Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a state situated in the North-Eastern part of India. Arunachal Pradesh is surrounded by Assam and Nagaland in the south, Bhutan in the west, Tibet in the north and north east and Myanmar in the east. Though, with an area of 83743 sq km Arunachal Pradesh is the biggest state in the north-east it is one of the most sparsely populated states of India. The population density of Arunachal Pradesh is 13 persons per sq km. The state attained independent political status on January 20, 1972 and Arunachal Pradesh as a state came into existence on February 20, 1987. Arunachal Pradesh was a union territory before 1987. Arunachal Pradesh is known as 'Land of the Rising Sun'. Arunachal is a mountainous state with lush green forests and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The state has abundant forest resources and hydro-power potential.

Geography

Arunachal Pradesh is the eastern most state of India extending over an area of 83,573 square kilometers. Much of Arunachal Pradesh is mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss-crossed with ranges running north-south. Arunachal Pradesh is located between 26° 30' and 29° 30' North latitude and 91° 30' and 97° 30' East longitude. Much of the state is part of the Himalayan mountain ranges where the altitude is up to 6000 meters. The lower regions of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam are part of the plains of Brahmaputra river. Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap are the major rivers of Arunachal Pradesh and these snow fed rivers originating from the Himalayas divide the state into five river valleys.

Climate

Arunachal Pradesh has a climate different from that of the rest of India. The climate of Arunachal Pradesh is highly influenced by the presence of the Himalayas and its varying altitude. The upper most regions of the state being part of the Himalayas have an alpine and Tundra climate. The region falling below the upper Himalayas, known as the middle Himalayas, experience a temperate climate. The lower plains and river valleys of Arunachal Pradesh experience a humid, sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average Winter temperature in Arunachal Pradesh range from 15° C to 21 ° C. The temperature during monsoon season ranges between 22° C and 30° C. Arunachal Pradesh receives very heavy rainfall during the months from May to September. Summer in Arunachal Pradesh is very hot especially in the plains and the temperature may go up to 40° C.

Tourism

Arunachal Pradesh has everything to delight the tourists visiting this unexplored, unspoiled land of the rising sun. Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a major industry and source of income for the state. From the snow capped mountains to the spectacular valleys Arunachal tourism has lots of attractions to offer. Arunachal Pradesh has many places of religious and architectural significance. Arunachal Pradesh is a perfect getaway tourist destination to relieve oneself from the hustles of modern living and revitalize your body and mind by being one with nature. Adventure tourism activities like River rafting, wildlife trekking, hiking, angling etc. are another attraction of Arunachal Pradesh Tourism. Arunachal Pradesh is a paradise for nature lovers and the territory offers a dazzling array of flora and fauna. The state is home to around 500 species of rare orchids.
Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh: Some of the major tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh are:

1.                           Itanagar: There are my places worth visiting in Itanagar. Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi), Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Buddhist Temple etc. are some of them.

2.                           Tawang: Famous for the oldest Buddhist monastery. Also a perfect for adventure sports like trekking and hiking

3.                           Bomdila: Situated at a height of 8000ft. Bomdila offers a spectacular view of the brilliant landscape and snow-clad mountains.

Apart from these, Arunachal Pradesh has many wildlife sanctuaries, trekking trails, Buddhist monasteries which offers tourists every opportunity to enjoy a vacation of a lifetime.

Dances And Festivals

Dance and music are an integral part of the tribal population of Arunachal Pradesh. Dance and music is an essential ingredient of all Arunachal Festivals. Due to the presence of a wide variety of tribal population, the festivals are celebrated through out the year in one community or the other. Most dances are performed as an expression of Joy or a ritual. Dances are usually performed by both men and women, however, some ritualistic dances are performed by men alone. Buddha Mahotsava Festival, Siang River Festival, Losar, Solung, Boori Boot etc... are some of the other festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.

Basic Information

Given below are some of the very basic information about the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Capital of Arunachal Pradesh	-	Itanagar
Came into existance on	-	20 February 1987
Geographical Location of Arunachal Pradesh	-	26° 30' and 29° 30' North latitude and 91° 30' and 97° 30' East longitude
Area	-	83743 sq.km.
Number of Districts	-	16
Population	-	1091120
Density of population	-	13 per sq. km. (2009 est.)
Languages spoken in Arunachal Pradesh	-	Hindi, Deori, Assamese, English, and many local languages.
State Bird	-	Hornbill
State Animal	-	Mithun
State Flower	-	Fox tail orchid
State Tree	-	Hollong