Arunachal Pradesh means the "Land of Dawn-lit Mountains" since this region first greets the morning sun in India. The land also finds mention in the ancient literature of puranas and the Mahabharata. This gives the area an enchanted aura. Some legends somehow connect Lord Parashurama with his sins being washed at the sacred site of Parashuram Kund, Bhismaknagar and Rukmini (the princess who ran away with Lord Krishna). These fabrications of origin and history are part of a deep cultural memory of India that makes Arunachal Pradesh much more than a geographical area, rendering it a mythological landscape, contextually real. The mythological underpinnings provide an additional spiritual attraction for pilgrims or any other traveling group with a sense of curiosity.
Arunachal Pradesh offers a dream escape from the matter of fact. Placid mountain ranges, unspoilt greenery, turbulent streams gushing through and the colourful tribes lay an invitation for you to travel to Arunachal Pradesh.
The land still remains much like a virgin territory unspoilt by the hustle bustles of the fast paced civilization. The tranquil wilderness and the mystic 'Gompas' are sure to make your trip to Arunachal Pradesh a memory to cherish. At monasteries such as the famous Tawang Gompa, the largest in India and second in the world, you can lose track of time. At an elevation of 10,000 ft high, the Tawang Monastery is more than a place for faith; it is a place of culture. The monastery, built in the 17th century, holds priceless texts, but more importantly, it holds thangkas (Buddhist paintings) and other relics. Many pilgrims and travelers visit, and many mirror what the Dalai Lama said when he reported visiting Tawang - "It was an awakening." The view will captivate you, its fluttering prayer flags, snow-capped mountains, and the melodies of chanting monks generate a sense of peace, not to mention the clean air.
The most sparsely populated state of India, Arunachal Pradesh is home to nearly 26 tribes and a number of sub-tribes. In spite of the ethnic similarities underlying, the tribes vary in language, dress and social customs, mostly because of the geographical isolation from one another. Throughout the year some tribe or the other have their festivals to celebrate. The extravaganzas are truly worth a visit.
The region's tribal implications are as beautiful as its geography. The Apatanis in the Ziro Valley are well-known for their heavy agricultural reliance and eco-friendly existence. The women from the older years maintain their facial tattoos and nose plugs, a beautiful symbol of a people with a story to tell. The Monpas in the Tawang and West Kameng districts belong to followers of Tibetan Buddhism, which aid in the state preservation of their monastic ways of living. Meanwhile there are the Adis, Nyishis, and Tagins, each of which also possessed their unique culture of festivals, called Solung, Nyokum, and Si-Donyi respectively.
The engaging music, dances, and feasts marking these festivals demonstrate their strong sense of community and respect for nature. Visitors often feel welcomed with warm hearts and sheer happiness, and they appear to gain strong cultural values. Places such as Ziro, home of the annual Ziro Festival of Music, tribal heritage of music integrates into the modern arts, welcoming both local and foreign audiences and people alike.
There are a number of interesting destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang, Parashuram Kund, Bhismaknagar, Malinithan, Akashiganga, Itanagar, Bomdila (all linked to Tourist Attractions of Arunachal Pradesh page) are just a few to mention. Don't give them a miss when you travel to Arunachal Pradesh.
Even if you were a wildlife enthusiast, the state would not disappoint you. As many as 7 Wild Life Sanctuaries & 4 National Parks (all link to Tourist Attractions of Arunachal Pradesh page) offers you the opportunity to see a wide range of wild lives in their natural habitat, when you travel to Arunachal Pradesh.
Travel and Accessibility
The government of India has made extraordinary strides in improving connectivity in the area in recent years. Where Arunachal Pradesh once felt remote and inaccessible, today it can claim airports such as Tezu and Pasighat, and its roads are all being built as part of the Trans-Arunachal Highway Project. The Sela Tunnel, which will be the longest road tunnel in India, will allow for all-weather access to Tawang. There are also helicopter services, through the UDAN scheme offered by the Indian government, to remote areas of the state, connecting larger hub cities such as Guwahati and Dibrugarh.
Travelers are advised to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP). These are required for all Indian citizens going into Arunachal Pradesh, while foreign tourists will require a Protected Area Permit (PAP)
How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, the "land of the rising sun" is India's remotest state and is located on the north-eastern tip of India, bordering China, Bhutan and Myanmar. The state is gifted with astounding flora and fauna that is certain to attract any tourist. The cloudy hills, radiant rivers, gushing waterfalls add a lot of charm to the splendor of this state.
By Air
The nearest airport is Lilabari airport in North Lakhimpur, Assam. The airport is at a distance of 73 km from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The airport connects regular flights to Kolkata.
From Kolkata one can easily travel throughout the country. At the Lilabari airport travelers can hire taxis and buses to enter the state. Helicopter Services operated by Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited runs daily shuttle services (except Sundays) between Guwahati to Naharlagun and Guwahati to Tawang.
By Rail
Arunachal Pradesh is not linked with the rest of the country by Rail. The nearest railway station is at Harmuti, Assam located only 33 km from Itanagar. However, the closest convenient railhead is in North Lakhimpur, Assam around 66 km from Itanagar. These stations are accessed by the Arunachal Express Train from Rangia and Dhemaji in Assam. Assam is well linked with the rest of the country by rail.
By Road
Arunachal Pradesh is connected with National Highway number 52. The Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services runs daily transportation services for commuters to travel within the state and run alternately on certain routes. Interstate buses to the adjacent states are also easily available. Private buses and taxis are also available for traveling to Arunachal Pradesh.
Distance to Itanagar
- From Tezpur- 163 km
- From Guwahati- 348 km
- From Dimapur- 378 km
- From Shillong- 408 km
- From Imphal- 585 km
Shopping in Arunachal Pradesh can be a pleasant experience. The state boasts of its wide variety of handicrafts. The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are traditionally skilled at aesthetic craftsmanship. The same manifests through weaving, painting, pottery, wood works which turn up exquisite souvenirs of a wonderful tour to Arunachal Pradesh. While shopping in Arunachal Pradesh, be on the look out for Colourful utility items like cups, dishes and fruit bowls scooped out of local Monpa wood. Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani Jackets and scarves Adi skirts, Mishmi shawls, Wancho bags Baskets and masks made of bamboo and cane Ornaments and bangles made of beads Although you cannot find plush air-conditioned city-like shopping malls, there are Government Emporia as well as private shops to make your shopping in Arunachal Pradesh easy. Bargaining with the vendors on the main streets may also appear a delightful experience.
Places to See in Arunachal Pradesh
- Itanagar
- Bomdila (8500 ft.)
- Tawang
- Parashuram Kund
- Bhismaknagar
- Malinithan
- Akashiganga
FAQs
Q.1: When is the best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
The best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh is from October to April, when the climate is agreeable, the skies are clear and fresh, and festivals such as Losar, Ziro Music Festival, and Nyokum are being celebrated.
Q.2: Is Arunachal Pradesh safe for tourists?
Overall yes, Arunachal Pradesh is recognized as tourist friendly, with low crime rates and engaging people, but, as always, respect local customs and keep the usual precautions in mind.
Q.3: Is accommodation readily available for tourists?
Yes, accommodation options are available in almost every tourist destination. Government-run circuit houses, eco-resorts, homestays, private hotels, with that said, when the tourist season peaks, you should book in advance.
Q.4: Can I travel all year round?
Yes and no. While some parts of Arunachal Pradesh, such as the plains, could be traversable all year round, however, the monsoon months (June to September) truly make travel difficult and often dangerous due to the substantial and sometimes torrential rains with resulting landslides and road closures. Therefore, it is advised to avoid travel during the monsoon.
Q.5: Is it obligatory to hire a licensed tour guide?
No, it is not obligatory to hire a licensed tour guide, but a licensed tour guide will allow you to experience and discover so much more than simply being a tourist, especially when you are travelling through tribal areas or are exploring a cultural heritage site or a wildlife sanctuary, where local knowledge pays dividends.
Last Updated on : June 11, 2025
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