The literal meaning of Arunachal Pradesh is a “land of the dawn-lit mountains”. Located in the eastern most part of the Indian Territory, this wonderful holiday getaway is home to green valleys. Gushing waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and picturesque mountain tops enhance the astounding scenic beauty of this treasure trove of unmatched allure.
Arunachal Pradesh
1. Bomdila
Bomdila is an attractive summer vacation getaway in Arunachal Pradesh. This wonderful getaway is located at a height of 8000 ft above sea level. Idyllic destination for family outing, Bomdila will indulge you to get closer with your loved ones. Stroll across the land to have a glimpse of the snow packed Himalayan peaks and clearer views of Kangto and Gorichen Peak. If you are adventurous enough you can trek through the hills of different levels or simply stroll through the long quiet trails of the luxurious slopes. The most important sightseeing spot in Bomdila is Bomdila Monastery which is rich in art and craft. The Local Craft Centre displays samples of local craft of Bomdila. If you are ready to take a short tour, visit Sessa Orchid Sanctuary where 2600 orchids of 80 species are cultivated. To witness the orchid cultivation more closely trekking routes are developed which is truly amazing.
2. Itanagar
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is the state capital and a well connected city. The township is situated at an altitude of 350 m above sea level. Apart from the state administrative headquarters, the city presents a number of rich architectural wonders. The historical Ita Fort is made of special bricks and is significant from a socio-cultural point. For a simple holidaymaker to an archeologist, this place can be of great value to be explored. The legendary Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinwi) is a famous picnic spot in Itanagar which is 6 km from the heart of the city. Jawaharlal Nehru Museum is a wonderful repository of indigenous tribal culture of Arunachal. Gompa Buddha Vihar is an astounding yellow roofed shrine. One can have a glimpse of the surrounding countryside from the gompa premise. Buy some local artifacts, wall paintings, herbal dyed yarns and bamboo/cane-made attractive utility items from Craft Centre and Emporium. Polo Park, Indira Gandhi Park, and Zoological Park are some of the evening leisure walk spots.
3. Ziro
Ziro is an ideal place for trekking in Arunachal. It is situated on a plateau and known to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in Arunachal Pradesh. The native tribal people of this place spend an easy lifestyle where the perplexities of mundane city life hardly bother them. The undulating terrains are perched with deep green forests which add to its scenic view. Walking through the pine forest edging the paddy field will soothe your strained nerves. Along with its own attractions, Ziro is the gateway to a number of other attractive tourist places. Kardo Hills, Talley Valley, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary are the best of them. Ziro Putu is a perfect spot to have a bird’s eye view of the entire Ziro Valley. Do not miss the 25 ft high and 22 ft wide Shiva Lingam at Kardo Hills. Talley Valley is located 32 km away from Ziro and offers the best trekking route by the bamboo, orchids, ferns, and rhododendron forests. Talley Valley Reserved Forest and Talley Wildlife Sanctuary are situated at an elevated level and rivers like Karing, Subansiri, Sipu, and Pange flow through them. Apart from being home to the endangered snow leopard, Ziro is home to many other rare and exotic animals making it a wildlife lover’s delight.
4. Roing
Whether you are planning for a tour with your better half or with your buddies, the diverse land of Roing will present you ultimate satisfaction. This picturesque valley is situated on the bank of Dibang River. Geographically this tranquil tourist spot is located in the Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. Nehru Van Udyan is a breath-taking forest park set on the riverbank at Deopani. While going from Roing to Bhismaknagar, you can see the vibrant orange orchards.
5. Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are passionate enough about wildlife photography and want to take the best clicks of big cats flaunting their might in the open air, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is the paradise for you. Located on the foothills of the Himalaya, this is a wonderful land rich in flora and fauna. There are 2000 species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 300 species of avi-fauna, 36 species of reptiles and 30 species of amphibians in this place. Some of the members of this forest are globally threatened species. The most important animal of this sanctuary is the tigers as it is a famous tiger reserve forest as well. Three types of big cats: common leopard (Panthera pardus), (Panthera tigris), and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) are found here. Other than that five smaller cats – jungle cat, leopard cat, golden cat (Catopuma temmincki), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) are also found in this reserve forest. For witnessing the activities of multihued butterflies, May to October is the best time.
6. Dirang
Located at a distance of 42km from Bomdila, Dirang is an attractive hill station in Arunachal Pradesh. An ideal place to spend quality time in the lap of Goddess Nature, Dirang has enormous options to explore vividly. The region is located at an elevation of 4910 ft above sea level and on a picturesque valley in between two major getaways- Bomdilla and Tawang. The land of kiwi and apple orchards is cooled by the freezing river air. It is the base camp of trekking and bird watching at Mandla. There is a historical fort atop the hill and the remnants of the fort bears evidence of the glorious past of this area. Other than its own attractions the neighboring areas of Dirang are also famous in terms of their natural view. Visit the Regional Apple Nursery and Kiwi Firm. Sangti Valley is 7km away from Dirang where black-necked crane comes from Siberia to breed.
7. Sela Pass
Tezpur is the nearest major city to Arunachal Pradesh, the land of natural wonders, and Sela Pass is the connecting point of Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of India. While moving towards Tawang, one has to go over this mystic motorable pass. It is 2244 m high from the sea level and a wonderful trek to be explored by the bikers and other trekking fans. The blue water natural lake, snowcapped mountain peaks and scarce grass coating portray the landscape of this stunning getaway. Strolling on the pass turns pleasing when moving clouds touch you with its freezing feel.