Itanagar
State capital
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Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is a young, fast-growing city in the foothills, named after the 14th–15th century Ita Fort ('fort of bricks') whose ruins still stand in the town. Together with the twin township of Naharlagun, it is the administrative, educational and commercial centre of India's largest north-eastern state.
The city is the natural first stop for visitors — the place to complete permits, see the state museum and the Buddhist temple gifted by the Dalai Lama, and set out for the wider state. The new Donyi Polo airport at Hollongi has finally given the capital direct air links to the rest of India.
What it's known for
- The capital and administrative centre of Arunachal Pradesh
- Home to Rajiv Gandhi University and state institutions
- The permit and logistics base for travel into the state
- The new Donyi Polo (Hollongi) airport gateway
What to see in & around Itanagar
See & do
- Ita Fort, the ancient brick fort that names the city
- Gyaker Sinyi (Ganga Lake) and the Buddhist Gompa temple
- The Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
- The craft centre and views over the foothills
Getting there
Donyi Polo (Hollongi) airport, about 1.5 hours away, links Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and Mumbai; Naharlagun is the railhead.
Other cities & towns
Pasighat
The oldest town in Arunachal
Where the mighty Siang enters the plains.
Tezu
Gateway to the far-eastern valleys
The base for Parasuram Kund and the Mishmi Hills.
Bomdila
Hill town on the Tawang road
Apple orchards, monasteries and Himalayan views.