GEOGRAPHICAL KNOWHOW
Arunachal Pradesh - The Land Of Rising Sun
By Manchumi Hazarika
Nature has bestowed her plentiful bounties on Arunachal Pradesh, the land of rising sun. The
evergreen forests, the virgin floral and faunal varieties, the turbulent streams and roaring rivers
meandering their way through deep gorges and lush green valleys, the inspiring mountains and
snow clad peaks all make the State a unique place of tourist attraction. Arunachal Pradesh’s
endless variations of scenic beauty is the first to greet sunrise in the country and it offers a variety
of options for tourist who wants something different.
Eye- captive places of Arunachal :
Itanagar :
Arunachal’s Capital town is the land of the dawn lit mountains. The name of this place is derived
from the historical fort called Itafort, which is situated in the heart of the town. It is said that more
than 80 lakh pieces of bricks were used to build this fort. Few interesting places of Itanagar are
Ganga Lake locally known as Gekar Sinyi (confined water), abounds in natural beauty, Buddhist
Monastery, Jawaharlal Nehru museum, Emporium trade Center and a Zoo. The Nyishi (tribe)
people in Itanagar are very friendly and hospitable with their guest.
Ziro :
It is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 5,000 ft. and surrounded by pine mantled hills all
around. Tribes called Apatani are the main people of this place. There one can see Tarin Fish
Fram, Parsi–Parlo archeological site, exotic Orchid Garden and pine and bamboo groves.
Bhalukpong :
Here one can find about three hundred species of flora glass house. Just 5 km away from
Bhalukpong, there is another beautiful place called Tipi where lots of exquisite Orchids are
flourishing and 24 kms away from Tipi at Sessa, there is a beautiful Orchid Sanctuary. Over
2600 Orchids representing 80 species have been cultivated in natural surroundings. Scenic
beauty, high water falls and the bank of river Kameng surrounded by evergreen forests are simply
breath-taking. There, in Kameng River adventure sports lover can grab an opportunity for white
water rafting and angling.
Tawang:
After Bhalukpong, one can head towards one of the most beautiful place of Arunachal- Tawang,
which is sited in the western part of this State. On the way to Tawang, there is the Sela Pass,
world’s second highest pass at 14,000 ft. height, which runs through a small ridge and along the
Paradise Lake. 14 kms from Sela Pass is Jaswant Garh,. The War Memorial raised to pay
homage to Jaswant Singh, Mahavir Chakra awardee (Posthumous) of 4 Battalion Garwal Rifles is
a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression.
There are several myths associated with the birth of Tawang. But the most accepted view is that
because the horse that belonged to Mera Lama, the founder of well known Tawang Moanstery,
often stayed in that area, which was seen by him as an prophecy for the establishment of the
monastery and Lama gave the name Tawang to this place, derived from the two words ‘Ta’
meaning horse and ‘Wang’ meaning blessing. So the word Tawang means ‘blessed by the horse’.
Tawang is known as Buddhist Pilgrimage as there are many Monasteries. The great Tawang
Monastery, with its dramatic background is eye –catching. A stunning 8m high-gilded statue of
Buddha dominates the sanctum. The Urgelling Monastery in Tawang is associated with the birth
of the 6th Dalai Lama. It features his preserved footprints and fingerprints, which are much
revered by Buddhist devotees. The Taktsang Monastery 45 km away from Tawang, is also
known as the Tiger’s Den. Other important Monasteries are the Rigyalling Monastery; Ani
Gompa (nunneries) located 12 km away from Tawang and Gorsam Chorten at Zemithang 92
km away from Tawang. In the Craft Center of Tawang, one can buy fine woolen carpets of
colourful designs and masks.
Pasighat :
It is a place where its surrounding areas are rightly terms as the heart of Arunachal Pradesh
because of their central location in the State. It is the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh
established in 1911 situated on the bank of Siang River. And Siang River is ideal for angling and
river rafting. In Pasighat, there is the Daying Ering Wild Life Sanctuary, which is located at a
distance of 13km and this is one of the few sanctuaries located in the island. This is a paradise for
the migratory birds like cranes, wild ducks, storks and hornbills. The lucky visitors can also see
the glimpse of the tiger. The local people of Pasighat are known as Adi tribe.
Places that one can visit from Pasighat are as below:
Akashiganga :
This is a sacred place situated near Lekabali at a distance of 100 km from Pasighat. The place is
associated with the legend of Kalika Puran according to which the head of the Sati (Parvati) fell
at this place when she was cut into pieces by Vishnu. The name Akashiganga is suggestive of a
water channel in the hill. The place provides a beautiful and magnificent bird’s- eye view of the
Brahmaputra meandering far below. Malinithan, this place is an archaeological site in Arunachal
Pradesh situated at the Arunachal – Assam border in the Likabali area of the West Siang District.
The place is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmani. It is believed that
Krisha and Rukmani took rest at this place while they were on their way to Dwarka from
Bhismaknagar. Shiva and Parvati received them cordially as guests. Parvati was given the name
of Malini by Krishna and the place began to be called as Malinithan.
Roing :
It is a splendidly beautiful place. 56 km away from Roing, there is a unique hill resort called
Mayudia. Amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes tick cover of snow
adds exquisite serenity to the place. From 28 km south east of Roing lies Bhismaknagar, it is the
oldest archaeological site of Arunachal Pradesh. There is a fort called ‘Hill Fort’ made by burnt
bricks. The ruins of the Hill fort dates to circa 12th century A.D a fort called Chirimi Fort or
Rukmini Nati. About 90 kms away from Roing there is a picturesque small town, Hunli and
nearby in Kupunti there is an interesting cave temple.
Parasuram Kund :
At some distance from Roing, there is Parasuram Kund, which steeped in the tribal legend, is
much venerated by Hindus. The holy sage Parasuram is said to have wandered all over India to
atone for the sin of matricide initiated by his father. On the advice of some sages, he came to
bathe in the Kund in this remote land. The axe that was stuck to his hand fell away cleaving the
mountain from which sprang the Lohit River. Near to the Kund, there is a small place called
Walong. There is a war memorial as a mark of respect and remembrance to brave Martyrs, who
laid their lives during Chinese aggression of 1962. The army authorities have constructed a
gigantic War Memorial at Walong.
At a distance from Walong, there is small village called Dong where first rise of sun fell on the
first day of the millennium in the whole world. It is magnificent and spectacular to see the Sun
rising with all its glory in Dong. One can also visit Buddhist temple, Museum, Glow Lake and
Hot springs in Dong.
Ahead of this small village there is Mehao where Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdapha
National Park are located. It is the only park in the world in which four of the great felines are
found viz., the tiger, the leopard, the snow leopard and the clouded leopard. It is also an ideal
place for trekking and hiking.
Closely linked with history and scenic beuaty, Arunachal, nevertheless, is a charming place for an
ideal stay far from the madding crowd. So next whenever you plan for a peaceful vacation, come
to this mystical and magical place and be close to nature……….
What to Buy :
Arunachal offers several handicraft items to its tourists. The local tribes are known to weave
exquisite fabrics. Amongst the many items you may pick up are coats, shawls, sashes, carpets and
bags. These items are made from cotton, wool or even bark fiber. Besides woven items, you may
buy the traditional handicrafts items in bamboo, cane and wood. You must check out the Tibetan
Buddhist paintings or the thankas. Hand-knitted carpets are a specialty of the people of Tawang
and Bomdila.
Adventure Sports:
Bomdila near Itanagar is the place to visit for all the adventure seekers who would like to indulge
in trekking. For the wonderful experience of trekking, there are few destinations in the world
which would match the destinations of Arunachal Pradesh. The best trekking season in Arunachal
Pradesh is from October to February. Rafting and angling are the other adventure sports popular
in Arunachal Pradesh. In Arunachal Pradesh, 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.
Best Time to Visit :
Arunachal experiences subtropical and alpine types of climates. Thus, the adventure destination
neither has extreme cold in winters or heat in summers. The climate is pleasant all through the
year. The State experiences monsoon rains between the months of July and September. On an
average, the adventure destination receives two hundred and sixty six cm of rainfall annually. The
best time to visit the adventure destination is between the months of October and March.
Climate (Degree ˚C) : Summer- 18- 40 ˚C Winter - 5-12 ˚C
How to Reach :
Air: Indian operates direct flight from Kolkata to Tezpur (216 km from Itanagar). A small
airport in Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam which is 57 km from Naharlagun and 67 km
from Itanagar and is served by Vayudoot.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Harmuti - 23 km from Naharlagun and 33 km from
Itanagar. However, nearest convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 50 km from
Naharlagun and 60 km from Itanagar.
Road: Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation operates regular bus-services to
various places in Arunachal Pradesh and its neighbouring States. Direct bus-services are there
from North Lakhimpur to Itanagar via Naharlagun. Buses run frequently between Naharlagun
and Itanagar.
Itanagar is connected by road to: Guwahati- 381 km, Shillong- 481 km, Agartala- 980 km,
Aizawl- 901 km, Kohima- 350 km, Imphal- 495 km.