Sibsagar is about 150 km east of the prominent Kaziranga National Park, in Assam. Sibsagar was once the capital of the Ahom Kings who ruled Assam for about 600 years, until the British annexed the region in 1826. The town is established around a large 129-acre artificial tank called the Sibsagar Lake (which has lent the town its name), dug over 200 years ago. The archaeological remains, palaces, and temples of the Ahoms, can still be explored which are now preserved as national protected monuments.
Today, Sibsagar is a briskly developing town in commercial, industrial and educational activities, besides being a leading centre for the tea and oil industries. But evidence of its royal and glorious past is overwhelming. The best time to visit is between the months of November and March.
Journey to Sibsagar
Airport :
The proximity to a number of airports around Sibsagar-Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Dimapur, and Tezpur - makes Sibsagar easily accessible for the tourists.
Road Transport :
The NH-37, which passes through Assam from its western border with Bengal to the north-eastern tip along Arunachal Pradesh, connects Sibsagar with Guwahati and Kaziranga on one side, and Dibrugarh on the other. The route is abundant in lush emerald green forests.
Staying in Sibsagar :
Tourist lodges and Circuit Houses are available at both Jorhat and Sibsagar. The accommodation found here is very cheap. You may not find a luxury accommodation at Sibsagar in Assam.
Tourist Attractions in Sibsagar:
Charaideo :
Located about 28 km east of Sibsagar, Charaideo was the original capital of the Ahom Kings built by Sukhapa the founder of the dynasty in about 1229. It is famous for its numerous stone and brick maidams (vaults) of the kings and members of the royal family resembling the pyramids of Egypt.
Gaurisagar :
About 15 km south of Sibsagar on the Assam Trunk Road, Gaurisagar is one of the historic tanks constructed by Queen Phuleswari in the year 1723. This spring fed tank covers an area of 150 acres under water and on its banks stand three temples dedicated to Devi, Shiva and Vishnu.
GargaonPalace :
It is the principal town of the Ahom Kings, about 15 Km east of Sibsagar, was established by the 15th Ahom King Suklemnung in 1540. The present seven storied palace was constructed by King Rajeshwar Singha in about 1762, of which all the underground stories and passages were blocked by the East India Company. The magazine made of bricks is within the palace compound and further eastward are two old stone bridges built by King Gadadhar Singha.
SibsagarTank and Temples:
The giant Sibsagar Lake (tank) was dug about 200 years ago, and gives the town its name, This tank is fed by natural springs and is surrounded by deep ditches and earthen moats. Three temples are built on its bank - Siva temple, Vishnu temple and Devidol temple.
Joysagar Tank and Temple:
Historical records reveal that the tank was built in 45 days at Rangpur in 1697. The tank spreads in the area of 318 acres half of which is under water and on its banks stand the Jeydol (Vishnu) temple, Shiva temple and Devi Ghar and Ghanashyam (Nati Gosain) temple.
Talatal Ghar:
Constructed in 1699 by king Rudra Singha it is located about 6 km away from Sibsagar. Talatal Ghar is an underground garrison having three stories, the lowest being connected with Dikhow river by tunnel.
Rang Ghar :
The Ahom Kings watched and enjoyed elephant fights and other sporting events from this two -storeyed, oval-shaped pavilion constructed by king Pramutta Singha.
Kereng Ghar :
About 10 Km from Sibsagar, Kereng Ghar is a seven storied castle - four above and three below the ground, and has two underground pathways to Dikhow river and Garden palace.
Some Important Destinations Near Sibsagar :
About 55 km from Sibsagar is Jorhat, highly famous for its sprawling tea gardens, and is the nerve centre of tea industry of Assam. Jorhat has the world renowned Teklai Experimental Centre to carry out researches to innovate varieties of tea and also discover therapeutic effects of green tea. Regional Research Laboratory conducts investigation on plants, herbs and soils. There are also other organizations such as Assam Agricultural University, Technical School etc.
From Jorhat, one may extend one's tour to Majuli, the largest island on the Brahmaputna, renowned for numerous Satras or monasteries.
About 75 km from Sibsagar, Dibrugarh is a developing major trading centre and an enthralling river side town in Upper Assam. This is the place where the mighty and majestic river Brahmaputra is at its best.
Visit Kaziranga National Park, about 150 km east of Sibsagar, immensely renowned for single nosed rhinos.
