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Arunachal Pradesh

Covering an area of 83,743 sq. km, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the seven states constituting the north eastern part of the country. A state full of hilly terrain and an abundance of dense forests, thinly populated Arunachal Pradesh lies in the extreme east of India. The rivers have created broad valleys in the state.

The mighty river Brahmaputra enters Arunachal territory from Tibet and flows into Assam. One of the wettest states of India, Arunachal receives as much as five hundred centimetres of rainfall. This accounts for the large number of rivers and lakes in the state apart from dense forests. The main rivers of the state are Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap. Arunachal as a tourist destination is most ideal for those who love adventure filled holidays in high altitudes and thick forests.

The population of Arunachal is 1,091,117 according to 2001 census and is scattered over 12 towns and 3649 villages. The State has the lowest density of 13 persons per sq. km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.34% at the national level, the population of the State has grown by 26.21% over the period 1991-2001. The sex ratio of Arunachal Pradesh at 901 females to 1000 males is lower than the national average of 933.

THREE CULTURAL GROUPS : Broadly the people may be divided into three cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Noted for their religious fervour, the villages of these communities have richly decorated Buddhist temples, locally called 'Gompas'. Though largely agriculturists practising terrace cultivation, many of these people are also pastoral and breed herds of yak and mountains sheep. Culturally similar to them are Membas and Khambas who live in the high mountains along the northern borders.

The second group of the people are Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thongsas etc., who worship Sun and Moon God namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestors for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely coincide with phases of agricultural cycles. They invoke nature deities and make animal scarifices. They traditionally practice jhumming or shifting cultivation. Adis and Apatanis extensively practice wet rice cultivation and have a considerable agricultural economy. Apatanis are also famous for their paddy-cum-pisciculture. They are specialised over centuries in harvesting two crops of fish along with each crop of the paddy.

The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos,adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap District. These are hardy people known for their strictly structured village society in which hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.

Arunachal Pradesh is another north eastern state with a rich composite culture. There are over 20 major tribal groups speaking their own language, following their own traditions and celebrating their own festivals. The handicraft and handloom items of Arunachal are also unique in nature. Made largely of cane, bamboo and wood, the exquisite products have a distinct stamp of the state.

Arunachal Pradesh does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Lilabari in Assam located at a distance of 67 kms from state capital Itanagar. Helicopter services from Guwahati to Naharlagun are also available. Through roadways, Arunachal Pradesh can be entered from Tezpur in Assam. Regular bus services are available from Guwahati and Tezpur to the state. Tourists desirous of visiting Arunachal shall have to obtain an Inner Line Permit from the Arunachal Government office at Delhi or Itanagar.