Table of Contents
Introduction
Arunachal Pradesh, once known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), is a land of unparalleled potential. Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains‘, this enchanting region is renowned for its lush forests, vibrant wildlife, and an incredible mosaic of cultures that have coexisted with nature for generations. Emerging as a must-visit destination in India’s tourism landscape, Arunachal Pradesh has gained national and international attention for its sustainable tourism development. Here’s why we believe Arunachal Pradesh is becoming an unmissable chapter in Indian tourism:
I. TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES
Unrivalled ecological beauty of Arunachal Pradesh
D. High Altitude Passes and Lakes: The state is dotted with passes like Sela Pass and Bum La Pass, the gateways to serene lakes like Sangetsar Tso. With over 108 sacred lakes in Tawang district alone, these places are ideal for finding peace in nature. The summer months are the best time to visit these high-altitude areas as they offer clear views and roads.
Unique contiguous Ecosystems or Biomes in the region
A. Flora: Arunachal Pradesh is a botanist’s paradise as it has over 5000 plant species. The state is particularly famous for its rhododendrons, orchids (over 600 species), and medicinal plants.
D. Protected Areas: The state has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Namdapha National Park and Pakke Tiger Reserve. The Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary covers 217 km² . Nearby, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, part of the Kameng Protected Area Complex, showcases over 200 orchid species.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Home to 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is rich in cultural diversity. Each tribe, with its distinct languages, festivals and traditions, invites tourists to immerse themselves in novel cultural experiences. The indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, from the Monpas, Adis and Galos in the western region to the Nyishis and Apatanis in the central part of the state, have coexisted with their natural surroundings for centuries. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices are invaluable in conserving biodiversity.
The diverse cultural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh is also reflected in its arts and crafts, including intricate handwoven textiles, traditional wood carvings, and exquisite handicrafts. Visitors can witness the skilled craftsmanship of the local artisans and even participate in workshops to learn traditional craft techniques firsthand.
The state is also renowned for its colourful and vibrant festivals, such as the Ziro Music Festival, Losar, Nyokum, and Mopin, which provide a window into the cultural identity of the different tribes and offer travellers an opportunity to partake in the traditional dances, music, and elaborate rituals.
Moreover, the traditional cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh is a gastronomic delight for food enthusiasts, with each tribe offering its own delectable culinary specialties. Tourists can savour a variety of indigenous dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, adding a flavorful dimension to their cultural exploration.
Development of Niche Tourism opportunities:
A. Historical and Religious Tourism: The state has significant spiritual and historical significance. Buddhist monasteries such as Tawang Monastery attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The state is currently developing the Dalai Lama’s escape route from Tibet to India into a special tourist circuit, with additional accommodations, wayside amenities and pathways along the route. Additionally, sites like the Ita Fort in Itanagar, 14th Century Malinithan Temple in Lower Siang District and the ruins of Bhismaknagar in Lower Dibang district offer fascinating new insights into the region’s often shrouded ancient history and its archeological wealth. For travellers with a special interest on how wars have affected the region, the historic Ledo Road is well known as the overland India-Burma-China highway constructed during WWII. The Hump WW2 Museum in Pasighat by the state government aims to push more awareness on the region’s involvement in global historical events. War cemeteries such as the grounds in Kohima and Imphal are also crucial sites of regional history that has received due importance in recent years.
B. Nature-based and Eco-Tourism: Travellers are now more conscious about how travelling can affect the environment and many choose sustainable forms of travel, while supporting local community endeavours like community reserves. Community-led initiatives play a crucial role in conservation, as demonstrated by Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, where local Buguns donated 17 sq kms of their land towards the protection of the critically endangered endemic Bugun Liocichla with only 14 individual birds spotted since its discovery in 2006.
The state currently sees a large influx of ornithologists, environmentalists and wildlife experts who come to conduct years long research in the thick forests on its unique biodiversity. For nature lovers, there are unique experiences such as witnessing high-altitude alpine flowers blooming in the Himalayan range, rare endemic butterflies in the forests (with new discoveries every year), bird watching, fly fishing and angling in freshwater lakes and rivers.
C. Adventure Tourism: For those who love the outdoors and the wilderness, Arunachal Pradesh presents an array of thrilling activities. The state’s rugged terrain is ideal for trekking for every level, with popular routes such as the Tawang to Bumla Pass and the Siang Valley trek to the more challenging treks such as the Gorichen Peak trek. For cultural enthusiasts, the Thembang Trek weaves through ancient monasteries. The Seven Lake Trek in Dibang Valley is a test of skill, offering breathtaking views of alpine lakes.
Arunachal Pradesh’s snow fed river systems provide excellent opportunities for river rafting, attracting adventure seekers from around the globe. The five major rivers viz Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap divide the State into five major valleys with stunning sceneries to witness from the river’s perspective. White water river rafting on the Siang and Subansiri river promises an adrenaline rush with its Grade III and IV rapids. For gentler water based activities, the Lohit River, with its clear waters and moderate rapids, offers an exciting kayaking experience. These rivers are also a haven for anglers with its variety of fish species and pesca-tourism has its own special place in the state.
The state’s diverse topography also makes it an ideal location for other adventure activities like mountaineering, paragliding, and mountain biking, catering to the growing demand for adventure tourism. As the state continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, it promises to be a premier destination for those seeking adventure in its purest form.
D. Border tourism: Sharing over 1800 kilometres with Bhutan, Tibet, China and Myanmar, border regions often suffer from economic underdevelopment due to their peripheral location. There has been a reopening of border haats to support local traders. Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, India and the Arunachal Pradesh government has prioritised the development of villages bordering the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as tourism hubs to uplift border economies and curb rural-urban youth migrations. This is also a strategic intervention, made possible through civil-military partnerships, to make remote border villages accessible not only to military but also to tourists. This will not only ensure increased tourist spending and revitalization of economies, but also promote cross-cultural exchange.
II. FACTORS AIDING THE GROWTH OF TOURISM IN THE STATE:
B. Human Resource Development: A cornerstone of Arunachal Pradesh’s sustainable tourism growth lies in its focus on human resource development initiatives, such as adventure sports training. The National Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports (NIMAS) in Dirang offers courses from mountaineering to scuba diving and stands at the forefront of skill enhancement for adventure enthusiasts in the region. This institution is the first of its kind to allow civilians to engage in and pursue careers in diverse adventure sports.
In addition to adventure sports training to upskill local youth, Arunachal Pradesh places great emphasis on preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage. A key component of this effort is cultural guide training programmes, which aims to empower individuals from within the communities to encourage people to become proud spokespersons of their culture and traditions. By nurturing local talents to serve as cultural guides, Arunachal Pradesh not only ensures authentic and immersive experiences for tourists but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among community members.
D. Digital Connectivity: Arunachal Pradesh has leaped forward in digital connectivity, especially in remote areas like Kibithoo on the Indo-Tibetan border. The growth of digital infrastructure has helped local enterprises in the largely rural state to run their services and operations smoothly. The state has seen the installation of 2,605 4G mobile towers, enhancing telecommunications infrastructure. This advancement not only bridges the digital divide but also makes travel in Arunachal Pradesh more accessible and enjoyable, offering tourists easy access to online maps, local information, and emergency services. The quick access to safety information including alerts such as weather warnings and communication with local authorities is a big stride in guaranteeing timely assistance for travellers in this expansive and geographically varied state.
III. CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY TO ARUNACHAL PRADESH’S GROWING TOURISM
“There are … specialised niches in our tribal heritage that may be erased forever if change is not assessed and negotiated carefully”
