Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the major earners for the state. Arunachal Pradesh boasts of its tourism as it possesses countryside views which attract tourists from all over the world. Arunachal Pradesh means "land of the dawn lit mountains" in Sanskrit. Major tourist attractions include Tawang, Ziro, the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Changlang district and Sela Lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river. Religious places of interest include Malinithan in Lekhabali, Rukhmininagar near Roing and Parshuram Kund in Lohit district. Other than that, Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh includes several festivals, local sports and traditional art and crafts of the state.
Tawang
Tawang has a unique historic perspective mixed with natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges and Tawang Chu River and Valley. It is an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism famous for Tawang Monastery of the Gelukpa founded by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso during the 17th century. It is the second largest monastery in Asia and the largest one of its kind in the country. The most imposing part is the three-storey assembly hall which houses the temple and the 28 ft high Golden statue of Lord Buddha. Tawang is also famous for beautiful natural Lakes, like the Sangetsar Lake. It is home to snow pigeons and musk deers. Other important places in and around Tawang are the War Memorial, Craft Centre and local markets.
Ziro
This is a place which is around 167 km from Itanagar. It is a beautiful plateau and headquarters of Lower Subansiri District bounded on all sides by picturesque hills. The place has beautiful lush green forest, rivulets and elevated patches. It is known for paddy cum pisciculture cultivation. It is also renowned for the terrace paddy fields where the unique system of poly-culture and water management of the Apatani Tribe is practiced.
Sela Pass
Sela Pass is the world`s second highest motorable pass which lies on the way to Tawang. There is a serene natural crystal blue water lake. It has a picturesque landscape surrounding it.
Namdapha National Park
Namdapha National Park is the 15th Tiger Reserve in the country. It is the only National Park in the country where the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard are found. Another unique feature of this park is that it covers a wide range of altitude from 200m to 4500m. The upper range is covered with snow during the major part of the year. The Noa-Dihing River meanders through the forest.
Malinithan
This is a place of relics on stones with ruins of temples and valuable sculptures, which are associated with the mythological legend of Lord Krishna. The site has a temple which has a rich sculptural and architectural value. Beautifully designed and decorated basement of temple, divine images, icons and deities- animal motifs and floral designs, carved columns and panels have been unearthed from here. It is believed that on the way to Dwaraka from Bhismaknagar, Lord Krishna and Rukmini rested here and they were offered choicest flowers by Goddess Parvati. Malinithan was a cultural centre of north-east India as well.
Daying Erring Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is spread over a cluster of river islands. A cruise through the Siang River is the only way to reach the place. It has a unique ecosystem that combines the terrestrial and the aquatic phase. It is the natural habitat of different species of birds including the sojourns made by migratory birds like cranes, wild ducks and storks from Siberia and Mongolia during September to February each year. The forest islands are home to hog deer, hispid hare, wild buffalo, Sambars, elephants and other species.
Parshuram Kund
This is located 13 miles north-east of Tezu and is the district Headquarters of Lohit district. It is a growing town which is famous for its scenic beauty. Thousands of pilgrims visit the kund during Parshuram mela from all parts of India every year, which is held in the month of January.
Buddhist Monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh
Among the religious places of the state, Buddhist monasteries play a major role in the tourism of Arunachal Pradesh. There are numerous gompas, which attract several pilgrims to it around the year. The gompas are Taktsang Gompa, Urgelling Gompa, Rigyalling Monastery, Brahma Dung-Chung Ani Gompa, Gyangong Ani Gompa, Singsur Ani Gompa, Gorsam Chorten Stupa etc.
Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is inhabited by several tribal people, as a result of which, it has several festivals to celebrate. Each festival is an integral part of the socio-cultural ethos of the people of the state. The festivals of Arunachal Pradesh are Losar Festival, Torgya Festival, Saka Dawa, Dukpa Tse-Shi, Lhabab Duechen, Ganden Ngamchoe, Nyukom Yullow, Mopin, Solung, Reh, Oriah, Dree etc.
Traditional Crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Traditional crafts of Arunachal Pradesh are consisted of bamboo work, weaving, painting, pottery, smithy work, basket making, wood carving etc. Each tribe has their own features and techniques of artifacts. The Monpa tribal people are known for weaving brilliant carpets and shawls along with painted wooden vessels. Apatanis are known for their weaving shawls and jackets. Along with Apatanis, Nyishi and Adi tribal people produce attractive cane and bamboo articles. Wooden carved figures and intricate necklaces of colourful beads are produced by Wanchos and Nocte tribes. Apart from this, colourful masks, incense sticks and Thangka paintings are also famous in Arunachal Pradesh.
Traditional Sports in Arunachal Pradesh
Traditional sports are one of the major attractions of the state. The most popular sports are trekking, river rafting, fishing and angling, archery etc. The rivers of Arunachal Pradesh like Bhareli or Kameng, Siang and Brahmaputra river are well known for river rafting. The Subansiri River has also rafting and kayaking facilities. The rivers of Arunachal Pradesh that offer a good fishing experience are the Siang River, Bhoroli River and Lohit River. The chief angling spot in Arunachal Pradesh is Pasighat. Archery is practiced in March or February and is associated with the festival of Losar. The other sports practiced in the rugged place of Arunachal Pradesh are boating, camping, biking and golfing. Camping is enjoyed the most in Chandu, Bomdila and Tawang.
