Sivasagar

A full – fledged tourist attraction in itself, the town of Sivasagar is the jewel in the crown of the holistic travel guide of Assam. Located 363 kms north-east of Guwahati, Sivasagar is well connected with the rest of the state by road and train network. Formerly known as Rongpur, Sivasagar was the capital of the mighty Ahom Dynasty whose reign lasted for 600 years and is associated with many wars with the Mughals and is the only reason Assam never came under the Mughal rulers! The Ahom rulers left the town studded with stunning monuments, temples and man–made lakes that are a glorious reminder of the region’s unique history. Start with the Charaideo hillock that is covered with the tombs of 42 Ahom kings and queens. The pillars in this area stand testimony to the excellent architectural skills and craftsmanship of that era. Do not miss out on Rang Ghar, the royal amphitheatre from the Ahom days and a signature structure of Assam. Often referred to as the ‘Colosseum of the East’, Rang Ghar has become a part of the collective identity of the entire state. Other places of interest include Joy dol, Shiva dol, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar and Sivasagar tank.