ARUNACHAL PRADESH

THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

ABOUT ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh (Hindi: )is a state of India. Located in northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south, and shares international borders with Bhutan in the west, Burma in the east and the People's Republic of China in the north. Arunachal Pradesh means "land of the dawn-lit mountains in Hindi. It is also known as "land of the rising sun"[5] ("Pradesh" means "state", "territory" or "region") in reference to its position as the easternmost state of India. Like other parts of Northeast India, a majority of the people native to the state are of Tibeto-Burman origin. A large and increasing number of migrants have reached Arunachal Pradesh from many other parts of India, although no reliable population count of the migrant population has been conducted, and percentage estimates of total population accordingly vary widely. Part of the famous Ledo Burma Road, which was a lifeline to China during World War II, passes through the eastern part of the state. The northern border of Arunachal Pradesh follows the McMahon Line, a border delineated in the Simla Accord that was signed by the United Kingdom and Tibet in 1914 but not by China. Both the Republic of China (ROC) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) claim the northern portion of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the former provinces of Tibet Area and Xikang (for the ROC), respectively the Tibet Autonomous Region (for the PRC). The PRC often refers to the claimed areas as South Tibet. Itanagar is the capital of the state.

TOURISM

Arunachal Pradesh attracts tourists from many parts of the world. Tourist attractions include Tawang, a beautiful town famous for its Buddhist monastery, Ziro, famous for cultural festivals, the Namdapha tiger project in Changlang district and Sela lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river. Rafting and trekking are common activities. A visitor's permit from the tourism department is required. Places like Tuting have wonderful, undiscovered scenic beauty. The state is rich in wildlife. Perhaps the highest diversity of mammals in India is in Arunachal Pradesh (200+ species).[30] The diversity of birds is also very high, 700+ and is second only to Assam.

FESTIVALS
Festivals form an essential aspect of Socio-Cultural life of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. As a matter of fact festivals are the mirrors of the people's culture. Every society of the people of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate number of festivals-agricultural, religious and socio cultural, which give them ample opportunity to enjoy freely. These are the occasions for people to relax, to enjoy, to dance and eat and drink. Agriculture being the basic means of livelihood the festivals having connection with agriculture are celebrated in bigger scale either to thank the God for the providence or pray for bumper harvest. While the ritual part of each festival is performed by the priest other arrangements of the festivals are done by the people in a community basis. Throughout the twelve months of the year festivals are celebrated by one or the other tribes. Not a single month passed off without a festival. From this point of view Arunachal may also be called the land of festivals. Some of the important festivals are Losar(Monpas), Boori Boot (Hill Miris), Solung ( Adis ) etc Animal sacrifice is a common ritual in most of the festivals.

CULTURE

The Arunachal people are the state's greatest trump card, who may be referred to as "Pixie", known to enamour and entice the people visiting them. The state has a major population of 20 scheduled tribes and umpteen numbers of sub tribes. These people elucidate a quintessence "Unity in Diversity", speaking host of tribal languages and over 60 different dialects. To mention a few principal languages -Monpa, Aka, Miji, Sherdukpen, Nishi, Apatani, Hill Miri, Tagin, Adi, Idu, Digaru, Khampti, Singpho, Tangsa, Nocte, Wancho etc. The tribal people have a strong community sense which goes beyond parochial tribalism and there can be seen a profound sense of sagacity. They live a very colorful and lively life, and are known for their warm hearts, and are always ready to greet even a stranger with lots of love and affection. Festivals therefore represent a meeting place for the tribal's of Arunachal Pradesh to form a jamboree and perform variety of dance, songs, stage pantomime and masked dances. Their lives are incomplete without these offerings and the typical music and dance which imbibes the essence of tribal culture and tradition.

WILD LIFE ATTRACTION

Arunachal Pradesh is home to a very rich mammalian wildlife population. The animals include Himalayan Black bear, Red panda etc. The Musk deer is found in some areas of the state while the bharal has been reported in the western part of the state. More than five hundred bird species have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state , e.g. White winged wood duck, sclater monal, temminck's tragopan, Bangal florican etc. This state has the highest number of species of pheasants with some ten species at different altitudinal levels. Arunachal Pradesh is equally rich in reptiles, amphibia and pieces. Pythons and snakes of all colours and descriptions are found in the forests all almost all the levels up to the temperate zone. The invertebrate faunal communities are found in the dense and evergreen forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Numerous species of butterflies, moths, beetles and all other kinds of small creatures make Arunachal Pradesh a paradise for Entomologists and Naturalists.

TOURIST ATTRACTION:

Arunachal Pradesh is the abode of Buddhist Monasteries and Temples. There are places of worship and pilgrimage such as Parasuramkund and 400 years old Tawang Monastery- a Buddhist monastery, one of the largest monasteries in India. Buddhist pilgrimages visit the place throughout the year and pay their reverence in the temple to seek sanctification and achieve the path of enlightenment, as the Lord Buddha achieved.

LIST OF TOURIST ATTRACTION PLACES IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH.

GUWAHATI(ASSAM) MAJULI ISLAND(ASSAM) BOMDILA TAWANG ZEMITHANG ITANAGAR ZIRO DAPORIJO ALONG DEPRUGARH

GUWAHATI(ASSAM)

Guwahati is the commercial capital city of the northeastern state of Assam. Formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the City of Eastern Light), Guwahati is the biggest city of Assam in India. Its etymological root is derived from two Assamese words, "Guwa," meaning areca nut and "Haat," meaning market. Fixed between the picturesque hills of the eastern flanks of the Himalayan mountain range, Guwahati houses the political capital of the state, Dispur. The gateway to the seven other northeastern states, also referred as seven sisters, Guwahati is a vital tourist base point, besides being attraction in its own.

MAJULI ISLAND(ASSAM)

Majuli or Majoli is a large river island in the World. It is a civil sub-division of Jorhat District and State of Assam (India). It is located 20 km. from Jorhat town (Assam, India). It is a pollution free fresh water, green island. Total area of the island was 1250 sq.km., now it is about 650 sq.km.Its length from east to west is about 90 km. & width from north to south is avg. 16 km. Majuli is a natural & cultural heritage site. With water bodies covering most of the areas , Majuli attracts plenty of birds both local & migratory. About 2526 Satras are remaining now in Majuli of which the Satras of Kamalabari, Auniati & Garmur are worth mentioning. These Satras are propagating the religious ideology of great Assamese medieval Vaisnavite Saint Sankardeva & Madhavdeva, preaching Satria culture.

BOMDILA

Bomdila is a beautiful small town situated at a height of about 8000 ft. above the sea level from where one can see the brilliant landscape and snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan Range. The Buddhist monastery of Bomdila is the repository of culture and is among primary attractions of the area. Bomdila is the headquarters of West Kameng district located at the height of 8500 ft above the sea level. It has a lot of attractions for the tourists with its cool climate, Apple orchards, artistic people, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and Buddhist Gompas. The Buddhist monastery of Bomdila is the repository of culture.. This place has a tourist lodge, a craft centre displaying local crafts and a shopping centre where the visitors gets first feel of the local version of Himalayan Buddhist life. Local site seeing to Dirang valley and the famous Sela Pass (13,700 ft. M.S.L.) are thrilling experience on the way to Tawang. The Orchid Research and Development Station at Tippi and two other Orchid conservation sanctuaries located at Sessa and Dirang are worth seeing places.

TAWANG

TAWANG the world of mystics and enchanting beauties forms the western most district of Arunachal Pradesh is located at the soaring height of near about 10,000fts above MSL sharing boundaries with Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the south west and Sela range of West Kameng the East is the home of Monpa tribe. Tawang is believed to have derived its name from the grandiose Tawang Monastery perched on the edge of the ridge running along the western part of Tawang township. Ta means Horse and Wang means chosen. As the legend goes the site of the present monastery is believed to have chosen by a Horse owned by Mera Lama Lodre Gyamtso. Mera Lama Lodre Gyamtso who was on a search for an appropriate place to establish Monastery was unable to locate any appropriate site so, finally decided to sit on prayer for a guidance of a divine power. As he opened his eyes after prayer, he found his horse missing. So, wearily he went out searching his horse and found it on the top of the hill known as Tana Mandekhang where once stood a palace of King Kala Wangpo. Believed it a good omen, Mera Lama Lodre Gyamtso decided to initiate a work for building up of a monastery with the help of people living across the land of Monpas. This Monastery was founded by Mera Lama Lodre Gyamtso in late 1681 according to the wishes of 5th Dalai Lama. However, there is a another belief of derivation of name Tawang. The great treasure Revealer, Terton Pemalingpa gave initiation such as Tamdin and Ka-gyad and hence the place

TAWANG.

This land is also known by Monyul because of its low lying area dwelled by Monpas. Decedents of Mongoloid race, Monpas are Buddhist by religion and Tawang monastery is the fountain head of their spiritual lives. The spread of Buddhism in the area started with the arrival of Guru Padmasambhava, the great Indian Saint in 8th century. The Monpa tribe is predominant of Gelukpa sects of Mahayana stream of Buddhism. Before embracing Buddhism they were the believers of Bon faith characteristic of spirit worship and animal sacrifice. The Monpas are by and large agriculturists apart from this they also tame yak, sheep and other livestock. The Monpa society is monogamous by law but polygamy and polyandry is also seen prevalent. They live in cozy double storied residential houses constructed of stone blocks, bamboo ceiling, curved wooden doors and window frames. They are courteous, friendly docile, hardworking and above all they are very hospitable. We can see the impeccable influence of their religion on their demeanor.

ZEMITHANG

Zemithang is a Monpa settlement with large stone houses in Tawang district. It is located at the head of a picturesque valley, created by the river Namjang Chu river flowing in from Tibet. Zemithang lies in the remote and sometimes isolated north-west corner, sandwiched between Bhutan and China. It is 93km away from Tawang.

ITANAGAR

Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974. Itanagar is situated at the foothills. The township is situated at 350 meters above mean sea level. It comes administratively under Papumpare district. The Nishis or Nishings is the major tribe in Itanagar area. However, Itanagar can be called as mini India, as people from all over the country, live here in harmony.

ZIRO

Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is located at an altitude of 5754 ft. (1,780m) from the sea level. This high town is almost a level valley enveloped on all sides by pine clad low stooping hills. Ziro is the land of Apatani tribal's. Ziro is a small picturesque destination with Pine and Bamboo groves, villages, a craft centre and Tarin Fish Farm, which is located at a high altitude and also to see are the indigenous method of rice cultivation. Agriculture being the Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is also called Apatani Plateau, which is famous for Paddy-cum-Fish culture. This place also comprise of the quietly flowing rivers of Subansiri, Nishi, Apatani, Dafla, and Miri.

DAPORIJO

The town is known for being an ideal place for trekking and nature walks. There are quite a few beautiful trekking trails which are popular for trekking expeditions and are the best way to explore the natural grandeur of the town and the surrounding landscape. The Subansiri River which is close to the town is good for adventure activities like rafting and angling and adds to the beauty of the scenery around.

ALONG

Along is a census town and headquarters of the West Siang district of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located about 150 km from Likabali which is at the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Along is a valley and is extremely beautiful as far the scenic grandeur of this place is concerned. It has mountains all around with two rivers flowing through it - the Sipu and Siyom. Both these rivers converge at Belun Ghat and ultimately meet the Siang (Brahmaputra) which is one of the biggest rivers in Arunachal Pradesh.

DEBRUGARH

Located in the upper northeast corner of India, Dibrugarh is well connected with the rest of India. With regular connection to major cities of Assam by air, rail and road network with the rest of India, one does not need to worry about how to reach .

INFORMATION
(a) Foreign tourist visiting in the state of Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Nagaland and Mizoram, a group should be minimum of four persons are allowed. (b) Restricted/ Protected area permit is required form the respective state Government by applying at least 15 days in prior to the tour programme. (c) Restricted area permit will be issued for 10 days which is extendable. (d) Necessary documents for Traveller:(e)Xerox copy of Passport & Visa details along with filled application form (f) Two passport size photograph.

Come Walk This Land With Us