Tourist attractions you want to explore in Tezpur

Lush green tea gardens, picturesque landscapes and endless paddy fields framed by the snow-clad Himalayas, all come together to make the beautiful city of Tezpur one of the most explored tourist destinations in Assam. Fringed by the feisty Brahmaputra river, Tezpur, in Sonitpur district, is considered to be Assam's oldest city. Straddling the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Tezpur is surrounded by some of the most exquisite scenic sites in India.

There are many legends associated with this slow-paced quaint city and it is said that it was the battleground of a war between Hari (Lord Krishna) and king Banasura (a devotee of Lord Shiva). Local lore recounts that the nephew of Lord Krishna, Aniruddha, fell in love with Usha, the daughter of the king, who disapproved of their match. The king put the young prince into jail and when Lord Krishna found out about this, he attacked him with full force. Banasura lost the war and requested Krishna not to kill him, after which he presented the couple, seated in a regal chariot, to the lord.

Originally, Tezpur is said to have been known as Haruppesvera, during the reign of the Mlechchha dynasty (650 - 900 AD). The rock inscriptions of Harjar Varma point to the fact that the city was in existence from 829-30 AD. Modern-day Tezpur was founded in 1835 by the British colonial administration. In fact, the city was an important centre of trade that was used as a river port. After independence, the city continued to maintain its significant streak and was the site of the establishment of the first electric power station in this part of the country.

Bamuni Hills

Situated on the right bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river, the Bamuni Hills attract tourists with their awe-inspiring sculptural ruins and stone carvings, which date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the style of the excavations hints that they were raised during the Gupta period. The stone carvings on the walls of the Bamuni Hills also make for an interesting sight and attract visitors with their artistic beauty. A popular belief hints that the ruins might have belonged to a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna's nephew, Aniruddha, was imprisoned here after he fell in love with the daughter of Banasura, who disapproved of their relationship.

Bhalukpong

The train journey from Tezpur to Bhalukpong is one of the most beautiful rail experiences in India. Located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, just an hour away from Tezpur, Bhalukpong is considered as the entry point to the state. From adventure activities like river rafting and angling to historical tours of the Bhalukpong Fort, this beautiful town is truly a delight for tourists. Another popular attraction in Bhalukpong is the Tipi Orchidarium, which is home to over 2,600 cultivated orchids from 80 different species. Bhalukpong is surrounded by the evergreen forests of the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Pakke Tiger Reserve. To reach the reserve, tourists need to cross the Kameng river from Bhalukpong.

Bomdila

Lying about 153 km away from Tezpur, the remote town of Bomdila is one of the best tourist sites in Arunachal Pradesh. The snow-clad Himalayas, lush green landscapes and a rich culture make Bomdila a popular stopover for those exploring the natural beauty of the Northeast. The Bomdila View Point is a prominent site to view the spectacular West Kameng valley and the cloud-covered Nechipu Pass.

Nameri National Park

The Nameri National Park, along with the adjoining Pakhui (Pakke) Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh, is spread over an area of 1,000 sq km. The landscape majorly comprises semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests with cane and bamboo brakes and narrow strips of open grassland along rivers. The park lies around 35 km from Tezpur, in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. A paradise for birdwatchers, it boasts around 300 species of avifauna, including hornbills, black storks, ibisbills, babblers, plovers etc. You can also spot fauna like tigers, leopards, sambars, clouded leopards, gaurs, wild boars, sloth bears, Himalayan black bears as well as elephants. Declared a reserve forest in 1978, it was minted a national park two decades later. Set on a jungle safari and explore the teeming biodiversity of the park for an unforgettable experience of your life.

Agnigarh

A hillock located on the banks of River Brahmaputra, Agnigarh or the fort of fire is one of the best places to get a bird's eye view of the city of Tezpur. It has been developed as a beautiful park that houses a number of statues depicting scenes drawn from mythology.

Legend has it that this place was constructed by Asura Banasura to isolate his daughter, Usha, from her lover and Lord Krishna's grandson, Aniruddha, by creating a boundary of fire. As a tribute to the lovers, statues of Usha and Aniruddha stand atop the hill, which can be reached by a circular staircase. Other places of interest include, an open-air stage, giant mushrooms and a splendid waterfall. The place is truly a romantic spot, preserving the memory of the young lovers.