Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a state of India situated in northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south, and shares intercontinental borders with Bhutan in the west, Burma in the east and the People's Republic of China in the north.Arunachal Pradesh denotes "land of the dawn-lit mountains" in Hindi. It is also recognized as "land of the rising sun" ("pradesh" means "state", "territory" or "region") in orientation to its position as the easternmost state of India

Tourism

Arunachal Pradesh attracts tourists from numerous parts of the world. Tourist attractions include Tawang, a good-looking town famous for its Buddhist monastery, Ziro, famous for edifying festivals, the Namdapha tiger project in Changlang district and Sela lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river. Religious places of interest include Malinithan in Lekhabali, Rukhmininagar near Roing (the place where Rukmini, Lord Krishna's wife in Hindu mythology, is said to have lived), and Parshuram Kund in Lohit district. Rafting and trekking are ordinary activities. A visitor's permit from the tourism department is required. Places like Tuting have wonderful, undiscovered scenic beauty.

Best time to Visit

Arunachal Pradesh has salubrious climate all through the year. The state experiences monsoon rains between the months of July and September. The ideal time to visit Arunachal Pradesh is between the months of October and March

How to reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) Tezpur Airport in Assam, which is connected to Kolkata. Few low cost airlines and full service carriers operate regular flights to these airports from all prime cities of India.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Harmuty, which is only 33 km from Itanagar. North Lakhimpur in Assam is the most convenient railhead.

By Road : At a distance of 10 km from Itanagar is the Naharlagun bus station. The excellent network of roads links Naharlagun with other important places like Shillong, Guwahati, Ziro, North Lakhimpur and Bomdila.

Art and Craft

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of gorgeous handicrafts comprising a wide variety. Artistic craftsmanship has been passed on from one generation to the other and sense of aesthetics has been obvious through a variety of crafts such as weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work, basket making etc.

From the perspective of the art and culture the state may be very expediently divided into three(3) zones. The first of these zones includes the Buddhist tribe; the second occupies the central part; and the third zone is the eastern part of the territory. 

The people of the 1st zone make stunning masks. They periodically stage pantomimes and masked dances. They also make exquisite painted wooden vessels and silver articles. Carpet making is a speciality of the Monpas, the Buddhist community. Carpets with exotic designs of dragons, geometric and floral patterns are made here. Carpet weaving has today become a major occupation of the womenfolk and with an increase in demand, production of the carpets is now being undertaken on a large scale. 

Tourist attractions

Tawang

Tawang captivates you with its scenic beauty. It is located 10000 feet above Mean Sea Level. Tawang has beautiful lakes around it and you will love the view offered by the place. The 400-year-old Tawang monastery is not only one among the oldest but it is named one among the largest Indian monasteries

Places of Interest:

• Sela Pass             
• Tawang Monastery        
• Taktsang Gompa
• Gorichen Peak 
• Shonga-tser Lake
• Nuranang Waterfalls
• Pankang Teng Tso Lake
• Bumla Pass
• Bap Teng Kang Waterfalls
• Jaswant Garh

Roing

is one of the most important tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. It is located in Lower Dibang Valley. The picturesque beauty of the place attracts tourists from all parts of the world. Nature lovers, archeologists and adventure seekers will find the place engaging, educative and interesting. The place has many lakes and waterfalls and here you will find yourself at peace. A perfect place if you want to be in solitude.

Places of Interest:

• Mayudia             
• Mehao Lake      
• Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhismaknagar Fort         
• Hunli     
• Nijomaghat
• Nehru Van Udyan           
• Rukmini Nati     
• Sally Lake
• Iphi-Pani Ghat

Itanagar

Your tour of Arunachal Pradesh is not complete without visiting Itanagar, the state capital. Itanagar has various attractions to offer which include Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ita Fort, The State Museum, Ganga Lake, Polo Park and a lot more. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling sanctuary that houses various species including langur, antelopes, Himalayan black bear, porcupines, goral and many more (visit: Places To Visit In Itanagar). The gallery in State Museum has great collections that speak of the rich heritage of the tribes in the state. Ganga Lake offers scenic views with the green forests and orchids. Polo Park is a botanical garden and it soothes your mind.

 Places of Interest:

• Ganga Lake        
• Ita Fort Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Namdapha National Park
• Polo Park
• Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
• Gompa Craft Centre And Emporium
• Rupa
• Indira Gandhi Park

Bomdila

is a perfect place if you are aiming to have a stunning view of snow clad Himalayan mountain ranges. It is situated 8000 feet above the sea level. The cool climate is enjoyable and so are the apple orchards and the beautiful surroundings. You could find a centre for crafts where local crafts are on display and a shopping centre. Also check out: Best Tourist Destinations in Bomdila

 Places of Interest:

• Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
• Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary      
• Dirang Valley
• Bomdila Monastery       
• Apple Orchards Bomdila View Point
• R.R. Hill Craft Centre And Ethnographic Museum              
• Tipi Orchidarium
• Upper Gompa  
• Lower Gompa  
• Middle Gompa 

Ziro

is famously known as Apatani Plateau. Declared as a World Heritage Site, Ziro offers some of the best attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. While you are here, ensure that you visit Talley Valley, fish farm and Wild Life Sanctuary. Pine Bamboo groves found here look enchanting.

Places of Interest:

• Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Meghna Cave Temple   
• Kile Pakho
• Midey  
• Ziro Puto
• Dolo Mando
• Hapoli  
• Dilopolyang Maniipolyang
• Pine Grove
• Tarin Fish Farm 
• Bamboo Grove
• Tipi Orchid Research Centre

Bhalukpong

keeps your body and mind engaged. The options are many if you seek adventure. You could go hiking, trekking and river rafting. The hills that surround Bhalukpong offer you great opportunity to go trekking. Once you are here, do visit The Kaziranga National Park and Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Places of Interest:

• Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kaziranga National Park Bhalukpong Fort
• Tipi

Pasighat

Named the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, this is the oldest town of the state. It is located on the banks of Siang River and it is 155 meters above the sea level. The place is blessed with the kindness of nature and you will find mind-blowing views. The majestic river Brahmaputra flows to this place from Tibet. Pangin and Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary are two top attractions here.

Dirang

Dirang is an unexplored gem, hidden away in the wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh. This quaint village is a stoppage for many tourists proceeding towards Tawang from Assam. A major influence of Buddhism and Bhutanese culture can be found here, through the presence of Kalachakra Gompa and Dirang Dzong. Explore this beautiful village while going towards Tawang.

Places of Interest:

• National Research Centre On Yak            
• Dirang Dzong    
• Hot Water Spring
• Sangti Valley     
• Kalachakra Gompa
• Apart from these places Tezu (Places To Visit In Tezu) and Khonsa (Places To Visit In Khonsa) are also considered as “must-visit” places of Arunachal Pradesh.