Arunachal Pradesh: The Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains

Overview of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh lies in India's north-east corner and is a heaven of unpleasing beauty, diversity, and colourful traditions. It is also referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun," and this is where the first rays of the sun touch Indian soil, thus offering an awe-inspiring and scenic experience to tourists. Arunachal Pradesh borders Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, and offers strategic and geographical significance unparalleled by any rival except its incomparable beauty. Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its rich topographic diversity, varying from vast forest cover and fertile valleys to snow-capped mountains and violent rivers. The centrepiece of the state is the rugged landscape of the Eastern Himalayas, which is a trek and adventure sport lover's paradise as it offers them an endless treasure chest of exploration to indulge in. The state boasts ample major trekking routes, the legendary Tawang and Mechuka treks aside, which lead the visitors into off-the-beaten-track countryside and remote villages. The state is also blessed with rich flora and fauna, hence heaven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts too. Arunachal Pradesh is also renowned for its colourful tribal culture as it has over 25 indigenous native tribes, each of them having their own distinct culture, language, and festival. Tribal culture of the State is experienced through living festivals, folk dance, and handicrafts. Some of the well-known tribes that are a fair representation of the state's people culture over centuries are Apatanis, Nyishis, Mishmis, and Monpas. Festivals like Losar, Mopin, and Torgya of Arunachal Pradesh allow one to witness the ancient syncretism of religiosity and celebrations to which local society is dedicated.

Apart from natural and cultural heritage, Arunachal Pradesh also boasts history and religious heritage. The state is blessed with a chain of old monasteries, among which the most prominent one is the Tawang Monastery, one of the biggest monasteries of Buddhism in India. Sacred destinations are filled with travellers and pilgrims who make the journey to such a destination for purposes of commutation, intending to get some peaceful environment in a bid to unwind and achieve a calm mind and meditation. Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh is unravelling step by step, and it attracts a larger number of tourists to its untouched beauty. Because of its inaccessibility and lack of infrastructure, Arunachal Pradesh is less developed than other Indian tourist points. That's why it's perfect for those who like to turn their backs on crowds in cities and appreciate the view of unseen nature and rural landscapes. Whatever adventure, spirituality, or culture one seeks, Arunachal Pradesh is one that no person should ever forget if one wishes to get a colourful and memorable journey on the move.

History of Arunachal Pradesh

The history of Arunachal Pradesh is controlled primarily by the native tribes who occupied the state centuries ago. Its history goes back to roots that had been formed on myth, legend, and oral tradition of its various tribes. Each tribe has a unique story and image, and there is an extremely strong identification with nature and with the earth. The first inhabitants of the state would have been Tibeto-Burman-speaking tribes, who were migrants from the Tibetan Plateau and had settled on the lower east Himalayan slopes. Subsequently, there were several tribes like Apatanis, Nyishis, Mishmis, Monpas, and Adis residing in different parts of the state, and this rendered the state multicultural and multilingual. Arunachal Pradesh's history remains to be unravelled to a large extent, and most of it remains in traditions. The tribes were insular, in a subsistence economy, with strange mores and customs, gradations within society, and autocratic authorities. The people tilled the ground, hunted and spun, and had deep nature-based religious roots that were established on gods and ancestors. Arunachal Pradesh, thereafter, the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), remained intact beyond British administrative machinery under British colonial Indian administration. It was kept outside and an area of strategic frontier, particularly because it is near China, Bhutan, and Myanmar. The British knew that the area had military importance and wanted to possess the territory for commercial as well as military purposes. Nevertheless, the area was not colonised in an apparent way because the area was not accessible and was not easily entered, keeping in view the fact that it was a region of mountainous nature. The British government of the late 19th century drew the borderline line known as the McMahon Line, which was the boundary separating British India and Tibet.

The Line of Actual Control is a disputed topic between China and India to the present time because Arunachal Pradesh was proclaimed by China as its land. However, the British never possessed it in any way and left the greater portion of the nation to be governed by local tribal communities and indigenes. Arunachal Pradesh fell into the possession of the newly independent Indian Republic in 1947 when India achieved independence. It was administered along with Assam initially, but was divided into fragments in 1972 as a union territory named Arunachal Pradesh. It was because of regard for its special geography and culture, and passion for augmented development and governance. Arunachal Pradesh was made into a full state in 1987 and became the 24th state of India. The political significance of the state was not seen to be realised until the 1962 Sino-Indian War, when the Chinese forces had taken parts of the state for a short period before withdrawing from it. India-China border dispute still dominates the political destiny of the region, and recurring flashpoints over the region still arise.

Places around Arunachal Pradesh

1. Tawang: West Arunachal Pradesh is where the state's most charming and vibrant town, Tawang, can be found. It’s stunning. Tawang Monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in India, makes Tawang a paradise for pilgrims and a sight for tourists. Located at 10,000 feet above sea level, the town is embraced by stunning landscapes of white valleys and hills that encircle it. Tawang is also famous for its breathtaking lakes, like serene Pankang Teng Tso Lake, and proximity to the Indo-China border. The town is equally the ideal mix of nature and culture, and the same is equally the ideal getaway for peace and adventure seekers as well.

2. Bomdila: Bomdila in West Arunachal Pradesh is a picturesque hill resort providing a bird's eye view of the Eastern Himalayas. Surrounded by multi-colored monasteries such as Bomdila Monastery, the town is a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and spiritualists as well. Bomdila is also renowned for its apple orchards and scenery, and thus a trekker's paradise where one can enjoy the natural beauty of the place. The town is also the entrance to Tawang and gives an insight into the indigenous culture and lifestyle of indigenous tribes such as the Monpas.

3. Mechuka: Mechuka in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh is heaven among snow peaks and verdant valleys. In addition to the untamed beauty of nature, Mechuka also invites adventure hunters, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts. There is a calm river, the Memba River, running through the valley and forming beautiful town, presenting the tourists with a calm ambience. Memba people, being racially unique, attribute beauty to place. The calm landscape of the town and the historic Samten Yongcha Monastery welcome religious travellers to the town.

4. Ziro Valley: Ziro Valley of the Lower Subansiri is renowned for its green rice paddies, pine plantations, and Apatani tribal heritage. It is a World Heritage Site label because of its distinctive ecological and cultural value. Ziro is an ideal destination for those in search of the countryside beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, its sight beauty, ancient tradition, and peaceful ambience. These can also be seen by the tourists and locals, and be surrounded by rice paddy fields with misty hills. It is also the location of the Ziro Festival of Music, a highly coveted tourist destination point which is accessed by music lovers as well as by culture seekers.

5. Itanagar: Itanagar is the state capital and cultural/administrative capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Itanagar is in Papum Pare district and is famous for its modern infrastructure, natural scenery, and historic heritage. The 14th-century-old Ita Fort, which gives clues towards the history of this region along with buildings, is in its area. The city is also famous for the natural scenery of its region, which comprises lovely forests, lovely lakes, and the peripheral Ganga Lake, also famous as a picnic spot. The town has the facilities of urban and village life, and the city is an easily accessible base for excursions to view around areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

6. Tirap Valley: Tirap Valley of south-east Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its scenic beauty and tribal culture. The valley is enclosed by Myanmar and offers tourists a feeling of experiencing the virgin natural landscape and wildlife. Tirap comprises various indigenous tribes like Tangsa, Nocte, and Wanchotribese along with their respective population and cultural trends. It also comprises blue clear streams, hills, and dense forests in the area as well as sufficient trekking, photo opportunities, and cultural experience.

7. Sela Pass: Sela Pass is a mountain pass with high altitude, where one catches a glimpse of it while going to Tawang at around 13,700 feet of height. It offers India's most beautiful drive, with expansive landscape views of snow-covered peaks and high-altitude meadows. The pass is also renowned for its holy Sela Lake, one of the holiest of holies of the native Monpa people. The landscape surrounding the pass is a hunter's paradise, where one can catch a glimpse of the seldom-seen black-necked crane, and is also renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and ambience. Sela Pass is a destination for all the tourists travelling to Tawang and an adventure site for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Best Time to Visit Arunachal Pradesh

• Summer (March to June): For enjoying the natural beauty of the state and outdoor adventure activities, the summer season is the most suitable time to visit Arunachal Pradesh. These are favourable weather months and after, and temperatures between 15°C to 25°C temperatures best for travelling, trekking, and distance travelling by valley and hills. These are the best months for all the treks, such as Tawang and Mechuka, to be undertaken because the weather is pleasant and it never rains. The landscape of the country, blooming plants, and blue skies provide the correct backdrop to this season for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

• Monsoon (July to September): Arunachal Pradesh's monsoon is a heavy rain monsoon, and travelling is tiring and dangerous, especially in hilly areas where landslides are common. Even though the landscape is well-brushed and greened, waterfalls cascading down in flood and raging rivers in flood, rain will likely hinder travel schedules and restrict outdoor activities. Monsoon is not ideal for adventure sports and trekking since there is risk involved, but if you do not wish to witness the peaceful beauty of the location without waiting for the onset of rain, then the season can be a more secluded experience. There must be some element of prudence in weather and provision for interference.

• Fall (Oct-Nov): Fall, too, is the best season to travel to Arunachal Pradesh since the weather is dry, cool, and very picturesque. The temperature is 10°C - 20°C, and perfect for adventure and outdoor adventure and trekking as well. It is also best when the weather is clear since, as a general rule, the landscape is good, and a peaceful, quiet environment is present at places like Ziro Valley and Tawang. Rustic countryside at its finest, gradual greening of monsoons giving way to the gold colour of autumn. Go there immediately, and simply good weather to make the most of travelling, trekking, and basking in rich country cultural fests.

• Winter (December to February): The Onset of winter begins firmly in Arunachal Pradesh with winter chill, temperature generally sub-freezing in the higher altitudes of Tawang and Bomdila, where snowfall is not uncommon. The weather varies from -5°C to 10°C and is best suited for winter landscape enthusiasts and snow-covered mountains. Winter is the time to indulge in snow sports to their limits, and one can bask in the serene, white beauty of the state. But it is not the ideal time to trek at high altitude because of the cold, but it is the ideal season if one loves winter beauty, loves scenic beauty, and participates in local winter festivals.

How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh

• By Airport: Arunachal Pradesh is nearest to Tezpur Airport (Tezpur) in the west. It is relatively well linked with Guwahati, and Guwahati too has good road links to other cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Assam's Lilabari Airport is situated at around 150 km from Itanagar and is the second holiday place entry point to enter the state. The second alternative to flying to large Indian cities from northeast India is Assam's Dibrugarh Airport, which is approximately 500 km from Itanagar.

• By Train: Nahalagun Railway Station (Naharlagun) is just about 10 km from Arunachal Pradesh state capital, Itanagar. It is linked with Guwahati and other large cities of Assam, and some trains from other Indian states. The most used major railway station serving Arunachal Pradesh is Guwahati Railway Station in Assam. Travel by bus or taxi is possible to reach Arunachal Pradesh from Guwahati, which is 350 km away from Guwahati.

• By Road: Drive down from here to the state capital, Itanagar, through National Highway 415. Itanagar from Guwahati would be approximately 350 km and approximately 8-10 hours of road travel. From Tezpur (Assam): The place is approximately 160 km away from here, and one can go by bus or taxi. Roads are fine, but weather conditions, particularly monsoons. From Shillong (Meghalaya): It can be accessed through Tawang, Bomdila, and other Assam and Arunachal towns. The road is long but panoramic, with the broad sweep of valley lands and mountains.

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