North-Eastern Escapade: Eden of India's Regions
Nestled in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, lies the picturesque hill town of Ziro. Sitting at an elevation of around 1,500 meters (approximately 5,000 feet) above sea level, Ziro boasts lush green pine hills, picturesque valley, and famous terrace paddy fields, making it a unique and culturally rich destination in northeastern India.
Ziro is approximately 115 to 167 kilometers from Itanagar, the state capital, and can be accessed by road from places like North Lakhimpur or Naharlagun. The town is primarily inhabited by the Apatani tribe, who are known for their unique facial tattoos and nose plugs, and practice traditional agriculture, including paddy-cum-pisciculture (rice and fish cultivation) in terrace fields.
One of the most notable features of Ziro is its serene valley, which offers a calm and misty landscape, making it a relatively untouched and tranquil destination compared to other hill stations in India. The town is also home to majestic pine trees and abundant bamboo groves, and is known for high altitude fish farming.
For music enthusiasts, Ziro has become famous for the Ziro Festival of Music, a yearly event held towards the end of September. Founded in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty, the festival features a variety of music genres, including rock, blues, electro funk, and alternative. The festival has been a platform to showcase local and regional talent on a global stage. This year, the festival is scheduled for September 27th - 30th.
However, visitors should be aware that Protected Area Permits or Inner Line Permits may be required for visiting certain areas in Ziro. It is advisable to check with local authorities for specific information.
Travelers can reach Ziro via international airport, trains, or roads. Unfortunately, information on where to stay in Ziro is not provided in the text.
In addition to the Ziro Festival of Music, the town is also home to the Tarin Fish farm and home-grown organic Kiwi wine. With its mesmerizing landscapes, rich culture, and unique festivals, a trip to Ziro promises to be a memorable experience for any traveler.
[1] [Arunachal Pradesh Tourism](http://www.arunachaltourism.gov.in/destinations/ziro.aspx) [2] [Wikipedia: Ziro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziro) [3] [The Ziro Festival of Music](https://www.zirofestivalofmusic.com/) [4] [India Today](https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/destinations/story/ziro-arunachal-pradesh-1553470-2019-09-23)
- The serene valley of Ziro, nestled in Arunachal Pradesh, not only offers a tranquil escape for travelers but also serves as the venue for the annual Ziro Festival of Music, showcasing a variety of music genres and providing a platform for local and regional talent.
- To fully immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of the Apatani tribe in Ziro, consider staying at one of the homestays in the town, which offer a glimpse into traditional agriculture practices and local customs.
- After enjoying a day of adventure-travel exploring the picturesque terrace paddy fields, majestic pine trees, and abundant bamboo groves of Ziro, unwind in the evening by savoring some home-grown organic kiwi wine or attending a concert at the Ziro Festival of Music.
