Fast Facts
Location : 191 kms from Guwahati, Assam
Major Attractions : Agnigarh, Cole Park, Mahabhairab
Temple, Bamuni Hills, Hazara Pukhuri, Bhomoraguri etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to May
Introducing Tezpur
Tezpur is an important city of north-eastern state of Assam and located at a
distance of about 191 kms Guwahati. Situated on the north bank of the river
Brahmaputra, Tezpur is the administrative headquarters of the Sonitpur
district. Apart from this, Tezpur is an important commercial and educational
centre and houses a major base of the Indian Army and Air force. Also called
the 'City of Blood' (due to the great mythological war fought between Lord
Krishna and Lord Shiva), Tezpur is known for its magnificent archaeological
ruins and unmatched scenic beauty. Considered one of the most beautiful
towns of Assam, Tezpur is flanked by snow-capped peaks of Himalayas and
dotted with lush green tea gardens. Besides, the rivers in and around Tezpur
town are very fast flowing and add more to the beauty of the town. At dawn,
you will enjoy delightful views of the Brahmaputra River, then watch the
flurry of activity as the day starts for the boats and vessels lined up near
the banks of the river. Although Tezpur is a small city, but it is home to a
central university (Tezpur University) and a number of colleges and schools.
On the whole, Tezpur is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a
peaceful vacation far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
How to Reach Tezpur
By Air : Tezpur is well connected by Air with Guwahati
and Kolkata. Indian airlines and NRPC airlines operate direct flight from
Kolkata thrice a week and every day from Gawahati. Taxis are available from
the airport to the city centre.
By Train : Tezpur has its own railway station, which is
connected with Guwahati railway station. Guwahati is the nearest major
railhead, which has several trains from all the important destinations of
India.
By Road : State and National Highways connect Tezpur with
other cities of the state and the neighbouring states. State Government
Buses and Tourist Buses ply regularly to and fro from Guwahati to Tezpur.
Deluxe buses are available from Guwahati to Tezpur during the day time and
night as well.
Local Transport : Local modes of transport include taxi
and cycle-rickshaws etc.
Places Where You Can Stay
In Tezpur you may not find a luxury category accommodation, but the
available options in the town are excellent and you will feel yourself at
home. Equipped with all the necessary amenities the hotels of Tezpur provide
a comfortable stay to guests.
Tourist Attractions in Tezpur
Agnigarh : Agnigarh is a famous and perhaps the most
beautiful tourist spot of Tezpur. Literally meaning the rampart flanked by
fire, Agnigarh preserves the sweet memory of young lovers. Legend has it
that princess Usha, the only daughter of King Bana was kept inside the
palace which was surrounded by a rampart of fire. Presently Agnigarh is only
a hillock facing the mighty Brahmaputra river and offers a breathtaking view
of both the river and the city of Tezpur.
Cole Park : Another interesting destination of Tezpur,
the Cole Park is the perfect place for those who love tranquil environs.
Cole Park was established by a British Deputy Commissioner Mr. Cole and it
is now considered one of the most beautiful places in Tezpur. Here you can
see the two beautifully ornamented stone pillars and the sculptural remains
of the popular Bamuni hill.
Bamuni Hills : The sculptural ruins of the Bamuni hills,
dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries A.D is famous for its artistic
beauty. The ruins of the Bamuni hills lies in the Cole Park and Missionary
compound.
Mahabhairab Temple : Mahabhairab Temple is an ancient
temple and a holy place for people of religious faith. The temple is
considered the place where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, an incarnation
of Lord Shiva.
Hazara Pukhuri : Hazara Pukhuri is the third largest tank
in Tezpur covering an area of 70 acres. Excavated in the early part of the
19 th century, the tank preserves the name of Hazara Varman.
Bhomoraguri : Named after the Ahom
General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, the 3.05 kms long bridge connects the Nagaon
district with Tezpur and was opened in 1987. Here you can see a massive
stone inscription made by the Great Ahom General, who wished to construct a
bridge over Brahmaputra and about two centuries later, the bridge was
constructed at the same place.
Tourist
Attractions Around Tezpur
Da-Parbatia : Just a few kms from Tezpur town lies the
ruins of the door frame of Da - Parbatia temple. Probably the finest and the
oldest specimen of sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam, the carving of
the temple has the characteristic of the style of early Gupta School of
sculpture.
Kaziranga
National Park : Kaziranga National Park, a World Hertage Site is
about 45 kms away from Tezpur. One horned rhinoceros is the main attraction
of the national park, besides, you can see other animals like tigers, birds,
elephants, sambar, barking deer and a variety of avian species in the park.
Bhalukpung : Bhalukpung is 60 kms away from Tezpur and it
is a perfect picnic and angling spot. Set under the foot of Aka hills
(Arunachal Pradesh), Bhalukpung was once the capital of Bhaluka, the
grandson of king Bana. Even today you can see the remains of old
fortifications at Bhalukpung. From here, take a drive a few kilometers
further into Arunachal Pradesh to reach Tipi, which is home to Asia's third
largest orchidarium. Govt. of Assam also has a tourist lodge at Bhalukpung.
Orang Wildlife Sanctuary : Orang Wildlife Sanctuary is
located 65 kms west of Tezpur town. Considered as a miniature Kaziranga, the
wildlife sanctuary sprawls over an area of 72 sq. kms. Here you can spot a
variety of wildanimals such as one horned rhinoceros, tigers, leopard,
sambar, barking deer, buffalo, elephant, varieties of water birds, green
pigeon, florican, teal, geese etc.
Guwahati : Guwahati the commercial capital of Assam is 191
kms away from Tezpur. In fact, Guwahati will be your first halt during your
trip to Tezpur. Guwahati is well-connected to all major destinations of
India by rail, air and road. Besides, the city is home to a number of modern
and old attractions and offers excellent leisure options.
Shopping in Tezpur
Of course, Tezpur does not have big shopping centres of shopping malls, but
shopping in small markets of the town is altogether nice experience. Here
you can buy traditional handicrafts and a variety of locally made items. So,
do not forget to enjoy shopping in the markets of Tezpur. Buy some
traditional handcrafts for your family members or friend or to keep them as
a memoir forever.
