Covering
an area of 83,743 sq. km, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the seven
states constituting the north eastern part of the country. A state full of
hilly terrain and an abundance of dense forests, thinly populated Arunachal
Pradesh lies in the extreme east of India. The rivers have created broad
valleys in the state. The mighty river Brahmaputra enters Arunachal
territory from Tibet and flows into Assam. One of the wettest states of
India, Arunachal receives as much as five hundred centimetres of rainfall.
This accounts for the large number of rivers and lakes in the state apart
from dense forests. The main rivers of the state are Kameng, Subansiri,
Siang, Lohit and Tirap. Arunachal as a tourist destination is most ideal for
those who love adventure filled holidays in high altitudes and thick
forests.
Known as the 'Land of Dawn-lit-Mountains', the rays of the morning sun kiss
Arunachal first of all Indian states. Perched on top of low flat hills,
capital Itanagar offers a serene ambience and has a lovely climate. The
Buddhist temple and Jawaharlal Nehru Museum are among the best attractions
of Itanagar. Tawang is a picturesque hill station located in very high
altitudes. A place with a breathtaking beauty, Tawang also has one of the
biggest monasteries of India. The monastery has an 18 feet high gilded
statue of Gautam Buddha. The monastery is a treasure trove of Tibetan
Buddhist culture. Parasuramkund near Itanagar is a major pilgrim centre of
Arunachal. People from all over India visit this place of pilgrimage to take
a holy dip in the lake which is believed to cleanse all sins of the past.
With a dazzling array of flora and fauna, beautiful rivers and lakes, every
place of Arunachal has something to offer to tourists. Other attractions of
the state are Bomdila, Tipi, Ziro, Daporijo, Along, Pasighat, Roing, Anini,
Tezu, Hayuliang, Namsai, Miao and Changlang. It may be mentioned that
charming Arunachal also boasts of over 500 varieties of orchids.
The climate of Arunachal is moderate. There is a sharp fall in temperature
during winters. The state also experiences snowfall during winters.
Arunachal Pradesh is another north eastern state with a rich composite
culture. There are over 20 major tribal groups speaking their own language,
following their own traditions and celebrating their own festivals. The
handicraft and handloom items of Arunachal are also unique in nature. Made
largely of cane, bamboo and wood, the exquisite products have a distinct
stamp of the state.
Arunachal Pradesh does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Lilabari
in Assam located at a distance of 67 kms from state capital Itanagar.
Helicopter services from Guwahati to Naharlagun are also available. Through
roadways, Arunachal Pradesh can be entered from Tezpur in Assam. Regular bus
services are available from Guwahati and Tezpur to the state. Tourists
desirous of visiting Arunachal shall have to obtain an Inner Line Permit
from the Arunachal Government office at Delhi or Itanagar.
Arunachal
Pradesh
