It was raining when we stepped out of the plane at the beautiful Itanagar airport, Arunachal Pradesh. Of course, this was the best thing that could happen to visitors who have come from Delhi's hot weather. However, our journey was equally arduous as we had to change three flight to reach the beautiful north-eastern state of India. We started our journey to Itanagar a previous night from Delhi to Kolkata, then from Kolkata to Gauwati, then to the small Donyi Polo Airport, also known as Hollongi Airport.  But this was not our final destination as we had to cover another 116 kilometer to the picturesque town Ziro.

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Located in Subansiri district, Ziro is a mesmerizing valley surrounded by lush green mountains, paddy fields, and bamboo groves. It took almost three hours to reach Ziro, but time flew like seconds. The lush green mountains, small villages and beautiful houses kept us engaged throughout our journey. We halted at several points to click pictures of the surroundings and with the surroundings. It was surprising to see that all the shops or places where we stopped on the way to Ziro had the UPI payment option available.

Inside Ziro

As we reached Ziro town, it was raining cats and dogs. Trust me, the rain had made this valley more beautiful and green. However, we had only a day and a half to explore the entire Ziro, so we had no choice but to wish for the rain to stop. Then, one of our fellow travelers suggested having lunch first to utilize the time. So, we headed to a beautiful resort that offers not only mouth-watering food but also a view of beautiful paddy fields filled with rainwater. The restaurant staff asked us to try local kiwi wine and peach wines. Dining while overlooking the paddy fields, light rain, and discussing the places to visit in Ziro was an experience in itself. Luckily, by the time we finished our lunch and drinks, the rain had stopped. We hurriedly got into our car and set off to explore the city. Since it was a rainy day, the entire town seemed to be empty, and the selfie crowd that had flooded the hill stations of North India was missing. It was a dream place for people who like peace and tranquility.

Our first stop was Shiikhe Lake, a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by lush green forests and towering mountains. After walking around the lake, we took a break at a restaurant that offered some mouth-watering local cuisine. Then, we headed to Apatani Village, which was surrounded by lush green mountains and dotted with traditional wooden houses. The Apatani community village is a must-visit for those who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. However, it started raining again, so we had to drop all our plans to explore the city.

Planning to visit Ziro?

How to Reach Ziro

Ziro is well connected by road and air. The nearest airport is located in Itanagar, Arunchal Pradesh which is around 116 km away from Ziro. From Itanagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ziro.

Things to Do in Ziro

Ziro offers a range of activities to its visitors. Here are some of the must-visit places and things to do in Ziro:

Visit Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 32 km from Ziro and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Explore Meghna Cave Temple: Meghna Cave Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Ziro, located around 3 km from the town.

Trek to Kile Pakho: Kile Pakho is a popular trekking destination in Ziro, situated around 7 km from the town.

Visit the Apatani Tribal Village: The Apatani Tribal Village is a unique attraction in Ziro. The Apatani tribe is known for their unique way of life and customs. You can witness their traditional houses, rice fields, and handicrafts in the village.

The city also organise a music festival~ the Ziro Music Festival. It is an annual event that takes place in the month of September, and it brings together musicians from across the world to perform in the scenic backdrop of Ziro.

Where to Stay in Ziro

Ziro offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. You can choose from homestays, guesthouses, and hotels. Click here to look for staying option

Please share your experince of Ziro. 

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