Itanagar - Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, the capital of India`s largest North Eastern state, Arunachal Pradesh, is surrounded by snow covered mountains. Itanagar is an important transport hub of the state. It is often known for the tribal drink, Apong, which is made out of rice. This is made by the Nyishi tribal people. One can identify them by their massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead. Residence of the Governor and Buddhist monasteries are located atop the mountain peaks of this state. It is considered as a major hill station of north east and one of the most celebrated places in Arunachal Pradesh for housing several Buddhist shrines.

It is popularly believed that the ancient forefathers who migrated to the land of Arunachal Pradesh and Itanagar were of tribal origin who resided in the jungles of the region. Early writings of Arunachal Pradesh can be traced even in Mahabharata, Ramayan and Vedic Period. According to local legends originally the place had Hinduism as a major religion which later on included Buddhism as well. Buddhism was carried over by building Buddhist temple that was worshipped by Padma Sambhava. As such the history of Itanagar frames the cultural background of the people of Itanagar which is often reflected in festivals and other social occasions of Itanagar.

Itanagar is located at 27degree 06 minutes N to 93 degree 37 minutes E. Located at an average elevation of 440 meters or 1443 feet.

According to the 2011 India census, Itanagar had a population of 59,490. Males constitute 53 percent of the population and females 47 percent. Itanagar has an average literacy rate of 66.95 percent. Male literacy rate is 73.69 percent, and female literacy rate is 59.57 percent. 15 percent of the population is under 6 years of age here. The place has common tribes who inhabit the area from prehistoric times. The major tribes are the Nyishis, Adis, Galos, Apatanis and the Miri`s etc.

People of Itanagar are largely Buddhist; there are communities who are either warriors or scholars or simply cultivators. Itanagar is surrounded with a number of legendary temples which celebrate numerous festivals. Among them, the most prominent ones are the festivals of Monpas, Reh and a number of Buddhist festivals and some Hindu rituals. Dressed in ceremonial robes the people of Itanagar celebrate each occasion with a lot of participation.

Itanagar is moderately educated. It has some important educational centers like Donyi-Polo Vidya Bhawan a Premier Publics School, North-Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Nirjuli) - an engineering institute providing innovative way of education, Arunachal University (Doimukh) and Government Piggery and Poultry Farm (Nirjuli), Indira Gandhi Park etc.

Tourism in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most picturesque sights in Arunachal Pradesh.

Itanagar is located at the height of 750 m it has some of the most picturesque hill stations of India. Enriched with greenery and surrounded with ice covered hills of Himalayan mountain range, this is some of the most attractive states of India.

Itanagar often attract its tourists with evergreen rain forests which meet the temperate Himalayan Jungles that makes it like a green carpet covering the hills of North East. On the top of the mountain the residence of the governor is located along with some other tourist spots among which the Buddhist temple is most prominent. The slopes of the hill are surrounded with various shops, bazaar, old huts and new administrative buildings. Among the most prominent tourist spots the Buddhist temple, Gayker Sinyi also known as Ganga Lake, Jawaharlal museum, Polo Park and Itanagar sanctuary are most prominent.

Buddhist Temple of Itanagar :  Buddhist Temple of Itanagar is one of the most attractive structures of Arunachal Pradesh. Decorated with yellow roof this temple stands majestically on the top of a small hillock surrounded with some most picturesque gardens. These gardens are maintained by the state which adds to the scenic beauty of the area. While the main shrine is placed behind a large stupa, this place also contains some of the exceptional plants planted by Dalai Lama. Overall the place is a major place of worship which also attracts the tourists with its scenic beauty.

Gayker Sinyi of Itanagar :  Gayker Sinyi also known as Ganga Lake is a small lake situated amidst the dense forest of Great Himalayas. This picturesque lake is situated at a distance of 6 kms from Itanagar. This has been developed as a major tourist spot by the state government which is surrounded with some primeval vegetation, orchids and tall trees along with bamboo groves.

Jawaharlal Nehru Museum :  Jawaharlal Nehru Museum is one of the well maintained museums of Arunachal Pradesh. It has some articles of tribal community residing in the land of Arunachal Pradesh from pre historic times. This is particularly located within the archaeological sights of Ita fort. This museum has a huge collection of collection of arts and crafts, jewellery, textiles, and a variety of tribal headgear, which gives you an insight into Arunachal`s tribal culture. This museum has been mainly known for describing the socio- political culture of the tribal people which can be traced upto pre historic days through these artefacts.

Itanagar Polo Park : Though located at a high altitude Itanagar has Polo which is located in Niharlagun. Located in small ridge in the foothills of Himalayan region it has one of the richest botanical garden and a small zoo.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary : Along with other tourist spots Itanagar also has a rich sanctuary. This was established in 1978 which covers an area of 140 sq. kms of land. It has a collection of semi evergreen forest trees and a collection of tigers and herds of elephants which often visit the sanctuary.

Orchidarium
Orchidarium is situated at Tipi which has a collection of 7500 types of orchids. This is an experimental botanical garden which has a number of hybrid varieties of herbs and plants which has been created with a number of scientists. This botanical garden is a leading example of biotechnology using latest types of technique to grow new variety of hybrid orchids.

Ziro
Ziro is another important tourist spot which is located at the height of 1475m. This is one of the most picturesque sites which is surrounded with pine covered mountains. These often attract the tourists with its scenic beauty. Along with this Itanagar also has a picturesque valley called Rupa which is located at a distance of 18 kms from Itanagar. This is a beautiful hill town which is an ideal tourist spot in Arunachal Pradesh.

Along with this the tourists of Itanagar are often recreated with rafting through Kameng (Seppa-Bhalukpong), Subansiri (Taliha-North of Daporijo), Siang (entire course), and Dibang (Anini-Assam border). It is further surrounded by some more attractive places like Orchidarium and Ziro.

Regular helicopter service is available from Guwahati to Naharlagun. Nearest railway station is also at Naharlagun, which is 15 km away from Itanagar. From Naharlagun station one has to reach Itanagar by car or bus. National Highway 415 is connected to Itanagar with Assam and other parts of the country.