Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the extreme northeast of India. It abounds with natural resources and biodiversity, and boasts a unique heritage of tribal culture. It is one of the most picturesque states in India. The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar, which is situated at the foothills of Himalayas.

Arunachal shares international boundaries with China in the north, Myanmar in the east and Bhutan in the west. It falls in the eastern Himalayan range. Most of its terrain is mountainous with several streams making deep gorges.

Arunachal is the land of rising Sun. It is the largest north-eastern state, spreading over 83,743 km2. 82 per cent of the total area covers the forest with thousands of species of flora and fauna. The state has several national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves. It is identified as one of the 12 mega biodiversity hotspots in the world with 20% of India’s fauna, 4,500 species of flowering plants, 52 rhododendron species and more than 600 species of orchids. More than 450 plants have been identified as having medicinal value.

Arunachal attained statehood in February 1987. The state comprises 16 districts.

There are about 26 major tribal groups and a number of sub-tribes in the state, and each having its own dialect and distinct cultural identity. The Government of India is doing all-out effort in preserving and documenting their cultural heritage.

Arunachal Pradesh has made remarkable progress in almost all the major sectors of the economy.

Tourists from around the world come to Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is the most famous tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh, sharing boundaries with Tibet in the north and Bhutan in the southwest. There are numerous adventure activities, including River rafting, biking, trekking, mountaineering, hang-gliding and skiing, to do in the state.

Arunachal Pradesh holds a number of annual events, including The Buddha Mahotsava, the Siang River Festival, the Parashuram Kund Mela, the Namdapha Eco-cultural Festival and the Pangsua Pass Winter Festival.

The state cultivates pineapple, orange, apple, mushroom, ginger and cardamom. The state agricultural department has constructed cold storages at Namsai, Ruskin and Dirang.

There are about seventy species of bamboo found in Arunachal Pradesh. The bamboo is used in several purposes, including construction, crafting, decoration, furniture and fabricating weapons.

Arunachal is also emerging as a major tea-producing state. A camp office of the Tea Board of India was established in 2009 to give an impetus to tea production in the state.