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Situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is a beautiful town that is known for its paddy cultivation. The residents of this town additionally practice poly-culture and water management in the fields of paddy. Ziro also has a rich traditional culture of the Apatani tribe. Whenever you visit this place, the weather is pleasant and delightful.
Brief History
Arunachal Pradesh emerged as a fully developed state on 28th February in the year 1987. Until 1972, Arunachal Pradesh was earlier known as North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Later on 27th January in 1987, it attained the status of Union Territory which is when it was renamed – Arunachal Pradesh.
The Apatani tribe is one of the ethnic groups residing in the eastern Himalayas. They have excellent traditional ecological knowledge about managing natural resources. Being the third-largest tribal group of Arunachal Pradesh, Apatanis are non-nomadic. The literacy rate of this tribal group is 86%.
State/District/Capital
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar, named after the fort Ita. Around 167 Km away from Itanagar, is the charming plateau of Ziro. It is also the headquarters of the Lower Subansiri District.
How to reach Ziro?
By Air
If you are travelling by air, you can take a flight from the nearest airport which is 98 Km away at Jorhat, Assam. At a distance of 123 Km is another airport, at Lilabari. You can even take a flight from the international airport of Ziro- Guwahati which is at distance of 449 Km.
By Rail
The railway station of Naharalagun which is 100km and north Lakhimpur which is 117 km from Ziro are the nearest railway stations. You also have an option to take a train from Guwahati which departs at 9.30 pm and reaches Naharalagun in morning , the next day. From Naharalagun, you can either take a bus to Itanagar or rent a taxi.
By Road
You can reach Ziro by taking a bus from Guwahati. The Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has state owned buses which runs 4 days in a week. Travelling by road is adventurous and you can also enjoy the scenic beauty along the way.
When to visit Ziro?
The interesting thing about Ziro is, you can experience pleasant weather during the whole year. The meadows, lush green paddy fields give a pleasant, calm, and relaxing view of the town. It is generally warm from April till June but the warmth of the season is bearable.
Official language
Ziro is home to the Apatani tribe and the locals speak the Apatani language – a Tani language which falls under the category of Sino Tibetan Languages.
Weather
- Summer Season: April to June
- Average temperature: 10o to 23o C
- Monsoon Season: July to October
- Average temperature: 16 o to 20 o C
- Summer Season: November to March
- Average temperature: 10o – 8o C
Transportation/Stay to prefer
Transportation
For the local transport, you can take an auto-rickshaw or book a private taxi as a safest option.
Stay to prefer
In Ziro, you definitely have some good options for staying in hotels. If you prefer to spend your nights in ‘Home Stays’, you can find one in the Apatani village. The very famous Home Stay is- Siiro Resort.
Fairs & Festivals in Ziro
The very famous music festival organized by the Ziro valley is The Ziro Music Festival. A four-day event that is held in September. Every genre of music is played during this festival. It is a right place where the independent talents from different parts of India unite. People mostly like to visit this place during the Music festival time. There are entry tickets available for the same. So, if you are a ‘music lover’, you must visit this place.
Places to visit in Ziro
Kile Pakho
Situated in the Ziro valley, Kile Pakho is a beautiful scenic area which is at a distance of 7 Km from the old Ziro where one can experience the beauty of nature. This place gives you a delightful view of Ziro. You would definitely want to spend more time once you reach here.
Tally Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread across an area of 337 Kms, Tally Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some endangered species. It is the most common tourist attraction in Ziro. Also called a Bio-Diversity Zone. You can also see a variety of flora and fauna here. You can spot leopards and beautiful species of butterflies here.
Midey
This is a lovely place where you can go for hiking or trekking and enjoy the alluring view of blue pine trees. Samenii and Satnii Pisha are the two varieties of tallest pine trees that you can find here. The magnificent scenic view of this place is where you should be when visiting Ziro.
Ziro Puto
Located at a distance of 167 Km away from Itanagar, is the beautiful hillock Ziro Puto. You can trek and see the entire Ziro town from this place. India’s first administrative Centre was set up and known as army cantonment.
Dolo Mando
If you are willing to trek and see the amazing view of Ziro town, then you must visit Dolo Mando. Situated on a hillock, and famous for love story of couple named- ‘Dolo and Mando’.
Tarin Fish Farm
Paddy cultivation is very famous and traditionally practised by the Apatani people in Ziro. They practice paddy-cum-fish cultivation in Tarin Fish Farm. Being the most famous place in Ziro, Tarin Fish Farm is most visited by tourists. You must visit this place to know about traditional paddy cultivation.
Meghna Cave Temple
An ancient cave temple which is very old and rediscovered in 1962, is a tourist spot in Ziro. Situated at an altitude of around 300 ft. , it gives a mesmerizing view of the surrounding areas with lush greenery around.
Pine Groove
Covered with pines, it is a place where tourist frequently visit. Situated 3 Km away from the old Ziro. This place is perfect place for you to have a small picnic and enjoy the beauty of nature around.
Tipi Orchid Research Centre
Covering an area of 10 hectares, Tipi Orchid Research Centre is home to 1000 varieties of orchids. The Orchid glasshouse is additionally a famous tourist attraction which is at the center. You must visit this place to explore more about how beautiful the varieties of orchids are. It is delightful to experience!
Cuisines to taste in Ziro
You can find few of the local food in Ziro valley which you must try.
- Rice is the staple food of Arunachal Pradesh and is served with different variety of flavours. You can also try some boiled rice wrapped up in leaves and momos for snacks.
- The Apatani tribe people make Pika Pila, a pickle that is a favourite of the Arunachal Pradesh people.
- Apong is a traditional drink of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Apong is actually made of rice.
Things to do in Ziro
The amazing destination of Ziro offers its visitors to trek, camp, sightseeing, and shopping. You can also attend the Ziro Music Festival if you wish to plan your trip around September.
- If you are planning a trip for trekking, you must visit Ziro valley.
- The hillock of Dalo Mando would give an amazing view of the town.
- If you are looking for a place to camp, you can set a camp near ‘Pange River Basin’. The chirps of birds, the sound of water would give you a one-time experience.
- You can visit various tourist places, explore the tribal markets and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- You also get to know about the Apatani tribal culture and traditional paddy cultivation for which Ziro is famous.
Souvenirs to buy in Ziro
You can shop some very authentic and beautiful handloom items made by the Apatani tribe people. The tribal markets of Ziro also have bamboo and cane items that you can buy. For gifting purposes, you can buy some hand-woven bags and clothes. Ziro is famous for manufacturing items made from bamboos such as baskets, wall hangings, and other decorative pieces. In addition to this, you can also find some beautiful handloom pieces and handicraft items in the markets of Ziro.
Tip: While visiting Ziro, you would require an inner line permit. Whether Indian or Foreigner, you require an inner line permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh. For Indians, it is an Inner line Permit and for someone visiting from outside India, it is Protected Area Permit.
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