Places to Visit

ITANAGAR

Capital City Itanagar

Seat of the Governor Itanagar (Naharlagun)
The capital of the state, Arunachal is scattered with light, earthquake-proof, wooden-framed buildings rising up the slopes of green hills. Traditional huts are strewn amongst the more recent constructions. The residence of the Governor crowns one peak while a new Buddhist Temple crowns the other. Between them lie administrative officers, shops, daily bazaars and thatched houses.

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What to See In Itanagar (Naharlagun) :

The Buddhist Temple : 

A new but beautiful yellow- roofed shrine, it rises from wefi-rnaintained grounds behind a stupo tree planted by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The grounds of the temple afford a good view of Itanagar Town.

Ganga Lake (Gyaker Sinyi) :

The 6 km drive to the lake from Itanagar takes visitors on a rugged road through some superbly primeval jungles, Bamboo groves, orchids massed on tall trees are some of the vegetation which can be identified by the interested travelers. Stopping at the base of a hill, one has to take a flight of steps uphill. At the top of the ridge one looks down on a serene green forest lake which one has to cross in a row boat. Today, it Is a beautiful spot for outings, boating and picnics.

The State Museum :

In the gallery at the ground floor, the political and administrative development of the area, population of the various tribal groups as per 1991 census (provisional), sociocultural heritage of the people and their lifestyle have been depicted, with the help of maps and Dioramas. While the fife-styles of all the major tribes have been depicted, the display maps cover a wide range of subjects such as the people, house types, festivals, dances, handicrafts, textile designs, musical instruments, weapons of war and chase, important developments, Malinithan, Itafort, Noksaparbat, Kundil valley civilization and historical sites.

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Polo Park :

An interesting little botanical garden atop a ridge overlooking the town. Visitors should notice the cane thicket, it looks a bit like a palm with spines on its stems, but grows as a bush. There is a small zoo. Where to Buy: The main Sales Emporium is located at Itanagar, from where the handicraft items are available. Handicrafts Center This establishment offers a good range of shawls, carpets, carved baskets and the beautiful cane and bamboo works in which the North East excels Behind and on one side of the showroom, is the workshop where cane is heated, cut and woven by tribal artisans with great skill.

Actual specimens of arts and crafts particularly wood carving objects, musical instruments, headgears, religious paraphernalia etc. have been displayed in show cases. Thus the ground floor gallery gives a panoramic view of Arunachal Pradesh. The gallery on the upper floor has six sections-textiles, archaeology, ornaments, basketry, weapons and household articles. Actual specimens from among the different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are on display under different sections. The Archaeology Section has been arranged to give some idea about the heritage of the state, found at excavated sites of Malinithan, Itafort, Noksaparbat, Bhismaknagar have been exhibited. Closed on Monday.

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Ziro :

A hill station 100 kms from Lilahari (Assam) and 160 kms North of Itanagar.

Tawang Gompa :

Since mid 17th century this is the most important monastry in this side of India. This is also the birth place of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

Bomdila :

A town halfway between Tezpur and Assam.

Tezu :

A town known to be host to pilgrims to Parsuram Kund, which is a lake. Festivals are held in the month of January.