Arunachal Pradesh

The eastern crest of India cocoons a mystical land of bliss- Arunachal Pradesh. This 'Land of Rising Sun' has many wonders and attractions for travelers. The wavering rivers, the snow clad mountains, the stubborn plains, exclusive flora and fauna, legendary cultural heritage trailing since ancient times, the habitat of wild savages, the thick woodlands, the historical heritages, the tribal terrains.... Ahh! A lot many to have a rendezvous with. Each of the attractions in Arunachal Pradesh is at par. Among the thousands of species of orchids as many as 600 species of orchid are found in Arunachal Pradesh. The foreign tourists to Arunachal Pradesh require a Restricted Area Permit and the Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit. 

How to Reach

By Rail: It is well connected with rest of India. The closest railway station is Harmuty located at a distance of 33 km from Itanagar. 

By Air: Lilabari Airport of Assam is the nearest airport for the state. 

By Road: A good connectivity by bus is provided by Arunachal State Transport and Private transport operators. A direct bus facility from Guwahati (381km), Shillong (481km), Tezpur (216km), Dibrugarh (375km), Tinisukia (415 km), Jorhat (245km), Nagaon (275km), Namsai (495km) connects to Itanagar. 

Best Time to Visit: The best time to go to Arunachal Pradesh is October to April. 

Book a tour to Arunachal Pradesh

Cities of Arunachal Pradesh

Visitors to Arunachal Pradesh have many places to visit. Some of them are:

Itanagar: Its is capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Tourists can visit many places of interest here which are evidences of glorious past of the state. Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, The Buddhist Temple, Ganga Lake (Gyaker Sinyi), The State Museum and Polo Park are of prime attraction. 

Tawang: This region is a home of the Monpa tribes and a prominent place of the Mahayana Buddhists sect. The city is famous for the oldest Buddhist monastery or Gompa locally called as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse' overlooking the vale of Tawang. It is just perfect for adventure sports like trekking and hiking. 

Basar: It is census town and a shelter for tribal communities like Adi, Memba and Khamba. You can visit the popular Tibetan Buddhist temple, Mechuka Gompa here.

Bomdila: If you want to relax in the lap of nature visit Bomdila where you get to see the illustrious landscape, mountains wearing a scarf of snow, apple groves, pleasant weather, affectionate people and Buddhist Monasteries. This terrain is apt for trekking and hiking expeditions. Check out the Crafts Center manufacturing finest of the carpets with unique hues and motifs. 

Bhalukpong / Tipi: A botanical delight, an orchidarium at Tipi, showcases 300 species of flora and fauna. Turbulent water falls, Perennially fresh forests, and lavish expanse gives opportunity for photo adventure. The rambling Kameng river is hot spot for white water rafting and angling. 

Malinithan: This legendary land located in the Siang foothills is associated with Lord Krishna. A number of pilgrims flock to this place revering this dilapidated temple site. The classical Akashi Ganga waterfalls, exotic view of titanic Brahmaputra River and its tributaries attracts many tourists. 

Ziro: Picturesque Ziro is located on the Apatani Plateau. It becomes a tourist attraction with its exquisite landscapes and tribal culture. Do not miss out on visiting Tarin, the high-altitude fish farm, the famous whispering pine grove and the craft centre. Enjoy watching sunrise from the hilltop where the sun rays touch you to make you fell the awe of nature. 

Wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh 

Given to the topographical and climatic suitability, the woods of Arunachal Pradesh offer a natural habitat for the mammals. Mishmi, Takin, Hoolock Gibbon, Musk Deer, Bharal, Hisbid Hare, Flying Squirrel and more than 500 species of birds are some rare and endangered species of animals and birds which are conserved in two National Parks and four Wildlife Sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh. 

Namdhapa National Park, Pakhui Sanctuary, Itanagar Sanctuary, Daying Ering Sanctuary, Mehao Sancuary, Kane Sanctaury, Eagle's Nest Sanctuary, Kamlang Sanctuary, Dibang Sanctuary, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary And Mouling National Park shelters many herbivores and have aided in preserving the many imperiled species of flora and fauna. To name some are Capped Langur, Red panda, Takin, Musk deer, Tiger, Leopard, Snow-leopard, Clouded leopard, Barking Deer, Serow, Honger, Small cats, Black Bear and rare birds. 

Adventure in Arunachal Pradesh

Enjoy a adventure tour in Arunachal Pradesh with tremendous elated thrill. Blessed with dense evergreen forests coupled with turbulent streams, rivers and gorges and infinite of species of flora and fauna there are a number of adventure sports in Arunachal Pradesh. Think of a sport and you will find the state beckoning you. From trekking to hiking, fishing and angling, river rafting and bird watching. The Bomdila Tawang region is the first choice of adventure seekers for trekking. You can have fun while indulging in angling in the Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, Siang and Tirap Rivers. The hills you come across while trekking while have many rare and unique flora and fauna. So just have your rucksack and get going to have the thrill. 

Hill Stations of Arunachal Pradesh

The hill stations of the state are a perfect runaway from the monotonous and somberly hectic metro lifestyle. The serene atmosphere, the lush greenery, the pleasant weather, meandering water bodies, breathtaking sites and prominent hillocks will assuage your mind and body, heart and soul. Some hill stations of the state are: 

Haflong: Visit this hilly terrain if you are looking for enchanting natural scenic charm. Blossoming blue orchards and pera, pineapple and oranges are the main attractions of Haflong. Summing up to its beauty is the lake 'Haflong Lake' in the city. 

Pashighat: If you wish to see suzerainty of nature visit Pashighat and experience on your own what a pacifying influence you will have here. It is the oldest city of the state and acts as the 'Gateway to the state of Arunachal Pradesh'. Indulge in photography adventure or feel the charisma of nature. The stately Brahmaputra acquires the name of Siang from hereon and meanders to Tibet. 

Ziro/ Zero: This spot is surrounded by snow peaked mountains from all sides. The modest rivers Subansiri, Nishi, Apatani, Dafla, and Miri add up to the charm of the place. Enjoy a TRIBAL TOUR in this region and have a rendezvous with the Apatani tribes to know about their culture, traditions and lifestyle. Besides you can also enjoy wildlife tour and speleology. Yes ! the sanctuaries and the caves make sit possible. 

Tawang: This center of Buddhism nestles the oldest Buddhist Monastery. The other attractions of the place are the mighty mountains, deep vales, torrential waterfalls and infinite lakes and Tawanchu river. 

Monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a bench of religion marked with the Buddhist Monasteries. Discovering and rediscovering yourself through meditation is what you get to learn here. The three monasteries here are to purge out we mortals. 

Tawang Monastery: The Lamaistic faith of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism in the terrain makes it the largest monastery. Also named as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse', the Tawang monastery bears to have given birth to the 6th Dalai Lama. Traveling amidst the tress of oak, pine, rhododendron and bamboo forests, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys all around enthralls the travelers. 

Bomdila Monastery: In close proximity to the Tibetan border, the Bomadila Monastery boasts of having the largest and newest monastery called 'The Gelugpa Gompa'. The attractive surroundings snow caps and apple orchards will excite you. Do not miss to check out Sela Pass, the orchid centres at Tippi and Sessa. Go to the craft center at Bomdila for seeing the beautiful local woolen rugs and carpets with vibrant Tibetan motifs. 

Urgelling Monastery: Enveloped in the elegant environs of Himalayas and the picturesque Tawang-Chu valley, the Urgelling monastery has special importance for the Lamaistic Mahayana sect of Buddhists. 

This monastery has a single temple and is an abode of monks who meditate and practice Buddhist activities. 

Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the moments of life by observing various fairs and festivals. Each tribe has its own festival associated with husbandry and to seek blessings from God, to pay Him gratitude of good harvest. Some of the important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Mol, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. These festivals are celebrated by folk tribal dance and music. Few festivals of relative importance are the Festivals of Apatani (Myokoh, Dree and Murung), Festivals of Nishi (Siron Molo Socham, Nyokum, Yulo), Festivals of Monpa (Losar, Jomu and Chosker), Festivals of Adi (Mopin and Solung), Festivals of Idu (Reh), Festivals of Bangni (Mlokom yulo and other festivals), Festivals of Tazin (Si-Doni), Festivals of Hill Miri (Boori Boot ).

The 'Solung' festival of 'Adis' is a five day feast for seeking happiness and prosperity. It is celebrated in order to have a plentiful harvest, to raise more mithuns and pigs and also to be free from natural casualties and calamities. Celebrated by the Gallong community of Adis there is another festival 'Mopin' to avoid natural calamities, epidemics evil effects of bad spirits and for good yield, health, wealth and prosperity. A grand celebration lasts for five days in the month of April. 

The important festivals of 'Monpas', Losar and Chosker, are to observe the commencement of the new year in the former and reading the holy scriptures in the latter. Then the religious books are taken to the fields in a procession for good harvest. Each festival of these traibl communities is unioque wqaty of expressing their gratitude and offering humble prayer. 

Culture of Arunachal Pradesh 

People Lifestyle and Religion

The land of the state is replete with numerous tribes and sub tribes with a discreet and rich culture. The variety of ethnic groups, communities, languages, class and religion is quite evident in the state. The socio- religious differences among the communities classify the people of the state into three broad categories. 

Of these, the First group of people comprises of Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts who are the followers of Lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhist sect. 

The Second group includes the persons from Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thongsas tribes whose deity God are the Sun and the Moon. The tribes of Noctes and Wanchos, significantly located in the Tirap district, form the Third group. These people believe in Vaishnavism.

In terms of religion, the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh believe in a God or Super Natural Entity with few spirits and deities. They also believe in the existence of God at two places – in Heaven and on Earth. The high God is believed to be sympathetic, obliging and generous. The people have unwavering faith their deities and God. 

Dance and Music of Arunachal Pradesh 

Dance and music is synonymous to the jubilating spirit in the state. It is an essential part of each tribe of Arunachal. Men and women, young and old all take part this affair of celebration. People dance on certain occasions, rituals, festivals or simply for vegging out. You can find many folk dances in Arunachal Pradesh as Aji Lamu (Monpa), Roppi (Nishing), Buiya (Nishing), Hurkani (Apatani), Popir (Adi), Pasi Kongki (Adi), Chalo (Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa). These songs are best accompanied by folk songs sung by the people in a chorus and the musical instrument played like drums and cymbals.

Art and Craft of Arunachal Pradesh 

Every tribe of the state has exclusive expertise of craftsmanship. The beauty of the products made by these people is a result of their labor and dexterity. Cane and Bamboo being the main craft of this region, the tribal people make very pretty hats embellished with beaks and feathers of birds along with varieties of baskets, bags and containers. Among other craft works weaving, painting, carpet making, wood carving, ornaments, pottery, smithy work and basketry are popular. 

Divided in three zones according to the inheritance of art and craft the Sherdukpens and Monpas, the Khowa, Aka and Miji group are the first one who make lovely masks for the mask dance. The tribes of second group like Apantanis, Hill Miris and Adis has exposure to make cane and bamboo products. And the third group comprising of Wanchos have expertise in woodcarving. 

Tourist Circuits of Arunachal Pradesh

There are Six main travel circuits in Arunachal Pradesh. These are as: 

Tezpur-Bomdila-Tawang

Itanagar- Ziro- Daporjio-Along-Pashighat

Pashighat- Jenging – Yingkiong

Dibrugarh – Roing – Anini

Tinsukia – Tezu – Hauliang

Margerita – Miao - Namdhapa

To go to any part of north east India you have land in Guwahati first. Other cities are well connected from Guwahati. The beauty of the state is so enticing that no one feels like going back to that jungle of cement and concrete which is an offshoot of the metro life. 

Shopping in Arunachal Pradesh

The state is a shoppers delight giving many opportunities to travel and explore the piece -de- resistance of the state. It will be an awesome experience buying the handicrafts of Arunachal. The adroit craftsmanship is apparent in the works of woodcarving, several paintings, pottery, weaving, paper making, carpentry and ivory work. 

Check out the cups, saucers, dishes and fruit baskets made of Monpa wood. Who would like to miss on buying Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani Jackets and scarves Adi skirts, Mishmi shawls, Wancho bags Baskets and masks of wood. Hey ! the lovely ladies out there... check the jewelery pieces of beads. Yes they are tempting and you may find it quite difficult to succumb to its attraction. Remember to strike a good deal by bargaining with the vendors, this could also be equally exciting. Buy as per your choice and liking vis-a-vis woodcarving, ornaments, weaved items, carpets, potteries or cane and bamboo works. The ultimate decision is yours. 

Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

If you visit the state you will get see a herd of tribes here. A tribal tour to Arunachal gives you a chance to peep into the lifestyle and culture of the tribes residing in the remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh. You will be greeted by 26 major tribes and many sub tribes in the state. Some of the famous tribes are Adis, Apatanis, Mishmis, Monpas, Nyishi, Khambas and Membas, Idus, Deoris, Wanchos, Hrusso or Akas , Notches, Singphos, Khamptis, Tagins, Sherdukpens and many more. 

Each of these tribes is distinct and different from other. They have their own ambit, their own culture, tradition, code of conduct, faith and belief, deity, festival and lifestyle yet there is a unifying force within them. “Linguistically diversified but socially unified” is what that makes these tribes so affectionate. Dwelling in different parts of the state these tribes gleefully celebrate each moment of life. If you wish to feel the pulse of the state just confabulate with these people and you get a glimpse of the community. snow

Flora and Fauna of Arunachal Pradesh

The state takes pride in its rich legacy of flora and fauna. The floristics diversity owes to the wide range of forests. The topographical and climatic conditions lay grounds for rich flora and fauna in the state. 

The Orchids

Arunachal is not called the “Orchid Paradise” just for name sake. It alone has 600 species of orchids from thousands found in India. These endangered and rare orchids are vibrant besides have blooming and long lasting flower traits. The Forest Department of Arunachal Pradesh takes care of the orchids at the established centers in various districts. 

The Medicinal Plants

An important element to make medicine for the ailments and seeking more monetary benefits for the state is what makes the medicinal plants all the more important. The state has as many as 500 species of medicinal plants. The commercial companies into pharmaceutical business seek these medicinal plants. 

Fauna of the State 

The Realm of Animals

Many herbivores and wild beasts have Arunachal as their home. Tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, snow leopard, golden cat and marbled cat; species of primates (hoolock gibbon, slow loris, Assemese macaque, stumptailed macaque and capped langur); the three goat antelopes (serow, goral and takin ); other mammals as rodents (squirrels, porcupine and rats), civet, mongoose, linsang, shrew and bat species, musk deer, bharal, Himalayan black bear, red panda are abundant here. 

The Realm of Birds

White winged duck, sclater monal, temmin'ck's tragopan, Bengal florican which are otherwise rare can be located here in the natural environs attracting you. As many as 500 species of birds will make you surprised.

The Realm of Others 

Significant reptiles, amphibia and pisces are also a specialty of the state. You can find variety of sankes and those huge poisonous pythons you have always seen on television. Many species of butterflies, moths, beetles and all other kinds of small creatures allures Entomologists and Naturalists.