One of the oldest towns of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is a small beautiful hill station surrounded by rice fields and is nestled between a cluster of beautiful pine trees. The large forest areas spread over the entire region are home to tribal people. This small beautiful town is at an altitude of 1500 meters from the sea level. The rich flora & fauna and its biodiversity make it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The Apa Tani tribe here worships nature God and earns their livelihood by making handicrafts and handloom products besides wet land cultivation. The Apa Tani tribal people are not nomadic like the other tribes. They are permanent inhabitants of the region Ziro. The major tourist attractions of Ziro are the green serene Talley Valley, the hillock Ziro Putu, the Tarin fish farm, and the tall idol of Shiva linga at Kardo.
Several festivals are celebrated here by the Apatani people, namely the Myoko festival in March, the Murung festival in January, and the Dree festival in July. The climate of Ziro varies from season to season, but tourists visit Ziro throughout the year.
Tourist Attractions In Lower Subansiri (ziro) : 9
By Air - The nearest Airport is Lilabari Airport in Itanagar. Flights are available from all cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
By Rail - Railway Station Itanagar to Ziro is just 147 kms. Ziro does not have its own railway station and the nearest railhead is at Tezpur 144 kms. The town of Tezpur is well connected from various parts of the country.
By Road - Road State government buses are available from the town of Itanagar.
Local Transport - It is possible to hire a rickshaw for nearby tourist spots. Hiring a taxi or Tata Sumo is the most preferred and by far the safest option.
Here are some famous traditional dishes and places to eat in Ziro:
1. Dapo's Kitchen:
- Specialty: Apong (local rice beer) and Pika Pila.
- Location: Ziro Market.
- Why Visit: Dapo's Kitchen serves authentic Arunachali dishes like Pika Pila, a spicy fermented bamboo shoot pickle, and Apong, the local rice beer, providing a true taste of the region.
2. Sunbird Cafe:
- Specialty: Bamboo Shoot Curry and Fish Stew.
- Location: Ziro Valley.
- Why Visit: A popular cafe offering local delicacies like bamboo shoot curry and fresh fish stew, made from ingredients sourced directly from the valley, perfect for a homely meal.
3. Ziro Valley Lodge:
- Specialty: Pork with Bamboo Shoot and Boiled Vegetables.
- Location: Old Ziro.
- Why Visit: Known for its traditional Arunachali dishes, especially the savory pork cooked with bamboo shoots and served with steamed local vegetables, giving a unique earthy flavor.
4. Meghna Restaurant:
- Specialty: Zan and Chicken Curry.
- Location: Hapoli.
- Why Visit: Meghna Restaurant is a must-visit for its Zan, a traditional millet porridge, paired with a flavorful chicken curry that represents the core of Ziro's traditional cuisine.
5. Yachuli Restaurant:
- Specialty: Smoked Pork and Boiled Rice.
- Location: Yachuli, Lower Subansiri.
- Why Visit: Famous for its smoked pork and boiled rice, a simple yet iconic Arunachali meal that is rich in flavor and tradition.
6. Siiro Resort:
- Specialty: Thukpa and Momos.
- Location: Siiro Village.
- Why Visit: Siiro Resort offers a mix of traditional and Tibetan dishes like thukpa (noodle soup) and momos, which are widely popular in the region.
7. Hapoli Kitchen:
- Specialty: Bamboo Shoot Soup and Boiled Pork.
- Location: Hapoli Town.
- Why Visit: A hidden gem in Hapoli town, this eatery serves delicious bamboo shoot soup and boiled pork, showcasing the simplicity and flavor of Arunachali cuisine.
8. Ayu Cafe:
- Specialty: Local Fish Curry and Sticky Rice.
- Location: Ziro Valley.
- Why Visit: Ayu Cafe offers fresh fish caught from local streams, cooked in traditional Arunachali style, and served with sticky rice, providing an authentic taste of the valley.
9. Hong Village Homestay:
- Specialty: Boiled Chicken with Herbs and Rice.
- Location: Hong Village, Ziro.
- Why Visit: A homestay offering home-cooked meals, including boiled chicken infused with local herbs and served with rice, offering a true Ziro culinary experience.
10. Apatanis Kitchen:
- Specialty: Thukpa, Pika Pila, and Apong.
- Location: Near Ziro Market.
- Why Visit: This eatery specializes in local Apatani tribal dishes like thukpa, along with Pika Pila (bamboo shoot pickle) and Apong, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring traditional Ziro flavors.
When in Lower Subansiri (Ziro), don't miss the chance to indulge in these local culinary delights and savor the rich and earthy flavors of Arunachal Pradesh’s unique tribal cuisine.
In the tranquil arms of nature's embrace, where verdant hills whisper ancient stories and the winds carry the melodies of tradition, Ziro, a serene paradise in the heart of Lower Subansiri, beckons adventurers. It invites them to immerse in the timeless beauty of culture, serenity, and nature’s charm.
Ziro enjoys a refreshing climate from October to March, making it an ideal escape for travelers seeking peace and tranquility.
The ideal time to explore Ziro is 2-3 days, allowing ample time to wander through its lush valleys, ancient villages, and picturesque landscapes.
Ziro is surrounded by several fascinating destinations such as Itanagar (110 km), Daporijo (160 km), and Pasighat (300 km), offering a deeper journey into the scenic and cultural wonders of Arunachal Pradesh.
