The largest of the states in the northeast of India is Assam whose capital, Guwahati, has an inspired location on the banks of the River Brahmaputra. Amidst Assam’s verdant lushness are two important game sanctuaries, Manas and Kaziranga, both best known for their population of one horned Indian rhinoceros, a species that faced extinction. Much of the rest of the state is devoted to tea plantation which yield the strong Assam leaf popular all over the world.

GUWAHATI

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Situated on the south bank of the Brahmaputra river, Kaziranga National Park is famous for the stronghold of the armoured one-horned Indian Rhinocerous. The Sanctuary provides unique setting for a sight of its best known wild life including birds.

SIGHTSEEING IN THE PARK

Charges inside the Park

1. Elephant Charges (per seat) Rs.75 (adult), Rs.50 (child).
2. Vehicle Charges Jeep/Car Mini Bus Bus Toll Fee (per vehicle) Rs.75 Rs.100 Rs.125 View Fee (per person) Rs.10 Rs.10 Rs.10
3. Camera Charges Amateur Professional Still without Telelence Rs.15 -- Still with Telelence Rs.40 Rs.150 Movie (8 mms) Rs.75 -- Movie (10 mms) Rs.200 Rs.750 Video Camera Rs.400 Rs.1500 Movie Camera (35 mms) -- Rs.1500

NOTE: Toll Fee, View Fee, Elephant Charge & Camera Fees are payable at Range Forest Office, Kohora, Kaziranga National Park.

VERY IMPORTANT

It is essential for visitors to take a Forest Department guide with them if they are going by car or jeep, so that he can both direct the vehicle and also sight wildlife for the visitors.

HOURS TO VISIT THE PARK

On Elephant Back: 0500 to 0600 hrs, 0630 to 0730 hrs and 1530 to 1630 hrs.
By Road : 0800 to 1100 hrs and 1400 to 1630 hrs.

ROAD ROUTES FOR VISITING THE PARK

Kaziranga Range: Kohora, Daflang, Foliamare.
Western Range : Baguri, Monabeel, Bimoli, Kanchanjuri.
Eastern Range : Agoratoli, Sohola, Rangamatia.

OBSERVATION TOWERS

These are located at Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamare and Harmoti.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area of the Park : 430 sq. kms.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.35, Min.18.3; Winter- Max.24, Min.7.2.
Rainfall : Heavy in Summer (2300 mms).
Best Season : November to March.
Closed Season : Mid-April to Mid-October.
Languages spoken : Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, English.

SIBSAGAR

Sibsagar was the capital of the Ahom Kings who ruled Assam before the advent of the British. The town is built round the Sibsagar tank, dug over 200 years ago. The tank is above town level although situated in the heart of the town. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Sibsagar Tank and Temples :The tank comprising 120 acres of water, dug ever 200 years age, is above town level although situated down town. fed by natural springs, the tank is surrounded by deep ditches and earthen moats. Three temples are built on itsbanks - Siva temple, Vishnu temple and Devidol temple.

Talatal Ghar : Built in 1699 by king Rudra Singha about 6 kms from Sibsagar it is an underground garrison having three stories the lowest connected with Dikhow river by tunnel.

Kereng Ghar :9 kms from Sibsagar, this is a seven storied castle-four above and three below the ground containing two underground pathways to Dikhow river and Garden palace.

Rang Ghar :The Ahom Kings watched elephant fights and other sporting events from this two- storied oval-shaped pavilion built by king Pramutta singha.

Joysagar Tank and Temple : Historical records reveal that the tank was constructed in 45 days at Rangpur in 1697. The tank stands on the area of 318 acres half of which is under water and on its banks stand the Jeydol (Vishnu) temple, Shiva temple and Devi Ghar and Ghanashyam (Nati Gosain) temple.

Gaurisagar Group : 16 kms south of Sibsagar on the Assam Trunk Road, Gaurisagar is one of the historical tanks constructed by Queen Phuleswari in the year 1723. This springfed tanks is 150 acres under water and on its banks stand three temples dedicated to Devi, Shiva and Vishnu.

Gargaon Palace : The principal town of the Ahom Kings, constructed by the 15th Ahom King Suklemnung in 1540 lies in 13 kms east of Sibsagar. The present seven storied palace was built by King Rajesshar Singha in about 1762. All the underground stories and passages were blocked by the East India Company. The magazine made of bricks is within the palace compound and further eastward are two old stone bridges constructed by King Gadadhar Singha.

Charaideo : 28 kms east of Sibsagar, was the original capital of the Ahom Kings built by Sukhapa the founder of the dynasty in about 1229. Charaideo is famous for its numerous maidams (vaults) of the kings and members of the royal family resembling the pyramids of Egypt. Most of them were build of stones and bricks and are in ruins now.

Other Places : A great number of old Sastras of the Vaishava cult Muslim Dargahs, Budhist and Sakta shrines are to be found around Sibsagar, Besides, there are more than 500 tanks, vaults, earthen forts and castles belonging to the Ahom, Manipuri, Jaintia Shan and Kachari kings in this sub-Division.

EXCURSIONS :

Jorhat (55 kms.)
It is famous for its sprawling tea gardens. It is the nerve centre of tea industry. It has the world reknowned Teklai Experimental Centre.Research is carried out to find new varieties of tea and also therapeutic effected of green tea. Regional Research Laboratory which is situated here conducts investigation on plants, herbs and seil. There are also other organisations such as Assam Agricultural University, Technical School etc. From Jorhat, one may visit Majuli, the largest island on the Brahmaputna. In Majuli, there are numerous satras or monasteries. 60 kms aways from Jorhat, lies Nambar Foprest reserve which is famous for being a rejuvenating hot spring. Further 90 kms down, one comes across Dimapur (in Nagaland), once the seat of Cachar Kingdom.

Dibrugarh (76 kms)
It is an upcoming major trading centre and a lovely river side town in Upper Assam. This is the place where the mighty river Brahmaputra is at its majestic best.

HAFLONG

At 680 metres above sea level, in the lush hilly terrain lies this lovely lakeside resort which is Assam's only hill station. It is the headquarters of North Cachar Hills District and is situated at a distance of 355 kms from Guwahati. Haflong is the name of variety of orchids, one of them being the rare Blue Vanda.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Haflong Lake : Situated in the heart of the hill station it is a picturesque area.

Jatinga : 9 kms away, this village has attracted orinthologists from all over the world to unreveal the mystery of the flocks of little migratory birds crashing to death on still dark nights. The phenomenon is attributed by scientists to the sensitivity of these birds to infra red emissions of the torches borne by the villages during the nights. An elevated watch tower provides an opportunity to see this bird mystery.

Maibong : 47 kms away from Haflong, on the banks of river Mahur lies the ruins of the once flourishing capital of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. A stone house and temple of Kachari kings can be seen at Maibong.

Umrangsu : 115 kms away from Haflong by road, the biggest hydel plant under North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has come up with dams across the river Kopili, a tributery of the Brahmaputra. Near Umrangsu, there is a hot water spring (Garampani) which is believed to possess medicinal properties.