Arunachal Pradesh – Land of the Rising Sun
Discover the incredible legacy of India as you tour Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most sparsely populated states of India. With an area of 83743 sq. Kms, the state provides a good opportunity to explore the scenic destination. Famous for its orchids, the state is a haven for nature lovers and people who love adventure sports.
Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83743 sq. Km. This region acquired an independent political status on 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 the Indian Union.
Trees of great size, plentiful climbers, and an abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen. Tropical rainforests are to be found in the foothills and the hills in the east on the border with Burma. The Northernmost 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.
Fast Facts :
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Area: 83,743 sq km
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Population: 1,382,611
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Capital: Itanagar
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Languages spoken: Indigenous languages, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali & English.
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Best Time to visit: October to April.
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State Emblem: Emblem of Arunachal Pradesh
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State Animal: Mithun (Bos frontalis)
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State Bird: Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
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State Tree: Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus)
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State Flower: Foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa)
- Culture and Tradition of Arunachal Pradesh
Tourist Attractions of Arunachal Pradesh:
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, and 45 cubic meters of stone to build the forest.
Itanagar Sanctuary
Established in 1978, it is situated in the Lower Subansiri district. The wildlife present here are elephants, leopard, deer, tigers, 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 been cultivated in natural surroundings. Scenic beauty, high waterfalls, and the bank of river Kameng surrounded by evergreen forests are the photographer’s delight. The meandering Kameng river provides an excellent opportunity for white water rafting and has been the Angler’s paradise for a long.
Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
Has a collection of musical instruments, religious articles, wood carvings, archaeological findings, textile, weapons, ornaments, handicrafts (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.
Getting There :
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By Air:
The Lilabari airport is at a distance of 67 km and Tezpur airport is 216 km 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 km from Itanagar. There are buses to Guwahati, Shillong, Ziro, North Lakhimpur, and Bomdila.
Suggested Read: Formation Dates of Indian States
