Arunachal Pradesh, State in northeastern India.
Arunachal Pradesh is a state in the far northeast of India, bordering Bhutan, Tibet, and Myanmar. The terrain rises from subtropical river valleys in the south to snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan range in the north, with dense forests and highland plateaus shaping much of the landscape.
The area was administered as a frontier zone during British colonial rule and remained largely isolated from outside influence until the 20th century. After Indian independence it was governed as an administrative territory before gaining full statehood in 1987.
In villages and communities, 23 different indigenous groups maintain their own languages, weaving traditions, and ceremonies often tied to seasonal cycles and harvest times. Visitors can encounter handwoven textiles, bamboo basketry, and traditional jewelry at local markets crafted by artisans from these diverse communities.
Travelers must apply for a special entry permit before arrival due to the region's position near international borders with Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tibet. The best months to visit fall between October and April when the weather is clearer and mountain roads are more safely navigable during monsoon season.
The region is home to over 500 species of orchids that grow in the mist-covered forests between river basins and mountain ridges. Sunrise appears here first in all of India, often more than an hour earlier than in other parts of the country.
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