The capital of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is scattered with light, earthquake-proof, wooden-framed buildings balanced on the slopes of verdant hills. In Itanagar, traditional huts are strewn among the more recent concrete buildings. The residence of the Governor regally decorates one peak while a new Buddhist Temple sits atop the other. Between them lie the government and administrative offices, shops, daily bazaars and thatched houses. Itanagar is a pretty town surrounded by lush greenery and gushing waterfalls.
Some important questions arise when we choose a destination.
Most important places to Visit in Itanagar.
Which all places I can visit along with Itanagar ?
Tour itineraries along with Itanagar
Best time to visit Itanagar
How to reach Itanagar ?
Most important places to Visit in Itanagar.
Itanagar is popular for the excavated ruins of the historical Ita Fort, some of which is still standing. It is estimated that more than 80 lakhs of bricks, 45 cubic meters of stone and 46,300 man-days were required to build the fort. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has a wide ethnological collection of tribal art, instruments, and objects of worship that depict the socio-cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. There is also a section on archaeology worth seeing.
The yellow roofed Buddhist Temple stands atop a small hillock and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. The main shrine is behind the stupa (Buddhist monument). Oft visited here is the tree planted by the Dalai Lama.
The Ganga Sekhi Lake, 6km from Itanagar, is a picturesque picnic spot at the base of a red clay hill accessible by a curious bamboo bridge spanning a small culvert. It is a beautiful picnic spot, surrounded by primeval vegetation, orchids in full bloom atop tall trees and bamboo groves.
Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary (7 km) has semi-evergreen forests, a small tiger population and visiting herds of elephants.
The Polo Park in Naharlagun is another interesting sight you can visit. The park is situated on a small ridge and has interesting botanical specimens and a small zoo.
Which all places I can visit along with Itanagar ?
Tour itineraries along with Itanagar
Guwahati- Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat – Dibrugarh
Guwahati- Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat - Dibrugarh - Khonsa - Longding - Khonsa - Dibrugarh
Best time to visit Itanagar
The best time to visit Itanagar is between October and March, much like most places in Arunachal Pradesh. These months experience a cool breeze blowing in from the Himalayan foothills which temper the heat and humidity.
The avoidable months to travel to Itanagar are again the treacherous monsoon between July and September. The winters remain cool and if you're lucky you might get some snowfall during this period.
How to reach Itanagar ?
How to Reach Itanagar by Air
Fly into Tezpur Airport or Lilabari. Both airports are well connected to Itanagar by taxis and buses.
How to Reach Itanagar by Rail
The nearest railhead is Harmuti, 33km from Itanagar, but the most convenient disembarkation point is North Lakhimpur, 60km from Itanagar. The Arunachal Pradesh Express serves Harmuti. Super fast and fast passenger trains will bring you to North Lakhimpur from Guwahati (Assam). Guwahati is extremely well connected to the rest of India. Taxis and buses link both railway stations to Itanagar.
How to Reach Itanagar by Road
One can drive into Itanagar from neighbouring Assam and Meghalaya and expect a mix of reasonably good motorways and ill-maintained tracks. Direct buses are available from Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukhia and Nagaon in Assam as well as Shillong in Meghalaya to Itanagar.