Itanagar

The land of the dawnlit mountains, Itanagar, Arunachal’s capital is also its biggest town. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has archaeological finds from Ita Fort to which you can trek up. Housed here is also an interesting collection of arts and crafts, jewellery, textiles, and a variety of tribal headgear, which gives you an insight into Arunachal’s tribal culture. Open Tue-Sun; 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Try the local brew Apong, a rice beer that’s drunk warm. You might stumble upon some of the Nyishi tribals who live around here. You’ll recognize them by their massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead. In their headdress they wear feathers of the great hornbill, Arunachal’s signature bird. Shop at the craft emporium for local mementos. Just 6 km away is the picturesque setting of Ganga Lake (Gekar Sinyi).

Itanagar doesn’t have an airport. However, there are airports at Tezu, Pasighat, Along, daporijo, Ziro and Lilabari, the nearest. Itanagar is connected by road to the other state capitals in the North East. The convenient railheads are Harmuty (33 km) and North Lakhimpur (60 Km). It is best to visit from October to May.

Tourist Attractions

The Buddhist Temple, Ganga Sekhi Lake, Pachin River, Sengkhi Hydel Project, Polo Park, Zoo.

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport is in Lilabari Assam, 67 km from Itanagar. Indian Airlines provides regular flights from Calcutta to this place. Taxi and bus services can be taken from there for Itanagar.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, which is only 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.