Ziro - The Enchanting Valley of Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, a splendidly beautiful town, Ziro, is situated in the Lower Subansiri district. It is a census town listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is enough to attract people to this valley. It is one of the oldest towns in the state and the district headquarters. Everything in this town is a major tourist attraction, pine-clad hills and rice fields being a few of them. It is home to the main Apatani tribe, which is also the organiser of one of the most famous music festivals in India, known as the 'Ziro Music Festival'.
So, travel aficionados, keep reading to know more about Ziro Valley:
History of Ziro Valley
Ziro is part of the Subansiri District. The name 'Subansiri' is derived from the Subansiri River, a Brahmaputra tributary. Subansiri District was a part of the North Lakhimpur District of Assam until 1914. In addition, the areas, including this district, also became part of the Lakhimpur Frontier Tract of the North-East Frontier Tract. In 1919, the Lakhimpur Frontier Tract, including Western parts around it, was renamed the Balipara Frontier Tract. In 1946, the district opted out of Balipara Frontier and was renamed Subansiri Area, headquartered in North Lakhimpur.
1954 it was again changed into the Subansiri Frontier Division from the Subansiri Area headquartered at Ziro. Until 30th August 1965, it was under the NEFA, a political agency in British India. On 31st September 1965, the administrative charge was taken over by the Minister of Home Affairs from External Affairs. Then, The Subansiri Frontier Division was again renamed the Subansiri District, and the political officers were appointed. On 13th May 1980, the Subansiri District bifurcated into two divisions, Lower Subansiri District and Upper Subansiri District and Ziro came into the area of Lower Subansiri District.
Places To Visit In Ziro Valley
Ziro Valley is one of the popular places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Here's a list of the best tourist attractions in Ziro Valley. Enjoy!
1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
It spreads over 337 sq. km. of land and is a significant tourist spot. Enjoy the wonderful forests, where there is less human intervention, and explore the rare species and a wide range of flora and fauna. Numerous trees, such as Silver fir trees, orchids, amazing varieties of bamboo, and ferns, can be explored here.
2. Meghna Cave Temple
When you visit Ziro, you can’t miss visiting the Meghna Cave Temple, as the temple was constructed around 5000 years ago and then rediscovered in 1962. Explore the majestic view of the surroundings and lush green forests, and keep your eyes brimming with immense beauty. Just take your camera and get set to collect the unforgettable memoirs.
3. Kile Pakho
Located just 7 km away from the Old Ziro, the destination is a treat for the visitors as it offers overwhelming scenic beauty. One can climb the ridge and view the Ziro’s plateau and Himalayan mountains in the snow.
4. Ziro Puto
It’s a hillock known for establishing India’s first independent administrative centre. Alongside, also famous as Army Puto, the army cantonment was built in the 1960s. Appreciate the beautiful views of the Apatani plateau from the hillock.
5. Tarin Fish Farm
It is one of the most popular attractions in Ziro. Tarin Fish Farms is located in Bulla Village, inhabitants of the Apatani Tribes. Here, you get to see the rice crop-growing(Mipya and Emoh) and fish-growing (Ngihi) processes together.
6. Gandhi Market
The popular market is mainly known for female sellers. The market is filled with local items like meat, tea leaves, dry fish, vegetables, etc. It is one of the plastic-free markets in the town where the products are wrapped in leaves, ensuring the highest ecological standards.
Things to Do in Ziro
- Attend Ziro Music Festival – India’s most iconic outdoor music festival held in September.
- Explore Apatani Villages – Visit Hong, Hari, and Hija villages to experience Apatani culture.
- Trek in Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – A paradise for adventure lovers.
- Try Local Cuisine – Taste Pika Pila (bamboo shoot pickle), Apong (rice beer), and smoked meats.
- Cycle Around the Valley – Best way to explore Ziro’s beauty.
- Photography and Birdwatching – Spot rare Himalayan birds and capture breathtaking landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Ziro
The best time to visit Ziro depends on your interests:
- March – June (Summer) - Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
- September (Ziro Music Festival) - Best time for music lovers.
- October – February (Winter) - Chilly but great for peaceful retreats.
- Avoid Monsoon (July – August) - Heavy rains may disrupt travel.
How to Reach Ziro
Accompanied by panoramic views, the Ziro Valley is nature’s ultimate creation. One would love to explore this tranquil place of Arunachal Pradesh. The place is mostly inhabited by the Apatani Tribe, which speaks the Tani language. Ziro is 2,304.2 km via NH27, 3,127.7 km via NH27, 1,398.5 km via NH27, and 3,354.6 km via NH 44 away from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
By Air
Ziro does not have an airport in the area. The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, a domestic airport 266 kilometres away. The airport is well-connected to neighboring cities. Another airport is Guwahati International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. It is approximately 433 kilometres away from Ziro.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Ziro
By Road
Ziro town is just 470 kilometres from Guwahati and well-connected by NH27 and NH15. One can hire a taxi from Guwahati to Ziro. It will take approximately 7 hours to reach the town. Also, a government bus service is available from Guwahati, though it can be challenging when it comes to safety.
By Train
The closest railway station is Naharlagun Railway Station, which is 95 kilometres away from Ziro. The railway station serves regular trains from neighbouring cities such as Guwahati, Kamakhya, Changsari, Tangla, etc. If you travel from other major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru, you first have to deboard at Guwahati Railway Station. Then, you can take trains towards Naharlagun Railway Station.
Get ready to be captivated by the gem of Arunachal Pradesh–Ziro Valley! Book your amazing adventure today with adotrip.com and let the fun begin!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ziro
Q. Where is Ziro located?
A. Ziro is a small hill town located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q. Why is Ziro Valley famous for?
A: Ziro Valley is famous for its paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation. Enjoy the view of terraced paddy fields.
Q. How many days are enough for Ziro valley tourism?
A: 3 - 5 days are enough for Ziro Valley tourism. You can plan accordingly and enjoy your trip to Arunachal Pradesh.
Q. What are the special foods of Ziro Valley?
A: Momos and boiled rice wrapped in leaves are the special food items of Ziro Valley.
