Arunachal Pradesh is such a charming state. This northeastern state of India is undoubtedly a traveler's dream because it is adorned with stunning and untainted rivers, lakes, hills, and valleys, as well as an abundance of animals and culture. Arunachal Pradesh is bordered on the south by Arunachal Pradesh, on the west by Bhutan, on the north and northeast by China, and the east by the charming small nation of Myanmar. It has a stunning 83,743 square kilometers of area filled with many rivers, lakes, woods, hill ranges, valleys, grasslands, and adorable tiny towns.
We at Indian Holiday provide a complete travel manual for your trip to Arunachal Pradesh. This travel guide covers all the details that help make your trip to Arunachal Pradesh unique, including the best time to visit, prominent tourist attractions, where to stay, the transportation system, restaurants, and activities to do.
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism
Arunachal Pradesh is well-known for its different religions and languages. From magnificent mountains to beautiful monasteries, Arunachal Pradesh boasts several attractions, including new passes and tranquil lakes.
The most popular tourist attractions that make Arunachal Pradesh tourism notable include Tawang (a town with the second largest Buddhist monastery controlling 17 gompas in the region), Ziro (a picturesque valley famous for its Ziro music festival and unique handloom and craft items), and pristine Sela Lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the rivers. The state has all that a traveler requires for a perfect holiday.
Languages Spoken in Arunachal Pradesh
English is Arunachal Pradesh's official language. Monpa, Miji, Aka, Sherdukpen, Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Hill Miri, Adi, Digaru-Mishmi, Idu-Mishmi, Khamti, Miju-Mishmi, Nocte, Tangsa, and Wancho are also spoken by the residents of Arunachal Pradesh.
Where is Arunachal Pradesh located?
India's Arunachal Pradesh, which is 83,743 square kilometers in size and borders Bhutan to the west (160 km), China to the north and north-east (1,080 km), and Myanmar to the east (440 km), is located in the northeastern part of the country.
Why Visit Arunachal Pradesh?
New passes, beautiful mountains, impressive monasteries, serene lakes, and many more can be found in Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the Seven Sisters of India and situated on the country's northeasternmost point. China, Burma, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and other countries wonderfully encircle it, and it is blessed with various plants and animals. This destination makes a perfect holiday for every traveler.
Types of Permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh
This is the most crucial section of the Arunachal Pradesh travel guide. Tourists should be aware that the whole of Arunachal Pradesh comes under the protected area; thus, both non-native Indian citizens and foreigners need a permit to enter the state. The two types of permits are explained below:
1. Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Indian citizens must have an Inner Line Permit. This license costs INR 100 and is suitable for 7 days. You can apply for and receive an Inner Line Permit online the same day.
2. Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Foreign visitors must have a Protected Area Permit. This permit is effective for 30 days.
How to reach Arunachal Pradesh
Despite not having a functioning airport, Arunachal Pradesh is well connected by air. Tawang can be reached by flight from Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam, 317 km away. Air India regional flights connect Silchar and Kolkata. However, it is easier to connect to Tawang from the Guwahati airport.
Tawang is 480 km from Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which connects to India's main cities. In addition, international flights are offered by Druk Air from Guwahati to Bangkok and Paro, Bhutan. From the Guwahati airport, one can take a 4-hour drive to Tezpur and then travel to Tawang in a Tata Sumo or Mahindra Bolero.
Best Time to visit Arunachal Pradesh
The best time to travel to Arunachal Pradesh is in the winter and spring, respectively, between October and April. Due to its high altitude, Arunachal enjoys good weather all year round. However, the temperature may be too high to explore during the summer's hottest part of the day (April to June). The state's monsoon season lasts from July to September. During this time, the landscape changes into a lush, gorgeous paradise. However, excessive rains might cause some tourist attractions to close.
Places To Visit in Arunachal Pradesh
A fairytale destination adorned with the finest forts, monasteries, landscapes, and heartwarming people. Arunachal’s lesser-explored places are its major attractions, for they entice the ones with wanderlust to take a plunge into the hidden treasure chest and find some of the best gems.
- Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhalukpong
- Bomdila
- Dirang
- Itanagar
Fairs and festivals in Arunachal Pradesh
While the ceremonies for each festival in Arunachal Pradesh may differ, dancing and music are two features shared by all of them. Therefore, the celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh are a must-attend during vacation because they are flattering, distinctive, and distinctive in every way possible.
List of Popular Fairs & Festivals in Arunachal:
- Solung Festival
- Mopin Festival
- Losar Festival
- Boori Boot Festival
- Dree Festival
- Chalo Loku Festival
- Oriah Festival
Nightlife in Arunachal Pradesh
While India is known primarily for its culture, heritage, and traditions, the growing urban population has ensured a sharp rise in the nightlife in Arunachal Pradesh as well. Most cities have distinctive bars and breweries, but they also have great night markets, historical sites, and delicious food options to keep you going all night.
Is it safe to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, Arunachal Pradesh is safe for tourists. It is one of India's most beautiful tourist destinations, attracting a large number of visitors each year. Therefore, it is safe and secure to travel to Arunachal Pradesh.
How to save money on an Arunachal Pradesh trip?
- Choose local transportation.
- Book your hotel in advance.
- Visit during the off-season to save some money.
- Instead of taking public transportation if the distance is short, consider walking.
- If you’re taking a taxi, prefer the meter's indicated rate.
Accommodation in Arunachal Pradesh
There are many affordable lodging options in Arunachal Pradesh, including homestays, circuit houses, and budget hotels. You can find decent hotels within your price range in most city centers and towns, including Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Tawang, Itanagar, Ziro, and Aalo. In addition, you can take advantage of the friendliness of homestays, circuit houses, and forest lodges in some of the more remote areas.
- Ugyenling Hotel Tawang
- Bumla Inn Tawang
- Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok Itanagar
- Hotel Pemaling Dirang
- Hotel Seagull Bomdila
- Norphel Retreat Dirang
What to Eat in Arunachal Pradesh
The staple foods are rice, fish, meat (Lukter), and many green vegetables. Different varieties of rice are available. Lettuce is the most common and preferred vegetable, prepared by boiling it with ginger, coriander, green chilies, and a pinch of salt.
Some famous dishes are:
- Smoked meat
- Lukter
- Bamboo shoot
- Chura Sabji
- Momo
- Pika pila
- Apong
Travel Tips
- Research the places in advance to learn more about the site, village, or attraction you are visiting.
- Dress appropriately when visiting places of worship. Additionally, cover your knees and shoulders when entering mosques, gurudwaras, monasteries, and temples.
- Pack your clothes according to the weather.
- Keep your tickets, cash, and other essential papers in waterproof bags. Also, keep them handy in case of urgent requirements.
