Bengaluru: It is India’s land of the rising sun. While we all know more about the world beyond the borders of our beautiful country, the tiny north-eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh did not appear to be on the big tourist map of many here.

But slowly people have started discovering this land of snow-clad mountains, roaring rivers, meadows and valleys, besides the amazing cuisine and warm people. Arunachal Pradesh displays a wide variety of tourism options today. From being an eco tourism hot spot that boasts of rich and diverse biodiversity to allowing one have a complete cultural, religious and spiritual immersion, the options for heritage and adventure tourism are ample.

The tourism industry in the state is well poised for growth and is looking to grow annually by around 20 per cent over the next three years. The department of tourism there is working to overcome the inherent infrastructure challenges. “Arunachal Pradesh has so much to offer to tourists who seek solace and fun. It is a welcome step,” says Parishmita Gogoi, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh.

In a pan India bid to formulate strategies and methodologies to develop tourism opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh, the department of tourism has signed Memoranda of Understanding signalling strategic partnerships with key partners – Oxigen Wallet, MakeMyTrip.com, Travel Agents Association of India, Fly Wings and The National Film Development Corporation of India – to work together and promote and attract tourists to the pristine State.

Dr Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, said, “Arunachal Pradesh is investing to become the adventure and exotic tourism hub of India. We have been organising theme-based events like the Tawang festival, Ziro festival of music, Arunachal spring carnival, adventure at Mechuka as also the Kameng river festival. The role of tourism partners in building awareness and encouraging on the unique attractions this state offers is paramount. In 2017, we expect the number of tourist arrivals to grow exponentially. We thank our tourism partners and urge them to continue promoting the rich biodiversity and ecotourism attractions that Arunachal Pradesh offers.”