Sibsagar is an important historic and industrial city of Assam, with a population of about 5 lakh. A leading centre for oil production, this region was once the capital of the Ahom rulers, who reigned over the whole of Assam from 1228 until; their kingdom fell in the hands of the British, in 1826. Previously known as Rongpur, Sibsagar (or Sivasagar) is situated at a distance of 350 kilometers from Guwahati. The region has a total area of about 4996 sq. m and is divided by the Disai River into two parts - east and west. The climate here is the same as in the other parts of the Assam valley - mild and moderate.The surface towards the east of Sibsagar is flat and the soil in these parts has a whitish appearance, favorable for the cultivation of rice. The western surface, on the other hand, is divided into innumerous small sunken patches or holes by the ravines and watercourses, found in abundance in these areas. In general, the region is quite fertile for the cultivation of tea and thus, a large number of tea gardens are situated here. In addition to tea, the adjacent areas produce rice, mustard, silk and even timber. Sibsagar enjoys an average annual rainfall of about 94 inches.
An important landmark in Sibsagar town is the 200 old Sibsagar tank. This tank is situated in the center of the town. On its banks are three major temples, namely the Shiva Dol, the Vishnu Dol and the Devi Dol, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, repsectively. Apart from this, the major attractions within the town are Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Tolatol Ghar, Gaurisagar Tank, Gargaon Palace and Charaideo. On a vacation to Assam, do make sure to plan a short trip to the town of Sibsagar as well.
Charaideo
Amazed and awestruck, this is the reaction of the most of the people while looking at the 42 tombs of the Ahom kings and queens, in the Charaideo hillocks of Assam. The excellent architectural skills and craftsmanship of the masons and architects of medieval Assam are revealed in the numerous pillars
Sibsagar Excursions
Sibsagar is well known place in Assam, which is renowned for its numerous historic monuments and forts. In addition to the tourists attractions within the town, there are a number of excursions at a short distance from the place, which are definitely worth a visit.
Gaurisagar Tank
Gaurisagar Tank is a major tourist destination in Assam, located at a distance of about 12 km from the center of the Sibsagar town. Built about 200 years ago, the tanks as well as the three temples built on its bank are dedicated to the goddess of power - Goddess Durga and her many forms.
How to Reach Sibsagar
Reaching Sibsagar is quite easy, since the town is well linked to the major parts of Assam, by well maintained roadways. Its distance from the main commercial area of the state, Guwahati, is around 369 km. The famous wildlife sanctuary Kaziranga is 152 kms away and can be reached easily by road within 3 hours.
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. The most famous among these temples is the Joy Dol, also known as the Kesavanarayan Vishnudole.
Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar
History has it that Rangpur, one of the former capitals of the Ahom Kingdom, was founded by the Ahom ruler of the 17th century Swargeo Rudra Singha. He then constructed a palace in the city, from wood and such other locally available materials. Later, his successor Rajeswara Singha added some more stories to the palace
Rang Ghar
Rang Ghar is one of the major attractions of the state of Assam. It is said to be the oldest amphitheatre in the whole of Asia and has often been referred to as the 'Colosseum of the East'. Situated to the northeast of the Tolatol Ghar, in the Joysagar area of the Sibsagar district
Shiva Dol
One of the most sacred and revered pilgrimage centers in India, Shiva Dol is a major tourist attraction in Sibsagar. It is not only the tallest Shiva temple in northeast India, but also the highest Hindu temple in the whole of India. The entire temple has a height of about 104 feet and a perimeter of 195 feet at the base.
Tourist Attractions in Sibsagar
The historic town of Sibsagar allures a lot of travelers every year, both for leisure and sightseeing purposes. The town has been connected to royalty for more than 500 years, as it was once the capital of the Ahom rulers of Assam. Rising around the huge 129-acre artificial tank, called Sibsagar Lake, are the archeological remains, palaces and temples of the Ahom Dynasty, now preserved as national protected sites.
Sibsagar Weather
Sibsagar, like the rest of Assam, has a humid subtropical climate. Located at an elevation of 95 meters, or 311 feet, the town has its climatic year divided into 3 major seasons - summer, monsoon, and winter. The weather, for most part of the year, remains mild and temperate.
