Arunachal Pradesh

The Land of Dawn-lit Mountains

- Deepa K. Ghadi

Arunachal Pradesh is home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes, tranquil lakes and famous monasteries. It is bordered on the south by Assam, on the west by Bhutan, on the north and north-east by China and on the east by Myanmar. The past knowledge about Arunachal Pradesh and its people is known mainly through oral literature and a number of historical ruins found mainly in the foothills. The widely scattered archaeological remains – Itafort, Malinithan, Bhishmaknagar, Rukmininagar, Bhalukpung, Nakshaparvat, Parsi-Parlo, etc. found at different places in Arunachal Pradesh bear testimony to its rich cultural heritage and linkages with the rest of the country. Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with tribal cultures, high altitude mountains, pristine lakes, picturesque hillside villages and alpine Buddhist monasteries. Mostly known for its snowclad mountains that offer a breathtaking view during the winters, this state is ideal for motorbiking, wildlife tours, trekking and rafting expeditions and interactive tribal tours. Some of the best destinations to be explored are:

Tawang

Nestled in the lap of the snow-clad Himalayas, this beautiful town shares its border with Tibet towards the north and Bhutan to the south-west. It is considered to be a soul-seeker’s paradise for adventure enthusiasts, hiking, trekking, mountain-biking and wildlifespotting. It is known for being the birthplace of the Dalai Lama and has gained fame for its beautiful monasteries. The best time to visit Tawang is the summer season.

Tawang Monastery