Itanagar the capital of India`s largest North Eastern 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 an important transport hub of the state. The speciality of the Itanagar`s tribal drink is the Apong, a rice beer that`s drunk warm. This drink is made by the Nyishi tribals. One can identify them by their massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead.

At Itanagar the Itafort speaks about its illustrious past, 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 has archaeological finds from Ita fort to which you can trek up. The 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. the meseum is open to visitor mostly on Tuesdays and Sunday between 10 am to 5 pm.

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.

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)

Gyakar Sinyi lake and its lush surrounding jungle provides a taste of the state`s spectacular scenery, though is somewhat marred by a 2.5km concrete path. 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.

Adventures & sports
Places ideal for Trekking , Hiking,Angling, Rafting, Rock Climbing.

How to Reach
Nearest airport is Lilabari

Nearest rail head is Silapathar.

By bus and car from Likabali and Pasighat.