PLACE TO VISIT - Arunachal Pradesh

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Itanagar capital of Arunachal Pradesh, which also includes Naharlagun

Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83,743 sq. kms. This region acquired an independent political status in 1972, when it was declared as Union Territory under the name of Arunachal Pradesh, and then became a state in 1987. It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The state is flanked by the Himalayas in along the northern borders that divide it into five snow-fed river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap.

The weather and the climate of Arunachal Pradesh are quite distinct from the rest of the country. It is hot and humid at the lower altitudes and in the valleys covered by a swampy dense forest particularly in the eastern section. But the higher parts of the state are very cold owing to the Himalayan winds. Average temperatures during winter range from 15-21°C and 22-30°C during the monsoon. In the summers, the temperatures can even soar up to a hot 40-42°C. Arunachal gets perhaps the heaviest share of rainfall in the country. The annual average rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh is more than 350cm.

The People
There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from original Mongoloid race, but their geographical isolation from each other has brought among them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs. The members of these tribes have a rich cultural heritage. Their colorful festivals are manifestations of their faith and belief. Although a number of tribal groups constitute the total population, the density of population is very low. But this does not stop the people of Arunachal from being friendly and hospitable.

Visiting Arunachal Pradesh
Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh requires a number of entry formalities. These requirements are general to visitors entering some of the other North-Eastern states. Government policy has also opted for certain safety measures to allow for a gradual cultural interaction and influence in the state that is comparatively new in the field without hurting traditional values and degrading the state's pristine beauty. Any domestic tourist coming to Arunachal Pradesh has to obtain an Inner Line Permit.

Recommended Travel Circuits:

• TEZPUR - BHALUKPONG - BOMDILA – TAWANG
• TINSUKIA - TEZU – PARASURAMKUND
• MARGHERITA - MIAO – NAMDAPHA
• ITANAGAR - ZIRO - DAPORIJO - ALONG – PASIGHAT
• ROING - MAYUDIA – ANINI
• PASIGHAT - JENGGING – YINGKIONG
• TEZPUR - SEIJOSA(PAKHUI) - BHALUKPONG – TIPI

Bus Service
Bus services are available from Guwahati every day in the morning and evening. Most buses take NH 52 to travel the 429 km long journey to Itanagar. Direct buses to Itanagar are also available from Shillong, Tezpur and other places in Assam such as Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Nagaon. Within Arunachal Pradesh bus services are available from Itanagar/Naharlagun.

Helicopter Services
In addition to the helicopter service between Guwahati and Naharlagun, helicopter services also connect several other centers within Arunachal Pradesh, such as:

Mohanbari - Naharlagun - Mohanbari
Mohanbari - Khonsa - Changlang – Mohanbari
Mohanbari - Nafsai
Tezpur - Nafasi – Tezu
Tezu - Roing - Tezu
Naharlagun - Ziro - Naharlagan
Ziro - Daporijo - Ziro ari

DTDC Franchisee Offices:

1. Naharlagun	:	New Market, G-Extension, Naharlagun-791110 Phone:0360-2247749
2. Itanagar	:	Teli-Plaza, Near Mla Cottage Road, E-Sector, Itanagar-791111
3. Pasighat	:	Near Police Station, Pasighat Market, Pasighat - 791102 Phone:0368-2222862 / Mobile: 09436043001
4. Along	:	Nehru Chawk, Near D.C.Office, Along-791001 Phone: 03783-223620, Mobile:094364-12035