Located in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh is the hill resort of Itanagar. Itanagar is incredible and incomparable in natural beauty. The entire state of Arunachal Pradesh has been thrown open to tourism recently in 1998. Besides security it was done as an attempt to preserving the centuries old heritage of the tribal communities in the area. The virginal beauty of the state capital, Itanagar attracts several tourists from far and away.

Location

The hill resort of Itanagar lies in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. There are the mighty eastern Himalayas that border Itanagar from one side. The plains of the Brahmaputra River lie on the southern end of Itanagar.

Sites to Visit

The hill resort of Itanagar has several places worth visiting.

One of the major tourists attractions of Itanagar is the Ita fort. The hill resort of Itanagar derives its name from this historic fort of the fourteenth century.

There is the landmark of Buddha Vihar. As the name indicates it is a Buddhist shrine. The temple is a must visit for all the tourists to Itanagar. The temple lies in the hill amidst gorgeous green gardens with a yellow roof. From the hill you may enjoy the wondrous vistas of the hill resort of Itanagar.

Then there is the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum. Amongst the various artifacts exhibited in the various galleries of the museum are the woodcarvings, musical instruments, wooden implements, ceremonial objects, weapons and traditional textiles. Each item on displays throws deeper light into the lifestyles and traditions of the tribes in the area of Itanagar. The archaeological findings of the historic sites around Itanagar are also preserved in the museum.

For the nature lovers and the picnickers Itanagar offers the tourist spot of Ganaga Lake or the Gyakar Sinyi. The gorgeous greens wrap the Lake. Must visit for the tourists to Itanagar.

The Itanagar Sanctuary and the Polo Park are the some places in Itanagar that are of major tourist interest in Itanagar. The biologists, tourists and nature lovers throng to these places in Itanagar. Even you must check out the excellent flora and fauna here.

Then there is another attraction of Tipi. Along the Kameng River Tipi has some of the most exotic species of orchids.

Then the other landmark of Itanagar is the official residence of the Governor or the Rajbhawan. Besides being a hill resort Itanagar is the administrative capital of Arunachal Pradesh too.

Sites Near By

There are several sites worth visiting near Itanagar. You may spot the snow leopard and the clouded leopard amongst the other animals at the Namdhapa National Park.

Then there is the beautiful Bomdila. High Himalayas, amazing apples, marvelous monasteries and the crafts centre are the major attractions at Bomdila. Hill town of Rupa on the banks of Tenga River, Tawang, Malinithan, Tezu et al are excellent excursion options from Itanagar.

Adventure Sports

Bomdila near Itanagar is the place to visit for all the adventure seekers who would like to indulge in trekking.

What to Buy

The hill resort of Itanagar offers several handicraft items to its tourists. The local tribes are known to weave exquisite fabrics. Amongst the many items you may pick up the coats, shawls, sashes, carpets and bags. These items are made from cotton, wool or even bark fiber. Besides woven items you may buy the traditional handicrafts items. There are items in bamboo, cane and wood. Plus you must check out the Tibetan Buddhist paintings or the thankas.

How to Reach

The Lilabari Airport at 67 km and the Tezpur Airport 216 km of Assam cater to the air transportation to and from Itanagar. The railway station nearest to the hill resort of Itanagar is North Lakhimpur in the state of Assam. It is at a distance of 60 km from Itanagar.

At a distance of 10 km from Itanagar is the Naharlagun bus station. The excellent road network links Naharlagun with other important places like Guwahati, Shillong, Ziro, North Lakhimpur and Bomdila. You may board the buses run by the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport from Naharlagun.

Best Time to Visit

Itanagar experiences subtropical and alpine types of climates. Thus, the hill resort neither has extreme cold in winters or heat in summers. The climate is pleasant all through the year. Itanagar experiences monsoon rains between the months of July and September. On an average the hill resort receives two hundred and sixty six cm of rainfall annually. The best time to visit the hill resort of Itanagar is between the months of October and March.

Where to Stay

The hill resort of Itanagar has several accommodation options that cater to the needs of the tourists. There are several hotels that suit the varying budgets of the tourists to Itanagar. Nevertheless, all the hotels have basic amenities to make your stay a comfortable one. In case you plan to go for a class accommodation while holidaying in Itanagar, it will be better to make reservations in advance.

There are several quality restaurants that offer good and hygienic food in Itanagar. You may feast on the different types of cuisines available in Itanagar. Tibetan food is available in abundance and is a must eat in Itanagar.

Fairs and Festivals

Besides the Statehood Day, the tribes in Itanagar celebrate several festivals. Amongst the major festivals celebrated in Itanagar are Losar, Reh, Tamladu, Khan, Sangken and Mopin.

Travel information

It is note worthy that you need to carry restricted area permit to enter the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Thus in case you are planning to visit the hill resort of Itanagar you must collect the restricted area permit too. You may obtain the permits from the Indian embassies abroad, all the Foreign Regional Registration Offices in India, Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi or Home Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar