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| Arunachal
Pradesh |
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 Arunachal
Pradesh, the land of rising sun, is one of the enthralling regions
of India when it comes to natural beauty. It is also the most
sparsely populated state of the Union of India. Arunachal is
a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys, snow capped
mountains, picturesque sleepy villages, beautiful plateaus and
simple people. The land is mostly mountainous, with the Himalayan
range running along the northern borders. Turbulent snow fed
Himalayan rivers like Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap
curve through the gorgeous landscape of the state. Besides all
this, it is the unique tribal community (23 tribes) of the state
with their distinct customs, living in their traditional villages
amidst rich flora and fauna that enthral the tourists to a great
extent. Arunachal Pradesh has a magical charm and it lures visitors
with its natural beauty, tribal culture, traditional crafts
and its splendid wildlife. With all its wondrous elements, this
state is fast becoming one of the most favoured tourism destinations
in the country. |
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| GETTING
HERE |
The nearest airport
is Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam, 57 kms from Naharlagun
and 67 kms from Itanagar, served by Vayudoot. Indian Airlines
operates direct flights from Kolkata to Tezpur (216 kms from
Itanagar) thrice a week. There are also helicopter services
and charter flights to several towns of the state. The nearest
railway station is Harmuty, only 23 kms from Naharlagun and
33 kms from Itanagar. However the nearest convenient railhead
is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 50 kms from Naharlagun and 60 kms
from Itanagar. From there, the state is connected to the rest
of the nation. By road, distance between Itanagar and Naharlagun
is only 10 kms. Itanagar is connected by road to Guwahati (381
kms), Ballipara (110 kms), Shillong (481 kms), Kohima (350 kms),
Imphal (495 kms) and Kolkata (1,539 Kms). Inter-state bus services
connect every town of Arunachal Pradesh with other towns and
cities of neighbouring states.
ENTRY FORMALITIES
Any domestic tourist coming to Arunachal Pradesh has to obtain
an Inner Line Permit. Inner Line Permit can be obtained from
any of the officers of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in
New Delhi (Phone: +91-11-23013915), Kolkata (Phone: +91-33-23341243)
and Guwahati (Phone: +91-361-2452859).
Foreign Tourists intending to visit Arunachal Pradesh require
a Restricted Area Permit. The foreign tourists can obtain the
Protected Area Permit from all Indian Missions abroad, all Foreigners
Regional Registration Officers (FRROs) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,
Chief Immigration Officers, Chennai, Home Ministry, Govt. of
India, New Delhi and Home Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh,
Itanagar. |
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| WHAT
TO SEE |
Major
destinations of tourist interest in Arunachal Pradesh are Itanagar,
Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Tawang, Tezu, Parasuramkund, Miao, Namdapha,
Ziro, Daporijo, Along, Pashighat, Roing, Mayudia, Anini, Jengging,
Yingkiong and Tipi.
Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, lies amidst beautiful
and tranquil surroundings complemented with a cool climate.
Major attractions in the city are State Museum, Ita Fort, The
Buddhist Temple, Ganga Sekhi Lake. One can also shop at the
craft emporium for local mementoes. 200 kms from Itanagar is
Ziro, which is a small but spectacular destination with pine
and bamboo groves. This is also an ideal place for trekking
and hiking. Pasighat is another important town with scenic splendour.
On the road to Tawang, one will get to see the widest range
of Orchids in Tipi and the Buddhist Gompas at Bomdila, the beautiful
small town that presents with an amazing view of the snow-capped
Himalayas.
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Just
before reaching Tawang is the world's second highest pass the
famous Sela Pass. Set amidst beautiful wooded mountains at 3,500
metres above sea level is Tawang the land of the Monpa tribe.
This land evokes images of awesome mountains, remote hamlets,
quaint and sleepy villages, mystical Gompas and tranquil lakes.
Apart from the jaw-dropping scenic landscape, tourists can experience
the town of Tawang, which boasts of a heady mixture of history,
religion and legends. Main attraction here is the Tawang Monastery.
The town has many Chinese restaurants, some of which serve delicious
momos and thupkas. Perhaps the most illustrious place in Arunachal
Pradesh is Namdapha Tiger Reserve. One has to go through Miao
and Deban to reach Namdapha. This 2000 sq. km natural reserve
is a wonderland, with an amazing variety of exotic flora and
fauna. |
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