Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Itanag...
Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Itanagar is ideal for long holidays due to its pleasant climate, gorgeous panoramas, and naturally rich surroundings. Itanagar, which is home to a large community of the Nyishi tribe, provides a delightful vacation with its peculiar culture and welcoming residents. The city offers a bustling market that is known for its handicrafts. The city's architecture is heavily influenced by Tibetan design.
Itanagar and the nearby region are fantastic locations for adventure activities. Trekking, in addition to angling and rafting, is a very popular sport in the city. The Itanagar-Pashighat track runs via Ziro and Daporijo and is a famous trekking route. There are other additional trails that travel through the Itanagar region, including the Jong-Tawang trail and the Jorhat-Tawang trail.
Itanagar is home to the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Buddha temple, Ganga Lake, and many other prominent tourist destinations, in addition to fort Itanagar, which is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. Tamladu, Losar, and Reh are three of the most popular events held here (the New Year). For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see.
Things to do at Itanagar
- Shopping: Itanagar is famous for its excellent handicrafts, such as Thangkas (Buddhist artworks on fabric with vegetable dye and gold), woodcarvings, blankets, traditional clothing, and rugs. All of the pieces on display bear the influence of Tibetan art. If you can choose a handful of these goods, it will be a beautiful gift for your dear ones back home.
- Rafting: It is one among the most widely practised water sports in the area. Year after year, it attracts thrill seekers from all over the world to Itanagar for rafting on the Siang River. It is obvious that Itanagar is a perfect location for rafting, not only because of the enormous river, but also because of the breathtaking scenery you will see along the way. It'll be a thrilling experience.
- Fishing and Angling: Fishing is yet another event that you can try if you visit Arunachal Pradesh, which has many rivers. You have a good chance of choosing angling and fishing. Fishing can be done in a variety of locations, including Pasighat on the Siang River, Tezu on the Lohit River, and Tipi on the Kamang River.
- Trekking: Regular tourists include adventure lovers who come to experience the various mountain trekking trails. The Bomdila-Tawang area has a lot to offer trekkers. For trekkers, the terrain near Tawang Chu is both appealing and hard. Starting at Jong, one may climb to Mago through a beautiful jungle, passing by some spectacular waterfalls.
It is preferable to explore any location during local festivals in order to learn about the native customs and taste the local cuisine. The numerous tribes who live in Itanagar celebrate many festivals with tremendous grandeur and zeal. Here are a handful of them:
- Losar Festival: The Monpas tribe of the area holds a New Year's festival. In the month of February, it is commemorated for five days. During this time, people fly religious flags on their roofs, study religious books, and the city becomes quite colourful. They also clean their house thoroughly to avoid illness.
- Reh Festival: The Idu Mishmis in Itanagar conduct the Reh festival for six days in February to honour their chief goddess Nanyi Inyitaya. The monk dance is one of the festival's main attractions. The Festival is enthusiastically commemorated in a positive attitude.
Places to visit
- Ganga Lake: This is also referred to as the Gyankar Sinyi and is a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors. The main attraction of the city, the magnificent water body, the tranquil and serene ambiance, and the nearby lush green mountains make this a popular destination.
- Ita Fort: The Ita fort, one of the oldest and most recognised wonders of old civilisation, is a popular tourist destination in the Papum Pare district. In the Ahom language, Ita Fort clearly translates as "brick fort," since "ita" means "brick." The magnificent brickwork and architecture contributed to the creation of such a magnificent stronghold that once defended the realm.
- Namdapha National Park: Namdapha National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh and is the country's third largest national park by area. For any wildlife or environment enthusiast, Namdapha National Park is a must-see. It is a shelter for critically endangered animal and plant species, with one of the most prolific bio-diversities in the country, with a height ranging from 200 meters to 4500 metres.
- Gompha Buddhist Temple: This is Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh's most popular tourist destination. The temple's distinguishing feature is its vivid yellow roof, which allows it to be seen from afar. The green tile floors that encircle the shrine contrast with the roof.
- Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary, a popular tourist destination, is a large preserve with a stunning display of trees, flora, and wildlife. Macaque, capped langur, slow toris, and a variety of other species can be found here. It's also a bird watcher's paradise surrounded by nature's riches. Safaris are available within the reserve.
What to eat?
A journey isn't complete unless you try the local food. Although rice is the locals' primary diet in Itanagar, the manner it is prepared is rather unique, making it both healthful and tasty. Rice is cooked in a bamboo tube or in a bronze device. Rice is offered with fish curry, which is prepared differently this time, or vegetable stew. If you want to experience the local food, like momos and thupka, stop by one of the roadside stalls. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery, which specializes in brown bread and delicious pastries. If you're looking for a nice eating experience, head to one of Itanagar's in-house eateries, which provide a variety of Indian, continental, and Chinese cuisines.
What is the best way to get here?
- By Air: Lilabari airport is the closest and most convenient airport to the city. To get to the airport, you can use a car, a taxi, or a bus. This airport, located around 57 kilometres from the city, offers regular flights to a variety of locations. Another nearby airport is Nahariagun Airport, which is 67 kilometres from the city.
- By Train: Harrmoty railway station is 23 kilometres from the city centre. You can simply reach the station and board your train thanks to the existence of several transportation options.
- By Road: Various public transportation options are available in this city to get you to your intended location. Roads link numerous cities and states, making your trip more convenient. From the city's bus station, daily bus services are offered. By road, Itanagar can be accessed from Jorhat (319 km), Dibrugarh (197 km), Lakhimpur (62 km), and Guwahati (324 km).