Arunachal Pradesh

Mysterious Magical Mystical
Early riser, Arunachal, the land of the rising sun, is the reniotest and one of the loveliest regions, yet most scantily populated states in the entire North East. All this has added to the allure of this mysterious land.

Its very isolation has been a blessing in many ways, having protected it from the ills of over-development and its consequent problems. And it is for this very reason that Arunachal is such a unique holiday destination. Its haunting beauty has a magical charm that lures the visitor to imbibe of its natural beauty, tribal culture, craft traditions and splendid wildlife.

Arunachal shares borderlines with China (Tibet) in the north, Myanmar (Burma) in the east, Bhutan in the west and the states of Nagaland and Assam in the south. Its fertile lands are watered by 5 major rivers, primary amongst them being the River Siang, the mighty Brahmaputra of Assam.

Largest of all the North Eastern states (83,743 sq km), Arunachal is blessed by a delightfully variegated climate - perfect for holidays any time of the year. Almost 80 per cent of the state is under forest cover, which varies from the sub-tropical to the alpine in the upper regions of the northwest, where it is bordered by the Himalayan ranges. This vast canopy of rain forest with its dynamic blend of an amazing plethora of flora and fauna is one of the world's 17 bio-diveristy heritage sites. Its serried peaks, running from north to south, are interspersed with rich valleys in whose hidden folds live her ancient tribes in their picturesque villages.

The first to be kissed by the morning sun, Arunachal is all set to blaze ahead on the tourist trail...

Rising from the tropically lush valleys of the Brahmaputra River, the serried ridges and peaks of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh stand vigilant over one of the most compelling holiday destinations in India. The remotest outpost of the North Eastern states, Arunachal's mysterious, unspoiled loveliness entices the adventurer with its verdant valleys, misty mountain peaks, swift rivers and the finest sanctuary for some of India's most endangered flora and fauna. Its virgin isolation, due to restricted entry regulations, has been a blessing in disguise as Arunachal still retains intact its centuries old pristine vistas, diverse tribal heritage and exotic geographical features. Strung out along the misty hill tops and deep valleys, its picturesque townships and villages are the first in the land to be kissed by the rays of the morning sun giving Arunachal its unique position as literally "the land of the rising sun."

Living in isolated splendour this exciting, new holiday destination shares its remote borderlines with Myanmar, Bhutan and China (Tibet). Plunging down from rugged peaks are emerald valleys fed by the intricate cobweb of rivers and streams that criss-cross this vast land. The mighty Siang River (starting as the Tsangpo in the Mansarovar in Tibet) fed by thousands of rivers and streams en route through Arunachal is the mighty Brahmaputra River of Assam. Other primary rivers are the Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit and the Tirap and their numerous tributaries, whose turbulent waters and lush regions, with their remote tribal villages, offer tourists limitless opportunities for white river rafting, angling, climbing, trekking and tribal tours.

Arunachal is huge and travelling around its vast and mountainous tracts can be arduous. But for many this has been a challenge. The tough terrain is a trekker's delight and its amazing range of flora and fauna a naturalist's dream. Itineraries can be customised to enjoy the full range of Arunachal's glorious assets to one's own needs and the limit ations of the Inner Line Permits which can be easily obtained from the Resident Commissioner / Deputy Resident Commissioners at Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati or the Deputy Commissioners of districts.

Hidden amongst its verdant valleys are Arunachal's tribal villages offering a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this land and its people. Discover the intriguing traditions of ancient lifestyles lived out against one of the most diverse ecological settings in the country. Uncover the myths and legends of this land and its people. Marvel at its cultural and religious wealth and antiquity. The stunning combination of its haunting beauty, the treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and its rich tribal heritage make Arunachal a fascinating journey for the discerning traveller.

Arunachal is vast- its terrain difficult. But vacationing in Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure - an exciting, enlightening and incredible adventure - reminding you again what a wonderful privilege it is to savour the delights of wild beauty at its very best.

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Arunachal Pradesh - India travel & tourism information