Monday, March 4, 2024

Saturday, March 2, 2024 - Discovering Itanagar's Rich Culture


Itanagar, a bustling city with temperatures soaring up to 25 degrees, I found the weather surprisingly pleasant, especially coming from Chennai. However, having just visited higher altitudes like Tawang where temperatures dropped below zero, Itanagar felt unusually hot.


Starting our day, we first visited the city's main monastery adorned with vibrant prayer flags and echoing with the soothing chants of Buddhist monks. From the monastery, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the city, capturing a few photos before moving on to our next stop.


Our next destination was the ITA Fort, dating back to the 14th century and holding significant historic and architectural value. Despite the passage of time, only a few visible bricks remained, serving as a poignant reminder of its storied past.


Continuing our tour, we made our way to the Thai Monastery, also known as the Khamti Monastery, where my wife made a shocking discovery. She had left her handbag containing critical items like bank cards, ID cards, and mobile phones while posing for photos at the ITA Fort. With anxious thoughts racing through our minds, we quickly requested the driver to make a U-turn and head back to the fort.

Upon our return, to our immense relief, the bag was still untouched, and my wife breathed a sigh of relief as she retrieved it. Before breaking for lunch, we made a quick stop at the Thai Monastery, marveling at its unique architectural style, a standout amidst the architectural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh.


During our journey, we made a stop at the state museum, where we delved into the intricate details of various ethnic groups through models showcasing their origins, occupations, and traditions. It was a truly enriching experience to learn about their diverse cultures and heritage.

In Itanagar, finding vegetarian options can be a challenge, as many prefer home-cooked meals over dining out. However, we stumbled upon a restaurant called "Malabar Kitchen," indicating its Kerala origins. Here, we enjoyed dosa and lassi for lunch.


Afterwards, we returned to the hotel to see if we could squeeze in a visit to a nearby lake, Ganga Lake, which would be the final destination of our day and our Arunachal vacation. Surrounded by lush green valleys, the lake offered a tranquil escape not far from our hotel.

In the evening, we spent our time leisurely strolling through the streets and busy packing our luggage for our return journey.

Weather :Enjoy moderate temperatures during the day, perfect for exploring Itanagar's cultural attractions. However, be prepared for cooler evenings, so layer up accordingly.

Special Tip: Engage with local residents to learn more about their cultural practices and traditions, and don't forget to visit the local markets to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs as mementos of your trip to Itanagar.


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