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369
kms from Guwahati - Sibsagar an historical city. Sibsagar
was the capital of the mighty Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more
than six hundred years before the advent of the British. The
most remarkable landscape of the town is the 200 year old Sibsagar
tank.
On
its banks are three temples-- the Shivadol, the Vishnudol and
the Devidol-- all three built by Queen Madambika, wife of Siva
Singha, in the year 1734. The Shivadol is believed to be the
highest Siva Temple in India, having a height of 104 feet and
the perimeter 195 feet.
The tank is situated
in the heart of the town but the water level is above the level
of the town. Today Sibsagar is a fast developing town in commercial,
industrial and educational activities.
The town, which
literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the
tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable landmark
of the town is the 200 year old Sibsagar tank. On its banks
are three significant temples - Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol.
Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing urban settlement. It is
the headquarters of the district Sibsagar, a leading tea and
oil producing centre.
Places to
see
Talatal Ghar
About 6 km from Sibsagar is an immense seven storeyed palace,
three of which are below the ground level - known as Talatal
Ghar - and the rest of the storeys above. There are two secret
tunnels here.
Kareng Ghar
& Talatal Ghar
These historical monuments were built by King Rudra Singha during
1696-1714 AD was the military station of the Ahom Kings. It
is a seven storied palace having three storeys underground-
known as Talatal Ghar and the the upper storeys known as Kareng
Ghar. The entire structure are of historical and architectural
interest.
Gargaon Palace
Gargaon, the erstwhile capital of the Ahoms, lies 13 km east
of Sibsagar. The old palace built in 1540 was destroyed, and
the present seven-storeyed palace, known as Kareng Ghar, was
rebuilt around 1762, by king Rajeshwar Singha.
Rang Ghar
This
amphitheatre was built by King Pramatta Singha. This two storeyed
oval shaped pavilion is one of the largest of its kind.
Charaideo
An another old capital of the Ahom kings, Charaideo, built by
the founder of the Ahom dynasty, Sukapha lies 28 km east of
Sibsagar. It is famous for the 'maidans' or burial vaults of
the members of the royalty.
Joysagar
Joysagar,
believed to be the largest man-made lake in India, sprawls over
318 acres on the edge of Sibsagar town. Another highlight is
the Ahom Museum on the bank of the Sibsagar, which houses artifacts
of the Ahom rulers, which include clothes, swords, manuscripts,
goblets and platters.
Jaysagar Tank
and Temples
The Jaysagar tank was built by king Rudra Singha in 1697. On
its bank are three highly revered temples - Joydol, Shivdol
and Devidol.
Gaurisagar
Tank and Temples
The Gaurisagar tank was built by queen Phuleshwari Devi. Standing
on its bank are three temples - Vishnudol, Shivdol and Devidol.
Rudrasagar
Tank and Temples
The Rudrasagar tank was built by king Lakshmi Singha in 1773.
It is 8 km from Sibsagar.
Namdang Stone
Bridge
The Namdang bridge, cut out from a single solid rock over the
Namdang river, was constructed by king Rudra Singha in 1703.
Today, the National Highway 37, passes over this bridge.
How
to get there ?
Air
The nearest
airport, Jorhat, is only 55 km away.
Rail
The nearest railhead, Simaluguri, is 16 km away.
Road
Bus services are available from Guwahati and other important
towns.
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