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Itanagar
Capital City Itanagar : seat of the
Governor Itanagar (Naharlagun)
The capital of the state, Arunachal is scattered with light, earthquake-proof,
wooden-framed buildings rising up the slopes of green hills. Traditional
huts are strewn amongst the more recent constructions. The residence
of the Governor crowns one peak while a new Buddhist Temple crowns
the other. Between them lie administrative officers, shops, daily
bazaars and thatched houses.
Itanagar is the capital of India's largest North
Eastern state. Here one can find historical fort called Itafort,
dating back to the 14-15 centuries, after which it is named. 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.
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.
Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum provides a kaleidoscope
of Arunachal Pradesh and one can see wood carvings, 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.
Other important places of interest around Itanagar
is Donyi-Polo Vidya Bhawan a Premier Publics School, North-Eastern
Regional Institute of Science and Technology(Nirjuli) - a engineering
insitute providing innovative way of education, Arunachal University
(Doimukh) and Government Piggery and Poultry Farm (Nirjuli), Indira
Gandhi Park.
Getting There
The nearest Airport is Lilabari in Assam, 57 km from Nahariagun
and 67 km from Itanagar.
Nearest Railway station is Harrmoty in Assam. 23 km from Naharlagun
and 33 km from ltanagar. The station is served by Arunachal Express.
Itanagar is connected by daily bus service from Guwahati and the
other cities of Assam. Arunachal State Transport buses are plying
throughout Arunahcal, Assam and Meghalaya. Private transport operators
also run Deluxe Coaches on many routes. Direct bus services are
available for Naharlagun/Itanagar from the following places: Guwahati
(381km), Shillong (481km), Tezpur (216km), Dibrugarh
(375km), Tinisukia (415 km), Jorhat (245km), Nagaon
(275km), Namsai (495km).
Local Transport : A very small number of un-metered Taxis
are available. Tourist / Deluxe buses are available on rent from
the Director, Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Nahariagun. A
few other transport agencies in town rent out tourist cars and coaches.
Cycle rickshaws are the most common local transportation in Naharlagun
only.
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Excursion
The Buddhist Temple A new but beautiful
yellow- roofed shrine, it rises from wefi-rnaintained grounds behind
a stupo tree planted by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The grounds
of the temple afford a good view of Itanagar Town.
Ganga Lake (Gyaker Sinyi) The 6 km drive
to the lake from Itanagar takes visitors on a rugged road through
some superbly primeval jungles, Bamboo groves, orchids massed on
tall trees are some of the vegetation which can be identified by
the interested travelers. Stopping at the base of a hill, one has
to take a flight of steps uphill. At the top of the ridge one looks
down on a serene green forest lake which one has to cross in a row
boat. Today, it Is a beautiful spot for outings, boating and picnics.
The State Museum : In the gallery at the ground
floor, the political and administrative development of the area,
population of the various tribal groups as per 1991 census (provisional),
sociocultural heritage of the people and their lifestyle have been
depicted, with the help of maps and Dioramas. While the fife-styles
of all the major tribes have been depicted, the display maps cover
a wide range of subjects such as the people, house types, festivals,
dances, handicrafts, textile designs, musical instruments, weapons
of war and chase, important developments, Malinithan, Itafort, Noksaparbat,
Kundil valley civilization and historical sites.
Polo Park: An interesting little botanical garden atop a
ridge overlooking the town. Visitors should notice the cane thicket,
it looks a bit like a palm with spines on its stems, but grows as
a bush. There is a small zoo. Where to Buy: The main Sales Emporium
is located at Itanagar, from where the handicraft items are available.
Handicrafts Center This establishment offers a good range of shawls,
carpets, carved baskets and the beautiful cane and bamboo works
in which the North East excels Behind and on one side of the showroom,
is the workshop where cane is heated, cut and woven by tribal artisans
with great skill.
Actual specimens of arts and crafts
particularly wood carving objects, musical instruments, headgears,
religious paraphernalia etc. have been displayed in show cases.
Thus the ground floor gallery gives a panoramic view of Arunachal
Pradesh. The gallery on the upper floor has six sections-textiles,
archaeology, ornaments, basketry, weapons and household articles.
Actual specimens from among the different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
are on display under different sections. The Archaeology Section
has been arranged to give some idea about the heritage of the state,
found at excavated sites of Malinithan, Itafort, Noksaparbat, Bhismaknagar
have been exhibited. Closed on Monday.
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Adventures
& sports
Places ideal for Trekking , Hiking,Angling, Rafting, Rock Climbing.
Along
Ideal for Trekking, Hiking and Angling on the
river Siyom.
How to Reach
Nearest airport is Lilabari
Nearest rail head is Silapathar.
By bus and car from Likabali and Pasighat.
Clothing
Woollens in winter, Cottons in summer.
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Itanagar city of Arunachal Pradesh -
India
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