Sibsagar
The town of Sibsagar is in the state of Assam. Sibsagar name literally means “The Ocean of Lord Shiva”. In the past Sibsagar was the capital of the Ahom rulers, who ruled Assam for more than 600 years, until the British annexed the region in 1826. Sibsagar most remarkable landmark of the town is the 200 year old Sibsagar Lake. On its banks are three significant temples – Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol. These temples were built in 1734 by Queen Ambika, wife of Swargadeo Siba Singha. The most important temple is the Sivadol temple, is believed that the temple is the tallest temple dedicated to Shiva throughout India. The city offers archaeological remains, palaces and temples of the Ahoms, which are now preserved as protected national monuments.
Connectivity
By Road
The National Highway 37, which runs right through Assam state from its western border with Bengal to the north-eastern tip along Arunachal Pradesh, connects Sibsagar with Guwahati (the state capital) and Kaziranga on one side and Dibrugarh on the other. The route is lined with lush emerald green forests.
By Flight
The proximity to a number of airports around Sibsagar (Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Dimapur and Tezpur) makes Sibsagar easily accessible for the tourists.
Best Season to visit :
Round the year.
Gargaon Palace or Kareng Ghar :The principal town of the Ahom Kings, constructed by the 15th Ahom King Suklemnung in 1540. The palace lies 13 kms east of Sibsagar. The present seven storied palace seven storied castle – four above and three below the ground containing two underground pathways to Dikhow river and Garden palace was built by King Rajeshwar Singha in about 1762. 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 constructed by King Gadadhar Singha.
Sibsagar Tank and Temples : The tank was dug around 200 years ago. The tank is fed by natural springs and is surrounded by deep ditches and earthen moats. Three temples are built on its bank – Shiva temple (Sibsagar), Vishnu temple (Joysagar) and Devidol temple (Gaurisagar).
Assam State Zoo: The largest natural zoo cum Botanical garden which is also known as the Guwahati zoo. It is located within the Hengrabari
Reserved Forest at Guwahati, India. About 895 animals, birds and reptiles representing almost 113 species of animals and birds from all around the
world can be found in this zoo.
Rang Ghar :A building shaped oval amphitheater two floors, and with a roof that is shaped like an inverted boat built by king Pramutta Singha. The Ahom Kings watched elephant fights and other sporting events from this two – storied pavilion.
Talatal Ghar : Built in 1699 by king Rudra Singha is located about 6 km away from Sibsagar. It is an underground garrison having three stories the lowest connected with Dikhow river by tunnel.
Charaideo:Located around 28 kms east of Sibsagar, was the original capital of the Ahom Kings built by Sukhapa the founder of the dynasty in about 1229. Charaideo is famous for its numerous maidams (vaults) of the kings and members of the royal family resembling the pyramids of Egypt. Most of them were built of stones and bricks and are now in ruins.
