Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh and the Rich Food and Lifestyle
Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the “land of the dawn-lit mountains,” is the northeasternmost state of India. It is known for its breathtaking Himalayan mountain ranges, dense forests, and diverse tribal communities. The state offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and ancient monasteries. Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, is a major attraction in the region. Arunachal Pradesh is also rich in wildlife, with the Namdapha National Park being home to a wide range of animal species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and various bird species.
Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh
1 Tawang:
Distance from the capital, Itanagar: Approximately 320 km.
Tawang, with its stunning landscapes and historic Tawang Monastery, is a gem in Arunachal Pradesh. The Tawang Monastery, perched at an altitude of 10,000 feet, is the largest in India and offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Tawang is the native of the Monpa people. The Tawang Monastery was founded by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, and has a legend surrounding its name. Ta means “horse” and wang means “chosen”. So, the word Tawang means “chosen by horse”. According to mythology, the Monastery was selected by a horse owned by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso. Tsangyang Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama, was born in Tawang. It is a major holy site for Tibetan Buddhists because it is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama.
2 Ziro:
Distance from the capital, Itanagar: Approximately 115 km.
Ziro is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rice fields, and the Apatani tribal culture. The Ziro Music Festival, held annually, attracts music enthusiasts from across the country.
This beautiful hill station is located 1500 meters above sea level. The place has an imposing landscape of beautiful lush green forest, rivulets, and elevated patches. It is famous for paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation. The area is renowned for the terrace paddy fields where the unique system of poly-culture and water management is practiced by the local people. Mainly inhabited by the Apatani tribe, the town wears a festive look during festivals celebrated by the Apatani people.
3 Bomdila:
Distance from the capital, Itanagar: Approximately 170 km
Bomdila offers panoramic views of the Himalayan landscapes. It’s a great place for trekking and exploring local crafts.
Bomdila is famous for apple orchards. They are spread across large areas of the land. Laden with apples, the huge trees in the orchards are great attractions to tourists. Visiting Bomdila in winter would be a feast for your eyes as apple orchards will be at their optimum best in production. You are sure to love the casual stroll in the apple orchards and the temptation to buy apples for unbelievably low prices is too hard to resist.
Bomdila is located at 27.25°N 92.4°E. It has an average elevation of 2217 meters (7273 feet). It is 109 km from Bhalukpong and is the headquarters of West Kameng District. The place is inhabited by tribes like Aka (Hrusso), Miji (Sajalong), Monpa, Sherdukpen, and Khawas. The craft centers, monasteries, ethnographic museums, emporium, etc. are worth visiting.
4 Pasighat:
Pasighat is the headquarters of East Siang district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at the eastern foothills of the Himalayas at 155 meters (509 ft) above mean sea level, Pasighat is Arunachal’s oldest town. The Government of India included Pasighat in the Smart Cities Mission development scheme in June 2017. It is also an Advance Landing Ground (ALG) of the Indian Air Force.
Distance from the capital, Itanagar: Approximately 270 km.
Situated along the Siang River, Pasighat is a gateway to various adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and angling.
**Pasighat was founded in 1911 by the British Raj as a gateway to the administrative convenience of the greater Abor Hills and the north area in general.
5 Namdapha National Park:
Distance from the capital, Itanagar: Approximately 160 km to Miao (nearest town)
This park is a biodiversity hotspot and a haven for nature enthusiasts. It’s home to diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive Red panda and, Red giant flying squirrel.
Namdapha was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, a National Park in 1983, and a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger plan the following year. Its name is a mix of two Singpho words, “nam” for water and “dapha” for origin — the river flows from the Dapha Bum glaciers.
Namdapha National Park is located in the Changlang district of the Northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, near the international border with Myanmar. It spans an area of 1,985 km2 (766 sq mi) including a core area of 1,808 km2 (698 sq mi) and a surrounding buffer zone of 177 km2 (68 sq mi). It is located between the Dapha Bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range with a wide elevation range between 200 and 4,571 m (656 and 14,997 ft). It is crossed from east to west by the Noa Dihing River and originates at the Chaukan Pass on the Indo-Myanmar border. The land cover changes with increasing elevation from tropical evergreen forest to temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Secondary forests cover 345.47 km2 (133.39 sq mi); seasonal snow occurs at above 2,700 m (8,900 ft) between December and March.
Food and Lifestyle:
The food and lifestyle of Arunachal Pradesh are closely intertwined with its indigenous cultures. The staple food includes rice, fish, meat, and leafy greens. Each tribe has its own unique cuisine. Some popular dishes are:
1 Thukpa:
A noodle soup made with vegetables, meat, and sometimes fermented cheese.
2 Apong:
A traditional rice beer is often served during festivals and social gatherings.
3 Bamboo Shoot Curry:
Bamboo shoots are a common ingredient and are prepared in various ways, including curries.
4 Smoked Pork:
Pork is a staple meat, and smoked pork is a delicacy loved by the locals.
5 Marua:
A local alcoholic beverage made from fermented finger millet.
Lifestyle:
The lifestyle of Arunachal Pradesh reflects its diverse tribal cultures. The people have a deep connection with nature and maintain a strong sense of community. Festivals are integral to their lives, celebrating harvests, seasons, and myths. Handicrafts like bamboo and cane products, woven textiles, and tribal ornaments are a significant part of their livelihoods.
Arunachal Pradesh offers not only stunning landscapes but also a rich cultural tapestry that’s deeply rooted in its food, festivals, and way of life. A visit to this enchanting state is a journey into the heart of northeastern India’s cultural and natural treasures.
predominantly Monpa people in the west, Tani people in the center, Mishmi and Tai people in the east, and Naga people in the southeast of the state.
About 26 major tribes and 100 sub-tribes live in the state, [citation needed] including Adi, Nyshi, Singpho, Galo, Tagin, and Apatani. The Mishmi tribe has three sub-tribes, namely Idu-Mishmi, Digaru-Mishmi and Miju-Mishmi.
