Arunachal Pradesh is part of what are called the Seven Sister States of the Northeast of India. Arunachal Pradesh borders the state of Assam to the south and Nagaland to the south east. Myanmar lies to the east of the state, Bhutan to the west, while the McMahon Line separates it from the zone of control of the People's Republic of China to the north. Itanagar is the capital of the state.

 

Geography

Much of Arunachal Pradesh is covered by the Himalayas, although parts of Lohit, Changlang and Tirap are covered by the Patkai. Kangto (7090m), Nyegi Kangsang (7050m), the main Gorichen peak (6488m) and the Eastern Gorichen peak (6222m) are some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas.^[3]

Climate

The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with elevation. Areas with very high elevation in the Upper Himalayas near the Tibetan border enjoy an alpine or Tundra climate. Below the Upper Himalayas come the Middle Himalayas, where people experience a temperate climate. Fruits like apples, oranges, etc are grown. Areas at the sub-Himalayan and sea-level elevation experience a humid sub-tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

The state receives heavy rainfall of 80 to 160 inches (2,000 to 4,000 mm) annually, most of it falling between May and September. The mountain slopes and hills are covered with alpine, temperate, and subtropical forests of dwarf rhododendron, oak, pine, maple, fir, and juniper; sal (Shorea) and teak are the main economic species.

Sub-divisions

Arunachal Pradesh is divided into Sixteen districts, each administered by a district collector, who sees to the needs of the local people. Especially along the Tibetan border, the Indian army has considerable presence due to the concern about Chinese intentions. Special permits called Inner Line Permits (ILP)are required to enter Arunachal Pradesh through any of it checkgates on its border with Assam.

Districts of Arunachal Pradesh:

• East Kameng
• East Siang
• Kurung Kumey
• Lohit
• Lower Dibang Valley
• Lower Subansiri
• Papumpare
• Tawang District
• Tirap
• Upper Dibang Valley
• Upper Subansiri
• Upper Siang
• West Kameng
• West Siang

Places to See in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974. Itanagar is situated at the foothills. The township is situated at 350 metres 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. As a capital town, Itanagar is well connected with the rest of the country by road and air communications. Pawan Hans provides helicopter service between Guwahati and Naharlagun(Itanagar). Deluxe buses are available from Guwahati.
 

Itanagar is the capital of India's largest North Eastern state. Here one can find historical fort called Itafort, dating back to the 14-15 centuries, after which it is named. The capital houses the Rajbhawan , the official residence of the Governor has also many worth visiting places in and around Itanagar.

These include legendary Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi). It is a beautiful picnic spot, 6 kms away from Itanagar, a green forest lake surrounded by primeval vegetation, orchids masses on tall trees, tree ferns provides a small taste of the magnificent forests of the state.

 

Consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist temple, a beautiful yellow roofed shrine reflects the extensive Tibetan influence and provides good views of Itanagar and the surrounding countryside.

Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum provides a kaleidoscope of Arunachal Pradesh and one can see wood carvings, musical instruments, textiles, handicrafts and archeological finds, while a workshop in the Handicrafts Centre specializes in traditional cane manufacture. It has a library section also.

Other important places of interest around Itanagar is Donyi-Polo Vidya Bhawan a Premier Publics School, North-Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology(Nirjuli) - a engineering insitute providing innovative way of education, Arunachal University (Doimukh) and Government Piggery and Poultry Farm (Nirjuli), Indira Gandhi Park.

The unspoiled environment of Arunachal Pradesh has attracted tourists from many parts of the world. There is also significant locally arranged tourism to see the cultural diversity of Arunachal Pradesh, places from Bomdila and Tawang to Tirap. At this time, foreigners need a special travel permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Bomdila

Bomdila the headquarters of West Kameng district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Tourist attractions of Bomdila include Buddhist temples, craft centres, the district museum, and the sports complex.

 

Trekking in Arunachal Pradesh

For the wonderful experience of trekking, there are a few destinations in the world that would match the trekking routes of Arunachal Pradesh. The best trekking season in Arunachal Pradesh is from October to February. The most interesting as well as challenging trek in this region is around Tawang Chu. This trek starts from Jong, the bus-head in between Se- la and Tawang. From Jong to Mago, the trek route passes through a wonderful jungle studded with magnificent waterfalls.

Rafting and Angling in Arunachal Pradesh

Rafting and angling are the other adventure sports, popular in Arunachal Pradesh. Here, the mountainous routes follow the river system except in places where the mountainsides are very steep, this gives rise to ample opportunities for adventure sports. Try River Rafting along Kameng (Seppa- Bhalukpung), Subansiri (Taliha- North of Daporijo), Siang (entire course), Dibang (Anini- Assam Border).