The political capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is located amidst small flat topped hillocks, embracing ancient monuments, tribal areas, green landscapes, tea gardens, apple orchards, bordering Himalayas and a pleasant whether. The place is also known as the 'Land of the Dawn lit mountains' because the place is first to witness the sun's rays, every morning on the Indian landmass.
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Located in the north-eastern part of India in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Climate: The city is blessed with a pleasant whether and a good monsoon season. The temperature ranges between 37 degree Celsius in summers and 12 degree Celsius in winters.
Known For: Monastries, pleasant whether, tea-gardens and beautiful landscapes.
Best Time To Visit: October to May.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:
Ita Fort:
With the toilsome terrains of the hilly region, unsuitable for fort-like structures, Ita fort is the sole fort, that too of the 14th Century, which stands tall even today and marks its gigantic presence. Its importance is known from the fact that the name of the city Itanagar comes from its name, as 'Ita' means bricks. Around 8 million bricks have been used in making the fort, which is quite a huge number.
Buddhist Temple:
The calmness and tranquility of the prayer hall of the Buddhist temple, pull travelers to this place of worship. When you see the idol of meditating Lord Buddha, you will know the reason behind the pin-drop silence. The external face of the temple looks quite unusual with a golden yellow roof amidst the greenery that surrounds the place. The temple is adorned by the devotees and the various articles of worship.
Jawaharlal Nehru Museum:
A repository of tribal culture, art and way of life, the museum has a lot to offer to enhance ones knowledge about the north-eastern tribes. The museum also houses a library and a crafts section.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:
Losar: A five day festival marking the new year celebrations. People enjoy the days by preparing traditional delicaices, wearing new clothes, offering prayers to God, hoisting colored flags on top of their houses and illuminating the house with lamps.
Reh: The six-day festival is mainly celebrated by the Mishimis tribe.
Tamladu: On this festival, the Digaru Mishimis offer prayers to the Earth and Water Gods.
Khan, Mopin and Sangken are the other festivals celebrated in the region following various customs and traditions.
SHOPPING:
The most shopped items of Itanagar are wooden utensils and showpieces, handicrafts and wooden carvings. Baskets and toys of wood with intricate designs and paintings are also popular among the travelers.
Apart from these, bamboo and cane products, carpets, sarongs, shawls and other woolens are also hand made and authentic items to pick from the local markets. The thankas, which are the Budhist paintings, are also very unique an attractive, and a must buy for art lovers.
RECREATION:
Itanagar Wildlife Sanctury:
Located in a place called Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar Wildnlife Sanctury is also connected by helicopter services. It possesses a wide array of wildlife species like leopard, tiger, deers, elephants, etc and a collection of orchids and other fauna too.
Ganga Lake:
Ganga Lake, located at a distance of about 6 km from Itanagar, is a famous picnic and recreation spot with the greenery around the fresh water lake, boating facilities and blooming orchids with a backdrop of the Himalayas.
Bomdilla:
Bomdilla is around 350 km from Itanagar, with a terrific view of the Himalayan terrains, orchids and and Buddhist monasteries. Bomdilla-Tawang offer a wonderful trekking space for adventurous folks, especially the route of Jong to Mago, which is surrounded by scenic waterfalls and forests. The craft centre and museum at Bomdilla are also worth a visit.
HOW TO REACH:
Air: Lilabari in Assam is the nearest Airport to Itanagar, at a distance of 67 km. It connects the city from Guwahati, Assam. Helicopter services are available which connects Itanagar to Guuwahati. Another airport is located in Tezpur in Assam which is 226 km from Itanagar, flights are available from Kolkotta International Airport to Tezpur.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Harmuti in Assam, around 32 km from Itanagar.
Road: Itanagar is connected to major cities of the north-east like Guwahati (429 km ) and Shillong (495 km), by an excellent network of roads. Road links are also there for Kolkata and Siliguri.
Aparana Chauhan
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