Lying along the northern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River, the city of Tezpur is one of the few destinations which suits best for those who wills to unfurl the unknown heritage sites during their phlegmatic vacations. Often referred as the city of eternal love, Tezpur has abundance of sublime blue hills, prospering green valleys, deluging tea gardens and the snow covered peaks of the Himalaya Mountains surrounding it in all the directions.
Meaning the city of blood in the regional language, this city finds it testimonial in the Mahabharata, where Lord Sri Krishna comes to the rescue of his grandson Prince Anirudha from the captivity of King Baana and help him getting together with Usha (King Baana’s daughter). It is believed that a ferocious clash took place between Lord Sri Krishna and King Baana, in which there were blood spilt all over the area and hence the name of City of blood and also the City of eternal love. Having sizeable potential in the fields of climate, culture, nature and tea; this city offers the tourists a memory to take pride in.
Having one of the important and strategically influencing base for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, Tezpur holds an important position for the nation’s functioning as it shares the surroundings with our neighbors – China, Tibet, Bhutan, Tibet and Myanmar. Connected well by all means of transport with the other places of interest of the state of Assam as well as with the rest of the country, the city has become a landmark of interest in the present times. With many reputed educational institutes being set up and coming up in the near days of the future, this city is soon turning out into an education hub of the state.
The Tezpur University figured among the top 5 universities of India in 2016, beating Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University and BITS – Pilani.
Very much noted for its historic places and its harboring sites, the tourists dropping by should not miss out these –
- Agnigarh:
Famous for the fortress surrounded by rings of fire built by King Baana to isolate his daughter Usha from Prince Anirudha. And it is from the fort that was built and surrounded with fire, the hillock got the name of Agnigarh meaning the residence among fire. Constructed along the bank of the Brahmaputra River, to reach this fort you need to cover a circular trek of staircases which makes this place somewhat interesting.
- Cole Park or Chitralekha Udyan:
Bearing a sprawling campus of greenery and means of recreation for the tourists, this park is located in the heart of the city. Adding weight to the historical and mythological significance of the city, the park has a conjunction of terrain, lakes and knolls where rowing and paddle boats are being plied. An open air auditorium is also present where soirées and other activities of amusement are being organized from time to time.
The park also has two ornamented stone pillar and few sculptures from the 9th – 10th century period.
- Trimurty Udyan:
Named after the noted cultural trios of Assam – Kalaguru Bishnu Prashad Rabha, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Natasurjya Pani Sarmah, the park is an important centre of leisure.
- Bishnu Rabha Smriti Udyan:
Located along the bank of Brahmaputra, this park is the cremation spot of Kalaguru Bishnu Prashad Rabha. Constructed by his son Hemraj Rabha as a tribute to the contributions of his father, this memorial park is filled with the devotees of this great personality who come here to pay homage to one of the fighting souls for the independent Indian nation. You can see inscription of the works of Bishnu Prashad Rabha in the walls of this park.
- Mahabhairab Temple:
Housing one of the oldest and biggest shiva linga in the world, the Mahabhairab Temple is a century old temple attracting many Shivbhakts.
- Padum Phukuri:
Meaning a lotus-pond in Assamese language, this place is a promising landmark for this city. The lake here has a Small Island in between which is connected to the mainland by means of a foot-bridge. The island has been shaped up to a park having a musical fountain. Rowing boats are also provided to the tourists at certain occasions.
Leaving behind these centers of attraction, the city of Tezpur provides you with easy access to the Kaziranga National Park (50 Kms), Nameri National Park (37 Kms), Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary (31 Kms) and Orang Wildlife Sanctuary (64 Kms).