Quick Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

The natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh is truly unparalleled. Often refered to as “the land of the dawnlit mountains” , it’s extensive geographical diversity, corresponding climate conditions, and variety of wildlife testifies that it is one of the richest biodiversity and heritage spots.
Due to variation in altitude and climatic conditions, there are four different types of forests in the state that provides shelter and food to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to the state. Moreover, every district has its own exclusive and rare variety of orchids.
It is the only state that can claim to have four major varieties of the big cats in its jungles- tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard. The state is also home to lesser feline species like the golden cat and marbled cat. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state, such as the white-winged duck, scatter, monal bangal florian etc. Besides, there are seven species of primates that include the takin which is found in Arunachal Pradesh only. A large mammal called “ Mithun” is a majestic animal , which is indigenous to the state,. Each district of Arunachal Pradesh has its own exclusive and rare variety of orchids. One of Asia’s largest Orchidarium is in Arunachal Pradesh, located at Tipi.
In an effort to preserve the natural habitat, a number of Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Parks have been identified:- Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Kane Wildlife Sanctuary, Mouling National Park, Dr, Dai Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dihang-Debang Biosphere Reserve and Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary. So, if you love nature in its pristine glory, Arunachal Pradesh is the destination you are looking for.

Over 80 per cent of Arunachal Pradesh is covered with thick evergreen forests and it has five major rivers- Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit , Siang and Tirap. It is an ideal destination for trekking, angling, boating and rafting. Its upper reaches are just great for adventure tourism.

There are numerous mountainous trekking routes which attract tourists, especially foreigners, for their adventurous endeavours. The Siang River offers fantastic rafting opportunities. In the early days of geographical exploration, the Siang River was referred to as the ‘Missing link’ the unexplored channel that formed the link between the Tsangpo of Tibet and the Brahmaputra of Assam. It is a mighty river turning into Indian Territory at a point near Gelling in Upper Siang district near the indo-china border. In the Tibetan cosmogony it is the horse mouth river with sands of emerald flowing east , and there is a belief that those who drink its water will become as sturdy as horses.

26 major and over 100 sub-tribes, each with its distinct tradition and customs co-exist harmoniously in Arunachal Pradesh. The major tribes are Adi, Galo, Aka, Apatani, Nyishi, Tagins, Bori, and Bokar. The sun and the moon are their predominant deities and they follow the Donyi-Polo religion which literally means sun and moon..
Other tribes like Monpas, Sherdukpens, Khamptis and Singphos are followers of Mahayana and Hinayana forms of Buddhism. In addition, there are also tribes like Mishmis, Noctes and Wanchos who follow their own traditional beliefs and indigenous practices of worship, which is animistic in nature.

Being a distinctly tribal state, festivals are an essential and integral part of the social-cultural life of the people and a majority of these festivals are themed on agriculture. People celebrate festivals with ritualistic gaiety as a mark of thanksgiving to the Almighty or to pray for a bumper harvest. The colourful festivals also showcase the artistry and skills of people particularly in music and dance.People in Arunachal Pradesh lead an exotic way of life. If you are interested in studying different people and tribes and their culture, Arunachal Pradesh is the right destination for you.

Arunachal Pradesh is home to many monuments and archeological sites, each one has a rich history. Places of worship and pilgrimages like Parasuram Kund, the 400 years old Tawang Monastery and Gorsham Chorten draw a large number of pilgrims every year. Similarly archaeological excavations in Malinithan , Itafort, Bhismaknagar , Vijayanagar and Nakshaprabhat etc., are a historian’s delight.

Perched atop a hill, overlooking the ridge and surrounded by thick clouds, the legendary 17th century Tawang Monastery is the fountainhead of spiritual life for the followers of the Gelukpa sect of the Mahayana School of Buddhism. The building is about 113 feet long and 80 feet wide and houses valuable antiquities, books and manuscripts – handwritten and printed.

Malinithan, home to relics of stone ruins of temples and valuable sculptures, is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. It is believed that on the way to Dwarka from Bhismaknagar, Krishna & Rukmani rested here and Goddess Parvati in the form of Malini offered them the choicest flowers.

Bhismaknagar is a hill fort made of burnt bricks situated in lower Dibang Valley district. The ruins of the hill fort dates back to circa 12th century A.D. It is related to the Mahabharata period when its king Bhismak had a very beautiful daughter named Rukmani, who later became wife of Lord Krishna.

Parasuram Kund is a place of great sanctity attracting large numbers of pilgrims from all over India for a dip in the Kund during Makar- Sankranti Mela every year. Here, according to the legend recorded in the Kalika Purana, Parasuram washed away his sins of killing his mother, in the waters of Brahma Kund.

 Moreover, the recent discovery of the World War II Cemetery in east Changlang district has led to renewed interest in the famous Still Well Road built by Allied forces linking Ledo in Assam to Kunming in China. It was the only road communication that existed during pre- independence days. The discovery drew international media attention and attracted historians and archaeologists to Arunachal Pradesh. The research and tourism departments are making efforts to preserve and develop this site as a historical monument and centre for tourist attraction.

The tribes of Arunachal have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship and their sense of aesthetics is manifested through a variety of crafts such as cane and bamboo work, weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work, basket making, wood carving etc. Each tribe has a unique technique and identifiable artifacts which makes it the most attractive feature of the state.
The Monpas are known for their carpets and painted wooden vessels. Vivid colours and exquisite patterns are the hallmark of their weaving.

The Apatanis, Nyshis and Adis make attractive articles from cane and bamboo and the Wanchos and Noctes make wooden carved figures and intricate necklaces of colorful beads. All tribes weave their traditional dresses in vivid colours and distinct patterns.