Renowned as the cultural capital of the state of Assam, Tezpur’s socially diverse with an assortment of Assamese, Bihari, Nepali, Bengali and Marwari groups with a mix of tea tribes, Mishings and Bodos. One of the most popular attractions in Tezpur is its rich past, forests, wildlife and temples, in addition to its tea plantations. Further, its rolling gardens with a number of national parks and forestry attract a lot of tourists to the town. Being the trading hub for tea, other crops and rice in the neighboring areas, Tezpur is home to Tezpur University, Tezpur Law College, IIS (Indian Institute of Science) Electrical Engineering Facility and Darrang College. Here’s a snapshot of things to do when visiting Tezpur.
Agnigarh
This hillock on bank of river Brahmaputra is the site of legendary romance of princess Usha (the only daughter of king Bana) and Anirudha, grandson of lord Krishna. Usha was kept on this hillock which was surrounded by fire, hence the name of Agnigarh. Agnigarh provides a panoramic view of the great river and Tezpur. Recently Agnigarh has been developed as a beautiful park by district administration. It has a series of sculptures depicting the mythology ,open air stage, giant mushrooms and huge water fall.
Visit Mahabhairab Temple
The ancient Mahabhairab Temple perched on a hillock on northern part of Tezpur is believed to exist since pre-historic times. This ancient shrine established by king Bana contributes to Tezpur’s glory and magnetic charm. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple houses one of the largest Shiva Lingams in the world. Originally built of stone, the temple underwent renovation and the present structure displays extensive work of concrete.
Shivratri is the most important festival that is celebrated here with pomp and show. Devotees along with amateur tourists flock the temple from various parts of India during the eve of Shivratri. Though the original temple was destroyed by the 1897 earthquake, one can find its remnants in the form of huge pillars scattered all over the complex. Set in an idyllic nature blessed locale, the Mahabhairab Temple is an important place of worship in Assam.
Visit Bhairabi Temple
On the outskirts of Tezpur, lies the consecrated site of religious sentiments, the Bhairabi Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Bhairabi, the temple has legendary tales associated with it. The temple is highly revered among devotees and offers picturesque views of the Kolia Bhomora Setu and Bamuni Hills.
A flight of stairs lead from the road to the temple front. The architectural works showcase Assamese- style and the sculpted idols and olde-worlde carvings bring-forth the brilliance of the 9th century. Stalwart devotees appease the Goddess with sacrificial offerings of goats, pigeons, ducks and bulls. Durga Puja is celebrated with utmost pomp and gaiety.
Chitralekha Udyan (Cole Park)
It is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in Tezpur. Established by a British Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Cole in 1906, the park has two massive ornamented stone pillars, and other sculptural remnants . It was recently renovated and revitalized in 1996 under the stewardship of the then Deputy Commissioner, Mr. M.G.V.K.Bhanu, IAS. It has water sports facility, walk ways, restaurant and open air stage.
Padum Pukhuri
This is a beautiful lake with an island. The island has been developed into a beautiful park with a musical fountain. There is an iron bridge to take you to the island. On the lake one can boat.
Bhomoraguri
It is a mammoth stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Borphukan, who planned to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra. Almost two centuries later, a bridge at the same site now stands completed. The 3.015 km bridge, named after the great Ahom general, connects Silghat of Nagaon district with Tezpur.
Da Parbatia Gate
Ruins of the door frame of Da Parbatia temple, a few kilometres away from Tezpur, is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural art in Assam. Its carving is characteristic of the early Gupta school of sculpture.
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.
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.
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.
District Museum
One of the 12 museums in the state of Assam, situated in the heart of the town of Tezpur, the District Museum was initially located inside the Darrange College and then relocated to Tezpur Sahitya Sabha and then set up permanently at the Historic British Dak Bungalow in 2002. With over 800 exhibits that consist of a varied range of sculptures, copper plate inscriptions, antiques, manuscripts, various crafts, Satra institutions and Ahom period cannons, the museum also houses authentic textiles of Assam and coins from the bygone era.
Rangapara Monastery
Enjoy a half day’s visit to the Rangapara Monastery, a serene complex, about 45 minutes’ drive from the wilderness of Mahseer. From enjoying a cup of tea with the Rinpoche to helping in sweeping of leaves or preparing lunch, the Rangapara Monastery’s lovely places for self-reflection, some quiet prayer time or meditation. There’s a Thakurbari Planters Club that allows visitors to drop in for a soda refreshment or drinks after a long day.
Kanaklata Park & Rock Garden
Located on the banks of River Brahmaputra is Kanaktala Memorial Park, a hidden gem in the town of Tezpur, owing to its placement away from the main town. There’s a walking trail along the Ouguri Forest which is peppered with tall trees and isn’t steep at all despite being located atop a hill. As you reach the Forest Conservatory Office, you will be drawn to the beautiful décor, wood-carvings and concrete designs that represent the Assamese Heritage. The Park is excellent for exploration with a small garden spanning a few meters, seasonal flowers in bloom, the Kanaktala Sculpture and the presence of huge rocks that are spread around the park in no particular order, bringing out the essence of the locale.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Tezpur, in the district of Sonitpur, Assam. The sanctuary spreads all the way along the foothills of the Great Himalayan range. The sanctuary covers an area of around 175 square.kilometers.
It is a prefect place to enjoy the immense beauties of Mother Nature at its best. Along with the scenic view, one can also see a wide range of animals around. The time period between the months of November-March is the ideal time for visiting the sanctuary.
Flora & Fauna
The place is very rich in natural vegetation cover and comprises of various species of plants & trees that are hard to find somewhere else. The place is a home to various species of animals that are found here.
The chief attractions of the place are the elephants and the one-horned rhinoceros. Ina addition, one can also find various other animals like Tiger, leopard, deer, and Indian bison etc. One can also see various types of birds that include both residential as well as the migratory birds.
