

But most of the people speak Hindi, English, and Assamese language for communication purpose.

Capital of Arunachal Pradesh:

The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its scenic vistas and rich natural environment.

It named after Ita Fort which means Fort of bricks and it was built in 14 century AD.

Chief Minister (CM) of Arunachal Pradesh:

The current chief minister (2020)of Arunachal Pradesh is Pema Khandu Thungan from Bhartiya Janta Party.

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh:

The current governor of Arunachal Pradesh is B. D. Mishra.

High Court of Arunachal Pradesh:

Gauhati High Court located at Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh is the High Court of Arunachal Pradesh.

Map of Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism

Arunachal Pradesh economy wholly dependent on Tourism because here most of the population is engaged in primary activities.

This place is perfect for adventure seekers as it offers various adventurous sports such as trekking, rock climbing, hiking, camping and many more things to do.

Nature has provided the people with a deep sense of beauty which finds delightful expression in their songs, dances, and crafts.

This land of dawn-lit mountains is not only famous for its picturesque mountains but also Tranquil lakes, Tibetan monasteries, lush green mountains, etc.

It is a home of varied places such as museums, pilgrimage sites, national parks, historical sites, etc. There is also a facility of tour guides offered by state tourism offices.

This tour guide might help you to explore this place more systematically and make your experience even more great and delightful.

15 Best Must Visit Tourist Places of Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Tawang, North-western part of Arunachal Pradesh:

Tawang monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest monastery in the world.

It’s famous for its 400-year old monastery and for its natural beauty, which attracts and enchants the traveller.

This religious place is a centre for the followers of Buddhism.

2. Ziro Valley:

Ziro is a home to a unique tribal group i.e., Apa Tani tribe and the peace seeker’s paradise.

It is a quaint old town which is famous for its pine hills and rice fields. Here the climate is favourable and pleasant for tourists throughout the year.

3. Sela Pass, Tawang:

Sela Pass or Paradise lake is a high altitude mountain pass located between Tawang and west Jameng districts. It is an altitude of about 13,700 feet, (4,170 meters) above the sea level.

This pass is known for its snow-covered mountains, mystic beauty, breathtaking views, lakes, and rocky pass. It is also called as a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Tezu:

Tezu is a small town located at Lohit district and it is known for beautiful rivers and valleys. This land belongs to the Mishmi tribe and their existence finds mention in the Mahabharata.

Parshuram Kund is one of the important religious destinations all over the world.

5. Talle Valley:

Talle Valley known as the land of ancient tribes is famous for trekking, the trail winds through dense forests, lush green carpet, fern fields, mountains, river crossings this combing the cultural and traditional, etc.

With awe-inspiring landscape, the Talle Valley Trek is a paradise for the nature lover.

6. Dirang:

Dirang is a small town Situated at 43km from Bomdila. It is one of the beautiful hill stations where Mahayana Monapas tribe lives.

The spectacular natural view of Dirang surely makes the visitors spellbound. This place is also known for hot water springs, Apple orchards, bird watching at Mandla, and trekking.

Tourists are always liberal to squeeze the abundant great things about nature.

7. Roing:

Roing is a district headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley district. This natural heaven place with mountain, numerous falls, deep gorges attract several people all over the nation.

The Bhishmaknagar fort and Nehru Udyan have historical significance whereas Mayudia pass with snow coverage makes one of the most attractive destinations for visitors.

8. Pasighat:

Pasighat is the headquarters of East Siang district which is situated at the eastern foothills of Himalayas at 155 m.

It is also known as the gateway of Arunachal Pradesh which offers a wide variety of water activities such as white river rafting, boating, and angling (similar to fishing) because this place rests on the banks of the river Siang.

Kelkar Monying, Komsing, and Pangin are sone of the beautiful places to visit.

9. Itanagar:

This place is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh Situated at 350 an elevation of 350 m. It is known for Tibetan monasteries, architecture, and varied tribal culture.

10. Bomdila:

Bomdila is the headquarters of West Kameng district Situated about 153 km away from Tezpur.

The Bomdila viewpoint is the prominent site to view west Kameng Valley. Bomdila Monastery, Bomdila pass, and village market are some of the places to visit.

11. Mechuka Valley:

Mechuka Valley which is situated at the altitude of 6000ft.There is river Siyom which flows through this Valley and makes this place more beautiful.

Mechuka means medicinal snow water. The Ramo, Memba, Bokar, Tagin, and Libo tribes are the main inhabitants of Mechuka. The captivating landscape, untouched natural beauty, verdant leaves you spellbound.

12. Bhalukpong:

It is a small town located at 213 above sea level and 5km from Tipi. This place has historical significance because of the Archeological ruins of King Bhaluk.

It lies beside the river Kameng and offers a varied opportunity for water sports and a beautiful picnic spot.

Bhalukpong Fort, Pakke Tiger Reserve/ sanctuary, and Tipi Orchidariurm are top tourist attractions in Bhalukpong.

13. Sangti:

Sangti Valley which is situated 15 km away from Dibang.

This place is home to diverse flora and fauna and it is surrounded by Himalayas ranges.

This hill station is covered with fruit orchards in winter and adds beauty to this place.

14. Malinithan temple:

This place is a famous pilgrimage site which is located at 12km away from Malinithan.

Akashiganga temple is believed to be associated with goddess Parvati. This place also witnessed the ruins of the sculpture of Indra and Airavata, Syria, and Nandi bull.

Malinithan temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and this is the tourist place that attracts a large number of tourists.

15. Nuranang falls:

This phone-phonogram waterfalls with its enticing beauty of milky white water leave you speechless.

The scenery around the falls is dotted by high hills all around, covered in thick greenery and mist hanging about caressing the hilltop.

Jang falls also offer pristine and beautiful experience.

Famous National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Eagle ‘s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary:

This Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at west Kameng district which comes under protected areas.

This place has the presence of bird species -about two dozen babbler, more than 20 types of warbler, sunbirds, flycatchers (ultramarine, slaty blue, white gorgets, sapphire, dark sided), variety of tawny wood owl, grey chinned minivet, mountain hawk-eagle, Barbets ( 6 species), Partridge ( rufous throated & chestnut breasted), Robin( golden bush & blue-fronted), niltava, fulvettas, parrotbills ( 4 species).

2. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary:

This place is situated at Roing. It is a land of many species of wild animals Bengal tiger, hoolock gibbon, leopard, and clouded leopard.

Hollock(Terminalia,myriocarpa), Khokan(Duabanga Grandiflora), Makai, Simul, Titachampa(Michalia Champaca) anGamari(Gmelina Arborea) are sone of the important tree species which are found here.

3. Mouling National Park:

It was established in 1982 and is located near the river Siang. Takins, snow clouded leopard, golden languor, hornbill, monal escalator, and Temperate alpine and coniferous forest are found here according to the altitude.

Ornamental plants like foxtail, orchids are in abundance. We may also witness many attractive waterfalls.

4. Namdapha National Park:

It is one of the largest national which is home to the rare species of animals such as snow leopards, clouded leopards, common leopards, tigers, and even Red Pandas.

The park also has about 425 species of avifaunas with many more to be recorded from work in the higher areas. Species of Amentotaxus, Cephalotaxus, and Larix being endemic to this region are also found here.

5. Pakke Tiger Reserve:

This tiger reserve is located at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas.It is the best protected national park in the country.

It is also home of over 2000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 30 species of amphibians and 36 species of reptiles also about eight species of bamboo occur in the area.

Arunachal Pradesh Is Famous For:

1. Dress

As Arunachal Pradesh is a home of 26 tribes and 100 sub-tribes and every tribe have its traditional costumes which they wore on different occasions and feel proud to showcase their culture.

Among all the dresses the most common ones include shawls, Wraps, and skirts.

2. Food

Arunachal Pradesh cuisine varies across the regions and tribal groups. Most people eat rice with meat, green vegetables, and fish.

They use herbs, organic products, and bamboo shoots in their food. Pika pila, Lukter, Peak, Apong, Marua, Chura sabzi, Momo, and Thukpa are some of the cuisines. Here dishes are less spicy.

3. Dance

Like other states, Arunachal Pradesh also has different folk dance forms.

Some of the important dance forms are Aji Lamu(Monpa tribe), Chalo(Nocte tribe), Hiirii Khaniing(Apatani tribe), Poplar(Adi tribe), Ponung(Adi tribe), Pasi Kongki(Adi tribe), Arkham Pada, Roppi, Lion and Peacock dance(Monpa tribe).

There are four dance categories – Festive Dances, Ritual Dances, Recreational Dances, and Dance Dramas.

Fairs & Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Siang River Festival:

This festival is celebrated to highlight the vast potential of tourism in the state. Thus the festival is known as the Brahmaputra Darshan festival in text.

In this festival native, people showcase their cultural dance, sing folk music, and offer a wide variety of adventurous activities, food festivals, exhibitions of a local model house,s and many more things.

2. Ziro festival of music:

It is also known as Arunachal’s sunburn festival. It is one of the outdoor music festivals where music lovers enjoy international and domestic performances.

This the perfect festival to learn about different cultures. This is a four-day festival.

3. Solung:

This is 10 days agriculture festival that was celebrated by the Adi community. Great Indian bison is the holy animal that has religious significance among Adis.

People offer gifts, meat, and rice beer to relatives. It is one of the most famous festivals in Northeast India.

4. Nyokum:

This festival is celebrated by the Nyishi tribe Nyokum means land of people. This is a two-day festival which is celebrated by singing songs, dancing and gathering up.

Major rituals are performed by a high priest and pray for prosperity and tranquillity to the whole community. At this festival, people sacrifice dog, pig, and chicken as an offering to God.

This festival is celebrated on every 28th of February and also enjoyed by the native people.

5. Losar Festival:

Monpa tribe celebrates this festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is one of the most important festivals in Arunachal Pradesh this represents the welcoming of the new year.

Festival is celebrated in February and March. Before and during this festival people here cleaned their houses, offer prayers, religious flags hoisted, lamps are lighted in every house.

This festival is best to enjoy the local cuisine and drinks.

6. Sangkat Festival:

Saga Dawa, Dukpa Tse-Shi Festival, Talmadu Festival, Mopin Festival, Torgya Festival, Choekor Festival, Reh festival, Si-Doni -Tagin Festival, Boori Boot – Hill Miris Festival are some other festivals which are celebrated by the different tribal community and people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Best Time To Visit Arunachal Pradesh:

This place is best to explore in October.

Summer: Month of April to June is ideal to plan a trip to Arunachal Pradesh. There is some hill station which is perfect to enjoy summers.

A warm breeze, pleasant climate, lush green mountains, valleys make you feel alive even in hot summer months.

Winter: Month of October and March is the best season to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Snow-capped mountains, misty grasslands, and foggy Valley greet you.

In this season there is some festival which is celebrated by the native people with great pomp and show.