ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh, a mysterious, magical and mystical land tucked away in the northeastern tip of India is one of the most compelling holiday destinations in India. The ‘Land of Dawn-lit Mountains’ grips northern Assam in an embrace of densely forested ridges. These rise to some fabulous snow-capped peaks along the Chinese border. It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan ranges running north-south. These divide the state into five river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers. There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from original Mongoloid stock but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs. Broadly, the entire population may be divided into three cultural groups. The Monpas and Sherdak Pens of Tawand and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Culturally similar to them are Membas and Khembas who live in the high mountains along the northern borders, Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the tstae are Buddhists of the Himalayan sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand and Burma long ago and still using ancient scripts derived from their original homeland. The second group of people are Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis and Thangsos who worship the Sun and the Moon God, namely Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestor for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles. The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos in the Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village society in which the hereditary village chief still plays a vital role.
Best time to visit: Arunachal Pradesh is located at a high altitude so it is pleasant throughout the year. The ideal time to visit the state is during winter and spring which is between October and April.