Once used to be a prominent part of Assam, the state of Arunachal Pradesh has a huge historical significance that dates back to the early 16th century, when the region was ruled by the Ahom kings, a ruler from Assam. The region was under various dynasties until the Britishers took it after the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo. After the independence, Arunachal Pradesh became the state of India in 1987.
The state is known for their diverse climatic condition that varies on the basis of altitudes. The state has a hot and humid climate in the lower regions while the northern part of the state seems to have extremely cold temperatures. Spread across 88,743 sq km of land, the state covers the entire region of eastern India sharing international boundaries with China, Bhutan and Myanmar.
Placed in the eastern part of the country, the state of Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich cultural diversity with being home to more than 26 ethnic communities. Each of these communities shares their separate identity and follows their own culture, customs and rituals. With proximity to Myanmar and China, the states share similar cultures and traditions that have been performed for ages. The people are fond of folk dances and traditional musical forms that are a major part of their traditions.
Apart from diverse culture and scenic mountains, the land of Arunachal Pradesh flaunts unique cuisines that reflect the cultural diversity. The majorities of the foods are influenced by nearby regions and offer a unique blend of flavours and spices. Rice is the staple diet and is mostly served with a variety of curries and stews. Most of the dishes are prepared by boiling, smoking or fermenting the ingredients. The major dishes of the cuisine include
Festival is what makes Arunachal Pradesh stand out as one of the most vibrant states of the northeast. The state is steeped in tradition and vibrant cultures, which lead to the celebration of a multitude of festivals throughout the year. These festivals showcase the rich heritage, diverse ethnicities, and deep connection to nature that define the state. Some of the popular festivals of this state include
Air : Arunachal Pradesh is well connected with other Indian states through direct and indirect flights. Lilabari Airport and Donyi Polo Airport are two major airports that offer diverse flight options.
Train : Travelling to Arunachal Pradesh via train offers one of the best travelling experiences anyone can get. Naharlagun station located at a distance of 14 km from the capital city of Itanagar is one of the primary railway stations of the state.
Road : Arunachal Pradesh is accessible by road thanks to its location in eastern India. National Highway 52, 15, and 415 are the major highways that pass through the state allowing you to reach Itanagar and other destinations of Arunachal Pradesh by car or bus.
Hiking through the dense alpine and rhododendron forests while witnessing the breathtaking Himalayan vistas offer one of the best experiences in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the popular places include Gorichen Peak, Dirang and Tawang.
Navigating the exhilarating rapids of the Brahmaputra's tributaries like Lohit and Subansiri rivers along with admiring the surrounding beauty of nature and majestic valleys is one of the best things to do in the state. Bhalukpong and Pasighat are popular starting points for this thrilling adventure.
Embark on wildlife safaris in Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary or Namdapha National and spot a variety of wild animal species including red pandas, hornbills, and many others. Tourist can take advantage of various wildlife safari that will allow you to witness the animals in their natural habitat from a close range.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture by attending festivals like the Solung Festival and Losar Festival are some of the major festivals of this region that offer tourists glimpses of the traditional culture and old-age rituals of this place.
With home to high altitude passes such as Sela Pass, the state of Arunachal Pradesh is a paradise for adventure seekers and bike riders. Although these places are known for their challenging routes and extreme climatic conditions, the place witnesses a huge number of bike riders throughout the year.