ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal, a mysterious, magical and mystical land tucked away in the North-Eastern tip of India is one of the most compelling holiday destinations in India. For a long time the state has been isolated as the 'hidden frontier' but now it has finally emerged out as a perfect tourist destination, which also attracts pilgrims from all parts of the country. 400 years old Tawang Buddhist Monastery and Parasuramkund (Hindu Pilgrimage) are to experience the divine peace and tranquility in the lap of Nature. A haven to impenetrable forests, deep gorges and wide rivers, Arunachal Pradesh is the remotest outpost of the North Eastern states which entices the adventurer with its picturesque mountain peaks, swift rivers and verdant valleys. Its forests range from the tropical evergreen in the foothills, through temperate evergreen in the middle ranges, to coniferous in the higher elevations, and alpine in the extreme north. More that 90 percent of the state is densely forested. The variety of flora the land holds is incredible; ranging from rhododendrons to bamboo and cactus in the extreme south, Arunachal Pradesh has it all. Over 550 species of orchids grow here in abundance, some of them rare species. The wildlife of the region is rich and varied. Elephants, tigers and leopards, the white browed gibbon, varieties of civets, the sloth bear and the Himalayan black bear, the red Panda in higher altitudes, and many types of deer including the musk deer live here. It has more than 500 rare species of birds like white winged duck, sclater monal, Bengal florican etc. There are 8 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 National Parks within the state. The most interesting one is Namdapha National Park, which is unique with elevation varying from 200m to 4500m where rare and endangered species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies etc; are found in their natural habitat.

Arunachal Pradesh literally means "Land of the Rising Sun" in Sanskrit. The landscape of Arunachal Pradesh is unceasingly fascinating. Mighty rivers ramble from the snowy wastes of the Himalayas to the steamy subtropical plains of the Brahmaputra Valley. Its terrain consists of lofty, haphazardly aligned ridges that separate deep valleys and rise to the peaks of the Great Himalayas. Brahmaputra river adorns Arunachal Pradesh with its splendid silver beauty. This land, blessed with the most breathtaking scenery, an amazing variety of wildlife, magnificent ancient ruins and charming tribal folk, is any traveler’s paradise.

The North-East is India's chief tribal area, and the numerous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh make for a rich and colourful study for any anthropologist. There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the state. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from the original Mongoloid stock but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs. Arunachal Pradesh even today remains the last great frontier of indigenous culture. Broadly, the entire population may be divided into three cultural groups based on their socio-politico-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdak Pens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the Lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Culturally similar to them are Membas and Khembas who live in the high mountains along the northern borders, Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the State are Buddhists of the Hinayana sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand and Burma centuries ago and still using ancient scripts derived from their original homeland. The second group of people of the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thangsos etc; who worship the Sun and the Moon God, namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestor for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles. They traditionally practice Jhuming or shifting cultivation. The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos in the Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village society in which the hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practice elementary form of Vaishnavism.

Arunachal Pradesh, unspoilt, green and safe offers a broad spectrum of interest from snow-capped mountains, free flowing streams and rivers to tribal people with their customs still living in their traditional villages to rich flora and fauna that has already started attracting tourists from all over the world.


ITANAGAR

Itanagar has been developed as the capital of the state largely because of its convenient location. It is built on a saddle overlooked by two hills, one occupied by the Governor's house and the other by a new Buddhist temple. The capital derives its name from the historical fort, Itafort, situated in the heart of the city. The fort is identified with Mayapur of Ramachandra, a king of the Jitari dynasty dating from 1360 - 1550 A.D. Other places of interest include the scenic Gekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake) at the foothills of the Himalaya where boating facilities are available; Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum with its rich collection of tribal art and craft, weapons, ornaments and textiles; Mahayana Buddha temple, a center for Buddhist studies; the State Forest Research Institute; and the Polo Park at Naharlagun.

NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK

Situated in the eastern part of the state, the Namdapha National Park rises from sea level to 4,500 m. It is the world’s only park supporting the four great cats within one reserve - the tiger, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. It is also an ideal place for trekking and hiking.