Land of the Animists Jeep Safari

Arunachal Pradesh - The Land of the Animists: The Arunachal Pradesh attracts tourists from many parts of the world. Tourist attractions include Tawang, a beautiful town famous for its Buddhist monastery, Ziro, famous for cultural festivals, the Namdapha tiger project in Changlang district and Sela lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river. Religious places of interest include Malinithan in Lekhabali, Rukhmininagar near Roing (the place where Rukmini, Lord Krishna's wife in Hindu mythology, is said to have lived), and Parshuram Kund in Lohit district (which is believed to be the lake where Parshuram washed away his sins). Rafting and trekking are common activities. A visitor's permit from the tourism department is required. Places like Tuting have wonderful, undiscovered scenic beauty. Unexplored Tribal areas of Eastern Arunachal has been largely remained unexplored till late and still receives very few travelers. The sights are still very natural and pristine. Visit villages of Nishi,Hill Miryis, Apatani and Tribes...Ferry ride in mighty Brahmaputra River.

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata
Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life ; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. You will be received at the airport in a traditional manner with garlands and proceed to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Kolkata - Guwahati - Tezpur
Morning after a relaxed breakfast transfer to airport to board flght to Guwahati (Flight leaves at 1010 Hrs./Arrives at 1120 Hrs.). Shikhar Travel’s representative will receive you at the airport and you will proceed to Tezpur (195 Kms). On the way, photo stop of Kalia Bhumura Bridge over River Brahmaputra. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Tezpur - Itanagar
Morning after breakfast take a tour of Tezpur (Also known as Sonitpur “City of Blood” of Puranic fame, is ssociated with the legend of princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana and prince Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna for their eternal love and romance. The great mythological war believed to have been fought between Hari(Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva) and as a result the whole city was said to have been drenched in blood). Visit Da-Parbatia (The ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia Temple a few kms. from Tezpur town, is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam. It's carving has the characteristics of the style of early Gupta School of sculpture. The door-jambs having two goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, standing below with garlands in their hands in artistic pose and elegance are decorated with beautiful ornamental foliage), and Agnigarh ("Preserving the sweet memory of young lovers", Agnigarh or the rampart, surrounded by fire, is perhaps the most beautiful tourist spots in Tezpur. According to legend, Princess Usha, the only daughter of King Bana, was kept inside the palace which was surrounded by rampart of fire. The present Agnigarh, now only a hillock facing the mighty Brahmaputra, provides the tourist a soul touching panoramic view of both the river and Tezpur town). Afternoon drive down to Itanagar. Arrive and check-in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4: Itanagar
Morning after breakfast visit The Buddhist Gompa of Itanagar (This is a new but beautiful yellow - roofed shrine.It rises from well-rnaintained grounds behind a stupo tree planted by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The grounds of the temple offers a beautiful view of the Itanagar Town) and The Ganga Lake or Gyaker Sinyi (The 6 km drive to the lake from Itanagar takes the visitors through some superbly primeval jungles with bamboo groves, orchid masses on tall trees, which are some of the vegetation which can be identified by the interested travelers. Stopping at the base of a hill, one has to take a flight of steps uphill. At the top of the ridge one looks down on a tranquil green forest lake which one has to cross in a row boat. Today, it is a beautiful spot for outings, boating and picnics. Evening back to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5: Itanagar - Ziro
The day takes you to Jiro (usually spelled and pronounced as Ziro by outsiders) in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India); the plateau of Apatani Tribe (There are currently no known written records of the history of the Apatani tribe, although it is speculated that, throughout their history, the Apatani had a democratic system of running the society. The dress of the Apatanis is elaborate and colorful, yet simple in style. Tattooing and the stuffing of large nose plugs were once popular among the women. Originally, this practice started because the women wanted to look unattractive to males from neighboring tribes). Enroute, visit some Nishi Tribal Villages (The largest tribes (population wise) in Arunachal Pradesh. Arrive Ziro in the evening and check-in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6: Ziro
Morning after breakfast take a tour of Ziro (Ziro is the collection of some of the big villages of Apatani People. The important ones among these are Hija, Hong and Hari which have the maximum population of the Apatani people in Ziro). Apart from the Apatani Tribe, Ziro is very rich in terms of natural beauty. The altitue (Very close to 5000 Feet) and the natural surrounding (Including the Pine Trees) make it entirely different from the other places one could cover in this itinerary.

Day 7: Ziro - Daporijo
Morning after breakfast, proceed to Daporijo (600 Meters from sea level, Daporijo is situated on the right bank of River Subansiri and is the headquarters of Upper Subansiri District. This place is mainly the transit point for people willing to visit Ziro which is one of the most beautiful places of Arunachal Pradesh. Daporijo is a place for different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh such as Adi Gallong, Nishyi, Hill Miri but the most living here are the Tagins. Though very similar in culture, custom and tradition Tagin is one of the most unfriendly tribes available in Arunachal Pradesh). En route visit Raga Village of the Hill Miryi Tribe. Arrive Daporijo and check-in at Circuit House for overnight stay. Spend the evening at leisure or walk around the local evening market.

Day 8: Daporijo - Along
Morning after a relaxed breakfast drive down to Along (The headquarter of West Siang Dristrict (300 Meters from the sea level, Along is a small town on the plains is surrounded by hills from all the sides. The picturesque surroundings laced with brilliant plantations makes Along one best places to spend the summer in Arunachal). Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.

Day 9: Along - Pashighat
Morning after breakfast, proceed for a visit to Kabu Village of Adi Gallong Tribe (Like the Adi Minyongs, The Adi Gallongs are also Animists in religion and pray the Sun and the Moon. Post lunch drive down to Pasighat (155 Metres above the sea level, Pasighat is the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh established in 1911 and the present headquarter of the East Siang district. On the eastern side of Assam, Pasighat is the gateway of Arunachal Pradesh for those who wish to travel to the Siang District or even to unexplored Gelling which is the confluence point of River Sangpo and Siang). En route visit Songom (Appx. 60 Kms. from Pasighat) where the Green Waters of Siang met the Blue Waters of river Siom). 10 Kms. from Songom will take you to Pangin Village of Adi Minyong Tribe (Appx. 50 Kms. from Pasighat). Before independence of India Arunachal had only 01 Adi Tribe but during the time of separation these people created their own communities and the Adis were divided into many sub tribes. Minyong is one of the major sub tribes of Adi and Pangin is one of the largest villages of Adi Minyong People. These are Animists in religion and they worship the Sun and the Moon (The Donyi Polos). Cultivation of rice, plantation of Orange and Pineapple, Piggery etc. are some of the sources of income for these people. You will arrive Pasighat in the evening and check-in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Pashighat - Roing
After an early breakfast drive to Roing. An adventurous drive through the forest and riverside. Visit Tribal villages inhabited by Adi Padam tribe enroute to have a glimpse of their tradition and culture. Spend leisure time with the tribals and be a part of their life for a day. Arrive and check-in at Tourist Lodge. Afternoon interface with the Idu Mishmi tribes and visit the ruins of the Bishmaknagar (29kms from Roing) - one of the oldest archaeological sites which can be called a "Hill Fort" made of burnt bricks. These date back to the 12th Century. Overnight in Roing.

Day 11: Roing - Anini
After breakfast drive to Anini (District Headquarter of Upper Dibang Valley).12 km from Roing, visitors can see the ruins of Princess Rukmini of Rukminati, which is situated at the heart of Chimri village. One can find the remains of burnt and baked bricks, which indicate the progress of the erstwhile civilization. The legend associated with the site tells that this was the palace of Princess Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhismaka. Over night at hotel.

Day 12: Anini
Day to explore the Idu Mishmi Tribal Villages in and around Anini. Overnight at your Tourist Lodge / Circuit House.

Day 13: Anini - Roing
Morning after breakfast drive back to Roing. Upon arrival, check-in at Tourist Lodge for overnight stay.

Day 14: Roing - Dibrugarh
Morning after breakfast drive and then ferry down to reach Dibrugarh (7hrs). Evening free. Overnight in Dibrugarh.

Day 15: Dibrugarh - Jorhat - Kolkata - Fly Back Home
Morning after a relaxed breakfast drive down to Jorhat to catch filght for Kolkata. Shikhar Travel's representative will receive you at the airport and you will proceed for your farewell dinner in one of the Indian Speciality local restaurants. Afterwards you will be transferred to the International Airport to board flight for onward destination.