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Arunachal Pradesh means the "land of the dawn-lit mountains" and lives up to its name with its pine-forested mountains that echo with the sound of the gurgling hill streams rushing down the slopes. Myriad tribes who still preserve their separate cultures, traditions and lifestyles inhabit this state, which has stayed in glorious isolation for so long in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The major attraction of the enigmatic state of Arunachal Pradesh is its amazing array of flora and fauna, in a unique habitat with glaciers, high altitude meadows and sub-tropical forests. An interesting facet of the tribal villages of Arunachal is that materialism just does not exist. The simplicity of the tribal people and the untamed profusion of nature make you feel like you are in a time warp in Arunachal Pradesh.
Entry Formalities:
Indian tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh require an Inner Line Permit. All places are open to domestic tourists except those of defense importance. Permits take approximately three weeks to be issued so you need to plan in advance. Contacts below:
1. Resident Commissioner, Arunachal Bhawan, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi: 110001
Tel: 91-11-23013956
2. The Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 4B Chowringhee Place, Kolkata: 700013
Tel: 91-33-2486500
3. The Liaison Officer, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, R.G.Baruah Road, Guwahati, Assam: 781021
Tel: 91-361-26544.
All visitors to India are required to carry a passport valid at least for the next 6 months. Visa exemptions include:
1. Bhutanese and Nepalese visitors who are staying for less than 3 months,
2. Nationals from the Maldives, if they are staying for a maximum of 90 days (this includes any periods they may have spent in India up to 6 months prior to the visit in question),
3. Transit passengers who have a follow-on ticket within 72 hours of arrival as long as they are not going to leave the airport.
Foreign tourists intending to visit Arunachal need clearance from the Home Ministry and a Restricted Area Permit. A Permit takes approximately three weeks to be issued so you need advance planning.
The Permit is valid for 10 days. Minimum of four must travel together on a tour arranged through an approved travel agent.
Passport and Visa number, validity, nationality, purpose of visit, period you intend to stay in Arunachal have to be stated in the application form for the Permit. You need 2 passport-size photographs.
Foreign tourists are allowed to visit Itanagar, Ziro, Along, Pasighat, Miao, Namdapha, Tipi and Bhalukpong.
Permits may be applied for at any overseas Indian consular office or at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110003.
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