FACTS
& FIGURES
Altitude : 750
m above sea level
Population : 17,700
Languages : Bengali, Assamese, local dialects, English
Best Time to Visit : October to April
STD Code : 0360
 LOCATION
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is a well-planned
town. Together with the town of Naharlagun, situated
about 10 km away, it forms the state’s administrative
hub. Cradled between two hills, the Governor’s
residence on one and a Buddhist temple on the other,
many of the buildings in Itanagar are new, light, wooden-framed
and earthquake-proof structures. Consecrated by the
Dalai Lama, the Buddhist temple, a beautiful yellow-roofed
shrine, reflects the extensive Tibetan influence and
provides good views of Itanagar and the surrounding
countryside.
CLIMATE
The climate of Itanagar is very pleasant.
Although there is a lot of humidity and considerable
heat during summer, a mild breeze blows during the day
that keeps the entire area cool. During winter, it witnesses
snowfall between December and January.
PAST
Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the
Kalika Purana and in the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
It is believed that sage Vyas meditated here. Itanagar
was called Mayapur during the reign of the Jiti Dynasty
that ruled the region in the 11th century. Even during
the reign of the Jiti kings, Mayapur was the capital
city. The magnificent Ita Fort (ita, brick), dating
back to the 14th–15th century, is believed to
have been built by King Ramachandra.
SITES TO VISIT
Itanagar is a very beautiful hill station.
As one approaches the town, one is awed by the beauty
of tropical evergreen rain forests meeting the temperate
Himalayan jungles. On one peak is the residence of the
Governor while on the other there is a new Buddhist
temple. The slopes are occupied by the shops, bazaar,
old huts, and new administrative buildings.
The yellow roofed Buddhist Temple stands atop a small
hillock and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens.
The main shrine is behind the stupa. Of special note
here is the tree planted by the Dalai Lama.
Gayker Sinyi (also known as Ganga Lake) is a small
lake situated amidst dense forests about 6 km from Itanagar.
It is a beautiful picnic spot, surrounded by primeval
vegetation, orchids in full bloom atop tall trees, and
bamboo groves.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has a wide collection of
tribal art, instruments, and religious objects that
depict the socio-cultural heritage and lifestyle of
the people of Arunachal Pradesh. There is also a rich
section on archaeology.
The Polo Park is in Naharlagun. It is situated on a
small ridge and has interesting botanical specimens
and a small zoo.
Itanagar Sanctuary (7 km) was established in 1978 on
140 sq. km of land. Of semi-evergreen forests, the sanctuary
has a small tiger population and visiting herds of elephants.
ADVENTURE
Although there is not much scope for
adventure activities in Itanagar town, there exists
enormous scope for many types of adventures in Arunachal
Pradesh. The Bomdila-Tawang area is a good choice for
trekking. However, the most interesting as well as challenging
trek in this region is around Tawang Chu. This trek
starts from Jong, the bus head in between Se-la and
Tawang. From Jong to Mago, the trek route passes through
a wonderful jungle studded with magnificent waterfalls.
May and October are the best time for undertaking adventure
activities in Arunachal Pradesh.
Some other interesting treks of Arunachal Pradesh are
Bomdila-Daimara via Ramlingam and Chakku; Bomdila-Seppa;
Along-Mochuka; Daporijo-Taksing; Pasighat-Tuting; Pasighat-Mariang;
and Daporijo- Along.
Tourists may also undertake river rafting along Kameng
(Seppa-Bhalukpong), Subansiri (Taliha-North of Daporijo),
Siang (entire course), and Dibang (Anini-Assam border).
SITES NEARBY
The Orchidarium at Tipi has a collection
of over 7,500 orchids. Here scientists create new hybrid
varieties of orchids using the latest techniques of
biotechnology.
Ziro is situated about 150 km from Itanagar at an altitude
of 1475 m. It is located in an extremely picturesque
valley called Apatani Plateau surrounded by pine-covered
mountains.
Rupa, 18 km from Itanagar, is a beautiful hill town
situated on the banks of the Tenga River and is an ideal
picnic spot.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
A number of festivals are celebrated
in this capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Losar is
the New Year celebration of the Monpas. It is celebrated
for a period of five days. The festival is marked by
prayers, hoisting of religious flags atop the homes,
reading of Buddhist scriptures, and lighting butter
lamps in the houses. Another important festival is Reh,
which is mainly associated with the Idu Mishimis. The
special attraction of the six-day celebrations is the
priest dance. During Tamladu, the Digaru Mishimis offer
prayers to the God of the Earth and the God of the Water.
The supreme God Jebmalu is also worshipped. Khan is
significant because of a ceremony where the priest ties
a piece of wool around everybody’s neck. During
Sangken, people sprinkle water on each other as a sign
of merriment, while smearing of rice powder on each
other’s face marks the beginning of the five-day
celebrations of Mopin.
SHOPPING
The Handicrafts Center of Itanagar displays
bamboo and cane work, thangkas, woodcarvings, carpets,
local dresses, shawls, and sarongs. Dominated as it
is by tribals, Arunachal produces very simple but fascinating
handicrafts. The Mishimi women weave woolen shawls in
vibrant reds that make great buys.
WHERE TO STAY
A number of small hotels and guesthouses
are available at very reasonable rates.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport is Lilabari in Assam, 57
km from Naharlagun and 67 km from Itanagar. Another
airport is at Tezpur. Indian Airlines provides regular
flights from Calcutta to both the places.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is North Lakhimpur in
Assam, which is only 50 km from Naharlagun and 60 km
from Itanagar.
By Road
Itanagar is connected with other major towns
in the region such as Agartala, Aizawl, Kohima, Guwahati,
Imphal, and Shillong. Local bus service is available
between Itanagar and Naharlagun. Cycle rickshaws and
taxis are available between Itanagar and Naharlagun.
State transport buses run from Naharlagun bus station.
Buses are also available from Guwahati, Shillong, and
Ziro. A very few unmetered tourist taxi/auto are also
available. Tourist deluxe buses for group sightseeing
can be hired from the Director, Department of Tourism,
Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Naharlagun.
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