TEZPUR: The Cultural Capital of Assam.

Why should one visit tezpur?

If you plan for a quiet holiday far away 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 folklore associated with it.Tezpur is one of the oldest inhabited city in Assam . The pleasing landscape with snow clad Himalayan ranges and tea gardens make Tezpur an all time favorite for tourists.

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..

Few Places To Visit In Tezpur

1 Nameri National Park

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 can be seen include tiger, sambar, leopard, Bengal fox, mouse deer and jungle cat and Some of the rare Himalayan plant varieties are seen here. Yet another attractive feature of the park is that you could go for river rafting and sunbathing here..

2. Agnigarh

History behind Agnigrah

Legend has it that this fortress was surrounded by fire at all times so that nobody could go in or out of the perimeter without permission. Usha fell in love with Aniruddha in her dreams, not knowing who he was. Her companion Chitralekha identified him by painting his portrait from Usha's description. Chitralekha Udyan in Tezpur also known as 'Kol Park,' the biggest park in Tezpur, is named after her. Chitralekha was not only an artist but one possed with mystical powers. Anirudddha was Krishna's grandson and Usha, the daughter of an Asura king, therefore was no way any side would consent to their love. She flew one night and brought Aniruddha to Usha's place while he was still sleeping, using her powers. When Aniruddha opened his eyes and saw Usha, he fell in love immediately. However, Banasura was furious on knowing this, and tied him with snakes and imprisoned him. Lord Krishna, however had agreed for their marriage and had wanted for Banasura to consent for the same. Banasura was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and as a boon had asked him and his entire family to guard the gates of his city, Tezpur. He therefore was not at all scared by Lord Krishna's wrath. A war ensued between the Hari (Lord Krishna and his followers) and the Hars (Lord Shiva and his followers), rivers of blood flowed and the city was named Tezpur (City of Blood). Both sides were nearly wiped out and a final battle followed between Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, Lord Brahma requested both of them to stop the war by putting him between them. A discussion followed in which Lord Krishna made Lord Shiva see that Banasura was acting wrongly in imprisoning his grandson, and had even disrespected Lord Shiva himself in asking him and his family to be his gate keepers. Lord Shiva agreed, and Banasura was brought. Fearing his life he immediately agreed to the marriage.Lord Shiva- Lord Krishna War, Sculpture on Agnigarh (Tezpur)

The stone sculptures on the Agnigarh hill portray this entire picturesque story of love and great war.

Current state:

Present day Agnigarh is a hill on the banks of the Brahmaputra which is one of the big tourist attractions in Tezpur. There is a circular stairway leading up to the crest of the hill where there are now sculptures depicting Usha's abduction of Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna and the ensuing battle by Krishna to free them. There is a tall viewing platform from where the entire Tezpur town can be seen. We can also see the Kalia- Bhumura bridge which shines like a beautiful necklace over the vast Brahmaputra river.

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 that is cross-shaped. Once you are here, you could visit Bhairabi temple and Mahabhairab temple nearby.

4. Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary

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

Popularly known as Cole Park, Cole Park, Tezpur is a very picturesque park near the centre of Tezpur. It has recently been renamed as ChitralekhaUdyan although both names are synonymous. The name is after a famous character in AgnigarhAniruddha-Usha love story It has had a long tradition of hosting painting/drawing competitions for the nearby schools due the various features it possesses. The famous Bhomoraguri inscription which recorded the ancient plans to build a bridge across the Brahmaputra where the current Kolia Bhomora Setu exists has been transported to this park for public viewing.The park has facilities for paddle boating on the pond. It recently has added ' Bumping Cars ' to its list of amusements . Primary viewing attractions for children is a jet-fighter model Valiant MIG 21 the first supersonic aircraft for the Indian Air Force capable of travelling at Mach 2 ( with engines removed and fixed ) and a large concrete-made map of India ( states as before year 2000).

There is a water feature in the form of a lake where small rowing and paddle boats are allowed.

6. Da-Parbatia

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. PadumPukhuri

PadumPukhuri 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. KaliaBhomoraSetu

KaliaBhomora 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 KaliaBhomora 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

KetakeshwarDewal 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.

Tezpur is a great holiday destination that is a perfect combination of everything you would seek on your holiday. There are a few more tourist places in and around Tezpur to keep your spirits soaring. Whether you travel to different tourist attractions in Tezpur or prefer to just relax, Tezpur gives you great company.