Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, a state in Northeast India. This city in the Himalayas offers several tourist attractions. Itanagar is also a gateway to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh and is a good base for exploring the state’s many tribes and cultures. If you’re planning a trip to Itanagar, this article helps you find various places worth visiting in Itanagar city.
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There are many popular places within & around Itanagar. Some of these places include:
1. Rupa
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Rupa is in the Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1,674 meters above sea level and is about 20 km from the state capital, Itanagar. Rupa is famous for its scenic beauty, and forests and mountains surround it. The town is also home to Rupa Lake, a popular tourist destination.
Rupa is best known for its charming grasslands and rolling mountains that make up for the perfect weekend getaway. In addition to the scenic beauty that Rupa holds, several other attractions are also situated nearby. Rupa Monastery is situated here which is a monastery in the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit Shertukpen, which is a tribal village in the city and a unique way to experience the culture and lifestyle of locals. Explore the Guru Rinpoche Cave which is also situated nearby.
2. Ganga Lake
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Ganga Lake is one of the most popular places within the city and is only 6 KM from Itanagar. The lake is situated at an altitude of 1,437 meters and is an excellent place for picnics, boating, and fishing. The lake is famous for birdwatching since it attracts migrating birds. It is surrounded by lush greenery and lofty mountains around, this lake is a must visit place to spend a quiet afternoon amidst the hush murmur of the breeze and warm sunlight. It has calm water body surrounded by primeval vegetation, various flora and huge trees will certainly spellbind you.
3. Ziro Valley
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Ziro is a picturesque town in Arunachal Pradesh that is famous for its natural charm and hilly areas. The town lies on the Apatani Plateau and is the cultural heritage site of the Apatani tribe. Besides this, Ziro Valley is also declared a World Heritage Site by the UN. The nearest airport from Ziro is Lila Bari Airport, which is located 122 km away. Another airport is located at 190 km approx. named Jorhat Airport in Assam and is connected to major places in India. For all the international flights, Guwahati airport in Assam is the nearest. A wide variety of animal species can be captured in the sanctuary such as elephants, barking deer, giant squirrel, porcupine, leopard, clouded leopards and wild boar etc. it is famous as the home of Mithun, the cross breed of wild gaur and buffalo.
4. The Itanagar Wild Life Sanctuary
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The Itanagar Wild Life Sanctuary, located within the city limits of Itanagar, is a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. The sanctuary is home to various bird species, including the Indian peafowl, hornbills, and snipe. You can also spot Mammals such as tigers, leopards, and elephants. The sanctuary is 17 km from the city and is easily accessible by car. The Itanagar Sanctuary biodiversity is rich. Several animalsare found in the sanctuary such as Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, sloth Bear, Barking Deer, Marbled Cat, Clouded leopard, Asian Elephant, Capped Langur, Slender Loris. Arunachal Pradesh state bird Hornbill is a frequent sight in the sanctuary. The white winged duck (Cairina scutolata) is also found.
5. Ita Fort
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Ita fort is located just 3.7 KM from the main city and is a popular tourist destination. Its name is “Fort of Bricks” in Assamese. The fort was built between 11th to 14th century. It was a military outpost then renovated and is now open to the public. There are many interesting things to see at the fort, such as the old walls and gates, the ancient cannons, and the views of the city from the top of the fort.
6. Gompa Buddhist Temple
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The Gompa Buddhist Temple is a famous tourist attraction in Itanagar. The temple is approximately 4.1 km from the city and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. The temple complex consists of several smaller temples, shrines, and monasteries and a large stupa containing relicts of the Buddha himself. Visitors to the temple can explore the various buildings and structures and participate in religious ceremonies and rituals.
7. Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
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The Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum is in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, and it is the largest museum in the state and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It has history, culture, and traditional artifacts. The museum is in the name of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and It is at a distance of 3.9 km from Itanagar.
8. Namdapha National Park
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Namdapha National Park, located in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, is a national park home to many endangered wildlife. The park covers an area of 1,985.23 square kilometers—the Namdapha National Park is 4 km from Itanagar.
Namdapha National Park is famous because of its four feline species of big cat (It is the only park in the world), namely the Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard, as well as other notable species such as Hoolock Gibbons (India’s only ‘ape’ species), Assamese macaques, pig-tailed macaques. The park hosts over a thousand species of flora and fauna and over 4 hundred species of avifauna, the massive Namdapha National Park, spread across an area of around two thousand kilometers, is the fourth-largest national park in the country. It is home to a various birds and animals, including the red panda.
9. Bhalukpong
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Bhalukpong is in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is on the banks of the River Brahmaputra, about 150 km from Guwahati. The town, with its various tourist attractions and beautiful scenery, is a popular destination for tourists. It is 7 km from Itanagar. Bhalukpung was governed by local tribal Aka rulers, with occasional political dominance from Bhutan and Assam. Ahom rulers of Assam did not interfere with the local tribals, except for retaliatory raids into the tribal territory. In 1873, the British had declared the area around Bhalukpung as off-limits.
Fish angling and river rafting are the most attractive tourist activities in Bhalukpung. Along with the Pakhui Game Sanctuary and Tipi Orchidarium, which hosts over 2600 cultivated orchids from 80 different species.
10. Bomdila
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Beautiful Bomdila is in Arunachal Pradesh, and it’s the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The town is also the headquarters of the West Kameng district, making it a convenient place to stay for those who want to explore this fascinating region. It is 8 km from Itanagar.
11. The Itanagar Craft Centre and Emporium
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The Itanagar Craft Centre and Emporium have regional crafts and arts, and the city-based center is convenient for visitors. The emporium offers sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and textiles. Staff at the center can help you find a souvenir or gift. The centre is also great for learning about the local culture and history. It is 13.5 km from Itanagar.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Itanagar is from October to March. The weather is cool and dry at this time, making city exploring easier. October to March is also ideal for the trek in the nearby mountains, as the trails are generally free of snow.
Nearby Hotels To Stay
There are many hotels near Itanagar, but these four are the closest to the city.
1. Cygnett Inn Trendz
Source: https://www.booking.com
Source: https://www.booking.com
2. Hotel Aane
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Source: https://www.booking.com
3. Hotel Todo
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Source: https://www.booking.com
4. Hotel Kameng
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Source: https://www.booking.com
List of Things to carry
Here is a list of things you should remember to pack when traveling to Itanagar
- A map of the area
- All weather conditions Clothes, including rain gear
- Sturdy shoes for hiking or trekking
- Camera and binoculars
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- First aid kit
- Snacks and drinks, especially water
- Comfortable shoes
Local popular & specialty food
Momos: Itanagar is known for its momos, a dumpling popular in Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine. Momos filled with meat or vegetables served with a dipping sauce.
Thukpa: Thukpa is a hearty soup made with noodles and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cold winter day, and you can find it at many of the city’s restaurants.
Chowmein: Chowmein is a type of noodle, usually made with wheat flour, water, and salt. It is often stir-fried with vegetables or meat.
Final words
Itanagar is a popular tourist destination for its many ancient temples and shrines. It is also home to several national parks and reserves, making it an ideal place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Itanagar has something for everyone, whether you’re searching for adventure or to relax in nature.