The Ita Fort found in the town of Itanagar is one of the most significant historical sites in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Its name has a literal meaning as "Fort of bricks"(the brickreferred to as "Ita" in Ahom language). The Ita Fort was constructed around the 14th or 15th century. This fort has a shape which is irregular, and is being built basically with bricks which dates back to 14th-15th Century. There is a brick work of around 16,200 cubic meter lengths which are recognized by few scholars with Mayapur’s Ramachandrawho was a ruler of the Jitari Dynasty. The fort comprises of 3 different entrances found at three different sides namely eastern, western and southern sides. The fort is quite imposing but irregularly formed fort which was built taking the help of above 8 million bricks which defends the capital city. The figures remain immaterial at present however it is still interesting to know that about 45,000 man days had been utilized to construct the fort having 3 gates, towards the Eastern, Western and the Southern sides. It is one of the unique forts in the country where such buildings are rarely found.

There are archaeological findings about the site which are being displayed at the museum of Itanagar, the Jawaharlal Nehru Museum.

How to Reach

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Harmuti found in Assam, which is at a distance of 33 km from Itanagar. The taxi services are available at the railway station from Itanagar which costs about Rs 500 - Rs 600. Harmuti has a well connected network of rails.

By Air

The close by airport to Itanagar is situated at Lilabari in the state of Assam, found about 67 km distant from Itanagar. The airport has well connected flights from Guwahati. There is facility of helicopter at Pawan Hans found between Guwahati and Itanagar, 3 times weekly.

By Buses

There are buses which run overnight and are super express buses connecting Itanagar with Guwahati, and takes around 12 hours. The buses of Arunachal State Transport are connecting Itanagar with different cities of the country.

Nearby Places to Visit

Buddha Temple

One can view the magical effect of Buddha in Itanagar as well as Arunachal Pradesh. This place consists of a typical Buddha shrine with a huge golden/yellow roof. The temple has a contrast to green carpets of beautifully trimmed lawns of grass. The shrine has a Buddha idol and various other Buddhist articles for worship. The Buddha’s idol is found meditating in a peaceful manner exhorting each visitor to be amazed and wonder the silence which prevails in the major hall.

Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum

It is not a boring museum like any other Government museums found, the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum is like a breath of fresh air. It is a place, which is full of spirits and has information which is quite entertaining concerning the woodcarvings, creations, musical instruments and kinds of textiles along with the handicrafts, this museum offers a silent relief for the exertion and fatigued body. One can find a special section meant for archeological findings. There is an informative library having books which range from the state to activities of world.

Namdhapa National Park

It is one of the main attractive places near Ita Fort and has wild cats ruling the ranges of snow bound Himalayas. There are snow leopards found in large number. Visiting the Namdhapa Park provides a glimpse of the clouded leopard and the snow leopard. The Park is an abode to various wilder and meeker siblings of Himalayan red Panda and black bear.

Things to Do

One can take the great view which imposes but has an uneven fort.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best suitable time for visiting Ita Fort is in the months of October-March and when the atmosphere is cool as well as breezy. The Monsoons, from July-September must be avoided during times of rain.

Accomodation

Hotel Arun Subansiri (3 Star Hotel )

Address: Zero Point, Tinali , Itanagar
Location: City Center
Property Type: Motel
Accessibility: Airport: 400KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM., Railway Station: 200KM.

Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok (3 Star Equivalent Hotel )

Address: Sector - C, , Itanagar
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok is located 65 km from Leela Bari Airport, 45 km from Harmoti, the nearest rail-head and 15 km from Naharlagun.
Accessibility: Airport: 65KM., Bus Station: 2KM., Railway Station: 45KM.

Timings and Tickets

Timings: mornings to evenings
Open on all days
Entry charges are: nil

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