Arunachal Pradesh, the north-eastern Indian state which is also known as the 'Last Shangrila on Earth', has been basking in glory with top tourism honours.

Recently, the state secured the second runners-up position in Lonely Planet Magazine India's new list of "Emerging Destinations in India".

Gujarat topped the list followed closely by the Jammu and Kashmir state.

A panel of judges comprising Karan Anand (Cox & Kings), Veena Patil (Kesari Travels), Deep Kalra (Make My Trip), Manju Kashyap (Windmill Holidays), Rajeev Waghle (Kuoni Travels) shortlisted 42 categories and put them to vote amongst the Lonely Planet Magazine readers.

Only recently, Arunachal Pradesh attracted major attention towards its display of handicraft, cuisine and other art forms at the International Tourism Mart at Guwahati in January, a first initiative of its kind in the country.

The three-day-event, which saw around 100 international delegates from three SAARC and 10 ASEAN countries, had the Arunachal Pradesh stall in the limelight.

The state was also voted as the '4th Best Region' by the Lonely Planet travel magazine in 2012.

It was also voted as the 'Favourite Upcoming Destination' by Outlook Magazine in 2012.

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the few regions in India which boasts of having a clean environment. It was awarded as the top state for 'Campaign Clean India' at National Tourism Awards.

In March, President Pranab Mukherjee had felicitated the Arunachal Pradesh state tourism department for taking special interest in the 'Incredible India' tourism campaign.