Itanagar

Altitude    750 m above sea level
Language    Bengali, Assamese, local dialects, English
Best time to visit    October to April
STD Code    0360
LOCATION
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is a well-planned town. Together with the town of Naharlagun, situated about 10 km away, it forms the state's administrative hub. Cradled between two hills, the Governor's residence on one and a Buddhist temple on the other, many of the buildings in Itanagar are new, light, wooden-framed and earthquake-proof structures. 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.


HISTORY
Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the Kalika Purana and in the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is believed that sage Vyas meditated here. Itanagar was called Mayapur during the reign of the Jiti Dynasty that ruled the region in the 11th century. Even during the reign of the Jiti kings, Mayapur was the capital city. The magnificent Ita Fort (ita, brick), dating back to the 14th-15th century, is believed to have been built by King Ramachandra.
Tour to Itanagar
Itanagar, the ‘Land of Dawnlit Mountains’ is set on the top of low flat hills spreading over an area of 2500 acres. Surrounded with the serene atmosphere and natural flora and fauna it is a city that breathes of natural beauty. The ruin of the old palace adds to the mystical aura of Itanagar. Its ancient monuments studied by historians has often led Itanagar to be identified with the 11th century capital of Mayapur which was under the Jitari dynasty. Itanagar is divided into two parts each set apart by 10kms, the other named as Naharlagun.
Since 20th April 1974, Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Set about 350 meters above sea level, Itanagar can be only reached through air. The nearest airport is in Lilabari, Assam, which is only 67 kms from Itanagar. There are regular flights from Kolkata to Lilabari. Taxi and bus services are available that plys to Itanagar. Itanagar is connected to major towns of the North East regions such as Agartala, Aizwal, Guwahati, Imphal,kohima and Shillong.
Tibetian culture dominates the region. Consecrated by Dalai Lama as a holy place, the Buddhist temple, a beautiful yellow roofed shrine is a place of tourist attraction.
About 6 kms away from Itanagar is the beautiful Ganga Lake or the Gyakar Sinyi which serves as a beautiful getaway for a day. The green vegetation, the serene lake, the orchids and tree ferns provide a beautiful atmosphere for a day out.
Buddhist Temple, Ganga Sekhi Lake, Pachin River, Sengkhi Hydel Project, Polo Park, Zoo are the other attractions of the city
The Museum that gives the microcosmic view of the land is very well defined by the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum. It exhibits Arunachal Pradesh’s unique handicrafts, woodcarvings, cane goods, textiles, archeological discoveries and musical instruments. It has a well-equipped library too.
Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh epitomizes the largest North Eastern State by flaunting its natural beauty and the Tibetan culture that dominates the region. Log on to northeastindiatravel.com to know about the Itanagar.