Which state is called the Land of Rising Sun in India?

There are few travel experiences as peaceful as watching the first light of the day spread across mountain peaks. In India, that moment arrives earliest in Arunachal Pradesh, earning the northeastern state its famous nickname, the Land of the Rising Sun. Blessed with dramatic Himalayan landscapes, dense forests and remote villages, Arunachal Pradesh offers visitors the chance to witness a sunrise unlike anywhere else in the country.

The state's position on India's eastern frontier is the reason behind its title. Sharing borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh lies farther east than any other Indian state. Although the entire country follows Indian Standard Time (IST), the sun rises here much earlier than it does in western India. During some months of the year, the difference in sunrise can exceed an hour, making mornings feel remarkably different from those in cities such as Delhi or Mumbai.

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One place in particular has become synonymous with India's earliest sunrise—Dong, a small village in Anjaw district. Located at an altitude of about 1,240 metres near the India-China-Myanmar border region, Dong is widely regarded as the first inhabited place in India to receive the day's first sunlight.

Visitors often begin their trek well before dawn to reach a nearby viewpoint, where the sky gradually transforms from deep blue to brilliant shades of orange and gold as the sun rises above the surrounding mountains.

Planning a sunrise trip to Dong

Travelling to Dong requires preparation, but the reward is an experience that few destinations can match. Unlike commercial hill stations, the village remains quiet and largely untouched by mass tourism. The scenic drive through valleys, rivers and mountain roads is an adventure in itself, offering spectacular views of Arunachal Pradesh's rugged landscape.

The best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is generally dry and the skies are clearer, providing the best chance of witnessing a spectacular sunrise. Winter mornings can be extremely cold, especially in higher-altitude areas, so visitors should pack warm clothing. The monsoon season, from May to September, is less suitable because heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and disrupt road travel.

Most travellers reach Arunachal Pradesh by flying to Dibrugarh in neighbouring Assam before continuing by road to Tezu and then onward to Dong. Since Arunachal Pradesh is a protected border state, Indian citizens must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) before entering, while foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).

Accommodation in and around Dong is limited, and mobile connectivity may be unreliable. Booking accommodation in advance and travelling with a local guide or organised tour can make the journey more comfortable.

More than just a place to watch the sunrise, Arunachal Pradesh offers travellers an opportunity to experience nature at its purest. The state's peaceful villages, rich tribal cultures and breathtaking mountain scenery make it one of India's most rewarding destinations. For anyone seeking a journey off the beaten path, watching the country's first sunrise in Arunachal Pradesh is an unforgettable way to begin the day.