Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Itanagar, the administrative nerve centre of Arunachal Pradesh strikes umpteen number of tourists every year. The capital city in the land of rising sun is situated at 350 metres above the sea level in Papumpare district. The beautiful city bears amazing mixture archaeological and geographical significance. The colourful tradition and culture of the native Nishi people have made it more a dreamscape and less an administrative hub of the frontier state. But now the city keeps throbbing with the people from far flung states of the country making it an mini India in real sense of the term. The domestic and foreign tourists don’t face any hardship to locate any spot. This is because of a good connectivity over the years. By road buses and other private vehicles are available from Guwahati. The nearest railway station to reach the city is Naharlogun, a few km away from it. This is apart from the regular chopper services from Guwahati.
Immediately after landing in the city, one after another spot emerges before the tourists to be visited. The mostly visited spot is the brick-fort dating back to 14the century.
Then the spotlight falls on the Ganga Lake popularly known as Gyakar Sinyi 6 km away from the cuty. Not even a single tourist leaves the green lake without any excitement. Make it an occasion to catch a glimpse of the forest lake of an enchanting beauty of vegetation, orchids and tall trees. A gentle breeze makes the visit more magnificent.
Another must see place for the Itanagar bound tourists is the Buddhist temple. A visit to this vital spot of the yellow roofed shrine makes you get the surrounding countryside at a glance. The Buddhists claim it an extensive Tibetan influence.
Move on to the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and get a kaleidoscope of the enchanting nature and tribal culture apart from the wood carvings, musical instruments, textiles, handicrafts and archeological findings. The library speaks volumes of the tradition, art and culture of the state.
The tourists take no less delight when they visit the Donyi-Polo Vidya Bhawan. This is one of the most decent seat of learning in Itanagar. Many salient features have made it a premier school in the entire state.
Another seat of learning is the North-Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. Locating in Nirjuli, a few km away from Itanagar the engineering institute beckons the students from the north east and outside. Then go to Doimukh and catch a glimpse of Arunachal University (Doimukh) apart from the huge piggery and poultry firm and Indira Gandhi Park.
