Arunachal is huge and travelling around its vast and mountainous tracts can be arduous. But for many, this has been a challenge. The tough terrain is a trekker's delight and its amazing range of flora and fauna a naturalist's dream. Itineraries can be customised to enjoy the full range of Arunachal's glorious assets to one's own needs and the limitations of the Inner Line Permits.

Hidden amongst its verdant valleys are Arunachal's tribal villages offering a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this land and its people. Discover the intriguing traditions of ancient lifestyles lived out against one of the most diverse ecological settings in the country. Uncover the myths and legends of this land and its people. Marvel at its cultural and religious wealth and antiquity. The stunning combination of its haunting beauty, the treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and its rich tribal heritage make Arunachal a fascinating journey for the discerning traveller.

Arunachal is vast - its terrain difficult. But vacationing in Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure. An exciting, enlightening and incredible adventure - reminding you again what a wonderful privilege it is to savour the delights of wild beauty at its very best.

ltanagar
The land of the dawnlit mountains, Itanagar, Arunachal's capital is also its biggest town. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has many archaeological finds from Ita Fort, to which you can trek up. It also has an interesting collection of arts and crafts, jewellery, textiles and a variety of tribal headgears, which gives you an insight into Arunachal's tribal culture. Open: Tuesday - Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm. Try the local brew Apong, a rice beer that's drunk warm. You might come across some of the Nyishi tribals who live around here. You'll recognise them by their massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead. In their headdress they wear feathers of the great hornbill - Arunachal's signature bird. Shop at the craft emporium for local mementos.

Itanagar doesn't have an airport, however, there are airports at Tezu, Pasighat, Along, Daporijo and Ziro. Itanagar is connected by road to the other state capitals in the North East. The most convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur, in Assam. It is best to visit from October to May, but an entry permit is necessary.

Tezpur
The gateway town to the Arunachal hills, Tezpur lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra and is well linked to Guwahati airport. Bhalukpong (58 km northwest from Tezpur), dotted along the foothills dividing Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is reputed for its hot springs, orchid centre and the Nyethidow festival in March. Nearby Tipi is famed for its orchidarium (about 7500 varieties of native orchids) and its cutflower experiments.

Straddling the lush environs of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam is the nearby Nameri Sanctuary. Famous for its golden Mahseer - an angler's passion - you can enjoy an elephant-ride and find out more about the endangered clouded leopard and white winged wood duck, which have made these forests their home. The Patasali Eco-camp here, run by forest department, can arrange river rafting, fishing expeditions, except during the monsoons. The Orang Wildlife Sanctuary, 65 km away, replicates Assam's Kaziranga landscape in miniature and amongst its residents are the one-horned rhino, Asiatic buffalo, hoolock gibbon and the Bengali florican.

Ziro
Accessible by jeep, picturesque Ziro is 200 km from Itanagar. Situated on the Apatani Plateau (in the lower Subansiri region) and surrounded by pine mantled hills all around, it is spectacular. Well connected by bus to Daporijo (home of the Tagin and Miri tribes) the district headquarters of upper Subansiri, it's a tourist's delight with its dazzling landscapes and tribal culture. Make a point to visit Tarin, the high-altitude fish farm, the famous whispering pine grove and the craft centre. From a hilltop, catch the first rays of dawn lighting up the stunning emerald patchwork quilt of nature. A visit to an Apatani tribal home is a must. The Apatanis are one of most advanced and intriguing of Arunachal's tribal people. Both men and women tattoo themselves and the women wear great nose plugs (dat) made of bamboo and face tattooes.

Pasighat
Situated at 155 mts, with its scenic splendours Pasighat is Arunachal's oldest town and also the district headquarters of East Siang. The turbulent Siang river races across the district heading for the plains, where it is met by the Dihang and Lohit rivers, where it roars into Assam as the mighty Brahmaputra. The region is the home of the Adi tribe who are remembered for their colourful Ponung dance. Pasighat is also ideal for adventure sports activities.

The Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, 13 km away, is worth visiting. The archaeological site of Malinithan (100 km) is linked to the legend of Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini. According to ancient Hindu myths, the dismembered head of Sati (Parvati) is said to have fallen at Akashiganga (100 km). This is a highly sacred place for Vaishnavites.

Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary
This unique sanctuary is the natural habitat of all four great cats. Here you will find tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard. It is also home to the endangered takin, hoolock gibbon, red panda and capped langur.

The sanctuary has 150 species of trees and has a fabulous wealth of medicinal and ornamental plant life. Much of its immeasurable botanical bounty has not even been surveyed because of its inaccessibility. Amongst its immense range of avian denizens is the great Indian hornbill - the state bird of Arunachal. You can stay at the picturesque Deban Forest Bungalow overlooking Noa Dihang river.

Parasuram Kund
The focal point of the Makar Sakranti festival in January, Parasuram Kund is not just beautifully located but also steeped in tribal legend and is much venerated by Hindus. The holy sage Parasuram is said to have wandered allover India to atone for the sin of matricide initiated by his father. On the advice of some sages, he came to bathe in the Kund in this remote land. The axe that was stuck to his hand fell away cleaving the mountain from which sprang the Lohit river.

Located 20 km from Tezu, the Lohit district is home to the Mishmi, Singhpos and Khampti tribes. Roing (district headquarters of the Dibang valley) is 56 km away whose original inhabitants are the Idu Mishmi tribe.