Arunachal Pradesh

“Land of the dawn-lit mountains”

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism At A Glance

Home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes, tranquil lakes and famous monasteries, Arunachal Pradesh is an amazing destination for a holiday-goers looking for adventure as well as tranquil. Arunachal Pradesh is the perfect state for you if you wish to explore the tribal culture and the simplicity of their exquisite beauty. Its amazing array of flora and fauna, in a unique habitat with glaciers, high altitude meadows and sub-tropical forests add to the charm of the beautiful state.

Arunachal Pradesh, bordered on the south by Assam, on the west by Bhutan, on the north and northeast by China, and on the east by Myanmar is also known as the Orchid State of India or the Paradise of the Botanists. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded to be found in this state, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state. Most of Arunachal Pradesh is mountainous; it has its special charm in winters when snowfall covers their peaks while flora and fauna make the state a peaceful state to be in spring as well. The simple, traditional people of the state with a smile on their rigid faces welcome one and all with love and warmth.

Local Food and Cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh’s platter varies across the regions and tribal groups. The styles, methods of cooking, ingredients and elements of these tribal preparations are countless, and offers the state a very diverse, rich and dynamic menu.

The staple food, like in almost the entire North-East region, is rice, fish, meat and vegetables. Food here is cooked using very less spices unlike other parts of India; it is flavors from herbs, organic productions and bamboo shoots which is predominantly used in cooking the various dishes. Different styles and verities of Momos and Thukpa are popular and widespread in the area. So are boiled rice cakes, enjoyed widely as a snack. Pasa, a fish soup, while Noatak a fish curry are delicacies, almost essentials in a local platter. Chinese cuisine is also extremely popular and finds its distinct place in Arunachal Pradesh’s cuisine. Visitors would love to try Apang, a special rice beer made locally and popular in the region.

What’s Great?

Wide range of adventure activities. Pure and serene places, away from the hustle bustle of a regular town or city. Excellent climate.

What’s not so Great?

A little difficult to access because of poor road connectivity especially during monsoons. Construction of National highways is underway and soon it will have proper connectivity to the nearby towns in Assam.

For Whom?

Arunachal has something for everyone- the adventure enthusiasts, wildlife enthusiasts, family vacationers and those looking to relax in the lap of nature.

People and Culture of Arunachal Pradesh

Warm, friendly and large-hearted, the people of Arunachal Pradesh form an eclectic mix of cultures, traditions and identities. The principal tribes of Arunachal are Monpas, Apatanis, Nyishi, and Galo people. They harmoniously coexist with each other, and several subgroups and sub-tribes exist among them as well. Although the majority of the population are now either Christians, Hindus or Buddhists, a lot of Arunachali people are also nature worshippers. Their straightforward and amiable nature makes them the perfect hosts for travelers who are keen in discovering the beauty of every facet of Arunachal.

Arunachal has a confluence of cultures from Tibet, mainland India and the native tribes which give the state a rich and varied heritage. There are over 50 dialects falling under the ‘Tibeto-Burman’ family spoken by the people of this state. 26 tribes inhabit the state, each with their own colourful festivals and way of life. Most of the celebrations are a spectacle for tourists to watch and coincide with the agricultural cycle.

Geography of Arunachal Pradesh

This North-Eastern state is the last frontier between India and China and is the largest among the Seven Sisters. It also shares a border with Bhutan and Myanmar. The undulating terrain consists of high peaks and flowing rivers that originate from the Himalayas and join the Brahmaputra along with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Arunachal also has extensive lush forests that hold plenty of wildlife and a rich tribal culture. Itanagar is the capital of this state while Tawang, Siang and Lohit are other popular tourist destinations.

History of Arunachal Pradesh

The region of Arunachal has an eleven thousand years long history of human habitation and the people show close links with the tribes of present day Bhutan, Myanmar, China and Tibet. It has been culturally integrated into India over the years but maintains its distinct traditions. Recent excavations have shown remains of temples from the 14th century at the foothills of Siang. The modern history has been riddled with conflict because of its strategic position at the border of several countries.

The MacMahon line was drawn in 1913-14 and since then serves as the frontier between India and China. During British rule and till 1972, Arunachal was known as the North Eastern Frontier Agency or NEFA. It has witnessed a bloody war in 1962 between India and China, and the international boundary is still disputed but Arunachal is now politically stable, and tourism forms a large part of the state’s economy.

Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

There is some festival in Arunachal at all times. The most famous ones are the Ziro Music Festival held in September to promote the musical talent of the North East, the Sangken festival where tribes from the region gather to celebrate the tenets of Buddhism in April each year, and the two weeks long celebration of Losar held in Tawang to celebrate the advent of a new year.

Each of these has a rich history and demonstrates the years of intermixing of various traditions while being an absolute fun fest for the tourists who are there to enjoy the festivities. Apart from the fun and frolic of these festivals, their location in the serene mountains further enhances their appeal for those who want to immerse themselves in the local life and traditions.

Wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh

This sunrise state also has some of the most pristine forests in the country and is home to a plethora of wildlife ranging from the big cats to amphibians and rare plants. It holds the distinction of harbouring the ‘big four’ of the cat world-tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard and leopard. Because of the unique geography of the state, most of the species found in this region are either very rare like the clouded leopard or are not found anywhere but in this state. The Great Hornbill is the state bird and efforts have been taken to conserve its habitat and stop its extinction.

Fishing and Angling in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal is one of the few states in India where fishing and angling has been consistently developed by the government as a method of attracting tourists. The abundance of rivers and forests ensures a plentiful catch all year round. The rare Golden Mahaseer is also found in the rivers of Arunachal, but since it is an endangered species, anglers and fishers are requested by the government to release it back in case it is caught. This fish also holds religious significance to Hindus as it features prominently in mythology.