ARUNACHAL PRADESH

 ARUNACHAL PRADESH: THE LAND OF SUNRISE

Arunachal means "dawn-lit-mountains" and Pradesh means "province".

This is a northeastern state of India. It shares an international border with Bhutan and Myanmar and also a disputed border with China. It's the largest of Seven Sisters with the smallest population. 

You can hardly find a place that's serene, pristine, quiet, calm and peaceful as Arunachal Pradesh. It raised the bar very high. In recent years, it has emerged to be a popular tourist attraction.

Not just the beauty but the food here is delectable, and you'll get some appetizing local food including momos (these are the greatest invention specially for Delhiites), thukpa, momoloco and much more. The food is not fried, it's either boiled, steamed or smoked.

It cohabitates with a plethora of tribes, but the people eat, speak and worship like Tibetans. And the young ones speak Korean, listen to K-pop, and have Korean hairstyles.

You won't see huge building stacks, television signals, telephone wires. Life is really simple and uncomplicated. All you can see there are monks praying, a glowing sunrise, lustrous golden hour and pleasing sunsets. I believe the best way to soothe your eyes is by watching sunsets, and not Netflix.

Visiting there will make you feel like you're living in the past, you'd see farmers cultivating the land, Shepherds herding, women weaving and smoke of gas fire. Visiting this place will make you realize that do you actually need to depend on modern lifestyle to survive or, should we go back to traditional lifestyle, is simple life a happier one? Just enjoy every moment to the fullest because minimalism is the essence of happy life.

This place has many surprises and secrets waiting for you, you'll be finding hidden waterfalls, farms, temples and bridges. Following are some sightseeing places in Arunachal Pradesh.

TAWANG

Tawang is one of the fascinating towns in Arunachal Pradesh at a height of 3048 m with monasteries all over. This place is surrounded by glacial lakes, magnificent hills, breathtaking view and simplicity of Tawang people.

Tawang is famous for its 400 years old and the biggest monastery. This place is an important pilgrim center for Buddhism followers. Along with religious importance, it'll leave you spellbound with its beauty. Best time to visit Tawang is during summers and the onset of the monsoon. This time is perfect for sightseeing. 

Some places to visit near Tawang are Sela pass, Bumla pass, Madhuri lake, Jaswant garh, Tawang Buddhist monastery, Thingbu hot spring.

SELA PASS

Sela pass is a snowy picture perfect spot that'll enhance your Instagram feed. This place brims with scenic views that'll surely leave you enthralled.

BUMLA PASS

Bumla pass represents the Indochina border guarded by the Indian army in the midst of severe weather conditions and rough terrain. Bumla pass was used by the Dalai Lama and thus, it's very famous. It is 20.6 km away from Tawang.

SHONGA-TSER LAKE 

Shonga-tser Lake is also known as Madhuri lake. It got its name Madhuri after the actress visited for her film shoot. And this lake is a result of the earthquake.

JASWANT GARH

Jaswant garh is a war memorial built in commemoration of martyred soldiers. This place is named after great rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat who single-handedly held back the Chinese army for 72 hours. This place is 25 km from Tawang.

TAWANG BUDDHIST MONASTERY

It is also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, located on top of the hill and is close to the border of Bhutan and Tibet. Visiting this calm and peaceful place will give you a soothing experience. 

As located on the top of a hill, it offers you an awe-inspiring view.

THINGBU HOT SPRING

Thingbu hot spring is located in a small village named Thingbu. It's a three-hour drive from Tawang.  This is a natural hot spring and a must-visit place. It's said that the spring is rich in sulphur and can cure skin ailments. So take a refreshing dip and get healed of any skin ailment.

There are a very few hotels, so you can opt for homestay, the localities are really kind.

You'll be meeting some cute furry friends including yak, sheep and mountain puppies. 

Unwind yourself coming here.

The memories you'll make here will stay for lifetime. Turn into a shutterbug and make the most of your time in exploring and capturing because at last photos will surely make you smile.

FESTIVALS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

There are many religious, sociocultural, agricultural festivals celebrated. But the most famous festivals are Losar festival, Siang river festival, Ziro music festival, Mopin, Solang festival.

The main festival of Arunachal Pradesh is Losar festival that represents Tibetan New year. This fest is organized to celebrate the blossoming of apricot trees. It's celebrated with great pomp. Initially it was known as Agrarian festival.

Mopin festival is significant for galo adi tribe, as they believe that this festival will bring good luck, prosperity and good harvest.

At last all I can say is Arunachal Pradesh is a land of hidden gems.