Tourism

Arunachal Pradesh, North east India's remotest state, also known as 'Land of the Dawn-lit-Mountains'  is the first Indian soil to greet the morning sun. Arunachal Pradesh is the northeastern tip of India with its borders touching China, Bhutan and Burma (Myanmar). Towards the south is Assam and Nagaland. It offers a dazzling array of flora and fauna that is sure to enchant any tourist. The state is proud of having more than 500 rare species of Orchids. Its mysterious, powerful and beautiful rivers with faces and moods that change dramatically ever so often form the colorful lifelines. These are ideal for rafting and angling and the rugged terrain is ideal for trekking, hiking and holidaying in a serene atmosphere. River Rafting routes include Kameng (Seppa- Bhalukpung), Subansiri (Taliha- North of Daporijo), Siang (entire course), Dibang (Anini- Assam Border). May and October are the best time for trekkers. Bomdila- Tawang area is the most interesting choice for trekking especially around the Tawang Chu. The trek starts from Jong, located between Se- la and Tawang, to Mago amidst forests studded with waterfalls.  Besides the World's second highest pass, the Se la Pass through a high altitude lake is located here. The sixth Dalai Lama was born in the soil of Arunachal Pradesh and the 13th found refuge and safety here. The main destinations of Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang, Bomdila, Tipi, Itanagar, Ziro, Daporijo, Along, Mechuka, Pasighat, Roing, Anini, Tezu, Hayuliang, Parsuramkund, Namsai, Miao and Changlang. 

The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with the altitude. The southern part of the state has hot and humid sub-tropical climate. The central region is cooler while there is alpine climate in the higher altitudes. Rainfall is uneven and continues throughout the year. The wettest periods are the months from May to September.  Mid September to mid December and mid March to mid June is considered the best time to visit Arunachal when the sky is clear and the cold weather is bearable.  

Entry Permits:

Indian tourists wishing to visit Arunachal require an Inner Line Permit from the Arunachal Government office at Delhi or Itanagar. The inner line permit can be obtained from 

• Residence Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  Arunachal Bhawan
  Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri
  New Delhi
  Phone: +91 - 11-23013915 / 23013956 / 23913786(R).

• Deputy Residence Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  CE-109, Sector-1
  Salt Lake City, Kolkata
  Phone: +91 - 33- 23341243 / 23589865 (F)

• Deputy Residence Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  R.G.Baruah Road
  Guwahati-781021
  Phone: +91 - 361-2452859/2456720

• Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  Shillong
  PIN-793001, Meghalaya
  Phone: +91 - 364-224247

• Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  Parvati Nagar, Tezpur, Assam
  Phone:+91 - 3712-220241

• Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam
  Phone: +91 - 373-282560, 220398

• Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 
  Lilabari, North Lakhimpur, Assam
  Phone: +91 - 3752-222186

• Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh,
  Jorhat (Rowriah), Assam
  Phone: +91 - 376-2320724
  

Foreign Tourists require a Restricted Area Permit to visit the state. The usual stipulations of entry permit, is a maximum stay of 10 days for a group size of 4 or more persons. The application for the Protected Area Permit can be filed with any Indian mission overseas, Home Ministry; Government of India,  Foreigner's registration offices (FRRO) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata , Chief Immigration Officer; Chennai Or the Home Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar (Ph : 91- 0360- 2 212339) Or its resident commissioner in Delhi. (Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi-110001)

The application for the area Permit should give the details like Name, passport number, its issuing authority and the expiry date, place of birth, profession, proposed duration of stay and the purpose of visit. Foreign Tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh will have to pay US$ 50 per head to Government of Arunachal Pradesh.  They can book tours through an approved Indian Travel Agent/ tour Operator. The Travel Agent can also arrange the required entry permits.

How to reach : 

Air: Nearest Airport Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) is situated in Assam, 57 kms from Naharlagun and 67 kms from the capital, Itanagar. Indian Airlines operates direct flights from Kolkata to Tezpur ( 216 kms from Itanagar ) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. There are helicopter Services from Guwahati in Assam to Tawang which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to reach and to Naharlagun, Mohanbari to Naharlagun etc. Check http://arun-aviation.nic.in/ for schedule of flights. 
Rail: The nearest railway station is Harmuty (near Banderdewa check gate) in Assam only 23 km from Naharlagun & 33 km from Itanagar. However the nearest convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 50 km from Naharlagun & 60 km from Itanagar.
Road: Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation operates regular bus-services to various places in Arunachal Pradesh and its neighbouring states. Direct bus-services are there from North Lakhimpur to Itanagar via Naharlagun. Buses run frequently between Naharlagun & Itanagar between 0600-1900 hrs. Itanagar is also connected by daily buses from Guwahati (429km).

Tourist information Centres