Arunachal Pradesh Travel Guide
Arunachal Pradesh stands as a guard on the north easternmost part of India. It borders Myanmar on the east, Bhutan in the west and China in the north and North East. On the south the State shares interstate boundaries with Assam and hills of Nagaland in the south-east. Part of Eastern Himalayan ranges, it covers an area of 83,743 Sq.Kms. the largest amongst North Eastern States. The forest cover of the State is about 82% of total area. Most of the terrain is hilly and flat land available is about 4,450 Sq.Km.The history of Arunachal Pradesh is a virtual treasure trove of myths and fascinating traditions. Local tradition regards the country around Sadiya as the ancient Vidarbha. Ancient Puranas have many references to the region, but the recorded history of this state is available only from the 16th century onwards, when the Ahom kings began to rule Assam. Since 1947, it was a part of the North East Frontier Agency and was later made a Union Territory. Arunachal Pradesh was made a full fledged state on 20th February, 1987. The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with the altitude. The southern part of the state has hot and humid sub-tropical climate. The central region is cooler while there is alpine climate in the higher altitudes. Rainfall is uneven and continues throughout the year though the wettest periods of the year are the months of May to September. From mid September to mid December and from mid March to mid June is considered the best time to visit Arunachal when the sky is clear and the cold weather is bearable.
The greatest attraction of the state is its dazzling array of flora and fauna, in a habitat that combines glacial terrain, alpine meadows, and sub-tropical rain forests. Places of tourist interest in the state include Bomdila, Tawang and the nearby Buddhist monastery, which happens to be the largest in India. Itanagar is famous for its excavated ruins of the historical Ita Fort, and the attractive Gyaker Sinyi or the Ganga Lake. Malinithan and Bhismaknagar are the two important archaeological sites in the state, and Parashuram Kund is a prominent pilgrimage site. Namdapha Wildlife sanctuary in the Changlang district is home to the rare Hoolock gibbon. The state is proud of having more than five hundred rare species of orchids. Its rivers are ideal for angling, boating, rafting and its rugged terrain is suitable for trekking, hiking and holidaying in a serene atmosphere. Once described as the "Hidden Land" it has now opened its doors to outsiders. A sentinel of the country on the north east, this ancient land finds mention in the early literature such as the Kalika Purana, the Mahabharato and the Romayana. It is known that it was here that Parasuram washed away his sins, Vyasa meditated, Bhismaka founded his kingdom, Lord Krishna married his consort, Rukmini, king Balinarayana drew men for his armies from among the hardy people. The economy is predominantly agricultural and, in many areas, based on shifting cultivation (jhum). The principal crop is rice. Maize, millet, wheat, pulses, potatoes, sugar cane, fruit, and oilseeds are also important. Industry is small scale and includes timber, rice, and oil mills; soap and candle making; sericulture; and handicrafts. The economic potential of Arunachal Pradesh's forests and rivers, and of its coal, oil, and other mineral deposits has yet to be exploited. This is partly because the terrain makes modern transport difficult, although there is a strong trading tradition within the region. In 1992 the state was opened up to limited tourism.
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