Incredible India! Arunachal Pradesh - The Land of Rising Sun

Fast Facts about Arunachal Pradesh

Situated in: North Eastern Part of India (One of the Seven Sister States)

Established in: February 20, 1987

Capital City: Itanagar

Biggest City: Itanagar

Districts: 16

Area: 83,743 sq. km

Population: 1,382, 611

Literacy: 66.95 percent

Official Language: English

Languages Spoken: English, Hindi and Assamese

Best Time to Visit: Climate of Arunachal varies with the elevation. The climate varies from hot and humid in the lower altitude to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik range. It becomes cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes. Summers are not very hot, temperature ranges from 25C to 35C. Winters are cold, the temperature remains between 0C to 15C. Best Time to visit is October to May.

Official Website of Arunachal Pradesh: http://www.arunachalpradesh.nic.in/

‘One of the seven sisters of North Eastern India’, Arunachal Pradesh is a picturesque land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India. The charming state of Arunachal Pradesh greets you to relax in its beautiful hills and dales, to enjoy its salubrious climate and to meet its simple and hospitable people. Whatever is your choice of holiday, Arunachal Pradesh will surely mesmerize you with its centuries old spectacular vistas and diverse tribal heritage. Arunachal Pradesh is bordered by the Indian states of Assam in the south and Nagaland in the south-east. Bhutan lies to the west of the state, Myanmar lies to the west and the Line of Actual Control separates it from the People’s Republic of China to the north.

With its verdant valleys, lofty mountain peaks, shimmering rivers and some of India’s rare and endangered flora and fauna, Arunachal Pradesh offers plethora of attractions for you. Hence suggesting you to plan your next trip to the mysterious land of Arunachal Pradesh and discover the interesting traditions of ancient lifestyles, lived out against one of the most diversified ecological settings of the country.

History of Arunachal Pradesh

The history of Arunachal Pradesh is little known, although the Apatani tribe had some legendary knowledge about the history of the region, but recorded history was only available in the Ahom chronicles of the 16th century. According to historic records of Monpa and Sherdukpen tribal, the northwestern parts of the state came under the control of the Monpa kingdom of Monyul, between 500 B.C and 600 A.D. Arunachal came under the loose control of Tibet and Bhutan, especially in the northern parts, while the remaining parts came under the control of the Ahom and the Assamese until the accession of India by the British in 1858. However, in late 1947, Tibet altered its position on the McMahon Line, the Tibetan government wrote to the newly independent Indian Ministry of External Affairs laying claims to Tibetan districts south of the McMahon Line. In 1950, India unilaterally declared the McMahon Line to be the boundary and forced the Tibetan administration out of the Tawang area in 1951 despite PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) protests.

Tourist Destinations of Arunachal Pradesh

Literally meaning “the land of the rising sun”, Arunachal is home to many picturesque townships, villages and hamlets. Consisting of 16 districts, Arunachal Pradesh offers everything that a tourist expects from such type of wonderful destination. Itanagar is the state capital, other important destinations are Tawang, Tezpur, Bomdila, Ziro, Pasighat, Parasuram Kunda and Tezu. Apart from these, the tribal villages of the state offer a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this enchanting land and its lively people. Must include the tribal villages into your itinerary to Arunachal Pradesh.

Monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has been a major centre for Buddhist Pilgrimage since long, all over the state, you will come across large number of Buddhist monasteries. Tawang monastery is the most popular monastery of Arunachal Pradesh which catches the attention of the visitors with its magical background. The Taktsang Monastery or the 'Tiger's Den' is another noted monastery which is located at a distance of 45 kms from Tawang. Some other important monasteries are Urgelling Monastery at Tawang and the Rigyalling monastery. Brahma dungchung Ani Gompa is one of the oldest Ani Gompa (nunneries) of Arunachal Pradesh, situated 12 kms away from Tawang. The Gyanganga Ani Gompa is just 5 kms away from the town and it is home to about 50 nuns. The Singsur Ani Gompa was constructed by Gonpaste Rimpoche and is 28 kms away from Tawang. The 12th century Gorsam Chorten at Zemithang is 92 kms away from Tawang.

Tawang Monastery

People & Culture Arunachal Pradesh

People of Arunachal are known for deep sense of beauty which finds wonderful expression in their songs, dances and crafts. Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure-trove of ethnic diversity and old traditions moulded by its geographic boundaries. Around 65% of the state population belongs to 20 major-collective tribes and 82 minor-tribes, most of them are either of Tai-Burmese origin or of Tibetan origin. Notable tribes found in Arunachal Pradesh include the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Mijis, Monpas, Mishis and Nyishis.

People of Arunachal Pradesh practice three kinds of religion, namely the Buddhist faith, Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism. Arunachal Pradesh encompasses a tradition of artistic craftmanship manifested through a variety of crafts such as weaving, painting, pottery, wood carving, basket making, smithy work etc. Monpas are skilled weavers, known for their artistry in carpet weaving and making painted wooden vessels. Apatanis, Hills Miris and Adis are famous for making attractive articles in cane and bamboos. Wanchos are known for wood and bamboo carved figurines and also for intricate necklaces of colourful beads.

Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Numerous fairs and festivals are celebrated all through the year. Most of the festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are connected with agriculture and are celebrated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank God for his providence or to pray for good harvest. The festivals celebrated by the people of the state reflect the culture, their artistic genius and skill in music and dance. Popular festivals are Losar Festival, Torgya Festival, Saka Dawa, Dupka Tse-Shi, Lhabab Duechen, Ganden Ngamchoe, Nyukom Yullow, Mopin, Solun, Reh, Oriah and Dree.

Adventure in Arunachal Pradesh

The state of Arunachal is bestowed with lush green forests, several streams, rivers, gorges and thousand of species of flora and fauna covering an area of more than 60%. Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, Siang and Tirap are five major rivers of the state that wind their way through the sylvan green of the hills. Rivers of Arunachal Pradesh are ideal for adventure sports like angling, boating and rafting. On the other hand, its terrain is suitable for trekking, hiking and holidaying amidst a serene atmosphere. Arunachal Pradesh government has identified four major trekking routes namely – Pashighat-Jenggin-Yinkiong, Bhalukpung-Bomdila-Tawang, Roing-Mayodia-Anini and Tezy-Hayliang. The upper reaches of the state offer an ideal landscape for adventure sports of almost all kinds and it is best suited for tourists looking for plenty of adventure opportunities.

Wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh

Bestowed with altitude and climatic conditions, Arunachal Pradesh has four type of forests that provide shelter to a range of flora and fauna. In fact, Arunachal Pradesh is the only state which is home to four major cats namely Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and the lesser feline species like the Golden Cat and the Marbled Cat. You can spot more than 500 avian species in Arunachal Pradesh, many of which are highly endangered and restricted only to this state. Some of the popular bird species which you can see here include White Winged Duck, Sclater Mongal Bangal Florian etc.

Apart from these, you will also see seven species of Primates that include Takin, which is found only in Arunachal Pradesh. A large mammal called ‘Mithun’ (a cross between the Wild Gaur and Domestic Buffalo) is a major attraction of Arunachal Pradesh. Each district and region of Arunachal Pradesh has its own special and rare variety of orchid. Arunachal Pradesh also houses one of the biggest orchidarium (located in Tipi) in Asia. One of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in India, Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is home to a fabulous range of endangered flora, fauna and avian life.

Shopping in Arunachal Pradesh

Shopping is must in Arunachal Pradesh and the state offers some of the most brilliant carpets and shawls in the north east, skillfully weaved by the Monpas. You can buy these hand-woven wonders in the Bomdila and Tawang craft centres. The Apatanis are famous for their weaving, you can pick their shawls and jackets which make great souvenirs to take home. Arunachal Pradesh is also known for its colourful masks, leather goods and agarbatti (incense sticks). You can also purchase Tangkha paintings, a lovely religious art-form that make for wonderful gifts for friends and family members.

How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh

By Air: Nearest airport is located at Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam, at a distance of 60 kms from Itanagar. Flights of Alliance Air connect Guwahati with Lilabari airport. Frequent bus services are available from Lilabari to Itanagar.

Helicopters: Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service (APSC) operates helicopters between Guwahati and Naharlagun. Helicopter services are also available for other centres within Arunachal Pradesh. Services are available from Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Itanagar to Tawang, Ziro, Along, Deporijo, Pasighat, Roing, Anini, Tezu and Khonsa.

By Rail: Harmuty (33 kms) in Assam is the nearest railhead from Itanagar. Arunachal Express connects Harmuty with Guwahati. Another convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam which is 60 kms away from Itanagar and 407 kms from Guwahati. For onward journey, bus services are available from Harmuty and North Lakhimpur to Itanagar.

By Road: National Highway (NH) No. 52 connects Itanagar with Guwahati (429 kms). Direct buses to Itanagar are available from Guwahati, the journey time is about 11 hours. Direct buses to Itanagar are also available from Shillong (482 kms), Tezpur and other destinations in Assam such as Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Within Arunachal Pradesh, buses operate between various places at a regular interval.

Accommodation in Arunachal Pradesh

Don’t expect for luxury or ultra-modern five star hotels in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the state offers decent accommodation options to all types of visitors at a reasonable price. You can choose from star category hotels to budget hotels, or a guest house or tourist lodge as per your needs and budget.

Hotels in Itanagar: Some of the popular Hotels are Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok and Hotel Blue Pine

Hotels in Tezpur: K F Hotel

Hotels in Bomdila: Hotel Siphiyanga Phong, Tsepal Yongjam

Hotels in Pemaling: Welcom Heritage Pemaling

You can book a hotel at Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) on line through http://www.makemytrip.com/

For reviews about Itanagar hotels and Arunachal Pradesh visit: http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g297589-Arunachal_Pradesh-Hotels.html