A Nature Lover's Guide To Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, the northeastern-most state in India, is waiting to be explored and experienced. Snow-covered Bomdila, Tawang Monastery and Ziro Music Festival comes to our mind when we speak of Arunachal Pradesh, but it's not just these that define the state. There's so much more that gives the state its unique side.

Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is on the foothills of the Himalayas. Visitors are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit to travel to Arunachal Pradesh. Foreigners should get a Restricted Area Permit to enter the state. 

Be it the wild rivers, deep and impenetrable forests, endemic bird and animal species or over 500 species of orchids, they all make Arunachal Pradesh what it is today—a natural wonderland. We list some of the reasons why Arunachal should be on your travel bucket list.

The Heritage Forests

Arunachal Pradesh enjoys diverse topography and climate, due to which, there are lush forests that are home to astonishing varieties of plants, animals, birds and amphibians. Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous, pine, temperate, alpine and grassland, types of forest are spread across the state.

The forests are not only home to birds and animals but are also the backbone of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. With more than 4,500 species of flowering plants, 35 species of bamboo, 52 species of rhododendron, more than 500 species of orchid, Arunachal is a haven for nature lovers. These are just few of many more that are there but we as travellers don't often think of exploring. All these have contributed in putting India in the list of 17 megadiverse countries in the world. Stirred that desire to explore these verdant forests yet

The Rivers Add To The Beauty

There are four major rivers in Arunachal Pradesh --- Siang, Subansiri, Lohit and Kameng and many tributaries. There are two sights one can't miss --- forest-covered hills and rivers meandering through hills and valleys. They are everywhere and as beautiful as they come. How one can enjoy rivers in Arunachal depends completely on the topography.

While many river banks make for perfect picnic spots, there are some known for their wild nature, perfect for adrenaline junkies. River rafting is challenging in Arunachal Pradesh with lot of big rapids. Subansiri River, the biggest tributary of Brahmaputra, is known for its powerful descent upon entering Arunachal Pradesh. Siang and Subansiri rivers have Grade 3 and 4 rapids, whereas, Lohit has Grade 4 and 5. It goes without saying that the waters in Arunachal are not for the faint-hearted. Kameng River is perfect for kayakers.

Flower Power

Whether we start with 500 species of orchids or 4,500 species of flowering plants, we know where this is going. We may as well call Arunachal a flower paradise. Arunachal is also called the Orchid State of India, and rightfully so (the state flower is foxtail orchid). Driving through the state, one will find varieties of wild orchids, which in itself is a fine thing to see and experience. But if you want to really get into the heart of orchid paradise, the Orchidorium at Tippi, orchid sanctuaries in Sessa and Dirang in West Kameng are places of interest.

Call Of The Wild

Arunachal Pradesh is home to some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. The state's two national parks --- Mouling and Namdapha, and wildlife sanctuaries like Pakhui (Pakke), Eaglenest, Kane, Dr D. Ering Memorial, Mehao and Dihang-Debang Biosphere Reserve, are worth a visit. On the banks of the river Siang, Mouling Nationak Park is spread over Upper Siang district and parts of the West Siang and East Siang districts. Wildlife conservation is vital in Arunachal Pradesh because it is home to some of the most endangered species of fauna like hornbills, white-winged wood duck, red panda, Gee's golden langur, clouded leopard, among many.

How To Reach

Arunachal Pradesh is easily accessible by road and is well connected to Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukhia and Nagaon in Guwahati. You can take a direct bus to reach Itanagar. Hollongi airport in Itanagar has flights coming in from all major cities in India. Naharlagun railway station is around 10 kilometres from Itanagar.