Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a state located in the northeastern part of India. Known for its pristine beauty and lush green forests, the state is also known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. A sparsely populated state of India, Arunachal Pradesh is bordered on the south by Assam, on the west by Bhutan, on the north and northeast by China, and on the east by Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It covers an area of 83,743 sq km.

Most of Arunachal Pradesh is mountainous. Its terrain consists of lofty, haphazardly aligned ridges that separate deep valleys and rise to the peaks of the Great Himalayas.

The main rivers of Arunachal Pradesh are the Brahmaputra, which is also known as the Siang, and its tributaries, the Tirap, the Lohit (Zayu Qu), the Subansiri, and the Bhareli. The climate of the foothills is subtropical; in the mountains, temperatures decrease rapidly with altitude. Rainfall averages between 2000 and 4000 mm (80 and 160 in) a year.

History Of Arunachal Pradesh

The region that is now Arunachal Pradesh is mentioned in the Puranas (Sanskrit writings about the beginning of the world), but little else is known of the state's early history. Part of Arunachal Pradesh was annexed by the Ahom kings of Assam in the 16th century.

In 1826, Assam became a part of British India, but efforts to bring Arunachal Pradesh under British administration did not begin until the 1880s. In 1912, the region became an administrative unit within Assam, called the North Eastern Frontier Tract (NEFT); in 1954 the NEFT became the North East Frontier Agency. Its northern boundary with Tibet has been disputed since 1913, when China rejected British proposals that the border should follow the crest of the Himalayas.

This proposed border, known as the McMahon line, has ever since served as the de facto boundary. After the independence of India in 1947, China made claims to practically the whole area covered by the districts of East and West Kameng, Lower and Upper Subansiri, East and West Siang, and Lohit, arguing that the McMahon Line had never been accepted by China and was the result of British "aggression."

Top Places to Visit In Arunachal Pradesh

image Tawang

Located at a height of about 3048m, is known for many important and beautiful monasteries and is famous as the birth place of Dalai Lama. The beautiful town of Tawang, also pronounced as Dawang has many sceneries to make your trip a picturesque one. However, what begins to define the area is its significance for Buddhist monks. Tawang is the place to go for monasteries, with the Tawang Monastery being the most popular one and extremely sacred for the Buddhists. Tawang is a place which will flatter you with its natural beauty wrapped in the scent of spirituality. The beautiful orchid sanctuary and the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary is also an ideal place for your list of places to visit. Along with this one can have their taste buds to have an experience of Tawang by indulging into the area's unique cuisine.

image Ziro

The cradle to a unique tribal group and a balmy climate, Ziro is the peace seeker's paradise. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. The climate in Ziro is mild through the year, making it comfortable to travel all year round.

image Bhalukpong

Apart from being the nature lover's paradise, Bhalukpong can provide you a complete experience with wildlife and a host of activities complimenting its natural beauty and the environment of a place lesser known The Kameng River running in the forest surrounding it makes the town even more attractive. In Bhalukpong you'll find yourself making the most of hiking, trekking, camping and fishing. The Pakhui game sanctuary can be visited to see birds as exotic as the place itself, along with tigers, elephants, barking dear and more.

image Roing

The snow peaked mountains, deep gorges, turbulent rivers cascading down the hills, numerous waterfalls, placid lakes, archaeological sites, peace and fun loving hospitable people and above all the heavenly climate make Roing one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. A natural heaven with mountains and lakes, it is one of the most exciting places in Arunachal Pradesh. This town won't let anybody down. It has many beautiful lakes and gorges for nature lovers. The Bhishmaknagar fort and Nehru Udyan add historical significance to the place. Mayudia pass, however, steals the limelight with snow coverage for most part of the year.

image Itanagar

With the snow capped Himalayas towering on the northern end and the fertile Brahmaputra river plains on the southern, Itanagar is a natural paradise. Recently opened to tourists by the government, the heritage and tribal culture of the city, which is decades and centuries old, is still intact. The 15th century Ita-Fort, legendary Ganga Lake which is locally known as Gyakar Sinyi and the Buddha Vihar, consecrated by Dalai Lama are among the most important attractions here. The amicable weather throughout the year makes it a tourist's delight. The town of Yupia shares it's attractions with Itanagar. Hence, the two can be covered simultaneously.

image Bomdila

With majestic Himalayas bestowing their shadow, the beautiful town of Bomdila will offer you all an area in this terrain should. Other than sceneries and views making the area a visual treat for the eyes, wrapped around in a cool breeze and pleasant climate, the area will offer you a number of spots such as temples and wildlife sanctuaries. Both Buddhist and Hindu temples are to be found here. Some of the other places to be visited include a number apple orchards and The Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, which is just a little away. The visitors can also indulge into the arts and crafts popular in the area, as well as trekking and hiking complimented by the terrain. The proximity to the Himalayas can offer sights capable of casting spells on the viewer.

image Ita Fort

One of the old and renowned marvel of ancient religion, located in the Papum Pare district, the Ita fort is an important tourist spot. Ita Fort literally means the fort of bricks as 'Ita' means brick in the Ahom language. Itanagar was named after this fort which was built around 14th century AD. The marvelous stone work and construction lead to the building of such a magnificent structure which guarded the kingdom years and years ago.

image Tawang War Memorial

A 40 feet colorful structure, the War Memorial is dedicated to all the martyrs of the Sino-India War of 1962. Lying in the bosom of the beautiful peaks of Himalayas, this memorial overlooks the scenic Tawang-Chu valley.

image Nuranang Falls

A largely unknown and virgin place, deep in the forest of Tawang, Nuranang Falls offer a pristine and beautiful experience. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, the Nuranang Falls are a beautiful white sheet of water that descends from the height of about 100 meters. Part of the Nuranang River which originates at Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls is largely unknown to the popular tourist trail making it an offbeat and tranquil spot. Popular as the BTK waterfall, the Bap Ten Kang has crystal clear water which elevates your spirits and encourages you to indulge in swimming.