Arunachal Pradesh: A Journey to the Land of the Rising Sun

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of rich cultural diversity, home to over 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, each with its own unique customs and traditions. The majority of the population, including tribes such as the Adi, Galo, Aka, Apatani, Nyishi, Tagin, Bori, and Bokar, remain deeply connected to their ancient practices, especially the worship of the sun and moon, a belief system known as Donyi-Polo.

The Monpas and Sherdukpens in the West Kameng and Tawang districts, as well as the Memba of Mechuka and Khamba of Tuting in the West Siang and Upper Siang regions, were influenced by Tibetan culture and embraced the Mahayana form of Buddhism. On the other hand, the Khamptis in Lohit district and the Singphos follow the Hinayana Buddhist tradition. Tribes such as the Mishmis in Lohit and Upper and Lower Dibang Valley, as well as the Noctes and Wanchos in Tirap and Changlang districts, continue to practice their animistic traditions, rooted in ancestral beliefs.

In this distinctly tribal state, festivals play a vital role in the social and cultural life of its people. Most festivals, closely tied to agricultural cycles, are celebrated with great enthusiasm and rituals, either to express gratitude to deities for a bountiful harvest or to pray for prosperity. These vibrant celebrations reflect the region’s cultural richness and showcase the people’s artistry through music and dance.

Area:83,743sq km Population:1,097,968 Capital: Itanagar

Principal Languages: Monpa, Miji, Aka, Sherdukpen, Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Hill Miri, Adi, Digaru-Mismi, Idu-Mishmi, Khamti, Miju-Mishmi, Nocte, Tangsa, Wanch, Hindi and English. Best time to visit: October to May.

A LEGACY OF COLOURFUL CULTURE

Come and take a look at the exotic way of life of the people. If you are interested in studying Anthropology Arunachal Pradesh is the right destination for you.

PLACES TO SEE:

Prasuram Kund is a place of great sanctity that attracts large numbers of pilgrims from all over India for a dip in the Kund during Makar-Sankranti Mela every year. Here, according to the legend recorded in the Kalika Purana, Parasuram washed away his sins of killing his mother, in the water of Brahma Kund.

Bhalukpong: 156 km from Tezpur, 213m above mall is the entry

point to Arunachal. It is famous for Archaeological ruins of King Bhalika, an ancient ruler of the region. The stone remains of the historical fort of 10th-12th Century AD is situated in the foothills of the region, and speaks about the capital of King Bhaluka and his grandson Bana of Mahabharata fame.

Tipi: (5 km from Bhalukpong) A botanical paradise of the state. It is home to about 45° species of orchids. Some of them are rare and endangered species. There is an orchid museum too. Water falls and its natural beauty are other attractions.

Sessa: (24 km from Tipi) A natural orchid sanctuary amidst Chirping Birds spread over to sq. km. Over 2600 Orchids representing 80 species have been cultivated in natural Surroundings. It is an exemplary effort of natural resource conservation.

Bomdila: (100 km from Bhalukpong, 1700m above mall Headquarter of West Kameng District and home of the Akal Hrussol, Miji (Sajalong), Monpa, Sherdukpen, and Bogun/Khawas/tribes. Craft centers, Monasteries, Ethnographic Museum, Emporium etc. are visited. One can view various snow clad mountain peaks from Bomdila including a bird’s eye view of Kangro and Gorichen Peaks., the highest peaks of the state.

Dirang: (42 km from Bomdila, 1497m above smill Hot water springs where people take bath for curing skin ailments, Apple and Kiwi orchards, National Yak Research and Breeding Centre at Nigmadung, Sheep Breeding Farm and Sangi Valley where Siberian black necked storks visit during winter are the places of tourist interest.

Sela Pass: (45 kn from Dirang, 4114m above mall Sela Pass is the world’s second highest motorable pass at 1400 ft which is a high altitude serene crystal blue water natural lake. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscape is a dream come true feeling.

Nuranag: (12 km from Sela pass) Trout Fish Hatchery of cold water is a place worth visiting.

Jaswant Garh: (4 km from Nuranang) A memorial for Veer Jaswant Sing of the 4th Garhwal Rifles, the recipient of the Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) who alone stopped the Chinese Army for 72 hours during the 1962 aggression, is a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression.

Tawang: (183 km from Bomdila, 3500 m above msl) a tantalizing hill resort of Arunachal Pradesh at a height of above 10,000 feet has a fairy tale quality about it and is just the place for a dream holiday destination. Towering snow capped peaks feeding the horizon, long invigorating walks and quaint mysticism and much more… has a unique historic perspective mixed with natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges and Tawang Chu River and Valley. Tawang is an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism famous for Tawang Monastery of the Gelukpa founded by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso during the 17th century, and a contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama. This is the second largest Monastery in Asia and the largest one of its kind in the country which manages the religious affairs of 17 Gompas in the region. The most imposing part of the Monastery is the three storied assembly hall which houses the temple and the 28 ft high Golden statue of Buddha. The monastery has a big library having an impressive collection of ancient books and manuscripts where the famous Buddhist Scriptures Kangyur and Tangyur inscribed in gold are preserved.

Itanagar: (Capital of Arunachal Pradesh) has a rich mixture of archaeology of great historical value and built up resources and institutions of great socio-cultural significance.

Itafort, ‘the fort of bricks’ from which the state capital derives its name, is situated in the heart of the capital complex. The fort has an irregular shape, built mainly with brick dating back to the 14th-15th Century of Mayapur of Ramchandra, a king of the Jitari Dynasty.

Gyekar Sinyik(Ganga Lake) is a beautiful natural lake locally known as Gyekar Sinyik (Confined water) surrounded by landmass.

Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has a rich collection of textiles, weaponry, household articles and handicrafts items reflecting the tribal culture and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Craft Centre and Emporium at Itanagar is worth visiting where one can see and buy local artifacts like wall painting, traditional costumes made of natural vegetable and herbal dye yarns, and attractive utility items made of cane and bamboo.

Zoological Park (Zoo) at Chimpu houses a variety of fauna including avi-faunal species.

Ziro (167 km from Itanagar) is a beautiful plateau and headquarter of Lower Subansiri District bounded on all sides by picturesque hills situated at an altitude of 5000 ft.

Talley Valley (30 Kms from Hapoli old Ziro) is a rich habitat of many unique and endangered plants and wildlife. Pange, Sipu, Karing and Subansiri flowing through the Talley Reserved Forest and Talley Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to highly endangered species like clouded leopards. Pleioblastus simone is a bamboo variety found only in Talley Valley.

Shivalinga at Kardo Hills: The serene hills of Kardo is home to one of the largest Shivalinga measuring 25 ft height and 22 ft circumference unearthed in the recent past.

Daporijo (327 km from Itanagar, 160 Km from Ziro) is the headquarter of Upper Subansiri district situated by the side of the Subansiri river. Suspension bridges over Subansiri river, Museum and Craft Centre, Sigem-Daporijo Reserve Forest. Kamala Reserve Forest is worth visiting. Subansiri river is ideal for river rafting, angling and picnicking. Menga Cave is a natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a famous place of worship which draws a large number of visitors and pilgrims especially during Makar Sankranti and Shivrati.

Aalo (297 km from Itanagar, 300m above msl) The Headquarter of West Siang District is situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of Sipu and Siyom rivers against the backdrop of verdant hills,

Likabali (160 km from Itanagar) It is the entry point to Arunachal from Silapathar in Dhemaji district of Assam, Inner line permit (ILP) can be obtained from SDO Office, Likabali.

Malinithan: A place of relics on stones with ruins of temples, and valuable sculptures is associated with the mythological legend of Lond Krishna. The site has a temple ruin dating back to 10th and 140% century AD of rich sculptural and architectural value.

Doimukh (25 km from Itanagar) is situated on the left bank of river Pare. Rajiv Gandhi University is situated on a hill top called Rono Hill

Saglee (112 km from Itanagar) is an ADC HQ and is situated in a beautiful valley with an eye -catching natural landscape. The age-old tradition and culture of the Nyishi Tribe can be a wonderful experience for the tourists.

Pake Kessang and Pappu Valley are worth visiting. Papum Reserve Forest has a wide floral and fauna diversity.

Seppa (412 km from Itanagar) the headquarters of East Kameng district is a beautiful town located in a valley on the banks of the Kameng River. District Museum, District Craft Centre and Library are the places of attractions.

Palin and Nyapin are beautiful hill stations worth visiting for enjoying huge mountains and colourful tradition and culture of the Nyishi community of Kurung Kumey District.

Sangram is a beautiful hill station. River Paging, tributary of Kurung river meanders through this natural scenic landscape. The place is ideally located in a rural landscape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Koloriang, the headquarters of Kurung Kumey district is a picturesque hill station. One can enjoy the colourful culture of the Nyishi Community of Kurung Kumey district.

Taliha, Siyum and Nacho all the three destinations are located on the hill slopes by the side of the Subansiri river. It gives immense pleasure for adventure seekers while driving from daporijo, the district HQ of Upper Subansiri to Nacho all along the Subansiri river. The natural settings are the best for white water sports and other adventure activities.

Mechuka is a ADC headquarters, is a quaint town with a picturesque valley near the Indo-Tibet border. One can get a great view of snow covered mountain peaks and snow fall during the winter. Mechuka Lake is a high altitude natural lake with pristine natural beauty. Buddhist Monastery (Samtem Yongcha of Mahayana sect) one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Arunachal is situated on a hill top overlooking the valley.

Pasighat (270 km from Itanagar) headquarter of East Siang district and the oldest administrative center of erst while NEFA, is situated on the banks of the mighty river Siang, the main tributary of Brahmaputra and bounded by snowclad peaks, rocky mountains and a variety of flora and fauna. This circuit offers a unique opportunity for anyone who loves nature,

Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (13 km from Pasighat) is spread over a cluster of river islands. A cruise through the Siang River is the only way to reach the sanctuary. The forest islands are home to hog deer, hispid hare, wild buffalo, sambars, elephants and other rainforest macro and micro fauna.

Siang River which originates from Tibet and forms the main flow of the mighty Brahmaputra is a socio-cultural poetry with a unique personification of its own. Rapids on the Siang river have been a prime attraction for river rafting and water sports.

Mouling National Park (Jengging) (195 km from Pasighat) Lush green vegetation and home to some rare wildlife such as takins, serow, Goral, Clouded Leopard, Black bear, Leopard, Re Panda, etc. During winter, a large number of migratory birds are seen in this park.

Yingkiong (180 km from Pasighat) is the headquarter of upper Siang district situated amidst beautiful landscape and natural beauty.

Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve covers a part of Jengging. Tuting, Gelling and Singa in Upper Siang district and Mippi and Anini in Diband Valley district. The Biosphere covers 5111.5sq km with great altitudinal variation from 500 to 16000 ft height leading to snow clad peaks and glacial lakes.

Namsai is a ADC headquarter famous for several Buddhist Viharas in the Khampti settlement area locally called ‘Chong’. The Chong of Namsai and Manmao, Golden peace pagoda at Tengapani are major centres of Theravada sect in the state. The natural beauty and biodiversity of Piyong Reserve forest is with visiting Wakro is in the hub of Kamlang Reserve Forest and Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary with dense forest and wide floral and faunal diversity. The Sanctuary is home to hollock gibbon, tiger, taking eye, Glow Lake is a unique example of high altitude lake with breathtaking scenic beauty, offering immense scope for adventure tourism.

Parasuram Kund is situated within the Kamlang Reserve Forest area. This place on the Lohit River carries a strong mythological link with the legend of Parasurama, a Hindu sage. According to the legend, sage Parasurama washed away his sin of matricide in the waters of the Lohit river at Bramhakund. Each year thousands of pilgrims from all over the country congregate on Makar Sankranti day, to wash away their sins. A fair (mela) is held during this period.

Tezu is the headquarters of Lohit District located amidst beautiful landscape by the side of the flowing Lohit river.

Hayuliang has a breathtaking landscape and natural beauty at the confluence of Lohit and Delai rivers.

Walong, Hot water spring and the War Memorial at Walong in memory of the officers and Soldiers of the Indian Army who laid their lives fighting the Chinese Army are the places of attraction.

Dong Valley is the place where the first Sunrise of the country can be witnessed. It is located on the tri-junction of India, China and Myanmar.

Roing the district headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley situated on the river side of the mighty Dibang River. Nehru Van Udyan, an orchidium. Orange gardens, Tribal villages of the Idu Mishmi community are the places of interest.

Mayodiya (56 km from Roing) is a unique hill resort situated at an altitude of about 8000 ft amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes which provide a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the landscape. The place wears a tranquility of its own and the view of snow-capped mountains adds serenity to its environment. The ascending drive from Roingto Mayudia along the winding twelve-necked point (Baro Golai) of the road provides a sense of adventure as well as close encounter with nature.

Bhismaknagar (30 km from Roing) is the oldest archaeological and mythological site in Arunachal Pradesh, dating back to 12th century A.D. The fort was excavated during 1969-1973 which yielded terracotta plaques, decorative tiles, potteries, terracotta figurines etc. Popular legends and traditions identify the ruins of the fort as the site of the capital of Raja Bhismaka, father of Rumini (wife of Lord Krishna) Hanli (90 Kn from Roing on the way to Aini) is a quaint town situated in the picturesque scenic valley, Cave Temple at Kupuli near Hunli sacred place of worship for the tribes of the region. The drive from Roing to Hunli through the well maintained black topped road provides thrill and eye catching scenic beauty.

Mchao Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake (17km from Roing) is spread over an area of 281.55 km with varying altitude from 400m to 3368m above msl. It is home to some rare species like wild duck, takin. hollock gibbon, tiger, leopard, red panda, elephant etc.. Mehao covering an area of about 4 Sq. km forms part of the sanctuary. The water of the lake is absolutely crystal clear and a walk around this natural lake is a divine pleasure.

Sally Lake is 3 km from Roing and forms a part of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a natural lake surrounded by thick vegetation.

Miao is a ADC headquarter with splendid natural beauty of Noa-Dihing river and green surroundings. Mini Zoo. Forest Museum, Wildlife Library and Tibetan Refugee Camp are the places of interest.

Namdhapa National Park is the 15th Tiger Reserve in the country spread over 1985 sq km. It is the only National Park in the country where four of the felines i.e. tiger, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard are found. Bison, Samberand barking deer and a variety of snakes inhabit the park. Another unique feature of this park is that the park covers a wide range of altitude from zoom to 40,000m.

ENTRY FORMALITIES

PAP (Protected area Permit) for foreign Tourists:

Foreign Tourists in a group of 2 or more persons can obtain PAP for a period of 30 days from the following offices:

1. Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.

2. The Resident Commissioner, Gove of Arunachal Pradesh, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

3. The Secretary (Torusim), Gove, of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar-791 111.

4. The Commissioner (Home), Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar-791111.

Foreign Tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh Shall have to pay USD 50 per head as Royalty to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and application for PAP are to be applied through local approved tour operators only.

Innerline Permit (ILP) for Domestic Tourists:

Domestic Tourist visiting Arunachal Pradesh require ILP which can be obtained from any one of the following offices on an application in plain paper with particulars and on payment of Rs. 100/-per permit:

1. The Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Kaulitya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.011-23013915/23013956

2. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, CE-109, Sector-1, Salt Lake City. Kolkata-033-23341243/23589865

3. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, GS Road Rukminigaon opposite Manasa Mandir, Dispur. Guwahati-781021-0361-2412859/2416720\2412859.

4. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Shillong-0364-2224247/2224476.

5. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Paravati nagar, Tezpur, Assam.

6. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam 0373-2382560\2382738.

7. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Lilabari, North Lakhimpur, Assam-03752-22186.

8. The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Jorhat, Assam.

9. From the office of all the Deputy Commissioners of 17 Districts of the state.

10. And temporary ILP are also Issued from the office of the Extra Assistant Commissioners (EAC) at every entry gate where there are offices of the EAC.