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Cities in
Assam |
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Cities in Assam
There are 22 districts in Assam. Except for the
districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills, Assam
is generally composed of plains and river valleys.
Guwahati is the gateway to the enchanting north eastern
India. Further north starts upper Assam where 10 per
cent of India’s oil is produced and most of Assam’s tea.
The various other places in Assam are Majuli, Sibsagar,
Haflong, Digboi and Tezpur.
Guwahati |
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Guwahati lies
on the banks of the River Brahmaputra which is the prime
attraction of this city as well as the state of Assam. Its
name when translated into English means “Son of the Lord of
the Universe.” Guwahati, on the site of the ancient capital of
many kingdoms was once known as Pragjyotishpur or the city of
astrology. For centuries, it was ruled by the local
chieftains. It has been since, very early times, a vital link
with the north east for both communication and trade and was
also a seat of learning and a centre of Hindu pilgrimage.
Guwahati was once the former capital of Assam. In the 7th
century, Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller also described
about its beautiful mountains, forests and wildlife.
More...
Duliajan
Duliajan is a new well-planned city Derricks and rigs can be
seen right in the centre of tea gardens and paddy fields. This
is, however, not a new phenomenon, oil was first struck in
Assam as early as 1867.
Barpeta
Another place of tourist interest in Assam is Barpeta, 145 km.
from Guwahati. Barpeta is known for its Vaishnava Shrine of
Shri Madhadeva, the disciple of the great Hindu reformer,
Sankardeva.
Durrang
Durrang is situated 80 kms from Guwahati. Durrang is known for
a Bhutanese fair held during November to March. Here you can
pick up interesting curios and handicrafts of Bhutanese
origin. |
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Majuli
Assam is famous for Majuli, the world's largest river
island. Majuli is situated amidst the Brahmaputra river
and accessible by ferry from the tea estate town of
Jorhat. The total area of Majuli has been steadily
decreasing due to strong erosion of the river
Brahmaputra. Majuli is the centre of Vaishnava ‘Satra’
culture and known for the numerous satras, or
Vaishnavite monasteries set up in the 16th century by
the revivalist leader, Sankaradeva. UNESCO has recently
notified the island as 'World Heritage Site' for its
unique preservation of Vaishnavite culture. There are
about 22 Satras in |
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Majuli. Some
of the major Satras are Kamalabari, Natun Kamalabari, Auniati,
Garmur, Samoguri, Dakhinpat and Bengenaati. The Satras give a
projection into dance forms, literature and classical studies,
antiques, mask craft and other aspects of Assam’s culture
heritage. Auniati is famous for its considerable collection of
Assamese old utensils, jewellery and handicrafts. Upper Majuli
is the centre of a living heritage of colourful costumes and
festivals. Members of the Mishing tribe that came from
Arunachal Pradesh live here, and are renowned for their woven
Mirizen shawls and blankets. A large variety of migratory
birds can also be seen here.
Haflong
Haflong, the Assam's only hill station is situated in the
rugged terrains of Assam. It is the district Headquarters of
North Cachar Hills. Hilly Assam is like a heaven to the senses
where one can touch the sweetest dream with the fingers.
Haflong Lake, a beautiful lake is located in the heart of the
town.
Jatinga
Jatinga, about 9 kms. from Haflong, is famous for the
unexplained phenomenon of migratory birds, committing mass
suicide. The migratory birds come here during the month of
August to November. From the elevated watch tower, one can see
them yielding to their death wish and their little plumage
dropping down. Other attractions here include exciting
trekking in Borail Hills, watching the traditional dances of
the tribes and a visit to the Orchid Garden. The best season
to visit the Jatinga is from August to April.
Digboi
Digboi is a major oil town which is surrounded by numerous tea
gardens and hills. A 100 years old refinery and 112 years old
oil field still exist here. The Digboi Refinery was started in
1901 as the first refinery of Asia and the second refinery in
the world. Today, the oil field and refinery are the oldest
oil field and refinery in the world. There is also a War
Cemetery and Golf Course in Digboi. |
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Tezpur
Tezpur is situated on the north bank of the majestic
river Brahmaputra, and known for the magnificent scenic
beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins. It is the
headquarters of Sonitpur district and is considered as
one of the most beautiful towns of the state. Undulated
green valleys surrounded by the hills, with snow capped
peaks of the Himalayas and lush green tea gardens have
all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight.
Tezpur, also known as Sonitpur, the city of blood in
Puranas, is associated with the eternal love and romance
between princess Usha, the daughter of King Bana
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and prince
Anirudha, the grandson of Lord Krishna. According to the
legend, a great mythological war was fought between the Lord
Krishna and Lord Shiva and as a result the whole city was said
to have been drenched in blood. So this place was known as
Sonitpur. Tezpur was ruled by the mythical Demon King Vansur.
There are several old temples here of remote antiquity. Tezpur
has received a unique place in the history of Assam due to its
contribution to art, culture, literature and particularly
during the freedom struggle. In 1942, for the first time in
entire British India, the Indian flag was hoisted in the
police station at Gahpur. Fourteen year old Kanaklata braved
British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft. The
ruins of the fort are attributed to Vanasur. |
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Sibsagar
Sibsagar is located about 369 kms. towards the east of
Guwahati and also the headquarters of the district of the same
name. Sibsagar is situated between Jorhat and Duliajan. It is
also a leading tea and oil producing district. Sibsagar is a
fast developing modern and beautiful town located around the
huge Sibsagar tank, an artificial lake constructed by Queen
Madambika in 1734 AD. Sibsagar was the capital of the Ahoms
who ruled Assam for the six hundreds years before the coming
of the British and is now in ruins. The Shiva Temple built on
the bank of this tank is believed to be the highest Shiva
temple in India.
A few old
monuments found are the water tank dug by King Siva Singha in
the 17th century. He also built three temples on its banks
dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Durga. There is also a Rang
Ghar, an original oval-shaped pavilion from where the king
watched elephant fights. Besides, there is Charaideo, the
necropolis of Ahom kings and a palace at Gurgaon.
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