Introduction: Why Visit Sivsagar?
Sivsagar is an administrative district of Assam with the headquarters at Sivasagar town. It is well known for its Ahom palaces and monuments. Sivasagar today is also an important centre for the tea and oil industries. Before the British period, the center of administration of Assam was around Sivasagar were the famous Ahoms ruled for nearly six hundred years. The Ahom kings took keen interest in building different temples, dedicated to various deities and which were usually flanked by large tanks which until today stand out as memorials to their glory in the district.
Table of Contents
Top Tourist Attractions in Sivsagar
1. Rang Ghar
It is known as first Ampitheatre or first Pavilion of Asia. It was built by Ahom king Swargadeo Promotta Singha in the year 1744 A.D. Its shape is octagonal at base. The building has two storeys. The Rang Ghar was built specially for enjoyment of recreational/sports activities by the royal families and public of the Ahom dynasty.
2. Talatal Ghar
Talatal Ghar is located in Rangpur, 4 kilometres from present day Sivasagar town. A seven storied palace having three storeys underground known as Talatal Ghar and upper storeys known as Kareng Ghar is the largest of all Tai Ahom monuments which was built in the reign of Ahom king Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in the year 1765 A.D. It was the seat of Royal Court cum Administrative Office as well as Strategic Military Headquarter of Ahom Kingdom.
3. Kareng Ghar
Kareng Ghar is located in Garhgaon 15 kilometres from Sivasagar town. Kareng ghar is one of the grandest examples of Ahom Architecture. It was the Central Administrative building of the Gargaon Capital. Kareng Ghar was constructed by Ahom king Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1751 AD. It was originally built by wood But the present structure made by Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in 1752 AD
4. Joysagar Tank
Joysagar Tank is situated towards the Southern part of Rangpur Nagar, 4.0 Kilometers away from the center of Sivasagar Town. According to history it was dug within 45 days only in the year 1707 A.D. by Swargodeo Rudra Sigha in memory of his mother Soti Joymoti.
5. Joy Dol
Joy Dol built during the reign of the renowned Ahom king Rudra Singha , there is a set of three temples, located on the northern bank of the Joysagar tank, about five km from the township of Sibsagar.
6. Sivasagar Tank
Sivasagar Tank was excavated by Queen Ambika who was the wife of Swargadeo Siva Singha. Sivasagar tank is also known as Borpukhuri. The names of district, sub-division of Sivasagar comes from this tank. It is 2nd largest tank of Assam
7. Siva Doul
Siva doul was constructed in the year 1734 A.D. by Queen Ambika wife of Ahom king Siva singha. It is the tallest temple of Assam.
8. Gaurisagar Tank
Gaurisagar Tank is an artificial tank located near the city of Sivasagar. It was built by Rani Phuleshwari Devi who was the first wife of Ahom King Shiva Singha. On the banks of this renowned tourist site, there are several temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
9. Rudrasagar Tank and Temple
Rudrasagar tank is known as Na pukhuri . It was built by Ahom king Lakshmi Singha and was dedicated to his father Rudra Singha. It is located 8 km away from Sivasagar town. In the bank of tank there is a huge temple which is devoted worship lord Shiva.
10. Vishnu Doul
Vishnu doul was built by Queen Ambika, wife of King Shiva Singha, in the year 1734.
11. Devi Doul
Devi doul was built by Queen Ambika, wife of King Shiva Singha,
12. Namdang Stone Bridge (Namdang Sila Saku)
Namdang Sila Saku is a bridge cut out from a single solid rock over the Namdang River. It was constructed by Swargadeo Rudra Singha in 1703. It is a strong bridgeof 60 mtrs in length and 6.5 mtrs in breadth.
13. Maidams
Maidams are burials mounds of the Ahom Kings, Queens & Nobles. It is the located 30 Kilometers away from Sivasagar Town.
14. Panidehing Bird Sanctuary
The Panidehing bird sanctuary is located in the northern part of Sivasgar district. It is situated near about 22 Kms away from the sivasagar town between the Desang and the Demow rivers. The Panidihing Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich wetland ecosystem with an area of 33.93 sq. kms
15. Ajan Peer Dargah
Ajan Peer Dargah is a sacred site dedicated to Ajan Fakir, a 17th-century Sufi saint and reformer who came from Baghdad to Assam. Located 22 kilometers from Sivasagar at Saraguri Chapori by the Brahmaputra River, it celebrates his efforts to unite the people of the region and strengthen Islam in Assam. Ajan Fakir is also remembered for his beautiful spiritual songs in Assamese, called Zikir, which continue to inspire devotion and harmony.
How to Reach Sivsagar
Reaching Sivsagar is convenient through various modes of transport:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jorhat (55 km away).
- By Rail: Sivsagar Town railway station is well-connected to major cities in Assam.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from nearby towns like Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Guwahati.
Best Time to Visit Sivsagar
The ideal time to visit Sivsagar is during the winter season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Local Cuisine to Try in Sivsagar
No trip is complete without savoring Sivsagar’s delectable local cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:
- Pitha and Laru during festivals.
- Authentic Assamese fish curry made with local herbs and spices.
Conclusion
Sivsagar is a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers. Its rich cultural heritage, combined with serene landscapes, makes it a perfect getaway in Assam. Plan your trip to Sivsagar and explore the essence of Assam’s glorious past.