Arunachal Pradesh: Where Dawn Breaks First

Arunachal Pradesh, situated at India's eastern edge, is famously known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun' due to its geography. Dong village, located in the Anjaw district at approximately 1,240 meters, holds the distinction of being the first place in India to experience sunrise daily. This phenomenon occurs significantly earlier than in western parts of the country, offering misty dawns and golden ridgelines.

The journey to Dong village is an adventure in itself, requiring travel planning and patience. Visitors typically fly into Dibrugarh in Assam, then undertake a long drive to Tezu, which serves as a base before the final mountainous stretch to Dong. The remote setting offers an escape into silence and clarity, with untouched forests and rolling hills providing a unique travel experience.

For those planning a visit, the optimal window is from October to April, offering clear skies for sunrise viewing, although winter can bring sharp drops in temperature. Traveling during the monsoon season (May-September) is not recommended due to heavy rains and potential landslides. Dong village provides a rare opportunity to witness the country's earliest dawn in a remote, natural setting.