Have you ever to Arunachal Pradesh

Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh

Here are the top 5 tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Tawang 

Image :- Tawang Tour Package 

"Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama"

Located amidst the majestic Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang stands as a captivating destination steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Renowned for being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, its breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes offers visitors a serene retreat amidst the tranquility of nature. 

The key reason to visit Tawang lies in its cultural and historical significance, as it is home to the iconic Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world, which dates back to the 17th century. 

Image :- North East Guide

Must Know Before You Travel to Tawang

• Permit Requirement for Bum La Pass: Obtain a special permit from the Tawang District Deputy Commissioner's Office or the Indian army cantonment in Tawang town to visit Bum La Pass. Access through check posts is restricted without the army stamp. 
• Attraction Closure Days: Some attractions, like Tawang Monastery, may close on specific religious days or festivals. Check the schedule in advance.
• Limited Transport Options: Tawang has limited transport options connecting it to other areas. Plan transportation carefully considering road conditions and availability.
• Seasonal Accessibility: Heavy snowfall in winter can lead to road closures, limiting access to Tawang. Visit during favorable weather seasons from April to October.
• Currency Scams: Beware of currency exchange scams; use authorized exchange centers or banks to avoid fraud.
• Network Connectivity: Network connectivity may be limited in remote areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage.
• Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken in remote villages; basic knowledge of Hindi or local languages is helpful.
• Cash Dependency: ATMs are scarce; carry sufficient cash, preferably in Indian Rupees, as card payments may not be accepted everywhere.
• Custom Regulations: Be aware of strict regulations, especially regarding organic food products.
• Pollution Advisory: Tawang is relatively less polluted, but exercise caution, especially during winter when indoor heating may affect air quality.
• Multi-Destination Stay: Explore nearby attractions like Dirang and Bomdila for a comprehensive Arunachal Pradesh experience.

Ideal duration: 2 days

Best Time: March - June; September - October

2. Dirang

Image :- Tour Packages 

"Of Kiwi, Apple and Orange Orchards"

Situated on the journey between Tawang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh, Dirang, which was once an overlooked quaint hamlet, has evolved into a beautiful little town for its scenic setting and bucolic charm. Set along the banks of the Dirang River, it is famous for its hot water springs, which are holy and considered to be of a healing nature. Enjoying pleasant weather throughout the year, Dirang is best visited in the early winters for some migratory bird watching and to watch the fruit orchards bloom.

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: November to February

3. Bomdila

"Bomdila Monastery"

Inaugurated in 1965, this abode to Buddhist monks and Llamas is the biggest attraction in Bomdila. The monastery is also believed to be an exact replica of Tsona Gontse Monetary, Tibet. 

"Bomdila View Point"

Clouds kissing the ground, the massive Himalayas towering all around, the panoramic view of the Kemeng Valley - not a single one of the will let you down. The view from up here is sure to take up a permanent space in your memory and its beauty will be unforgettable.

"Tipi Orchid Reserve"

Also known as Orchids Research and Development Centre, this sprawling area is full of orchids of various varieties - nearly 20 species endangered. The entrance says, 'temple of orchids'.

The Orchid Glass House is the biggest attraction here and the entire orchidarium show cases almost 50,000 exotic types of the flower.

Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: April to October

4. Anini

"Where clouds kiss the land"

Anini is the headquarters of the Dibang Valley district. Situated on a small plateau between the Dri and Mathun rivers, it is blessed with pleasant weather and breathtaking natural beauty.

This untouched town, often veiled in mist, may be remote and underdeveloped, but it remains accessible with basic road and air links to the rest of India. The majority of its population consists of the Idu Mishmi tribal community, which adds to the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: November to March

5. Bhalukpong

"An unknown Arunachal Pradesh"

Bhalukpong is a picturesque town located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. It serves as the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh and is known for its natural beauty, with the Kameng River flowing through it and the dense forests surrounding the town. 

The scenic environment, combined with the pleasant climate, makes it a popular stopover for travelers heading to Tawang or exploring the lower regions of Arunachal. 

Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: October to March

FAQs on Arunachal Pradesh

What is not so good about Arunachal pradesh?

The connectivity to and from Arunachal Pradesh is very minimal with roads being the primary mode of communication. As it is a hilly state, there are few airports which are not very well connected to other major towns and cities of India. Itanagar airport at the capital is the most important airport.

There are also around three railway stations which have few trains in a week connected to it. While roads are the major mode of communication, the majority of the road network is not in good condition.

Who should visit Arunachal pradesh? 

Arunachal has something for everyone- the adventure enthusiasts, wildlife aficionados, family vacationers and those looking to relax in the lap of unspoilt nature.

What is the best time to visit Arunachal pradesh? 

October and April are the best months to visit Arunachal Pradesh which are the winter and the spring months for the state. Arunachal is located at a high altitude, and so has pleasant weather throughout the year. 

During the summers (April to June) temperature might be too high to explore during the peak daytime hours. July to September is the monsoon season in the state when the terrain transforms into a beautiful green paradise, but many tourist attractions may be closed due to heavy rainfall.

What is the local food in Arunachal pradesh? 

The staple food, like in most North-Eastern places, is rice, fish, meat and vegetables. The dishes use very less spice, and they mostly use flavours from herbs, organic productions and bamboo shoots. 

Different styles and verities of Momos and Thukpa are popular and widespread in the area. Boiled rice cakes are also enjoyed widely as a snack all over Arunachal Pradesh. 

Pasa, a fish soup, while Noatak a fish curry are delicacies, almost essentials in a local platter. Chinese cuisine is also trendy and finds its distinct place in Arunachal Pradesh's kitchen. Other than these is a rice beer called Apang found in the region.

Author:- Nagesh Shukla (Creative Minds)