Sibsagar is one of the most important historic and industrial city of Assam. It is located on the Dikhu River, Assam and the best time to visit this city is in the months of November to April. Its population is around 5 lakh and is the leading center for oil production. Sibsagar (or Siva sagar) is previously known as Rongpur and is 150 kms away from Guwahati. This region was once the capital of Ahom rulers whole ruled the state from 1228 until it fell in the hands of British, in 1826. Archaeological remains, Palaces and temples of the Ahom Dynasty are now preserved as national protected sites. One can also find old Satras of Vaishnavite culture, Buddhist and Saktha shrines and also Muslim Darghas around Sibsagar. Also 500 tanks, vaults, palaces and forts belonging to Ahoms, Manipuris, Jaintia Shan and Kachari kings are found in and around the town. The total area of this region is about 4996 sq. m and is divided into east and west by the Disai River. The climate here is mild and moderate as in other parts of the state of Assam. The temperature in summer is usually around 15 – 28 degree centigrade and 7-18 degree centigrade in winter. The historic town of Sibsagar attracts a lot of travelers every year for leisure and sightseeing purposes.

The eastern surface of Sibsagar is favorable for rice cultivation and western surface is favorable for tea cultivation. The surface on the east is flat and soils in these parts have a whitish appearance. The western surface is divided into many small sunken patches or holes by the ravines and watercourses, which are vastly found in this region. Normally the region is very fertile for tea cultivation and we find many tea gardens here. Apart from tea, the nearby areas produce rice, mustard, silk and timber. The average annual rainfall being 94 inches makes this region favorable for rice and tea cultivation.

A 200-year-old, 129-acre artificial tank called Sibsagar Lake is another important landmark in Sibsagar city and is situated at the center of the city. Shiva Dol, Vishnu Dol, and the Devi dol are the three major temples situated on its banks, are dedicated to Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga respectively. Apart from these, the major attractions within the city are Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Tolatol Ghar, Gaurisagar tank, Gargaon palace and Charaideo. On a vacation to the state of Assam, one has to make sure to plan a visit to the Sibsagar city, which is definitely a place to visit for its beauty and historic heritage.

Shiva Dol

It is the tallest Shiva temple in Northeast India and is the highest Hindu temple in the whole of India. The total temple has a height of 104 feet and a perimeter of 195 feet at the base. This is the most sacred and revered pilgrim centers of India and is a major tourist attraction in Sibsagar.

Vishnu Dol

It is located just adjacent to the Shiva Dol and is a temple of great archaeological importance. This temple is constructed by Queen Madambika, wife of Shiva Singha, in 1734, and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and can be visited all round the year. The month of Bhada (Month in Hindu calendar) is considered special for this temple. Kirtans and prayers are held in temple during this month and people from far away places also come to visit during this time to get a glimpse of the lord.

Devi Dol

It is situated close to the Shiva Dol and Vishnu Dol and symbolizes the Hindu God of Power, Durga. The temple is 60 feet in height and 120 feet wide. Shakti Puja is celebrated in this temple for the past 300 years and people from all over the country come to offer their prayers to the Goddess. Durga Puja is celebrated twice a year in this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) and Chaitra (Apr-May).

Rang Ghar

It is one of the major attractions of state Assam and is said to be the oldest amphitheatre in the whole of Asia referred to as “Colosseum of the east”. It is two storied and is situated in the north east of the Tolatol Ghar in the Joysagar area of the Sibsagar district.

Kareng Ghar and Tolatol Ghar

It is a seven-storied edifice founded by the Ahom ruler of the 17^th century Swargeo Rudra Singha. Initially he constructed this palace with woods and available material. Later his successor Rajeswara Singha added more stories to the palace making it a seven-storied edifice.

Gaurisagar Tank

It is located at a distance of 12 km from the center of Sibsagar town and is a major tourist destination in Assam. The erstwhile queen of Ahom dynasty, Rani Phuleshwari Devi, built this tank 200 years ago.

Charaideo

Charaideo is 42 tombs of the Ahom Kings and Queens in the Charaideo hillocks of Assam. This historical place is famous for its excellent architectural skills and craftsmanship of the masons and architects of medieval Assam revealed in its numerous pillars and burial sites.

Ajan Pir Dargah

This is a very famous tourist destination in Assam and is situated in the Saraguri Chapori region, which is about 22 km from the town of Sibsagar. This Dargah was built in the memory of the great Muslim saint and reformer, Hazrat Shah Milan, also known as Ajan Pir. On the occasion of Urs, thousands of devotees, both Muslims and Hindus come here to honor the great reformer.

Namdang Bridge

This Bridge was built in 1703 by king Rudra Singha of the Ahom Dynasty and is around 12 km from Sibsagar over the vast Namdang River. This bridge was constructed from a single solid rock, which still stands erect as Namdang Bridge. It is an excellent place to visit if you are at Sibsagar.

How to reach Sibsagar

Sibsagar is quite easy to reach as it is well linked to all the major parts of Assam. Its distance from Guwahati is around 369 km and the famous wildlife sanctuary is 152 kms away and can be reached easily by road within 3 hours. Below is the information on how to reach Sibsagar by air, rail and road.

By Air:The nearest airport to Sibsagar is the Roriah airport in Jorhat. From there it is only around an hour journey by road to Sibsagar. Airport is also located in Dibrigarh (Mohanbari Airport), which is only 76 kms from Sibsagar.

By Rail: The nearest station from Sibsagar is Simaluguri, which is 16 kms away. There is also an important railway station in Dibrigarh town where trains are available regularly.

By Road: NH-37 traverses around the state of Assam and covers places like Guwahati, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dinjan, Dibrigarh and Tinsukia. ASTC provides regular bus services to Sibsagar. In addition to these services, there are also special mini buses to travel to hilly areas.

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