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How to Spent a day in historic Sivasagar, Assam,India


      Utterly offbeat and witness to 6oo years of riots, revolves, changing political scenarios and one of the tremendous cultural hub of the east with fluid architecture and the city of lakes, yes it is Sibsagar. Built in 18th century by Ahom dynasty, tucked away in the fertile bank of Dikhow river Sibsagar, in the mist of green forest and dusty roads, the city intrigued you every bit. Entering here you fall for the finest fables of yesteryears.  A day is not enough to explore this historic city but will get you a glimpse of the vast might of the Ahom kingdom.







1. Shiva Dol - Whether you are an avid devotee or audacious traveler, Shivdol will hook you in no time. Located in the heart of the city consisting of the main Shiva dol and two relatively small Vishnu dol and Devi dol. Dol means temple in the Assamese language. Built-in 1734  by queen Ambika wife of Shiva Singha, Ahom king. The dome-shaped Shiva dol had a kolosi (vase) of pure gold at the top. In British era, however, it was brought down and replaced with gold plated one.  Believed to be highest shiv temple in India, Shivdol is 104 feet high, and a thousand devotees visit and pray every day. If you walk around don't be surprised to bump into those long-haired and bearded pilgrims.



2. Sibsagar Lake or Borphukuri - Sibsagar is known for its all man-made lakes. Sivasagar lake just a walk away from Shiva dol. Not very pristine but its rich history will intrigue you. If you visit in the morning, you can watch several birds and people pay a visit to feed the fish as well. This 257-acre lake's water level remains above ground level throughout the year.












3. Ranghar - The Coliseum of the east. Its opulent architecture, Unique, and aesthetically carved Ranghar can't be missed. Ranghar stands for a house of entertainment. Once it was Ahom kings sports pavilion used to witness the fantastic bullfights, elephant fight, wrestling, Bihu and several other entertainments. Its courtyard is known for celebrating numerous assamese festivities. The Ranghar's construction has exciting facts as it is said that it did not use cement instead used sticky rice and Swan eggs.




4. Tolatal Ghar - Just 2 miles away from the city, the Tolatal Ghar is a  seven-storeyed palace with four-story above the ground and three underground. Talatal Ghar was used as an army base in Ahom kingdom. Its construction started in 1751 and was completed by 1769. It has two secret tunnels connecting to Dikhow river and Garhgaon palace, used as an escape route in case of enemy invasion or emergency.

    You can end your day with a view of the magnificent sunset from Talatal Ghar.
 What to buy in Sibsagarh - Since you spent the day in Sibsagar, you can't be back empty-handed. Sibsagar is known for handloom and handwoven traditional. You can pick silk scarf, saree, mekhela chadar and many more from local shops.


Comments

  1. Wow, India has such beautiful architecture. It looks like you had an amazing trip!
    http://www.theglossy.co/

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  2. I've noticed from reading various blogs about India that it has so many cities that are so rich with history. I love visiting places such as the ones you wrote about because it's such an educational experience!

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  3. Sivasagar sounds like a beautiful place with amazing architecture and history. All your pictures look amazing, would love to visit this place.

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  4. Wow some amazing photos - I would love to visit India!

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  5. oh wow! that place looks splendid! i would so pay a visit there! looks great!

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  6. India has really beautiful temples and history that is no wonder its on my bucket list. Great pics to summarize your day. I love it.

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  7. I have been to India but only to the Golden Triangle. Reading your article has helped me realized I still have many places that I have not discovered. I love how there is a dragon named it as "loong" in the statue plate. Loong in Chinese means Dragon!

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  8. Such a beautiful place! I loved looking at all the beautiful buildings! I hope to visit there one day to see them in person.

    Nicole Vick

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  9. I love all of your beautiful and gorgeous photographs!!! This lo Is like such an intriguing and interesting place to be able to visit!! Daisy

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  10. It must have been a mystical experience to wander the ruins of yesteryear. The buildings are amazing. I’ve not yet been to India but have it in my bucket list. As I was reading your post, I imagined what it was like to run through the secret tunnels or watch a fight. It is a fascinating place! xo Evelyn, PathofPresence.com

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  11. I think India is such a beautiful place. I’m sure your trip was magical just being able to take in all the amazing scenery. I love the pics!

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  12. I'm a fan of shopping first so Sibsagarh gets to be my first travel point if I'm gonna take a tour here. All these places look so intriguing, I can see how culturally rich they are just by looking at the pictures.

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  13. It looks like you had such a great time exploring this city. There seems to be so much history and culture to learn about and Sibsagar Lake looks incredible!

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  14. Your pictures are bringing back some wonderful memories of my time in India with my grandma a few years ago :) unfortunately we didn't make it to this part of India, but I'd love to go back one day! x

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  15. Wow this is such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this!

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  16. This is so beautiful!! I would love to visit here some day and experience the culture and sight see some amazing historical places!

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  17. The culture in India is so fascinating! There is so much stry and interesting things to discover in every building! Amazing!

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