Which Indian State Is Called The Land Of The Rising Sun? Travel Tips To Watch The Perfect Sunrise

If you have ever watched the sky slowly change colour just before dawn, you know there is something quietly powerful about being awake before the world stirs. In India, there is one region where this moment arrives before anywhere else. Long before city alarms ring and highways wake up, the sun touches a far-eastern corner of the country, lighting up forested hills, small villages and winding rivers. This is where geography quietly shapes identity. Arunachal Pradesh, often called the Land of the Rising Sun, earns this name not as poetry but as fact. From remote mountain settlements to India's easternmost village, this is where each day in the country truly begins.

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Why Arunachal Pradesh Is Called "The Land Of The Rising Sun"

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Arunachal Pradesh sits at India's eastern edge, and its longitude places it ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to daylight. While most of India follows the same time zone, the sun rises significantly earlier here, sometimes by over an hour as compared to the western states. The nickname is rooted in geography, not folklore. Hills open directly towards the east, valleys catch early light, and mornings arrive quietly and quickly. For travellers, this translates into misty dawns, golden ridgelines, and an experience of time that feels different from the rest of the country.

Dong Village: Where India Sees Its First Sunrise

Photo: Government of Arunachal Pradesh

The title of “first sunrise in India” belongs to Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district. Located at about 1,240 metres above sea level, near the India-China-Myanmar border, Dong was officially recognised as the first place in India to witness sunrise, replacing the long-held belief that the Andaman Islands held that distinction. On clear days, the sun appears here while most of the country is still in darkness. This daily event has become a point of pride for the region and even inspired a local Sun Rise Festival, drawing travellers who want to witness the country's earliest dawn in a truly remote setting.

What Makes Dong And Eastern Arunachal Unique To Visit

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Dong is not just about the sunrise. The village is small, sparsely populated, and surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills that feel untouched by time. Roads here are fewer, travel is slow, and that is part of the appeal. The journey itself becomes the experience. Visitors often describe the silence, the clarity of the sky, and the sense of standing at the edge of the country as unforgettable. This is not a destination for luxury travel, but for those who value remoteness, nature, and moments that feel genuinely rare.

Best Time To Visit Arunachal Pradesh For Sunrise Views

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• Ideal Season: October to April is the best time for sunrise views.
• Winter Advantage: Clear skies make sunrises more reliable, but temperatures can drop sharply in higher areas.
• Summer: Greener landscapes but cloudier mornings, which may obscure sunrise.
• Monsoon (May–September): Avoid travel during this period due to heavy rains, landslides, and road closures.
• Early Mornings: Essential for sunrise viewing, be prepared for cold starts and long, quiet dawns.

How To Get To Arunachal Pradesh And Dong Village

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Reaching Dong village takes planning and patience, but the journey is part of the adventure. The route involves air travel, long drives, and permits.

• Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh in Assam is the closest major airport.
• Road Journey: From Dibrugarh, drive to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh, which serves as a base for Dong.
• Final Stretch: The road from Tezu to Dong is mountainous and can take several hours.
• Permits Required:
  • Indian Travellers: Inner Line Permit (ILP) – apply online or at designated offices.
  • Foreign Nationals: Protected Area Permit.
• Travel Tip: The remoteness and slow pace make the experience special—plan for extra time.

What To Keep In Mind Before Visiting Dong Village



Photo: Government of Arunachal Pradesh

• Remote Location: Dong is very isolated with minimal infrastructure, so don't expect urban conveniences.

• Limited Connectivity: Mobile networks are weak or unavailable; plan for offline navigation and communication.
• Accommodation: Very few stay options; book well in advance or arrange through local contacts.
• Weather Conditions: Weather can change suddenly; carry warm clothing and rain protection.
• Local Guidance: Best to travel with a local guide or through an organised tour for safety and logistics.
• Sunrise Preparation: Arrange transport the night before and be ready for an early start to catch the sunrise.
• Respect Local Culture: Villages here are quiet and not tourist-heavy; maintain courtesy and avoid disrupting daily life.

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Why The “Land Of The Rising Sun” Title Truly Fits Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh's identity is shaped by geography, light, and isolation in equal measure. The fact that India's first sunrise touches Dong village each day is not just a statistic but a reminder of how vast and varied the country truly is. For travellers willing to go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, this corner of India offers an experience that feels deeply rooted, quietly dramatic, and unlike anywhere else in the country.