Itanagar - The Scenic Capital of Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar has tremendous potential when it comes to exploring the beauty of nature. From parks and forts to museums and lakes, Itanagar has got just about everything in the right proportion for its tourists to discover. The culture and lifestyle of this place are simply amazing for any outsider bestowing a completely new and unique perspective upon their conscience.
The people of Itanagar are very hospitable and kind. Moreover, it is here that you will also get to find a great number of tribes such as Nyishi, Adi, Apatani, Galo, etc. The presence of these tribes makes Itanagar a very diverse hub of culture and traditions. Apart from the people, the green forests and orchids of this place come across as a must-see for everyone. Jawaharlal Nehru Museum and the Ganga lake are some of the most amazing tourist destinations to explore in Itanagar.
History of Itanagar
Like its culture, Itanagar doesn’t have an equally diverse history as well. However, one strong historical aspect of Itanagar is the ‘Ita Fort’. It is said that this incredible fort was built by King Mayapur from the Jitari dynasty between the 14th-15th century. Mayapur used to be the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and was a place with a lot of historical prominences. What’s really intriguing to know is that the brickwork done in this fort is of 16,200 cubic meter lengths. This place has three entrances each on the west, the east, and the south.
Apart from this, the historical account of Itanagar can be termed as quite vague. The archaeological relics of this place don’t give any kind of information about the presence of the historical past. The Ahoms kingdom ruled this place for some time in the medieval period. The chronicles, known as Ahom Buranjis, state that the Ahoms ruled this geographical part of the land for about six centuries and it was around their kingdom that all the historical developments had happened.
However, in the year 1614, the Ahoms saw a complete defeat bringing an end to their rule but the rivalry between the Ahoms and the Nishis continued for a long time.
Best Places to Visit In Itanagar
Itanagar is very famous among locals and tourists. It is considered one of the best tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh. Here's the list of the places you can explore in Itanagar.
1. Ganga Lake
One of the most popular places to visit in Ita Nagar, Ganga Lake is typically known for its iconic scenic beauty. The calm environment, the lush greenery, and the lofty mountains around this lake make it a must-visit tourist attraction.
2. Ita Fort
A significant landmark of ancient times, situated at the Papum Pare district, it is quite a fascinating travel getaway. And now, it has turned into one of the main tourist spots. The word 'Ita' refers to the bricks in the Ahom language.
3. Namdapha National Park
A wonderful destination where one gets a chance to see many endangered species is what this national park has to offer. For nature lovers, this place is just a perfect travel getaway. This place offers a great opportunity to click pictures of some of the most vibrant biodiversities in the nation.
4. Rupa Hill Station
Placed at a distance of 20km from Itanagar, this place is a must-visit for travelers. Alongside this, you can also appreciate the untouched beauty of nature. The borders of this place are on the banks of Tenga, making this truly an incredible sight for tourists. You also get to appreciate the green attractive grasslands along with the scenic mountains making it just the perfect spot for a weekend gateway.
Things to Do in Itanagar
- Explore Ita Fort – Witness the historic ruins and learn about the city's origins.
- Visit Ganga Lake – Enjoy boating and nature walks.
- Experience Buddhist culture – Spend time at the Itanagar Gompa.
- Learn about local tribes – Visit the State Museum and interact with the Nyishi community.
- Trek in the Himalayas – Discover the scenic hills and valleys nearby.
- Shop for handicrafts – Buy traditional tribal artifacts and bamboo products from local markets.
Best Time to Visit Itanagar
- October to April – The most pleasant and scenic season.
- May to September – Monsoons bring heavy rains, making travel difficult.
- Winter (December to February) – Ideal for those who enjoy cold weather and clear views.
How to Reach Itanagar
Itanagar is a very interesting place to explore in Arunachal Pradesh. The vibe of Itanagar is very fresh and amazing to explore. Itanagar is located at a distance of 1,577, 709, 1,504, and 570 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively.
By Air
Lilabari Airport (IXI) is situated in the Lakhimpur district, which is 70 km away from Itanagar, in the state of Assam. Many flights operate to and fro this airport. After deboarding at the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of transportation like a cab.
- Delhi -Board Air India, Spicejet, Vistara flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.6,000
- Patna - Board Air India, Go Air, IndiGo, Vistara flights from Patna airport. The airfares start from Rs.6,000-Rs.7,000
- Lucknow - Board Air India, Go Air, Vistara flights from Lucknow Airport. The airfares start from Rs.11,000
- Jaipur - Board Air India flight from Jaipur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.8,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Itanagar
By Train
The nearest railway station is Harmuti Junction. It is located 35-40 km from Itanagar and has fairly good connectivity with other Indian cities.
- Delhi - Board Arunachal Express from Anand Vihar Terminal and deboard at the Harmuti station
- Kanpur - Board Kanpur Central and deboard at the Harmuti station
- Lucknow - Board Arunachal Express from Lucknow NR and deboard at the Harmuti Express
- Guwahati - Board Lachit Express Guwahati Junction and deboard at the Harmuti Express
By Road
You can also consider traveling via road to Itanagar as well. Depending upon your location you can choose to travel here by your own vehicle, cab, or even bus. From Guwahati, there are buses to Itanagar, the fares are starting from Rs.650.
Here is how you can reach here by the following road network.
- Delhi - 2,181 km via NH27 or NH19
- Patna - 1,180 km via NH27 or NH15
- Jamshedpur - 1,341 km via NH27
- Kolkata - 1,290 km via NH12 or NH27
- Gaya - 1,228 km via NH27 or NH15
- Varanasi - 1,406 km via NH19 or NH27
Frequently Asked Questions about Itanagar
Q. What are some tourist attractions in Itanagar?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Itanagar include Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, Buddha Vihar, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, and Indira Gandhi Park.
Q. How many days are enough to explore Itanagar?
A. A 2-3 day trip is ideal to explore Itanagar’s major attractions, nearby monasteries, and natural sites.
