Arunachal Pradesh Travel Guide

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Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83743 sq. Kms. This region acquired an independent political status in January 20, 1972, when it was declared as Union Territory under the name of Arunachal Pradesh. The state of Arunachal Pradesh Bill was passed by the Parliament in 1986 and with effect from February 20, 1987 Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of Indian Union.

Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen. Tropical rain forests are to be found in the foothills and the hills in the east on the border with Burma. Northern most border is covered with Alpine forests.

The climate varies from hot and humid in the Shivalik range with heavy rainfall. It becomes progressively cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes.

Getting There:
By Air:
The Lilabari airport is at a distance of 67 kms and the Tezpur airport is 216 kms away.
By Rail:
The closest railway station to Itanagar is North Lakhimpur, which is 60kms away from Itanagar and is located in Assam.
By Bus:
The Naharlagun bus station is at a distance of 10 kms from Itanagar. There are buses to Guwahati, Shillong, Ziro, North Lakhimpur and Bomdila.

Fast Facts:
Area: 83,743 sq km
Population: 950,000
Capital: Itanagar
Languages spoken: Indigenous languages, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali & English.
Best Time to visit: October to April.

Tourist Attractions:
Itanagar :
The state capital of Arunachal Pradesh is known for its excavated ruins of the historical fort Ita Fort. It is estimated that it required 46300 man-days, 80 lakhs of bricks , 45 cubic meters of stone to build the forst.

Itanagar Sanctuary:
Established in 1978, it is situated in the Lower Subansiri district. The wildlife present here are elephant, leopard, deer, tiger, birds and orchids

Bhalukpong (Tipi Orchid Research Center) :
An orchidarium at Tipi (5km from Bhalukpong) is the Botanical paradise of the state. About 300 species can be seen in the flora-glass house. An orchid Sanctuary at Sessa (24kms. from Tipi on the way to Bomdila) spread over an area of 100sq. Over 2600 Orchids representing 80 species have cultivated in natural surroundings. Scenic beauty, high water falls and the bank of river Kameng surrounded by evergreen forests are photographer's delight. The meandering Kameng river provides excellent opportunity for white water rafting and has been th Angler's paradise for long.

Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum:
Has a collection of musical instruments, religious articles, wood carvings, archaeological findings, textile, weapons, ornaments , handicraft (cane items).

The Tawang Monastery :
The Tawang Monastery, constructed in the 17th century, houses a big library of holy books, some of which are written in gold letters. Situated atop a ridge and surrounded by thick clouds and mist, it seems to be hanging in ethereal space.

Namdhapa National Park :
Spread over 1850 sq km, the Namdapha National Park is situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Also a Tiger reserve, this National Park has topography with altitudes ranging from plains to 4500 meters. T