Arunachal Pradesh - Mysterious Magical Mystical

Rising from the tropically lush valleys of the Brahmaputra River, the serried ridges and peaks of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh stand vigilant over one of the most compelling holiday destinations in India. The remotest outpost of the North Eastern states, Arunachal’s mysterious, unspoiled loveliness entices the adventurer with its verdant valleys, misty mountain peaks, swift rivers and the finest sanctuary for some of India’s most endangered flora and fauna. Its virgin isolation, due to restricted entry regulations, has been a blessing in disguise as Arunachal still retains intact its centuries old pristine vistas, diverse tribal heritage and exotic geographical features.

Strung out along the misty hill tops and deep valleys, its picturesque townships and villages are the first in the land to be kissed by the rays of the morning sun giving Arunachal its unique position as literally “the land of the rising sun.”

Living in isolated splendor this exciting, new holiday destination shares its remote borderlines with Myanmar, Bhutan and China (Tibet). Plunging down from rugged peaks are emerald valleys fed by the intricate cobweb of rivers and streams that criss-cross this vast land. The mighty Siang River (starting as the Tsangpo in the Mansarovar in Tibet) fed by thousands of rivers and streams en route through Arunachal is the mighty Brahmaputra River of Assam. Other primary rivers are the Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit and the Tirap and their numerous tributaries, whose turbulent waters and lush regions, with their remote tribal villages, offer tourists limitless opportunities for white river rafting, angling, climbing, trekking and tribal tours.

Arunachal – Delights Unlimited

Arunachal is huge and travelling around its vast and mountainous tracts can be arduous. But for many this has been a challenge. The tough terrain is a trekker’s delight and its amazing range of flora and fauna a naturalist’s dream. Itineraries can be customized to enjoy the full range of Arunachal’s glorious assets to one’s own needs and the limitations of the Inner Line Permits which can be easily obtained from the Resident Commissioner / Deputy Resident Commissioners at Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati or the Deputy Commissioners of districts.

Hidden amongst its verdant valleys are Arunachal’s tribal villages offering a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this land and its peoples. Discover the intriguing traditions of ancient lifestyles lived out against one of the most diverse ecological settings in the country. Uncover the myths and legends of this land and its people. Marvel at its cultural and religious wealth and antiquity. The stunning combination of its haunting beauty, the treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and its rich tribal heritage make Arunachal a fascinating journey for the discerning traveler.

Arunachal is vast - its terrain difficult. But vacationing in Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure – an exciting, enlightening and incredible adventure – reminding you again what a wonderful privilege it is to savour the delights of wild beauty at its very best.

Arunachal Pradesh Cities

Akashiganga	Bhalukpong	Bhismaknagar
Bomdila	Itanagar	Malinithan
Tawang

Famous Attractions of Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro : Picturesque Ziro is 200 km from Itanagar. Situated on the Apatani Plateau (in the lower Subansiri region) and surrounded by pine mantled hills all around, it is spectacular. Well connected by bus to Daporijo (home of the Tagin and Miri tribes) the district headquarters of upper Subansiri, it’s a tourist’s delight with its dazzling landscapes and tribal culture.

Pasighat : Situated at 155 m with its scenic splendours, Pasighat is Arunachal’s oldest town and also the district headquarters of East Siang.

Parasuram Kund : The focal point of the Makar Sankranti festival in January. Parasuram Kund is not just beautifully located it is also steeped in tribal legend and is much venerated by Hindus. The holy sage Parasuram is said to have wandered all over India to atone for the sin of matricide initiated by his father.

Tezpur : The gateway town to the Arunachal Hills. Tezpur lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra and is well linked to Guwahati airport. Bhalukpong (58 km northeast from Tezpur) dotted along the foothills dividing Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is reputed for its hot springs, orchid centre and the Nyethidow festival in March. Nearby, Tipi is famed for its orchidarium (7500 varieties of native orchids) and its cutflower experiments

Tribal Heritage : Arunachal is home to 26 major indigenous tribes primarily migrants of Tebeto-Burman stock, who colonized vacant lands in the longitudinal valleys, from the north and the east. It was difficult for them to spread laterally across the land though skillfully crafted cane bridges helped access on the cobweb of turbulent rivers.

Wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary : Sharing borders with Myanmar, Namdapha is home to one of the most unusual and most significant wildlife sanctuaries in India. Its vast bio-diversity supports a fabulous range of endangered flora and fauna and avian life.

Traditional Crafts

The Monpas are highly skilled in weaving and make some of the most brilliant carpets and shawls in the North East. You can pick these up hand-woven wonders in the Bomdila and Tawang craft centres. The Apatanis too are known for their weaving and their shawls and jackets make great souvenirs to take home. They also make hand-made paper from the bark of the Daphne Botanica plant found in their jungles. Arunachal is also famous for its colourful masks, agarbatti (joss sticks) and leather items. TangKha paintings, a beautiful religious art-form whose primary subject is the Buddha, also make for lovely mementos for fiends and family.

Fairs and Festivals

Losal festival : The Losal Festival is the beginning of the New Year according to the Monpa calendar. This 15 days festival falls in January/February. Its highlights are the colourful Aji Lhamu dance, Lion and Peacock dance and the Yak Dance.

Torgya Festivals : The Torgya Festival is a 3 days affair. This important festival signifies the destruction of evil spirit and harmful forces and seeks the rule of prosperity and happiness amongst the people.

Saka Dawa : Celebrated in the 4th month of the lunar calendar, the Saka Dawa festival marks Gautam Buddha’s achievement of Nirvana.

Dukpa Tse-Shi : The Dukpa Tse-Shi Festival celebrates the preaching of the Four Nobel truths at Sarnath by Buddha. It falls in the 6th month of the Lunar calendar.

Lhabab Duechen : In the 9th month of Monpa, the Lhabab Duechen Festival signifies the reincarnation of Buddha as Shakyamuni.

Ganden Ngamchoe : Ganden Ngamchoe commemorates the death of Tsongkha-pa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect.

Nyukom Yullow : Nyukom Festival of the Nyishis is celebrated on 26th February every year to propitiate the Gods for a good harvest.

Mopin : Mopin is an agricultural festival of the Galos celebrated on 4th April, Mopin is synonymous with wealth and prosperity.

Solung : Solung is the colourful festival of the Adi-Minyong group. The festivities last for seven days and the villagers prepare rice beer and store plenty of meat and vegetables for the joyous occasion.

Reh : Reh is celebrated by the Idu Mishmis on 1st February. Mithun, buffaloes, pigs and fowls are sacrificed in the name of different Gods and Deities.

Oriah : Oriah is an agricultural festival of the wanchoos, celebrated on 16th February. Festivities last for four to six days and are marked with songs and dances.

Dree : Dree is the main festival of the Apatanis. It is celebrated on the 5th of July after the planting of paddy.

Local Sports

Arunachal’s indigenous versions of archery (Mla Than), wrestling (Glam Nyurri), shot put (Pung Gor), discus throw (Lem Gor), and new games such as Lai and Thipi can be witnessed at the local festivals.

How to reach Arunachal Pradesh

By Air : Nearest Airport: Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam (60 km from Itanagar). Alliance Air, Guwahati-Lilabari. Regular bus services are available form Lilabari to Itanagar. For Tawang-Bomdila-Tezpur, Lilabari is the nearest airport.

By Rail : Nearest Railhead : Harmuty in Assam (33 km from Itangar). Trains include Arunachal Express from Guwahati. A more convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 60 km from Itanagar, 407 km from Guwahati. It is also served by Arunachal Express.

By Road : From Guwahati, one travels mostly on NH 52 to reach Itanagar, 429 km away. Direct buses are available from Guwahati. Direct buses to Itanagar are also available from Shillong (482 km), Tezpur and other places in Assam like Jorhat, Dibrugarh, tinsukhia, and Nogaon. Within Arunachal Pradesh, bus services are available from Itanagar/Naharlagun.