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Friday, May 25, 2012

Sivasagar- Capital of Ahom Kings



A HERITAGE place Sivasagar (previously spelled Sibsagar) in Assam is famous for the monuments of Ahom Kingdom built in unique architectural structure. Once it was the capital of the Ahom rulers who dominated Assam for more than 600 years and at that time this capital place was known as Rangpur. Although the major historical remains are in and around the Sivasagar town, there are many such historical relics scattered in the entire Sivasagar district. Literally, Sivasagar means the sea that belongs to Lord Shiva. 



Sibsagar derives its name from the Sibsagar Lake, which is spread across an area of 129 acres. The lake is about 200 years old and is an important tourist attraction of the place. The Ahom rulers built many palaces and forts during their reign in Sibsagar, and most of these palaces can still be seen here. One of them is the Talatal Ghar. The Talatal Ghar is a palace said to have two secret tunnels and was built by the Ahom Rulers.



Rang Ghar




Rang Ghar

Kareng Ghar- The Palace of Ahom Kings


Kareng Ghar


Talatal Ghar




The Shiva Doul or Temple

Gaurisagar


Temple at Gaurisagar

Gaurisagar Shiva Temple


Temple at Rudrasagar


Sibsagar, apart from being a historic city of Assam, also has the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, which makes it an important educational centre too. Sivasagar is also one of the leading districts in Assam in tea production. It has numerous beautiful tea gardens and tea manufacturing factories. The city, because of its high altitude, enjoys a pleasant climate through the year. The maximum temperature here is around 30° Celsius, while the minimum can dip below 10° Celsius during the winter months. 







Pani dihing Bird Sanctuary, Sivsagar is dream come true for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike. The bird reserve is one of a kind in the country. Set in a stunning backdrop it houses several species of resident as well as migratory birds. Pani dihing Bird Sanctuary was established in the year 1996. The moderately sized bird reserve occupies an expanse of 33.93 sq. km. The sanctuary's prized possession are its variegated species of aquatic birds whose medley of cacophonous twitters and chirps sound tuneful to the ear that has grown accustomed to the chaotic noise of a bustling city life. Adjutant storks, fishing eagles and a variety of ducks are some of the species of birds that are the pride of the place.



Storks playing at the Panidihing 
(Photo Curtsy: Heritage North East India Pvt. Ltd.)


The city is an important place in the state and it is well connected by road and rail. One can reach the place easily using buses, taxis and trains.The city is an important place in the state and it is well connected by road and rail. One can reach the place easily using buses, taxis and trains.

Sibsagar By Air:
The closest airport is located at Jorhat, which is situated around 55 km from away from the city of Sibsagar. The airport is connected to places such as Dibrugarh, Shillong, Kolkata, Bangalore and Guwahati. Another option is the Dibrugarh Airport that is located at a distance of 80 km from the city. There are frequent flights services to both the places and one can opt for either choice. You can opt for taxis from the airport and they cost Rs 7 per km for the trip.

Sibsagar By Train:
The closest railhead is located at a place called Simalguri, which is situated around 16 km from the town. The station is connected to Yeshwantpur and Dibrugarh and traveling by trains is one of the most comfortable options. Taxis are available at the airport and they charge around Rs 200 for the trip.

Starting StationTrainArrival at SibsagarService Days
Dibrugarh (DBRG)Dbrg Ypr Expres
(15902)
08:05 PM
(duration: 1h 35m)
Fri
Yesvantpur Jn (YPR)Dibrugarh Exp
(15901)
05:47 PM
(duration: 65h 52m)
Mon

Sibsagar By Bus:
State run buses are available from places such as Dibrugarh, Guwahati and Jorhat on a regular basis. These are a cheap and quick option. Tickets from Jorhat cost around Rs 50.


(Connectivity Info. Curtsy: http://www.mustseeindia.com)


For Any travel guidance and help readers are free to contact the owner of this blog at prithwiraj.purkayastha@gmail.com. 

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