Bhismaknagar Fort, Roing

Deep in the forests east of Roing lie the burnt-brick ramparts of a fort so old that history and legend have blurred into one — where the Mahabharata's Rukmini is said to have walked.

Bhismaknagar Fort Roing is widely regarded as the oldest archaeological site in Arunachal Pradesh, its weathered brick walls, gateways and hall foundations rising quietly from dense forest about 30 kilometres from town. Attributed to the Chutia kingdom and spanning several centuries of Bhismaknagar Fort history, the ruins have yielded terracotta plaques, decorative tiles and pottery that speak of a sophisticated bygone culture. Among the ancient forts of Northeast India, few carry such mythology: local Idu Mishmi tradition links the site to King Bhismaka and his daughter Rukmini, consort of Lord Krishna. Wandering the Bhismaknagar ruins amid birdsong and Himalayan foothills, you feel the layered past of the Dibang Valley settle around you.

Best time to visit: October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant and the forest trails around the ruins are easiest to explore.

Traveller tip: Pair the fort with a stop in a nearby Idu Mishmi village to understand the living culture behind the legend, carry water and sturdy shoes as the site is spread out and lightly maintained, and set out early from Roing to have the ruins largely to yourself. An Inner Line Permit is mandatory for Arunachal Pradesh.

For official travel information, see the Official Arunachal Tourism portal.

Bhismaknagar Fort, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh can be easily covered in BreakBag Holidays' customised Offbeat Arunachal Pradesh tour packages, combined with Sally Lake, Mayodia Pass and the Idu Mishmi villages of the Dibang Valley.