If you wish to visit that side of India that’s not often talked about but should be, I highly recommend the unbelievable world of Ziro.
Make your flight booking to the Itanagar Airport or Lilabari Airport and hop on the bus to explore the serene hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The journey is as peaceful as the destination. I got to experience the right culture and several eclectic festivals I didn’t know existed in our country. You will meet nature, traditions, and adventure, a combination that couldn’t be more rejuvenating for someone living in an Indian metropolis.
If you were searching for a comprehensive travel guide for this lesser-known haven in Arunachal Pradesh, I have accumulated all the best places to visit, activities to engage in, and travel tips you need to know before your trip. Let’s run through them one by one.
Why visit Ziro?
I didn’t know Ziro was a UNESCO World Heritage site nominee. You will find lush green paddy fields, gorgeous hills, and the welcoming nature of the Apatani tribe. I visited during the summers, so it turned out to be a great respite from the excessive heat that’s a norm in urban areas. This area remains cool throughout the year.
The ideal time to visit Ziro
If you wish to visit the valley when it is in full bloom, March to October is the perfect time. You can get a respite from the heat during the summer and witness soul-patting views during the monsoon. I visited in June and missed the Ziro Music Festival in September. Try to coincide your trip with this festival to have additional fun.
How to reach Ziro?
By air:
You can reach Ziro by arriving at Itanagar Airport or Lilabari Airport, which is about 100 km away. Then, take a bus or taxi to Ziro from there.
By train:
Another convenient way to reach Ziro is by train. The valley has no railway station, but this shouldn’t be a hindrance. You can reach Naharlagun by bus or taxi. It is about 100 km away.
By road:
Several prominent highways connect Ziro to the rest of the country. You can get a private taxi or bus from Guwahati or other cities like Tezpur and Itanagar. This can be a long but fun way to reach the valley.
Places to visit in Ziro
- Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: This beautiful sanctuary stretches across 337 square kilometres and has become a famous tourist destination for those interested in nature. I was certainly excited to explore it. Talley Valley is a delight, filled with many rare and endangered animals and plant species, including the clouded leopard. As a bird watcher, I was delighted with the variety of species I encountered there.
- Kile Pakho: Kile Pakho is a ridge about a short trek from Ziro. You can see the Ziro plateau on one side and the snow-capped Himalayas on the other from the bicycling top. Indeed, it is a good place for photographers and everybody who loves nature. As I was looking for a respite, I spent much time simply adoring the view.
- Midey: Midey is another terrific place to trek. It is situated in Ziro and is famous for its giant blue pine trees. The journey to Midey includes walking through a forest, bamboo, and beautiful views of some landforms, which makes it all worthwhile. Have enough time in your hands while planning this trek, and you will be in for a true adventure.
- Pine Grove: As expected, this is an area in a pine forest where you can take a pleasant stroll. The high pine trees and the beautiful scenery make it ideal for picnics and other forms of recreation. Don’t forget your camera while admiring this exquisite place.
- Ziro Puto: I was looking for some great views, and a local person recommended this place. This small hill provides a commanding view of the Ziro Valley; it was here that the first administrative camp of the Indian Army originated. I not only learned something but found another great place to adore.
- Bamboo Grove: This is a special spot where you can watch the Apatani’s style of planting bamboo in the old manner. When the plantation is done, the sticks are arranged symbolically to indicate that two bamboo stems grow from a single root. This dense area concluded my exploration of this valley.
Cultural experience in Ziro
- Ziro Music Festival: Perhaps one of the most looked-forward-to festivals across the Northeast, the Ziro Music Festival is a festival many people attend. Staged in the gorgeous valley setting, it features artists from the region, country, and globe. Local products such as textiles, foodstuffs, and cultural troupes from the Apatani tribe are also displayed during the festival. Get your memorable relics during this time of the year.
- Apatani Tribe and Their Unique Traditions: I truly loved interacting with the Apatani people. They practice having their faces coloured and their nostrils pinned and have a culturally very artistic heritage. The native tribe of Ziro is friendly and welcoming. I got this chance to embrace the culture, learn about their way of farming, and experience an authentic lifestyle. The Apatani also produce bamboo products, which can be taken as souvenirs.
Accommodation in Ziro
There are various places to stay in Ziro, from stunning homestays to luxury guest houses and hotels. I enjoyed homestays because their inhabitants give more insights into the life of the locals. Some popular options include:
- Siiro Resort: Boasting well-appointed accommodations surrounded by trees and other greens, Siiro Resort houses contemporary features. The resort has a breathtaking valley view, and it best suits guests who need relatively quiet places to stay. My thirst for peace led me here.
- Ziro Palace Inn: Ziro Palace Inn’s facilities are simple and elegant. It is conveniently located in the valley’s centre and can be your ideal starting point for exploring this picturesque valley. You can expect clean rooms, hospitable staff, and delicious food.
- View Point Homestay Ziro: I still remember this beautiful homestay’s delicious food and homely atmosphere. As the name suggests, you will find frame-worthy scenes just from the room here.
Don’t forget to do your hotel booking in advance while planning your trip, especially during the Ziro Music Festival.
Local cuisine to try
Ziro is endowed with good, diverse culinary delights peculiar to the area. You won’t get the authentic taste anywhere else. Some must-try dishes include:
- Pike Pilla: This conventional dish’s main ingredients are bamboo shoots, meat, and rice paste. It is part of their traditional meal, which they take with boiled rice.
- Bamboo Chicken is one of my favourite meals now. The chicken is rubbed with spices grown from my little garden, wrapped in bamboo shoots, and then grilled. Bamboo imparts flavour to the chicken, and the roasting gives it a lovely and delicious touch.
- Fish Stew: This tasty stew uses fish taken from nearby sources, along with bamboo shoots and other locally grown herbs.
Try these dishes only at reputable restaurants and homestays for a taste that stays for a long time with you, the way it did for me.
Travel tips for Ziro
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): This permit is required because Ziro is in Arunachal Pradesh, and the SOP card is required of anyone who is Indian. You can easily apply for this online or at the Guwahati, Kolkata, Tezpur, and New Delhi offices. This permit is also called the Protected Area Permit. They are the same, so don’t get confused.
- Pack Wisely: Even in the summer, you must pack lightweight woollen garments because the nights can be cold. Good trekking shoes are recommended while planning to trek.
- Respect Local Customs: The tribe of the Apatani has long been known for its customs. It is always important to respect their cultural practices, including avoiding taking photographs without their permission.
- Travel Light: Ziro is a small village, and it is difficult to find banking facilities such as ATMs or cards. Carry adequate cash with you and pack minimally.
- Stay Connected: Internet connection, primarily through mobile phones, can sometimes be challenging in Ziro. BSNL and Airtel have better signal strength in the area. Jio can also work well in certain areas.
Conclusion
Ziro Valley has a beautiful landscape, culturally diverse people, and a peaceful environment. If you are looking for this, Ziro has it all—be it adventure, culture or a break from the monotonous humdrum of everyday life. The beautiful experience of exploring the valleys and being welcomed by the hospitable Apatani tribe will always remain memorable. Therefore, grab your luggage, make your hotel booking in advance, and prepare for an incredible journey to Ziro Valley.
Don’t forget to share what you are looking forward to the most during your trip to this remote valley.
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