Six ways to see Arunachal Pradesh

Angling
You will never run out of patience even if the fishes give you a miss. The picturesque and forested banks will keep you company as you go fishing in Arunachal Pradesh. The mountain streams and rivers are home to trout and mahseer. Golden mahseer is an endangered species and anglers are expected to release the fish later. Go fishing in the Siang River (as the Brahmaputra River is known here) or the Subansiri. Or, you can simply settle down on the banks of the Kameng River at Bhalukpong.

Cultural tourism
There are nearly 26 major tribes who live in Arunachal Pradesh, each with their distinct attires, culture and customs. Get to learn more about them during their annual festivals. If you are fond of world music, visit Ziro (home to the Apatani tribe) during its annual music festival.

Rafting
Rafting is one of the best ways to see Arunachal Pradesh, especially the remote corners. The Kameng, Subansiri, Diban and the Siang rivers offer rafting zones across the state.

Religious tourism
There are a number of Buddhist and Hindu religious sites. The 350-year old Tawang Monastery is one of the most popular attraction of the state. It belongs to the Gelukpa school of Buddhism and contains many old manuscripts and books. Only 3km away from Tawang is the Urgyelling Monastery. According to legends, Krishna and his wife Rukmini were travelling from Bhismaknagar (about 10km from Roing town) to Dwarka, when they stopped to rest at a place where goddess Parvati presented them with beautiful flowers; the place became known as Malinithan. You can see ruins of temples dating back to the 10^th -14^th centuries can be seen here. Nearly 12km away from Malinithan is Akashiganga, a site associated with the legend of Goddess Sati. On Makar Sankranti, a fair is held at Parasuram Kund near Tezu town.

Trekking
There are many places to go on a trek in Arunachal Pradesh. Choose your treks wisely because the terrain can be rugged and difficult at places. Bomdila-Tawang, a popular tourist circuit is a starting point for several treks, especially along the Tawang chu. From Pasighat, on the right bank of Siang River, two popular trek routes lead to Tuting and Mariang. You can go trekking into the Talley valley and wildlife sanctuary from Ziro (32km away).

Wildlife viewing
The geographical diversity of the state, which falls on the edge of the Eastern Himalayas, has led to the growth of forest types ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate and alpine. Arunachal Pradesh is home to four of India’s cat species – tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard. There are 500 species of birds, including the white winged wood duck. Namdapha National Park (accessible through Miao) is the best known among the state’s wildlife preserves. Eagle Nest Sanctuary (entry through Tenga on the Bomdila-Tawang highway) is known for its avian abundance. Pakke Tiger Reserve is fast becoming popular. Other notable wildlife areas include Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Dr D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Mouling National Park, etc. The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in Tipi is a good place to get acquainted with the orchids found here.

Information: Both Indian and foreign travellers need permits to enter and travel in Arunachal Pradesh. Details of permits, accommodation, tourist circuits and other relevant information are available on the state tourism’s website. Visits to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries require prior permission.