ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Capital: Itanagar. Area: 83,743 sq. km. Population: 1,097,968 (Male: 5,79,941 Female: 5,18,027). Population density: 13 per sq. km. Sex ratio: 893 females per 1000 males. Principal languages: Nissi/Daffla, Nepali, Bengali. Literacy: 54.3 pc (Male: 63.8 pc Female: 43.5 pc). Districts: 14. Lok Sabha seats: 2. State Assembly seats: 2. Airports: Along, Daporijo, Pasighat, Teju, Ziro. Tourist season: October to April.
Introduction Arunachal Pradesh means ‘Land ofthe dawn- lit mountains’ in Sanskrit. The land’s rich cultural heritage is corroborated by the widely scattered archaeological remains. Tucked into the North Eastern tip of India, Arunachal Pradesh, deserves to be in your itinerary. This serene land extends a warm welcome to tourists to relax in its exotic hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and interact with friendly locals and in particular to witness their glorious heritage of arts, crafts and vibrant festivals. The capital, Itanagar, is mainly useful for its helicopter and road connections to Central Arunachal. Around 65 different tribal groups form the majority of the state’s population. These people with a deep sense of beauty by nature are also known for their sensible expression in their songs, dances and crafts.
Arunachal Pradesh, the ‘nature’s treasure trove,’ provides ample scope for angling,
boating, rafting, trekking and hiking. Its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks include many endangered species of animals and birds.
How to get there By Air: The nearest airport is Lilabari in Assam, which is 67 km from Itanagar. Another prominent airport at Tezpur (Assam) is connected to Kolkata. Indian Airlines has regularflightstoTezpur.
ByRa The nearest railway station Harmuty is only 33 km from Itanagar. The most convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam.
By Road: Itanagar is connected by road to Guwahati (381 km), Shillong (481 km), Agartala (980 km), Kolkata (1,539 km) and other important cities.
Places of interest
Itanagar (Fort, Raj Bhavan, J.N. State Museum, Ganga Lake)
Ziro Valley • Along (Aalo)
Pasighat (Oldest town of the state and is also a gateway to the state)
Tawang Valley (Rhou, Tawang Gompa, Urgelling Gompa, Prayer house, Museum)
Tawang Town
National Parks: Namdhapa National Park (Tiger Project), Miao; Mouling National Park, Jengging; Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Tipi; Dihang-Debang Biosphere Reserve, Dibang Valley.
m Tourist information Foreign tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh require a Restricted Area Permit and Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit.
Helicopters from Pasighat Aerodrome serve Naharlagun (Itanagar) via Mohanbari (Dibrugarh). Services are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Services to Guwahati via Naharlagun are available on Tuesday and Tuting via Along on Friday.
From the APST bus station (Ganga Market) at Itanagar, buses leave at dawn for Along, Tezpur and Pasighat via North Lakhimpur, where you will find the nearest airport (Lilabari).
Parashuram Kund
Bhismaknagar
• Malinithan (Ancient temple site in ruins) Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Seijosa; Itanagar Wild life Sanctuary, Naharlagun; Dr. D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Pasighat; Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Roing; Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Miao; Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Seijosa; Kane Wildlife Sanctuary, Along.