Arunachal Pradesh is usually known for its diversified, monasteries, lush greenery, snow capped mountain. But what you didn’t know was that the state of Northeast is equally rich in cultural heritage. There are several archeological sites and historical monument that is worth checking out on your visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

One of such place is the Ita fort in the capital state, Itanagar. Build in 14th-15th during the reign of Ramachandra, King of the Jitari Dynasty. Ita fort translates to ‘the fort of bricks’ from which the state capital derives its name. It is believed to be constructed with 80 lakh bricks which took around 45,000 man days of construction to piece it together. Event thought the century the fort is built in an irregular shape, it is enclosed with natural bridges and brick ramparts. While the eastern rampart is half a kilometer long with just one gate, the western rampart is 1.40 km long with two gates. Whereas the north and south have irregular steep ridges for more than a kilometer length.

Talking about the entrance, there are three main entrances. The eastern gate is built on stone masonry, the overlooks Doimukh in the Dikrang valley. The southern gate is built largely in brick and limited use of stone. The western gate, probably the main entrance, offers a splendid view of Senkhi river. Apparently floral and animated designs were used to beautify the doorways which are nowhere to be found today now. These doors acted as a checkpoint for enemies approaching the fort from Gohpur and Ramghat in the south.

Best time to visit

The climate of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh is very pleasant and can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach

By air: Lilabari airport in North Lakhimpur is the nearest airport to the Itanagar.

By rail: Harmuti railway station in Assam and Naharlagun railway station in Arunachal Pradesh are the closest railway station to Itanagar.

By road: There are state run bus services available from major cities of Northeast.