Ita Fort

Ita Fort is the defining historical site of Itanagar, a sprawling 14th-century fortification whose brick walls and gateways are scattered across a forested hillside at the edge of the city. The name of both the fort and the capital derives from the Nyishi word for brick. Despite the overgrowth and partial collapse, the scale of the structure is still striking — the perimeter walls once enclosed a substantial area, and portions of the gateway arches remain intact.

Getting there is half the experience: the trail up through subtropical forest passes bamboo groves and the occasional orchid. The ruins themselves reward slow exploration. Bring water, as there is no shade on the upper sections and midday is merciless. Early morning is best.

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A story
The fort's name comes from the Nyishi word for brick, and it gives Itanagar its name. Built in the 14th or 15th century, it predates any Assamese or British presence in the region by centuries — a reminder that the hills of what is now Arunachal Pradesh had their own political history long before the colonial period.