Info on Tawang

More info on Arunachal Pradesh

The scenic beauty of the Namdapha National Park near Miao

Itanagar

Factfile

Population : 17,700

STD Code : 0360
Best Season : November-March


Itanagar is the capital of one of the most remote states in northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh. Foreigners need a permit to enter the state and it is advisable to travel in groups. However, certain parts of Arunachal Pradesh are off-limits for visitors. Itangar is a relatively new city and there isnt much to see here. The fun lies in meeting the people and observing their remarkably interesting way of life.

Getting There
Itanagar does not have an airport of its own. You will have to fly to Tezpur from Calcutta and drive the remaining 216km to reach Itanagar. If you think trains will be easier - you couldn't have been more wrong. The nearest railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam which is some 60 km from the capital city. This however does not mean that you can't get to Itanagar. There are regular buses from Tezpur, Shillong, Dibrugarh and Jorhat - the road route offers fantastic views of the countryside. But watch out - the ride isn't easy and the roads only make it worse.

Getting About
State transport buses run between Itanagar and Naharlagun. A ride in these buses is like a crash course in the state's culture. You get to see all the tribes that live here; besides the warm smile and friendly nod of the head make up for the sore brake . If you prefer being on your own,then you can fix up a tourist taxi - rates are negotiable and the hotel or a local travel agent will arrange one for you.

Tourist Permits
All tourists, whether Indian or foreign, have to get special permits to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Domestic tourists need an Inner Line Permit which can be got in Delhi from the
Resident Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Bhawan
Kautilya Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi
Tel: 011-3010854

In Calcutta, contact the
Liaision Officer
Government of Arunachal Pradesh
Roxi Cinema Hall
Chowringhee Lane
Calcutta
Tel: 033-286500

In Assam, contact
Liaision Officer
Government of Arunachal Pradesh
RG Baruah Road
Guwahati
Tel: 0361-62859


There is a liaision office in Dibrugarh as well (Tel: 20398).

Within Arunachal Pradesh contact the
Director of Information
Public Relations and Tourism
Government of Arunachal Pradesh
Naharlagun
Tel: 4371
Foreign tourists need a Restricted Area Permit which can be applied for at all Indian embassies/consulates. You can also get it from the
Ministry of Home Affairs
Foreigners' Division
Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market
New Delhi 110003

or from the
Ministry of External Affairs
South Block
New Delhi 110001


However apply months in advance and be prepared for making several rounds of the dingy ill-kept office. Even with the permit, non-Indians are only allowed into Itanagar, western Tawang, Namdapha National Park, Miao, Ziro, Along and Pasighat. The state government charges a fee of US$ 50 per day, or US$ 150 per day for a package that includes food and lodging. Also, tours have to be arranged through a government-approved travel agent or a personal invitation from a relative or a friend.

Accommodation
Itanagar sees very little tourist traffic, consequently there aren't many hotels to choose from. You could try the following:

Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok (Middle Budget)
C Sector
Itanagar 791111
Tel: 212626/27; Fax: 212611


Hotel Blue Pine (Middle Budget)
Itanagar 791111
Tel: 212042

Hotel Arunachal (Low Budget)
Itanagar 791111
Tel: 244960

Hotel Arun Subansiri (Low Budget)
Zero Point
Tinal
Itanagar 791111
Tel: 22806, 23297, 22806


Facilities
Communications: Remote, hilly and recently opened to tourists, Itanagar has yet to establish a brisk post and telegraph system. Telephones are by far the best means, as cybercafes are unheard of in this part of the world. Shops with phones will let you make local calls. For calling overseas, you can try the hotel front desk or the few STD/ISD booths scattered around town.

Tourist Information Offices: The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has its tourism office at Naharlagun. You can contact the
Director of Information
Public Relations and Tourism
Papum Pare District
Naharlagun
Tel: 4371, 4115

You'll find the staff courteous and helpful, but you need to speak slowly and painfully mouth each word - Arunachalis aren't the greatest communicators walking this earth.

Shopping
Dominated as it is by tribals, Arunachal produces very simple but fascinating handicrafts. The Mishimi women weave woolen stoles in vibrant reds that make great buys. You can also pick up handmade carpets, wood carvings and thangkas (Buddhist scroll paintings). The Handicrafts Centre is a one-stop shop which offers a wide choice and is reasonably priced.

Sightseeing
Buddha Vihar
The temple can be spotted from a distance thanks to its sunny yellow roof. Set in the middle of a well-manicured garden, it has a tree planted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Ganga Lake
About 6km up a steep road from Itanagar is Ganga Lake, called Gyaker Sinyi by the local people. Surrounded by thick woods, it is just perfect to spend a sunny afternoon. Pack along some sandwiches and a book to read.

Jawaharlal Nehru Museum
Check out this museum for its modest but impressive collection of tribal wood carvings, textiles, musical instruments and headgear. Artifacts excavated from the archaeological sites of Ita Fort and Malinithan are also on display here.

The Lake of No Return (Nampong)

The Lake of No Return along the Pangsau pass near the international border between India and Myanmar

---