INTO THE UNKNOWN
Travel+Leisure India|July 2021
On a 10-day road trip across eastern and central Arunachal Pradesh, RUTH DSOUZA PRABHU finds fresh perspective and a world that abounds in pristine beauty.
RUTH DSOUZA PRABHU
INTO THE UNKNOWN

I AM A CITY GIRL who loves her occasional getaway to the mountains and beaches. I enjoy everything, from bare-bones camping to whiskies in infinity pools. But I always return to the chaotic, fast-paced life of the city. This changed when I found myself on a 10-day road trip through eastern and central Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Trans-Arunachal Drive 2021. For motoring and off-roading enthusiasts, the Trans-Arunachal Highway (NH13), currently under construction, is a dream stretch. It covers 2,407 kilometers and is proposed to connect Tawang in the west to Kanubari in the east.

The Trans-Arunachal route takes you through regions untouched by commercial tourism, from crystal-clear gurgling rivers to forests too dense for the sunlight to penetrate. It makes for an experience of a lifetime.

LAND OF PAGODAS

Our journey began in Namsai in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, a 120-kilometer drive from Dibrugarh Airport in neighboring Assam (Arunachal Pradesh doesn’t have operational airports). Home to the Tai Khamti and Singpho tribes, Namsai is located close to Noa Dihing River. Relaxing at Arun Jivitta Hotel, we indulged in some delicious dishes of Khamti cuisine —shutki maach (a Bengal-inspired dried fish dish), shredded koi boyle (banana stem), and black rice kheer (milk and jaggery pudding). At the hotel’s bar, we tried ZumZin Peach Wine, a product of Bhutan. Tart, yet pleasant on the palate.

This story is from the July 2021 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2021 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAView All
THE COAST IS CLEAR
Travel+Leisure India

THE COAST IS CLEAR

Ingrid Rojas Contreras dives deep to uncover the raw, unspoiled beauty of Costalegre, Mexico. Photographs by Anne Menke

time-read
8 mins  |
March 2024
Treasures of the Tide
Travel+Leisure India

Treasures of the Tide

In the tidal pools and coastal forests of Canada's Vancouver Island, Jen Murphy discovers a marine environment that's both minuscule and magical.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
The North Remembers
Travel+Leisure India

The North Remembers

The Pohjola Route in Finland is a blend of the country's finest landscapes, from reindeer farms to riverine islands and majestic alpine forests and fells. Lakshmi Sharath embarks on a journey that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
Through Time and Tide
Travel+Leisure India

Through Time and Tide

From the historic trails of Muharraq to the fleeting sands of Jarada Island, Bahrain echoes with the resilience of its erstwhile pearl divers, discovers Adila Matra.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
The Man Behind The Persona
Travel+Leisure India

The Man Behind The Persona

With a career spanning decades and a repertoire that crosses languages and genres, R Madhavan is a beacon of cinematic excellence. In a candid conversation with the charismatic actor, BAYAR JAIN discovers the secrets behind his enduring relevance and success.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
Dancing To Her Tunes
Travel+Leisure India

Dancing To Her Tunes

A celebrated classical Indian dancer and a fervent activist, Mallika Sarabhai utilises her art form to address societal issues and advocate for change. In a conversation with Bayar Jain at the Kerala Literature Festival 2024, the Padma Bhushan awardwinning artist talks about using the creative field for starting thought-provoking conversations.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
To The Moon And Beyond
Travel+Leisure India

To The Moon And Beyond

Associate project director and second-in-command for Chandrayaan-3 mission, K Kalpana played a pivotal role in India's successful and historic soft-landing on the moon. The scientist speaks to Shibani Bawa about the project, gender insignificance at ISRO, and more.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Sky Is The Limit
Travel+Leisure India

Sky Is The Limit

Flight lieutenant Shivangi Singh is India's first female Rafale fighter pilot. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Singh joined the Indian Air Force in 2017. Her journeyfrom the rigorous training grounds to the skies-is a testament to her determination and resilience. In a conversation with Bayar Jain, she reveals the challenges and rewards of being a fighter pilot.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Wheels Of Change
Travel+Leisure India

Wheels Of Change

Virali Modi's advocacy journey began when she survived a life-threatening illness that left her paralysed from the chest down. The activist speaks to Adila Matra about the challenges she faces as a wheelchair user and her efforts to drive meaningful change through initiatives like the #MyTrain Too campaign.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Aisle Artistry
Travel+Leisure India

Aisle Artistry

Masaba Gupta's luxury label 'The Masaba Bride' is all about redefining bridal stereotypes with a refreshing narrative.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024