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Itanagar City Tour Guide - Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar Facts:
• Population 34,970 (2001)
• Elevation 440 metres (1,440 ft)
• STD Code- 0360

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. 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.

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.
Itanagar today is divided into two parts, each 10 km apart from each other, with the older one named Naharlagun. The township is situated at 350 metres above mean sea level. It comes administratively under Papumpare district. The Nishis or Nishings is the major tribe in Itanagar area. However, Itanagar can be called as mini India, as people from all over the country, live here in harmony.

How to get there

Air
There are no direct flights to Itanagar from any part of India. There is a chopper service operated by the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh from Guwahati (Assam) to Itanagar on all days of the week except Saturday. However, there are regular flights to Tezpur (Assam), the nearest and best connected airport, from Kolkata and Guwahati. Taxis and buses ply from Tezpur airport to Itanagar city regularly.
Train
The nearest railhead is Harmuty, 33km from Itanagar, but the most convenient disembarkation point is North Lakhimpur, 60km from Itanagar. The Arunachal Pradesh Express serves Harmuty. Super fast and fast passenger trains will bring you to North Lakhimpur from Guwahati (Assam). Taxis and buses link both railway stations to Itanagar.
Road
You 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.

Best time to visit

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Dining Out

The hotels and circuit houses have restaurants attached and Indian cuisine is yours for the asking. You may feast on the different types of cuisines available in Itanagar. Tibetan food is available in abundance and is a must eat in Itanagar.

Shopping

you are an avid shopper, the idea of returning from a tour without shopping some souvenirs or gifts for your near and dear ones may sound absurd to you. Do not worry. In terms of touristy shopping, Itanagar would not disappoint you.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of handicrafts. The ace artisans of the region craft out exquisite items from wood, metal, bamboo and wool. It might be hard to resist your temptation seeing these artifacts and utilities.
Since the Himalayan region is rich in wood, it plays a vital role in making the handicrafts. Check out cups, dishes and fruit bowls made of local Monpa wood while shopping in Itanagar.
Baskets and masks made of bamboo and cane are also popular items for shopping in Itanagar. Beautiful ornaments and bangles made of beads may also feature in your shopping cart in Itanagar.
You may not find the swanky commercial centers or plush shopping malls in Itanagar. But the colorful local bazaars are delightful places for shopping in Itanagar. You would also find vendors erecting stalls on the streets. If you do not mind a little bit of bargaining, give them a shot. Visiting The climate of Itanagar is very pleasant. Although there is a lot of humidity and considerable heat during summer, a mild breeze blows during the day that keeps the entire area cool. During winter, it witnesses snowfall between December and January.

Tourist Offices

Government of India Tourist Office, Naharlugan, Arunachal Pradesh.
You can also contact the Arunachal Bhavans in the main cities of India – Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi and Bangalore.

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