Arunachal Pradesh Geography for UPSC: Interactive Map, Rivers and Protected Areas
a state of steep eastern Himalayan ranges and dense subtropical forest
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Protected areas mapped
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Rivers mapped
At a glance
Capital
Itanagar
Language
English
Dance
Bardo Chham
Area
83,743 km²
Coastline
Landlocked
Highest peak
Kangto · 7,090 m
Borders
Assam, Nagaland, Bhutan (international), China (international), Myanmar (international)
Why UPSC asks about Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal is the eastern Himalaya: Kangto in the east, the Siang (Tsangpo/Brahmaputra) gorge, the Kameng-Subansiri river system, and the Tawang sector. UPSC tests the McMahon Line, the state's role in Brahmaputra hydrology, and Namdapha (the easternmost tiger reserve and India's only park with four big-cat species).
Siang
Rises Enters India from Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo; flows to Flows into Assam, where it becomes the Brahmaputra · 190 km
The Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) enters India as the Siang near Gelling and becomes the Brahmaputra downstream of Pasighat.
Subansiri
Rises Tibetan Plateau, entering Arunachal Pradesh in the north; flows to Joins the Brahmaputra in Assam · 221 km
The Subansiri (the 'gold river') rises in Tibet and is the Brahmaputra's largest tributary; the Subansiri Lower dam project is on it.
Lohit
Rises Zayu county, Tibet; flows to joins the Dibang at Sadiya to form the Brahmaputra · 274 km
A turquoise eastern-Himalayan river along the India-China-Myanmar tri-junction region.
Dibang
Rises Dibang valley glaciers near the Indo-China border; flows to joins the Lohit at Sadiya · 119 km
The Dibang gorge is one of the deepest in the Himalaya; the Dibang dam is planned on it.
Kameng
Rises Glacial lake near the Kangto massif, Tawang sector; flows to joins the Brahmaputra at Tezpur (Assam) · 190 km
The Kameng (Jia Bharali in Assam) drains the Tawang-East Kameng hills.
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere
A biosphere reserve in the eastern Himalaya covering the Siang (Dihang) and Dibang valleys, a transition zone of tropical to alpine ecosystems with Mishmi takin, red panda and rich orchid diversity.
Siang-Dibang valleys; Mishmi takin and alpine transition ecosystems.
Namdapha NP
A park in Changlang district, the easternmost national park of India, spanning 200 m to 4,500 m altitude, the only park where tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard ranges overlap. Also the only Indian park with all four big cat species, alongside the rare Namdapha flying squirrel.
India's easternmost park; the only one where tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard overlap.
Mouling NP
A park in Upper Siang district in the eastern Himalaya, named after the Mouling peak, with alpine and temperate forests of the Siang valley.
Named after Mouling peak in Upper Siang district.
Pakke Tiger Reserve
A tiger reserve in Pakke-Kessang district in the eastern Himalaya foothills, renowned for hornbills, all four NE Indian species occur here, and for community-based hornbill nest protection.
Hornbill haven; famous for community nest-protection programmes.
Eaglenest WLS
A sanctuary in West Kameng district, globally famous among birders, over 450 bird species including the rediscovered Bugun liocichla, in forests spanning 500 m to 3,250 m.
Birding hotspot; home of the Bugun liocichla.
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