Series-1
Arunachal Pradesh, June 28: The beauty of the land of the seven sister states of northeastern India is unmatchable. The name seven sisters came into the being because of the interdependency on one another.
The Siliguri corridor connects all seven states, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya,
Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, except Sikkim, the only brother amongst the
sisters.
The state is abundant in green forest cover, flora, fauna, biodiversity, culture, and serenity.
It nestles the cleanest village in Asia. Arunachal Pradesh is the abode of the largest
monastery in India, while Assam is home to the oldest oil refinery. To enjoy the blissful
beauty of the northeast, the best time to travel is from March to June.
The temperature is between 10 degrees Celcius to 38 degrees celsius. In this series, let us discover one mesmerizing northeastern state at a time and inwardly admire the beauty of the alluring states.
Arunachal Pradesh: The land of Rising Sun
Arunachal Pradesh nestles beautiful picturesque locations and undiscovered passes. It is the abode of close to 750 birds and 200 animal species in its subtropical forests. It is known as the orchid state of India. Mainly snow-capped, the Himalayas surround Arunachal Pradesh, forging it abundant with biodiversity. The state shares international borders with countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, and China, thus making it a crucial state politically. It is home to tribes like Adi, Nissi, Apa Tani, Hill Miri, Sherdukpen, Aka, and Monpa. The most amazing fact about this state is that it is one of the most diverse regions of Asia, accomodating thirty to fifty languages and dialects spoken by the residents. Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
HOW TO REACH?
By Air: The Lialabari airport is 57 km away from Itanagar.
By Train: The nearest railway station that connects Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of the
major cities of India is the Harmuti Railway station.
WHAT TO EAT?
Arunachal Pradesh cuisine varies within the region according to the tribal influence. Rice,
vegetables, fish, and meat are the staples of this state. Some must-try culinary delights include bamboo shoots, Pika Pila, Lutker, Pehak, and Churasabji. Apong, the alcoholic rice beer, is the famous drink of the state.
PLACES TO VISIT!
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Namdapha National Park-
It is the third-largest biodiversity hotspot in India. It is home to the rare red panda species. All four species of big cats, namely tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard, are found in this National Park. The trail from the rain forest from Duban to Lasu village is nothing less than alluring for the hikers.
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Tawang-
Located near the east Bhutan border, it is where the culture meets nature. Lodged amongst the might Himalayas, at the altitude of 3400m above sea level, it is heaven for mountain lovers. The must-visit places here include 400-year-old Tawang monastery, Tawang War Memorial, high altitude passes, and Scenic Lakes. The best time to visit Tawang is between June to September.
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Sela Pass-
It is one of the most desirable tourist spots in India. History meets exoticism
here. It is situated at an altitude of 13700 feet and covered with snow all year round. One hundred one lakes surround Sela Pass with different religious significance. The best time to visit is March to April and October and November. -
Tezu Botanical Garden-
It is a small town situated In the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. Though it is a small town, it attracts a large number of tourists. The religious importance of Tezu is tremendous. Lord Krishna’s wife Rukmini was said to be from the Mishmi tribe, the ancient inhabitants of Tezu.
The Parshuram Kund in Tezu is the famous pilgrimage site for the Hindus residing in India and the neighbouring countries. The other tourist attractions include Glow lake, Chaglogam, Walong, Hawa Camp, Dering Memorial, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tezu Botanical Garden, and Tezu District Museum and Craft Center.
The best time to visit Tezu is between December to July.
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Dirang town-
It is a small town in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It has pleasant weather all around the year and has a picturesque breathtaking view. The backpackers love this sleepy town. It is the best place to learn about the culture and lives of the tribes living in and around Dirang.
The market in Dirang is an excellent place to buy the artifacts made by the locals. The other sites not to be missed are-Dirang Dzong, estimated to be 150 years old. The stone houses here claimed to be 500 years old. Hot Water Spring rich in sulfur content has medicinal properties.
It works like magic on the tired tourist bodies. The Yak research centre conducts the genetic study of Yak- a vital animal of the region. The best time to visit Dirang is between November and February.
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Pasighat-
It is Arunachal Pradesh’s oldest town. It is also an Advance Landing Ground of the Indian Air Force. It is also known as The Gateway of Arunachal, located alongside the Siang river valley and the Himalayas.
Pasighat offers a variety of adventure activities like Fishing, Wildlife Safari, Angling, and Surfing. Places not to be missed in Pasighat are Bodak scenic area, Pangin, Kekar Monying, Pasighat Buddhist Monastery, and East Siang District Museum. The best place to visit Pasighat is from January to June.
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Nuranang Falls-
Nuranang Falls, also known as Bong- Bong Falls, is the most spectacular water in the region. The milky white waterfall is a sight to behold. The waterfall located at 6000 feet above sea level is in the middle of the forest, surrounded by pristine hills and thick mist.
There is no better way to connect with nature than to sit near the fall and listen to the music of running water surrounded by greenery. The best time to visit is between June to November.
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Sangti Valley-
It is a hidden gem near Tawang. The valley is towered by the eastern Himalayas; it is the home to black-necked cranes and other rare species of birds. The pleasant weather all around the year renders it an ideal region to grow fruit orchards like kiwi fruit, apple, apricot, and orange. The mountains, rivers, and scenery are breathtaking, but a few Instagram pictures worthy as well. If you are a bird watcher, you wouldn’t want to miss this place during November and December when many migratory birds bee-line for the valley. The best time to visit between April to June and September and October.
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Bumla Pass-
Located at Indo- China border, The pass currently serves as the trading point between Tibet’s Cona County and Tawang in India. Covered in thick snow blanket all around the year, Bumla Pass is a must-visit for tourists who love snow. The place to visit in and around Bumla Pass is the Heap Of Stones Monument.
The tourist and the visitors place pebbles on the heap of stones as a tribute to the Indian army guarding the borders and keeping the fellow countrymen safe. Another tourist attraction is BPM or the Border Meeting Point, where the personnel of the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China meet for regular interactions.
However, it is crucial to obtain a permit to visit this susceptible area. October to May is the best time to visit Bumla Pass.
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Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary-
This award-winning wildlife sanctuary should be on the top list of every animal lover. The Sanctuary located in the East Kamneg district of Arunachal Pradesh at the foothill of the Himalayas stretched over 862 sq. Km.
It is home to 40 mammal species and 600 species of orchids. Besides tigers, clouded leopards, and elephants, tourists can spot barking deer, Asiatic jackals, Assamese macaque, and many more. During the winter season, many migratory birds visit the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nature walk, tribal programs, and wildlife safari are a few activities that keep the tourist busy and give them never like before experience. October to April is the best time to visit the Sanctuary.
