Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is at the north-eastern tip of India, bordering Bhutan on the west, China on the north, Myanmar on the east, and the state of Assam on the south. A part of the Eastern Himalayan ranges, it covers about 83,000 sq. km. The climate varies from sub-tropical in the south, to alpine in the north.

Arunachal Pradesh has been mentioned in ancient literature such as the Kalika Purana and in the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is believed that sage Vyasa meditated here and that the remains of a brick structure, peppered around two villages in the hills north of Roing, was the palace of Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. The sixth Dalai Lama was also born in Arunachal.

Evergreen forests cover more than sixty percent of Arunachal Pradesh, with numerous turbulent streams, roaring rivers, deep gorges, lofty mountains, snow-clad peaks, and thousands of species of flora and fauna. There are five major rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, Siang (later the Brahmaputra in Assam), Lohit and Tirap.The rivers are ideal for rafting and angling, and the rugged terrain is ideal for trekking.

Once described as the 'Hidden Land', Arunachal Pradesh has now opened its doors to outsiders. The people of Arunachal Pradesh are of Mongoloid stock, with a glorious heritage of arts and crafts, and enchanting folk songs.

How To Get There

Air: The nearest airports are at Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat and Dibrugarh, all in Assam.

Rail: The important railheads are at Rangapara, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Naharkatia, all in Assam.

Road: The capital city of Itanagar is well connected by road to Tezpur in Assam.

Entry Formalities

Domestic tourists have to obtain the Inner Line Permit from the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned districts; Resident Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh, New Delhi; Liaison Officer at Calcutta, Guwahati, Tezpur, Lakhimpur North and Dibrugarh. The Inner Line Permit is liberally issued.

Foreign tourists have to obtain the Restricted Area Permit from the Ministry of External Affairs or from the Ministry of Home Affairs.