Sivasagar Travel Information

Sivasagar was the capital of the mighty Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more than six hundred years till the advent of the British. The town, dedicated to Lord Shiva- its name literally meaning "the ocean of Shiva" - is strewn with tell-tale rains of a powerful empire. The most remarkable landscape of the town is the 200 years old Sivasagar tank comprising 129 good acres, Althrough situated within the heart of the town, the water level of the lake is above the level of the town. On its banks are three temples- the Shivadol, the Vishnudol and the Devidol - all three built by Queen Madambika, wife of Shiva Singha, in the year 1734, The Shivadol is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in Assam. Its hight is 104 feet and the perimeter is 195 feet, at the base.

Modern Sivasagar is a fast developing town. It is the headquarter of the district of the same name. It is also a leading tea and oil producing district. The Eastern Regional Headquarter of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission is located at Nazira- only a few kilometres from the town.

Places of Interest :

Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar :
A seven storied palace having three storeys underground - known as Talatalghar and the upper storeys known as Kareng Ghar built by King Rudra Singha (1696-1714) is only 4 km from Sivasagar town. There were two underground tunnels from the Talatal Ghar connecting Dikhow river and Gargaon palace which were later blocked by the East India Company.

Rang Ghar :
A two storied oval shapped pavillion from which Ahom royalities watched elephant fights and other sporting events. It was built by king Pramatta Singha (1744-1751) and stands close to the Kareng Ghar.

Gargaon Palace :
Gargaon, the principal town of Ahoms, built by the XV the king, Suklenmung in 1540, lies 13 kms. east of Sivasagar, The old palace was destroyed and the Present seven storied palace was rebuilt around 1762 by king Rajeswar Singha.

Joysagar Tank and Temples :
The tank was built by king Rudra Singha in memory of his mother 'Joymoti1, a patriotic martyr, in 1697 at Rangpur (5 km.) It covers an area of 318 acres and on its banks 3 temples were built in 1698 by the same monarch. These are the Joydol (Vishnu temple), the Shivadol and the Devidol which are highly revered.

Gaurisagar Tank and Temple :
The Gaurisagar tank was built by Queen Phuleswari Devi (1722-1791) and was dedicated to goddess Durga. It is 150 acres under water & on it's banks stand the Devidol & the vishnudol temples, Gaurisagar is only 12 kms from Sivasagar.

Rudrasagar Tank and Temple :
Built in 1773 king Lakshmi Singha in memory of his far king Rudra Singha. On its banks stands a shiva Temple - 8 kms from Sivasagar town.

Namdang stone Bridge :
The bridge, a cut out m a single solid rock over the Namdang river kms from Sivasagar was constructed by work-n brought from Bengal during the reign of tig Rudra Singha in 1703. To-day the N.H. 37 ises over the bridge.

Charaideo :
The original capital of the Ahom ngs, built by Sukapha, the founder of the Ahom nasty, in 1253 A.D. is 28 kms east of Sivasagar Nn. It is famous for the numerous "Maidams" burrial vaults of kings and other members of royal families.

Ajan Pir Dargah Sarif :
At Saraguri Chapori 2 kms) stands Ajan Pir Dargah Sarif. Ajan Pir as first Muslim Saint to compose "ZIKIRS" in ssamese language (160 Nos.) On the day of the "URS" thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to the memories of this great Muslim reformer.

Other places and Shrines of interest :
There are a great number of Vaishnava satras, Muslim Dargahs, Budhist and Sakta shrines. There are more than 500 tanks, vaults, earthen forts and "Rajbaries" (Castles), belonging to the Ahom, Manipuri, Jaintia and Shan Princes and Kachari Kings.

How to Reach:
Nearest Airport Jorhat (Rowriah) only 55 kms. away. Nearest railhead is Simaluguri (16 kms). Bus services are available from Guwahati and other important towns.