Arunachal Pradesh-"Land of Rising Sun"
Capital:Itanagar
Area:83,743 sq.km
Density:13/sq.Km
Best time to visit:October to April.

An Overview Of Arunachal Pradesh

It is a land of green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus.The state had been divided into five river valleys:the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap.All these river valleys are fed by the snow from Himalayas.The climate is highly hot and humid at the lower altitudes, while it becomes exceedingly cold in the higher altitudes. Average temperature during the winter months range from 15 to 21 degree celsius and 22 to 30 degree celsius during monsoon. The rainfall of Arunachal Pradesh in amongst the heaviest in the country. The annual average rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh is more than 350cm.

Cities of Arunachal Pradesh

* Itanagar

It is the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh.People can visit many places of interest here which are the evidences of glorious past of the state.Jawaharlal State Museum,The Budhist Temple,The Ganga Lake(Gyaker Sinyi). The Ganga Lake is a beautiful picnic spot,which is 6 kms away from Itanagar.The nishis or Nishings are the major tribe in Itanagar area.

* Tawang

The city is famous for the oldest Buddhist monastery or Gompa locally called as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse' overlooking the vale of Tawang. It is just perfect for adventure sports like trekking and hiking. This region is a home of the Monpa tribes and a prominent place of the Mahayana Buddhists sect.

* Parashuram Kund

This city is famous for its Scenic beauty.Thousand of pilgrims visit this place from all parts of India every year during Parasuram mela held in the month of January.

* Basar

This town is a shelter for the tribal communities like Adi,Memba and Khamba.People can visit the popular Tibetan Buddhist Temple and Mechuka Gompa.

* Bomdila

This city is famous for its lap of nature,where people come here to visit the illustrious landscape,mountains wearing a scarf of snow,apple groves, pleasant weather and Buddhist Monasteries.

* Bhalukpong/Tipi

This city is famous for its orchids, around 300 types of species are available. Turbulent water falls, Perennially fresh forests, and lavish expanse gives opportunity for photo adventure. The rambling Kameng river is hot spot for white water rafting and angling.

* Malinithan

Malinithan is a temple site in ruins.It is situated at the foot of the Siang hills under the Likabali Sub-Division of West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. The fame of Malinithan as a holy place of worship draws a large number of visitors and piligrims.There is a saying that-"Lord Krishna carried away Rukmini daughter of the King Bhismaka were welcomed here by Parvathi with garlands".Parvathi thus acquired the name Malini and the place Malinithan.

* AkashiGanga

Akashiganga is believed to be associated with the legend of Parvati narrated in the 8th century Kalika Purana. There was a saying that" Lord Shankar roamed in the sky with the dead body of Parvati (Sati). To bring him out of attachment for the dead body Lord Vishnu using his 'Sudarshan Chakra' cut the body into pieces. During this process it is said that one of the body piece fell in the area which is 12 Km from Malinithan towards Along in West Siang District". This place is called Akashi Ganga and is very popular as a sacred place.

* Namdapha

Namdapha is famous for its wild life sanctuary,which has been declared as a wild life park.It is few kilometers away from Miao.At this place we can find Himalayan Black Bear, Takin,The wild Goat peculiar to the Patkoi range,Musk deer, Slow Loris,Binturong and Red Panda.The predators include the Tiger,Leapord,The rare Snow Leapord and Clouded Leopard all are found here.A number of other species such as Hoolock Gibbon,Hisbid Hare,Flying Squirrel are found here.

Sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh

Namdhapa National Park, Pakhui Sanctuary,Itanagar Sanctuary, Daying Ering Sanctuary, Mehao Sancuary, Kane Sanctaury, Eagle's Nest Sanctuary, Kamlang Sanctuary, Dibang Sanctuary, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary And Mouling National Park.

Hill Stations in Arunachal Pradesh

* Pashighat

It is the oldest city of the state and acts as the 'Gateway to the state of Arunachal Pradesh'.

* Ziro/Zero

This city is surrounded by snow peaked mountains from all sides and the rivers Subansiri,Nishi,Apatani,Dafla and Miri add some charm to this place.

* Tawang.

The attractions of the place are the mighty mountains, deep vales, torrential waterfalls and infinite lakes and Tawanchu river.

Monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Monastery,Bomdial Monastery and Urgelling Monastery.

Festivals

The important festivals in this state are solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Mol, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. People and their Religion.This state contains a numerous tribes and subtribes with a discrete and rich culture.This state contains a variety of ethnic groups,communities,languages, class and religion.The people in this state has been classified into three broad categories: The first group of people comprises of Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts who are the followers of Lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhist sect. The second group includes the persons from Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thongsas tribes.These people believe their God as the Sun and the Moon. The third group includes Noctes and Wanchos ,these people are located in Tirap district.These people believe in Vaishnavism.

Dance and Music

People dance on certain occasions,rituals,festivals or simply for vegging out.We can find many folk dances in Arunachal Pradesh such as Aji Lamu (Monpa), Roppi (Nishing), Buiya (Nishing), Hurkani (Apatani), Popir (Adi), Pasi Kongki (Adi), Chalo (Nocte), Ponung (Adi), Rekham Pada (Nishing), Lion and Peacock dance (Monpa).

How to reach

By Rail:The closest railway stations is Harmuty located at 33 km away from Itanagar.
By Road: A direct bus facility from Guwahati (381km), Shillong (481km), Tezpur (216km), Dibrugarh (375km), Tinisukia (415 km), Jorhat (245km), Nagaon (275km), Namsai (495km) connects to Itanagar.
By Air: Lilabari airport of Assam is the nearest aiport for the state.