Best Places to Visit in Sivasagar – Detailed Sivasagar Tour Guide

Sivasagar is one of the most culturally rich towns in Assam. Located almost 360km from Guwahati, this rich town holds a profound reputation and historical importance in the entire state. Dotted with palaces and monuments dating back to the Ahom Era, the places to visit in Sivasagar take the visitors further through the town’s varied traditions and local customs.

Upon visiting this magnificent town, you will surely feel a unique ambience. The town’s modern outlook and historical grandeur blend perfectly, leaving no gaps. Strolling further, the ancient monuments dotting the town will be astounded by how the town was built by the Ahom rulers of the past. In this blog, we will take you through all the beautiful places to visit in Sivasagar and try to offer some of the most heart-warming glimpses of this historical town in Assam!

1. Rang Ghar

Known as the ‘Coliseum of the East’, Rang Ghar (also spelt as ‘Rong Ghor’) is among the most intriguing places to visit in Sivasagar, Assam. One of the oldest amphitheatres in Asia, this grand two-storey pavilion was constructed by Ahom kings of the past. Built as a royal ground to host different sports events and other royal celebrations, Rang Ghat displays a unique architectural brilliance.

The pavilion has an eye-catching egg-shaped dome with intricately carved designs. In addition to its rich historical significance, Rang Ghar stands strong as a testimony to the engineering and architectural advancements of Assam’s Ahom era. It also showcases how sports and fitness were prominent in the Ahom dynasty. Well, this makes this historical structure one of the most prized places to visit in Sivasagar!

2. Talatal Ghar

Sivasagar is known to be the true treasure trove of the Ahom Kingdom! On a visit to this splendid town, you will encounter different historical marvels that will make you travel back in time. The wonderful Talatal Ghar is a historical monument revered as one of the most important places to visit in Sivasagar. Also called the ‘Rangpur Palace’, this architectural marvel of the Ahom dynasty is a seven-storey palace building that still resonates with the impact, prowess, and valour of the Ahom kings and warriors.

Though the building may appear quite simplistic from the outside, once you step inside, you will be amazed by its maze-like structure. Built as a military base, Talatal Ghar has secret tunnels and passages, chambers that are almost impossible to find, and several other unique rooms. Adding more, the majestic pillars, ornate carvings, extended courtyards, and fascinating architecture showcase the acumen of the Ahom Kings! Needless, to say, you must visit this ancient palace as it is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Sivasagar!

3. Sivasagar Sivadol

While in Sivasagar, you will indeed feel a strong vibe and devotion to Lord Shiva. The name of the town has the essence of the Lord Himself! The Sivasagar Sivadol is one of the most beautiful and pious temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Assam. Located on the banks of the Sivasagar Tank, this temple is known for its massive structure, which measures around 104 feet. Furthermore, its intricate architecture and design make it even more fascinating and one of the most holy places to visit in Sivasagar.

The main temple premise has two smaller temples called the ‘Vishnudol’ and ‘Devidol’. These temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga. The temple grounds serve as the ground of the annual Shivratri festival, which is considered one of the most promising and devout festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Sivasagar Sivadol is where architectural brilliance blends perfectly with spirituality and entices visitors with a unique charm!

4. Kareng Ghar

The majestic Kareng Ghar is another historical monument that stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Ahom kings. Also called the ‘Garhgaon Palace’, this multi-storied building displays excellent fortified walls, large courtyards, grand halls, and other such royal grandeur. Be its design or size, it qualifies as an exquisite name in the list of best places to visit in Sivasagar.

Located in a vast area comprising scenic gardens and moats, this royal building was once the royal residence of the Ahom kings and their high-ranking officials. This historical monument has charm and appeal that can shame any other palace in Assam. While searching for grand palaces in Assam, chances are there that you will be showered with images of the Kareng Ghar most of the time!

5. Joysagar Tank

While searching for amazing places to visit in Sivasagar, you will find the Joysagar Tank and Temples in the top position. Constructed by the renowned Ahom king, Rudra Singh in the memory of his beloved mother, Joymoti, this serene lake covers an area of 318 acres. Well, this also makes the Joysagar Tank one of the largest man-made lakes in India. While strolling around this gigantic lake, you will find several temples dotting the banks of the lake.

Whether you are craving tranquil moments or to soak in some divinity, Joysagar Lake is the perfect place for you. The serene ambience and picturesque settings of the lake also make it an ideal meditation ground for visitors. The tranquil water of the lake attracts a variety of local and migratory birds throughout the year, making the lakeside an ultimate birdwatching spot. Nature lovers visit the Joysagar Tank to enjoy its pristine beauty alongside clicking some awe-inspiring pictures of the lake!

6. Charaideo Maidam

This royal ground is the final resting ground of many Ahom kings, queens, and their family members. Owing to the shape and structure of the Charaideo Maidam, they are often called the ‘Pyramids of Assam’. Needless to say, this arouses some curiosity among the visitors, making them one of the most exciting and magnificent places to visit in Sivasagar. These mausoleums are built in pyramidal shapes and are adorned with intricate carvings. The carvings on these tombs resonate with the artwork and craftsmanship of the great Ahom Era in Assam.

Nestled amidst lush and scenic settings, Charaideo Maidam is a picture-perfect spot to spend the day with family and friends. Visiting these mausoleums also offers a lively glimpse of Assam’s rich cultural heritage. This is one place where some of the great stories of the past come alive; you must not miss out on visiting the Charaideo Maidam while visiting Sivasagar!

7. Ahom Museum

This is the perfect place to witness and experience the opulence of the great Ahom dynasty in Assam. The Ahom Museum is a hidden treasure that unravels the royal era of Assam. Home to a rich collection of royal regalia, portraits of the Ahom rulers, ancient manuscripts, traditional weapons, royal attires, and much more, this heritage museum is one of the most remarkable and historical places to visit in Sivasagar.

Almost every exhibit in the Ahom Museum depicts a unique story about the Ahom era. The artefacts and relics in this museum open several doors to understanding the might of the Ahom kings and why external forces found it impossible to conquer them. At present, this museum serves as a bridge that connects Sivasagar’s glorious past and modern era. It has preserved the legacy of the Ahom kings alive with its extensive collection of displays and other antiques.

8. Gaurisagar Tank and Temples

Gaurisagar Tank is another significant water body in Sivasagar. Ranked as one of the most promising lakes to visit in Sivasagar, it is surrounded by three temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. Spread across 150 acres, this tank was constructed by Ahom queen Phuleshwari Devi. The tranquil waters of Gaurisagar Tank reflect the spiritual and natural beauty of Sivasagar, making it a perfect spot for meditation and relaxation.

Its colorful background and settings add to the beauty and serenity of the Gaurisagar Tank. Whether you visit the lake or the temples dotting it, you will find ultimate peace of mind and a sense of divinity running through your veins. The lake is an ideal spot to unwind and relax amidst the chaos of concrete life!

9. Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary

A heaven for bird watchers and nature lovers alike, the Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Sivasagar. An indigenous home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, this wildlife sanctuary spreads across 34 square km, comprising wetlands and lush green forest areas. This stark difference in the sanctuary makes it ideal for a large number of local and migratory birds.

Even if you are not an avid bird watcher, you can still soak yourself in the immaculate beauty of Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary and spend a day filled with fun and excitement. Nature walks across the sanctuary will introduce you to diverse avifauna and floral species. Nature enthusiasts often indulge in photography within the refuge to click the Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary dwellers in the most candid ways possible!

10. Namdang Stone Bridge

As mentioned earlier, the Ahom kings were great patrons of art and architecture; a visit to the Namdang Stone Bridge shows how visionary and skilled they were! Standing tall and vital to this day, this 60-metre bridge connects both banks of the gurgling Namdang River. Enduring its rich history and rustic charm, this bridge is often revered as one of the most promising places to visit in Sivasagar.

In addition to the construction of the Namdang Bridge, which is made up of only stones, it also shows how ancient engineering techniques were much ahead of modern techniques. Besides being a historical feat, this bridge also serves as a great vantage point from which you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Namdang River. Visit this bridge either early in the morning or during the evening to enjoy the most promising views of the river!