The quaint town of Ziro, nestled in the lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, has gradually emerged on the world tourism map, thanks to its mesmerizing natural beauty and the annual Ziro Festival of Music. Historically, tourism in Ziro was a relatively untapped concept, primarily because of its remote location and the special permits required to enter the region, which is part of the northeastern frontier of India. It was mostly adventurers and researchers who visited the area to explore its rich biodiversity and the unique culture of the indigenous Apatani tribe.
However, Ziro's potential as a tourist destination began to be recognized in the early 2000s when more people started looking for offbeat locations, untouched by mass tourism. The state government, recognizing the influx of visitors, began to promote Ziro as an eco-friendly tourist destination, preserving its pristine landscapes and cultural heritage.
The establishment of the Ziro Festival of Music in 2012, an outdoor music festival showcasing independent music from India and across the world, has played a significant role in putting Ziro on the tourism map. Since then, Ziro has seen a significant increase in the number of visitors, who come not only for the festival but also for the scenic beauty and serene atmosphere of Dolo Mando and its surrounding areas.
Dolo Mando is a hillock on the western side of Ziro, famous for its trekking trail and panoramic views of the Ziro valley. Historically, Dolo Mando was merely a vantage point for the locals to enjoy views of their paddy fields and the surrounding pine-clad hills. With the increase in tourism, Dolo Mando has become a sought-after destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of Ziro from above.
In recent years, sustainable tourism has been the trendsetter in Ziro. The local communities, government, and NGOs are working to ensure that the influx of tourism does not disrupt the ecological balance or the cultural integrity of the region. Homestays, which provide an authentic experience of Apatani life, have become particularly popular, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local customs and cuisine while directly benefiting the community.
Adventure tourism is also on the rise, with activities like trekking, bird watching, and angling becoming increasingly popular. These activities are designed to enable tourists to interact with nature without causing harm to it. Additionally, the conservation of the unique Apatani cultural landscape, characterized by their paddy-cum-fish cultivation, is attracting visitors interested in agri-tourism and cultural exchange.
Overall, Ziro and its beautiful hillock, Dolo Mando, have become a symbol of how remote, lesser-known destinations can rise to prominence through community efforts and a focus on sustainable, eco-friendly tourism practices.
