Essentials of Arunachal Pradesh

Places to Stay

Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, Itanagar : Simple Place with comfortable well appointed rooms, a multi cuisine restaurant, sprawling lawns and jogging track. Tel: 0360 - 221 2626/7

Patasali Eco Camp : Inside the Nameri Sanctuary on the AP- Assam Border, offers the silence of the forest and abundant greenery. Spend time river rafting or fishing or try both together. Tel : 0360 -221 4745.

Forest Rest House, Deban Village : Located in lap of forested Pataki Hills and on bnaks of river Noa, welcome to this lovely riverside hotel. Wake to the call of the macaque and spend endless hours sighting the hoolock gibbon, an endangered species of ape only found in these parts of India. Tel : 0360 -221 4745.

Ziro Model Village : Get a hut in this model Arunachal Village. Well decorated and equipped with mod cons. If u are adventurous go for tribal specialities else regualr North Indian Fare is also available(Phew). Tel : 0360 -221 4745.

Eating Options

Iku : Combo of bamboo shoots,fish and dried chillies. Had in all possible ways dry,boiled and made into a broth, even pickled.

Apong : Local Rice Beer with a big kick. Best had in quirky decorated bamboo mugs which make great souveniers. Available with most local shops, best bet remains Itanagar.

Pike Pila : Main dish made of vegetables and pork.The vegetables and pork are mixed in an earthern pot and dried for 3 days. The ingredients turn into a thick paste and is a delicacy that tribals are fond of.

Tenzing Restaurant,Sela : At 13,700 Ft one of the highest restaurants in the world. A One room cabin passes off as Tenzing Restaurant at Sela Pass which happens to be the entry point to Tawang District. Not too many traditional dishes however well made soups, fluffly omlettes with charcoal toasted bread are there to go with the great views.

Shopping

Monpa Carpets : Beautifully handwoven found with dragon motifs or with bright,colorful, geometric and floral designs. Try the Arts and Crafts Centre in Bomdila

Thangka Paintings : Laden with religious significance,thangkas portray life and work of the Buddha. The cloth on which the thangkas are painted are purified with prayers. In the past Thugkas were made by grinding precious stones and are supposed to drive away evil and herald peace and prosperity.
Look around for genuine ones in the monasteries and Handicrafts Centre,Itanagar.