Tezpur

Origins and history

Tezpur means town of blood. The story behind this name is that when Tezpur was ruled by Bana Raja, his daughter Usha and Anirudha, grandson of Lord Krishna, fell in love with each other. When this came to the King's notice he sternly objected and isolated Usha in a place called Agnigarh. But when Anirudha tried to take Usha away, there was a war between Lord Krishna and Bana Raja, leading to a major bloodshed with loss of many lives. Study from the history also says that the vicinity of the town has historical ruins of the 8th-9th century like Bamuni Hills. The ruins of Da Parbatia are a shining example of the architecture around the 4th century AD. Modern Tezpur was founded by the British colonial administration in 1835 as the headquarters of Darrang district.

Tezpur today

Tezpur is the major commercial cum administrative centre of North Assam. It is also said to be the cultural capital of Assam, with many historical ruins attesting to its past. It is also a major tea and tourist centre of Assam and its scenic beauty is breathtaking, especially in the winters with the snow-capped Himalayas as its backdrop. In view of its hot summers and beautiful winters, the best time to travel to Tezpur is from October to May.

Weather

Summer: 32.2°C; Winter: 10°C; average rainfall: 160 cms.

By car

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.

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 plane

Tezpur is well connected by Air with Guwahati and Kolkata. Air India Regional and NRPC airlines operate direct flight from Kolkata thrice a week and every day from Guwahati. Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre.

• AgnigarhThis is big fortress built on top of a hill to isolate Usha the daughter of Bana King from Anirudha, grandson of Lord Krishna. The fort was surrounded by fire on all times and thats how the place got its name Agnigarh meaning 'residence amidst fire'. Agnigarh is a big fortress constructed on top of a hill on the banks of Brahmaputra. The access to this place is quite interesting to reach the top of the hill one should take a circular staircase and is a good option for trekking. On your way to the top of the hillock, you will see lot of images relating to the legend behind the construction of the fort.

• Bamuni HillsThe ruins of Bamuni hill is famous for its artistic beauty. The structural remains present here date back to the 9th and 10th century and attract historians and art lovers from all over the world.

• Bhairabi Temple - The presiding deity of this oldest temple of Assam is Goddess Durga. Bhairabi Temple is situated on Tezpur border. The stones of the temple is adorned by intricate carvings and images that date back to 9th century. The people visiting this temple offer ghee lamps, fruits and sweets to the goddess.The temple still carries out sacrificial offerings of goats and bulls regularly.
• Bhomoraguri - Bhomoraguri is a bridge connecting Nagaon district with Tezpur. A massive stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, who had initially planned to construct this bridge, stands here. Almost about two centuries later, the bridge was constructed, 3.05 km long and dedicated to this great Ahom general.
• Cole Park - This is one of the most interesting places in the Tezpur. The park is the perfect place for the peace lovers. This is the place, where the two impressively ornamented stone pillars and the sculptural remains of the famous Bamuni hill can be seen.
• Da-Parbatia - Da-Parbatia is one of the most famous Gupta era ruins near Tezpur with an exquisitely carved door leading to the inner temple. On either side of the door are carvings of the Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, with garlands in their hands. The entire door frame is covered with elaborate carvings of flowers and foliage.
• Harzara Pukhuri - This a very huge lake covering an area of about 70 acres (28 ha) and archeology dates its excavation to the early part of the 19th century. It got its name from Harzara Varman of Tezpur.
• Ketakeshwar Dewal - Ketakeshwar Dewal is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have the second biggest Shivalingam in the world.This shrine is a very holy place to the Hindus and is regularly visited by the tourists.There are two parts to the temple, one of which is said to be the original place of the Shivalingam and another where the Shivalingam is now.
• Mahabhairab Mandir - This temple houses the statue of Lord Shiva which is supposed to be the second largest in the world and was ardently worshipped by the Bana King. It is very sacred place to be visited in Tezpur. Cole Park has been the ideal location for hosting many exhbitions in the town. It is also popularly referred by the name Chitralekha Udyan. Cole Park is known for Bhomaraguri inscription which is the ancient plan for building a bridge across River Brahmaputra. The other attraction of this place is the boating in a small lake in front of the park.

Near Tezpur

• Bhalukpong - Bhalukpong, a beautiful picnic and angling spot was the capital of Bhaluka, the grandson of king Bana. It is 64 km from Tezpur, remains of old fortifications are still visible. This picturesque spot lies on the way to Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh). Other attractions of Bhalukpong are a hot spring, a big orchid garden at Tipi and the unspoilt beauty of nature. The nearest river Jia-bhoroli fascinates the anglers.
• Eco Camp - Around 50 km from Tezpur, off the road to Arunachal Pradesh, is the unique Eco Camp. This is one of the most favorite excursions and outdoor recreational sites around the city of Tezpur and is the outcome of the united efforts of the Assam Anglers’ Association and the Forest Department of the state.
• Kaziranga National Park - Kaziranga National Park, a World Hertage Site is about 45 km 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.
• Nameri National Park - It is about 35 km from Tezpur, situated at the foothills of eastern Himalayas, Nameri National Park covers an area of about 200 km². Hills, deciduous forests and the river Jia Bhoroli have added unique charm to the place.
• Orang National Park - Orang National Park is 31 km from Tezpur and is popularly known as mini-Kaziranga. The national park occupies 72 km² and is the home to a large number of wild animals such as the one-horned rhino, elephant, leopard, barking deer, tiger and a variety of water birds, green pigeon, florican, teal, and geese.
• Tipi - This place is a famous spot around Tezpur for it has the third-largest orchidarium in Asia.

• Angling and water rafting in Jia Bhoroli River.
• Gateway to Arunachal Pradesh.
• Go to Tawang (10,000 ft high, Dirang (India's Switzerland), Sella Pass (13,000 ft high). Hire a SUMO Jeep vehicle from Tezpur and visit these places. Takes 3-4 days.

• Magnolia
• Oasis
• Luit

• Durba Hotel - KK Road
• Hotel KRC Palace - J N Road
• Hotel Parijat - Thana Police Station Road, Near Anwar Road
• KF Hotel - Mission Charali
• NC Hotel - right around the corner from Prashaanti Tourist Lodge

Budget hotels

• Hotel Grand City - NB Road, 35 km from Kaziranga National Park. Standard double starts at 650 Rs/night, deluxe is 950 as of December 2018. 12 min walk from ASTC bus stand, and situated near many restaurants in the city center. No hot water in the showers of standard rooms.
• Prashaanti Tourist Lodge - about 200 meters straight down the road from the ASTC bus stand. Only doubles are available, at 850 Rs/night. Hot water shower and breakfast provided by hotel, along with a dinner menu.
• Arunachal Guest House - 03172 220241
• Blue Star Hotel - 03172 220682
• Central Lodge - 03172 221171
• Chaliha Inn - 03172 221692
• Circuit House - 03172 220100
• Hotel Basant - 03172 224941, 230831
• Hotel Durba - 03172 224276
• Hotel Indralaya - 03172 232819
• Hotel International - 03172 220965
• Hotel Luit - 03172 222083, 222084
• Hotel Mehgdoot - 03172 220714
• Hotel Swad - 03172 221413
• Kanyapur Hotel - 03172 220261
• Madhuban Hotel - 03172 223156
• Parijat Hotel - 03172 220656
• Tourist Lodge - 03172 221016

• Nameri National Park is 35 km from Tezpur on the Tezpur-Bhalukpong-Bomdila route to have some wildlife experience.
• Guwahati, the commercial capital of Assam, is 180 km from Tezpur.
• South-east to Golaghat, one of the oldest urban centres, and administrative divisions of Assam, since 1839.