Itanagar

Spreading over an area of 2,500 acres, Itanagar is the capital of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Squatting atop low flat-topped hills, the city has a lovely climate. Beautiful serene surroundings and a bracing climate are its hallmarks. Ruins of an old palace and other such traces manifest the city's historicitysome identifying it with the ancient 11th century capital city of Mayapur of the Jitari dynasty. Itanagar today has two parts, 10 km apart, with the old one named Naharlagun.

ACCESS

The state is connected by road to adjoining states.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ganga Sekhi Lake, a beautiful natural lake good for anglers; Pachin River also good for fishing; Sengkhi Hydel Project; Polo Park; and the Zoo with its rich and rare collection of east Himalayan fauna.

EXCURSION

Bomdila, 190 km from the nearest airport of Tezpur, and 146 km from Rangpara the nearest railhead, is the heaquarters of west Kemeng district. The place offers a view of the beautiful Himalayan landscape, and also has a number of Buddhist gompas plus lovely apple orchards. A little way off from Bomdila is Tawang at a height of 3,040 metres, and one of the highest administrative headquarters in the world. Malinithan, 1 km from Lilabari airport, is the site of recent excavations revealing a flourishing city of 7 to 8 centuries ago. Its beautiful and exquisite temples and sculptures speak of a glorious past. Famous as the place where Lord Parashuram washed his sin of matricide, the Parashuram Kund is situated on the banks of the river Lohit, 21 km from Tezu. The Kund is the scene of a big gathering of visitors and pilgrims coming for a holy dip on Magh Purnima (fullmoon during January). And, in the district of Lohit lies the fortress of King Bhismaka called Bhismakanagar. Its strong ramparts on three sides, and a mountain wall on the fourth have made it almost impregnable. This was the ancient kingdom of Bhismaka where he gave his daughter, Rukmini, in marriage to Lord Krishna. Among the ruins is an ancient Shiva Temple. Bhismakanagar can be reached from Tezu. Tipi, on the way to Bomdila, is situated at a height of 190 metres. Over 7,500 orchids of about 300 species, some very rare, can be seen here. There is also an Orchid Museum and Herbarium. The 1,800 sq. km Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary, on the Indo-Burma border in Tirap district, is a delight for the wildlife enthusiast. Its rare inmates include the famous snow leopard, the musk deer, and the Himalayan black deer, among numerous other animals.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, C-Sector, Itanagar. Phone: 22626-22631; Fax: 0360-22611.

Hotel Arun Subansiri, Zero Point, Tinali, Itanagar. Phones: 33258/22677.

Hotel Bomdila, Itanagar