TEZPUR

If you plan for a quiet holiday far away from the hectic world and surrounded by beautiful hills, deep
valleys and lush greenery adding an ancient touch to take you back to an era you would have only read
about, you need to visit Tezpur in Assam. On the northern banks of

Brahmaputra lies Tezpur, the fifth largest city of the state of Assam. Called as the ‘Cultural Capital of
Assam‘, the ancient city has various myths associated with it. Ruins dating back to 4th century are found
in this town, which is Assam’s oldest inhabited city. The picturesque landscape with snow clad Himalayan
ranges and tea gardens make Tezpur an all time favorite for tourists. No wonder, it was favored by the
British who ruled India.

The term Tezpur means town of blood. The city acquired its name owing to a myth involving one of the
rulers of Tezpur. Sonitpur district for which Tezpur is the headquarters, has 73 tea gardens and that
includes the biggest tea garden in the world. Enjoy the essence of culture and the flavor of tea while you
are in Tezpur. Here are the top 12 places to visit in Tezpur.

1. Nameri National Park

nameri-national-parkPhoto by Giridhar Appaji Nag Y, CC BY 2.0

The location of Nameri National Park in itself is amazing. Lying on the Himalayan foothills, this 200-sq.km
park opens the door for you to view some of the rarest species of plants and animals. Nameri National
Park is 35 km away from Tezpur. The park boasts of dense elephant population. Other animals that the
park is home to include tiger, sambar, leopard, Bengal fox, mouse deer and jungle cat. Some of the rare
Himalayan plant varieties are seen here. Yet another attractive feature of the park is that you could go
swimming, river rafting and sunbathing here. No wonder, Nameri National Park remains in the top list of
tourist attractions here. The park is popularly referred to as ‘The Last House of White Winged Wood
Duck’.

2. Agnigarh

agnigarhPhoto by Koolzadityax, CC BY-SA 3.0

Agnigarh refers to fire fort or a residence amidst fire. Agnigarh, the big fortress on hilltop, was
constructed to isolate King Bana’s daughter Usha, from Lord Krishna’s grandson Anirudha. As it was
surrounded by fire on all sides, it was named Agnigarh. To reach the fortress, you need to climb the
circular staircase. From the hilltop, you could have splendid views of Tezpur and the River Brahmaputra.
3. Bamuni Hills

Bamuni Hills is a popular tourist destination in Tezpur with sculptural ruins dating back to 9th and 10th
centuries. The influence of Gupta style of architecture is seen here. The stone carvings depicted on the
walls of Bamuni Hills are fine specimen of architectural brilliance of the ancient age. You can find Lord
Vishnu’s 10 incarnations depicted in the bracket lintel hat is cross-shaped. Once you are here, you could
visit Bhairabi temple and Mahabhairab temple nearby.

4. Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary

bura-chapori-wildlife-sanctuaryPhoto by Diganta Talukdar, CC BY 2.0

Situated 30 kms away from Tezpur and on the banks of River Brahmaputra, Bura-Chapori Wildlife
Sanctuary is one of the most frequented tourist destinations. Covering an area of 44.06 sq.km, the
sanctuary has a wide range of flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife present here includes tiger, wild
buffalo, wild pig, one horned rhino and elephants. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of birds and it
is a favored spot for migratory birds as well. Some of the birds here include Bengal florican, woodcock
and swamp partridge. The wildlife safari tour lets you have an in depth study of the sanctuary’s best
features.

5. Chitralekha Udyan

chitralekha-udyanPhoto by Aditya Prakash Singh, CC BY-SA 3.0

Popularly known as Cole Park, Chitralekha Udyan is one of the famous tourist destinations in Tezpur. IT
was established in 1906 and later renovated in the year 1996. The scenic park is set in a stunning
landscape with many hillocks and lakes adding beauty to the atmosphere. Rowing and paddling facilities
along with other water sports are available in the lakes in the park. The important attractions of the park
include two huge decorated stone pillars and sculptural ruins of Bamuni hills belonging to the 9th and
10th centuries. The walkway in the path encourages you to have a relaxed walk in the serene
atmosphere.

6. Da-Parbatia

da-parbatiaPhoto by Jugal Bharali, CC BY-SA 3.0

Da-Parbatia stands proof of the architectural excellence of the ancient Assam. The doorframe of the
temple belonging to 600 AD, is the most ancient specimen that reflects the sculptural skills possessed in
the olden days. It depicts Gupta style of sculpture. The site is now protected by the Archaeological
Survey of India.
7. District Museum

District Museum of Tezpur was established in the year 1986. The museum provides an insight into the
culture of the land. Some of the collections on display here include traditional textiles of Assamese, silver
coins, copper coins, inscriptions, manuscripts and stone sculptures.

8. Ouguri Hill

Ouguri Hill is a popular tourist destination in Tezpur. Posing tough challenges to climbers with its giant
monoliths, the hill is situated on River Brahmaputra’s banks. The view from the hilltop is breathtaking
with Tezpur lying on one side and River Brahmaputra on the other. On top of the hill, statue of Kanaklata,
a martyr during Quit India Movement, is seen.

9. Padum Pukhuri

Padum Pukhuri refers to lotus pond and it is a scenic lake with an island in it. This island turned park has
a musical fountain. One of the attractions of the park is the toy train. The water sports available here
include rowing and paddling. An iron bridge connects the park to the main land.

10. Kalia Bhomora Setu

kalia-bhomora-setuPhoto by Akashdeep Goswami, CC BY-SA 3.0

Kalia Bhomora Setu, the pre-stressed concrete bridge over River Brahmaputra connects Sonitpur and
Nagaon districts. The 3015-meter long bridge took 6 years to be completed. The work commenced in the
year 1981 and completed in 1987. The bridge was named after Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan.
American Concrete Institute had recognized this construction as the most outstanding concrete structure
in 1988 and had awarded Hindustan Construction Company, which constructed the bridge.

11. Nag-Sankar Temple

Nag-Sankar temple belongs to 4th century AD and it is considered to be constructed by King Nagsankar
of Lohitya dynasty. The temple was renovated in 1480 by Ahom King Su-sen-pha. Yet another theory is
that the temple was constructed by King Nagmatta. The large pond in the temple is home to varieties of
fish and turtles. Some of the turtles are said to be over 100 years of age. The campus of the park houses
deer, peacock and pythons.
12. Ketakeshwar Dewal

ketakeshwar-dewalPhoto by Bishnu Saikia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Ketakeshwar Dewal is a famous temple devoted to Lord Shiva and is unique as the Shivalingam in the
temple is one of the biggest in the world. It is considered a holy site and frequented by pilgrims. The
temple comprises of two parts. Legend has it that this Shivalingam was uprooted during an earthquake
of severe gravity and got fixed in the current position.