Which Place Is Known As The Norway Of India?

India is a truly incredible country. From the high, snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the warm, sandy beaches of the South, it is a land full of amazing sights. You can find lush green forests, peaceful backwaters, huge deserts, and bustling, ancient cities. Every state, every region, has its own unique charm and beauty. It's no wonder people often compare parts of India to famous spots around the world. Have you ever heard someone say a particular Indian hill station looks like Switzerland? Or that a desert region reminds them of the Middle East? Did you know there are beautiful places in India that are so stunning they are compared to the famous fjords and scenic landscapes of Norway? Do you know the specific place known as the Norway of India? In this article, we'll uncover this hidden gem. We'll explore where it is, what makes it so special, and why it has earned this prestigious nickname.

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Which Place Is Known As The Norway Of India?

Both the Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh are popularly referred to as the Norway of India, each for a different aspect of Norway's natural beauty.

The Dibang Valley district, located in the far northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, is often called the Norway of India due to its striking, fjord-like deep valleys and gorges, carved by the mighty Dibang River and its tributaries as they cut through the steep, snow-capped Mishmi Hills. The comparison is drawn from Norway's dramatic and deep coastal inlets (fjords).

Narkanda, a town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, is sometimes referred to as the Norway of India primarily for its potential and reputation as a premier winter sports destination. Norway is globally famous for skiing and winter activities. Narkanda, situated on the Hindustan-Tibet Road at an elevation of 2,708 meters, has gentle, undulating slopes that are ideal for skiing and winter sports, attracting enthusiasts who seek Nordic-style snow landscapes.

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10 Lesser-Known Facts About Dibang Valley & Narkanda

Here are 10 interesting and lesser-known facts about Dibang Valley and Narkanda:

• Dibang Valley has the lowest population density in India, with fewer than one person per square kilometre (as per the 2011 census), making it one of the most secluded regions.
• The valley is the natural habitat of the rare Mishmi Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), an endangered large mammal often called a 'goat-antelope', which is a flagship species of the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The region is a treasure trove of medicinal plants, including the highly valued Coptis Teeta (Mishmi Teeta), a bitter herb traditionally used for fever and various ailments.
• The valley lies near an ancient route that historically connected the region with Tibet (China) via high mountain passes like the Yonggyap La.
• The valley boasts numerous waterfalls, including one near the district headquarters, Anini, where the water is so cold that it is said to retain its chill even in summer.
• The Dibang Valley lies within the Eastern Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world's most biologically rich but threatened regions, containing an exceptional number of endemic species.
• The renowned Stokes Farm near Narkanda is credited with pioneering apple cultivation in the region. Samuel Evans Stokes, an American who settled here in the early 20th century, introduced the modern apple variety, transforming the local economy.

• Narkanda is strategically situated on the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH-5), an ancient trade route vital to trade between India and Tibet.
• While a popular winter ski spot, its high altitude allows for a second, less-known skiing period during the late spring months in the highest reaches of the slopes.
• The surrounding forests of Narkanda are dominated by Conifer species like Abies pindrow (Fir) and Picea smithiana (Spruce), reflecting the typical cold-temperate zone flora similar to the sub-boreal forests of Scandinavia.
• he surrounding forests are dominated by Conifer species like Abies pindrow (Fir) and Picea smithiana (Spruce), reflecting the typical cold-temperate zone flora similar to the sub-boreal forests of Scandinavia.
• The Narkanda region is near the major watershed between the catchment areas of the Sutlej River (a major Indus tributary) and the Beas River, affecting the regional water flow and glacial melt drainage.

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