Information:
Arunachal Pradesh, unspoilt, green and safe offers a broad spectrum of interest from snow-capped mountains, free flowing streams and rivers to tribal people with their customs still living in their traditional villages to rich flora and fauna that has started attracting tourists from all over the world.
Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974. Itanagar is situated at the foothills. The township is situated at 350 metres above mean sea level. It comes administratively under Papumpare district. The Nishis or Nishings is the major tribe in Itanagar area. However, Itanagar can be called as “Mini India”, as people from all over the country, lives here in harmony. As a capital town, Itanagar is well connected with the rest of the country by road and air communications. Because of its convenient location near the road and rail arteries alongside the Brahmaputra River, Itanagar was chosen Arunachal’s capital in the first place. Itanagar has been identified with Mayapur, the capital of the 11th century AD JItri Dynasty.
Attractions:
Buddhist Temple Consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist temple, Buddhist Temple a beautiful yellow roofed shrine reflects the extensive Tibetan influence and provides good views of Itanagar and the surrounding countryside.
Ita Fort Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh is derived from his historical fort called Ita Fort situated at the heart of the capital complex in Papum Pare district. It is a historical fort of an irregular shape, built mainly with bricks.
Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum provides a kaleidoscope of Arunachal Pradesh and one can see woodcarvings, musical instruments, textiles, handicrafts and archeological finds, while a workshop in the Handicrafts Centre specializes in traditional cane manufacture. It has a library section also. Timing: Tuesday To Saturday – 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Ganga Lake/ Gyakar Sinyi The capital houses the Rajbhawan, the official residence of the Governor has also many worth visiting places in and around Itanagar. These include legendary Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi). It is a beautiful picnic spot, 6-kms away from Itanagar, a green forest lake surrounded by primeval vegetation, orchids masses on tall trees, tree ferns provides a small taste of the magnificent forests of the state.
Travel Information:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Itanagar, at Lilabari in Assam, 67-km away, and served by connecting buses, is served by fights to and from Guwahati (2 hr 20min) and to, but not from Dibrugarh (45 min). There is also a trice weekly Pawan Hans helicopter service between Itanagar and Guwahati.
- By Rail: Fast passenger trains from Guwahati run as far as Harmuti, 33-km away in Assam.
- By Road: Overnight buses connect Itanagar with Guwahati (11 hr), and Arunachal State Transport run an extensive service throughout the state. Buses leave for Tinsukia in the evening, arriving early the following morning, and from there connections can be made to Namdapha and Parashuramkunda.
