Ita Fort

In the heart of Arunachal's capital stands the monument that gives the city its name: Ita Fort, from ita, meaning 'bricks'. This irregular fort, built largely of bricks, is generally dated to around the 14th–15th century and attributed to the Jitari (Chutia) rulers who once held sway over parts of the region — a rare surviving trace of the eastern Himalaya's early dynasties.

The fort's walls, laid out on three sides to follow the contours of the hills, are estimated to have used over 45 lakh bricks, an enormous undertaking for its time. Much of it now stands in ruins amid greenery, but the scale of the brickwork and the hillside setting still convey the ambition of its builders.

For visitors to Itanagar, Ita Fort is best combined with the striking yellow-roofed Gyaker Sinyi (Ganga Lake) and the Buddhist temple gifted by the Dalai Lama, together offering a half-day introduction to the capital's history and setting. A permit is needed to visit Arunachal.