Arunachal Pradesh is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss- crossed with a range running north-south.

Part of the Eastern Himalayan Range Arunachal Pradesh is a vast and mountaneous land criss - crossed by turbulent streams and rivers. Few know that these water routes feed and become the mighty Brahmaputra in the plains of Assam, and that these rivers provide a unique environment world, which gives the state the honour of being the greenest part of the country. The state's pristine beauty, however, remained hidden to the outside world and it was only in 1992 that Arunachal Pradesh opened its door to tourists, both domestic and international. Since then the allure of this unknown and fascinating land has held visitors in thrall, not merely over the scenic beauty and the potential for adventure and eco- tourism but also because Arunachal Pradesh, due to the years of seclusion has succeeded in keeping itself as one of the last bastions of the tribal world that thrives here in a colourful and district way of life.

Location

Bhutan on the West, China in the north, Myanmar (Burma) on the east and the state of Assam in the south, Arunachal Pradesh is part of the eastern Himalayan ranges.

Area

Arunachal Pradesh ,one of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83743 sq. Kms.

This region acquired an independent political status in January 20, 1972, when it was declared as Union Territory under the name of Arunachal Pradesh. The state of Arunachal Pradesh Bill was passed by the Parliament in 1986 and with effect from February 20, 1987 Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of Indian Union.

It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss-crossed with ranges running north-south. These divide the state into five

River valleys

The Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets.

Weather and Climate

The weather and the climate of Arunachal Pradesh are quite distinct from the rest of the country. The climate of the State is dominated by the Himalayan system and the altitudanal variations. The climate is highly hot and humid at the lower altitudes and in the valleys covered by swampy dense forest particularly in the eastern section, while it becomes exceedingly cold in the higher altitudes. Average temperature during the winter months range from 15 to 21 degree celsius and 22 to 30 degree celsius during monsoon.

Between June and August the temperature may go up to 40-42 degree celsius.The rainfall of Arunachal Pradesh in amongst the heaviest in the country. The annual average rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh is more than 350cm.

Religion and Life

There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from original Mongoloid stock but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs.

Broadly, the entire population may be divided into three cultural groups based on their socio-politico-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdak Pens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Culturally similar to them are Membas and Khembas who live in the high mountains along the northern borders, Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the State are Buddhists of Hinayana sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand and Burma long ago and still using ancient scripts derived from their original homeland.

The second group of people of Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thangsos etc. who worship the Sun and the Moon God, namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestor for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles. They traditionally practise Jhuming or shifting cultivation. The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos in the Tirap district . These are hardy people known for their structured village society in which the hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.

Once described as the "Hidden Land " it has now opened its doors to outsides . A sentinel of the country in north - east , this ancient land finds mention in the early literature such as the Kalika Purana, the Mahabharata and Ramayana . It was here that Parasuram washed away his sins , Vyasa meditated, Bhismaka founded his kingdom , lord Krishna married his consort, Rukmini . The sixth Dalai Lama was born on the soil of Arunachal Pradesh .

Arunachal has 26 major tribes and many sub-tribes living in 3649 scattered villages. Although a number of tribal groups constitue the total population, the density of population is very less. People are Mangoloid stock but each tribe has certain distinct characteristics in language, dress & costume. They have a rich cultural heritage. The People are simple, friendly and hospitable. Their colourful festivals are manifestations of their faith and belief.