Best Burgers with Many Others - Beatrix

• Location: M.C. Road, Guwahati Club, Guwahati
• Type : Casual Dining, Full Bar 

Beatrix is a restaurant situated at the heart of the City of Guwahati. It is one among the most popular favorite hangout place for the people of the city and travelers alike. One among the oldest restaurants in Guwahati; had a pretty long journey from a tiny little space with one or two table to a full fledged restaurant of global standard.

As you enter the place you are welcomed by a cute setting, the walls are covered with cartoon wallpapers. Seems like not to forget that once the restaurant was established primarily to attract the students of all batches from neighboring educational establishments. Specially that from B. Barooah College, T.C. Girls High School, Kamrup Academy and Little Flower School; situated at very close distances from it. Occupy any table you will have a wonderful feeling of youthfully vibration but calm atmosphere. They always play some great music!! Not only the restaurant, the campus is maintained very well; having a well preserved Assam Type house of 20th century along with a nice small garden, good enough to walk for if you prefer a big order to be prepared for you.

The menu offers a wide variety of mouth-watering foods. Apart from the BEST BURGERS in GUWAHATI, which is not a lie at all; Beatrix offers both Indian and Chinese cuisine as well as American. Locals generally visit to have King Burger, Beatrix Special Chicken Burger, Beatrix Special Fish Burger, Chicken Hot Dog, Vegetable Cheese Burger, Paneer Chop, Rolls, Fish Cake, Irani Kabab etc. mostly without missing cold coffee or ice cream. And you too can. Rice items, Tandoors, Omelets, Chowmiens are also available with different varieties. I and my friend have tried their combo meal's opportunity. It is a better option to understand the beautiful menu to a great extent. We have come to know from some of their regular visitors that good old taste of the tiny Beatrix of old days still remains same. 

All the products were fresh and the dishes had the desired taste along with hygiene as we observed and experienced. I think the chefs take great care in selecting the best quality ingredients. Probably the Chef Staff always remain in a very pleasant state of mind. The ambiance of the restaurant is too good.

I, and anyone can love the staff and their assistance. What can be good enough that a meal for two costs around thousand buck only! We have been said to try Mughlai Paratha with Chicken Butter Masala too for its great taste. But our bellies were already full.

I had a pleasant dining experience with food of the most exquisite flavors, cute atmosphere and friendly staff. For this reason I highly recommend going to Beatrix and have some bites of their Burgers.

By Madhurjya Saikia

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Hotel Nandan

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• Location - G.S. Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati
• Website - www.hotelnandan.com

Hotel Nandan is situated at a preferably fit location for those businessperson and tourists who like busy urban areas. In a place like Guwahati, Nandan tries to offer best deals and facilities for high and medium categories of middle class visitors and even international tourist who want global standard accommodation facility but within a  not too high rates.

Though the hotel is situated at one of the busiest area of the city, it stands like a calm symbol in the middle of the heavy hustle and bustle's scenario. You can feel the calmness even before entering into the hotel or your room. The white color and a wall art with the line - Have Mercy, Save the Rhinoceroses properly matched with the structure.

Having a very reasonable price (and also cheap as a 3 Star Hotel) there are actually has nothing to complain with its basic facilities like lodging, foods, hospitality etc. Nandan is a very old hotel; so why for some of the visitors the rooms may looks smaller when comparing with modern hotels of the city. But the rate fits with the sizes for a star hotel.

If need a good international class accommodation facility at a cheap rate at the heart of the city; Nandan can be a good option for the visitors.

Pros:

• Reasonable Price.
• Having Almost All International Amenities.
• Located at the Heart of the City.

Cons:

• Noise, Dust and Odor Outside the Hotel Campus.

By Chow Bidyut B. Gogoi

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Dimapur Kachari Ruin

Dimapur Kachari Ruins - is one among the oldest surviving archaeological sites of North - East India. It is located within one of the prominent business center of North - East India, Dimapur. The historic site is popularly known as Rajbari Park or simply Rajbari. It is a good place for travelers having interest in history, art, architecture and sculpture, though not a fine place due to the lack of proper preservation and maintenance. It looks like Archaeological Survey of India actually want the ruins to be destroyed totally. Here some duties lies upon the Tourism Department of Nagaland as well as of the Government of Assam to preserve this set of monoliths; as a matter of fact that the Great Kachari Kingdom lied under the geographical area of both of the present states of Assam and Nagaland.

Though the Kachari Kingdom said to be emerged around 10th century AD, the history of the kingdom was much more ancient; however without a proper and continuous written history. And though the loss of the ancient capital city at Kachamari in Golaghat district of Assam forced the Dimasa Kacharis to manage a new capital; the structure of Dimapur Ruins clearly support a very old antiquity. Quantity of the stones used indicate that Dimapur acted as a important urban center of not only in historical Kachari Kingdom but also of ancient Pragjyotish - Kamarup empire of western portion of south - east Asia. The site displays sign of fine ancient stone art and craft; - although not a grand piece of architecture now.

In 1526 AD and 1536 AD Ahoms occupied Dimapur. Both of the attacks had some destructive effects for the old city of Dimapur. But according to oral tradition Dimapur Ruins Site was still something above ruin before 1960s. At least the ruin was easy to identify as a portion of the Royal Palace of the Dimasa Kachari Kings.



The setting mainly has three types of structures :- "Chessman Type", "Y Type" and "Buffalo Horn Type" according to the historians and archaeologist. All of the pieces scattered around the site tells visitors about the development of art, sculpture and architecture in early Kachari Kingdom.

Though poorly preserved and highly neglected one; tourists should visit the site to get the experience of one of the earliest urban civilization in this region.

FACTS

• With all logical possibilities the site happened to be a portion of a Grand Palace of the Kachari Kings. 
• Though the Kachari Ruins are said to be constructed around 10th centaury AD the materials used, style of art and oral history of the Dimasa Kacharis demand a longer heritage. 
• Some of the historians try to attach the Kachari Ruins as well as Dimapur with a character of Mahabharata; namely Hidimba, actually existed in modern Himachal Pradesh. The fabricated stories for the progress of Indianization supports that the pillars were made for Bhima to play chess. 
• A gruop of scholars; influenced by the books of Hindu Tantric Saiva - Sakti cult thinks that the Chessmen Type structures indicate male organ while Y Type and Buffalo Horn Types stands for female organ. 

HOW TO REACH

• Dimapur has a good network of Airways, Railways and Roadways 

ACCOMODATION

• Dimapur has many comfortable hotels in and around it. 

NEAREST CITIES

• Bokajan - 13 Km 
• Kohima - 74 Km 

By Mrigang Ranjan Loying
Photography By Madhurjya Saikia

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Holy Hajo

Taking the temple of Hayagriva as the most important shrine; the city was full of red, white and blue colored religious, public and private buildings. The sacred city was looked majestic more not only with its buildings but also with planned and clean roads having many artistic fountains. The ponds looked like green carpets with blue spots, otherwise pink carpets with green and blue spots while lotus flowers used to bloom. We are speaking about Hajo; - the Sacred City of Apunarbhava of ancient Assam.

The modern town of Hajo probably cannot offer you such a majestic view. But the town is still regarded as sacred and offer a lot of attractions to be visited and experience the holiness of Hajo.

Hajo is the confluence of three major religious orders of the world - Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

The most sacred shrine of Hajo is situated at the temple of Hayagriva Madhava. The ancient temple is situated on a hillock, namely Manikut; constructed in 6th century AD by the kings of Kamrupi Pala Dynasty. Most of the Buddhists of the Himalayas believe the place holy as the Mahaparinirvan (death) seat of Lord Buddha, while the Hindus offer their dedication as a Vishnu temple. Hayagriva Madhava, Dwitiya Madhava, Gadura, Govinda and Basudev are chief of its worshiped deities. The Lamas offer their prayer to its main idol as Namo Guru. But the Hindus worship the presiding deity as Narasimha, the lion head and human body form of Vishnu. Koch King Raghudev summoned the re - construction of the present temple building in the year 1583, with beautiful stone art having the rows of elephants. The shape of the temple is octagonal which is about 30 feet in diameter. The big pond near the temple is known as Madhava Pukhuri, densely populated by tortoises and fishes. Ahom King Pramatta Singha constructed another structure adjacent to the main temple in the year 1750, known as Dol Griha. The campus surroundings has scenic beauty of green fields, forests and hills.

All of the scenery from the tops of the hills in Hajo are praiseworthy. All the sacred spots of Hajo are regarded holy by all religious sects. No exception to the popular Powa Mecca (locally Puwa Mokka), meaning a quarter of Mecca. A prince of Iraq, namely Ghiyasuddin Auliya, who had turned into a preacher came to ancient Kamrup kingdom with a lump of earth of Mecca; enshrined it on the top of Gadurachal hill in 12th century AD. The mosque was built at a later stage It is believed that visitors can earn one powa (one quarter) of blessing and spiritual enlightenment associated with he pilgrimage of Mecca with visiting Powa Mecca. So, basically a person can gain the whole enlightenment by visiting Poa Mecca four times in his lifetime.

Kedereswar Devalaya, another tourist hotspot of Hajo is situated atop Madanachal hill. The metal bowl covered huge Sivalinga of the temple is popularly known as Swayambhu (self originated) Linga. The temple of the devalaya was constructed by Ahom king Rajeswar Singh in 1753.

The Ganesh Temple of Hajo is also known as Deva Bhawan because according to the tradition once it was the meting point of all deities. Made out from a giant natural elephant shaped rock in 1744 under the supervision of Ahom officials in Lower Assam. It is the gateway to Kamaleswar temple; a prominent Siva temple. Joy Durga temple was situated near these temples, constructed by Ahom king Lakshminath Singh in 1774.

Hajo includes an important Vaishnavite Satra too, namely Dhoporguri. The satra was established by Madhabdev in 1587 to expand vaishnavism in Assam. The original three rooms satra had many new construction throughout the centuries.

The relaxed Hajo become heavily vibrated specially during the festival of Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. The Bhogali Bihu of Hajo at Madhava temple has an unique reputation for its traditional Bulbuli Sorair Jhuz (Bulbuli Bird's Fight). The amazing traditional sport is participated by two groups of Hajo locality - Bharalitola and Sonaritola. The preparation begins before two months from the event. Apart from this festival people of all religions prepare and gather together to observe Dol (the Assamese festival of color) at Dol Griha; which was specially established for that purpose, - and Urs at Powa Mecca.

Boat Race (Naokhel) is a very popular form of sports and entertainment among the locals. The locals has great interest in it and the National Dragon Boat Racing Championship at Pit - Kati Beel is used to be observe every year.

River Puthimari provide tourists great natural view and easy access for fishing and angling in Hajo.

FACTS

• Probably Hajo acted as the Capital City of Kamarupa Kingdom during its last period (13th Centaury AD).
• A 16th centaury Tantric work Yogini Tantra, also called Hajo Bishnupuskar is believed to be written in Hajo.
• Hajo is also known as Manikutgram in the Darrang Rajbanshavali (The Royal Chronicle of Darrang).
• Hajo was the capital city of the eastern portion of divided Koch Kingdom in 16th century. This portion of Koch Kingdom was known as Koch Hajo; ruled by Raghudev; nephew of Great Koch King Naranarayan and son of his brother, one of the  Greatest General of Assam Chilarai.
• Due to the political alliance of Kochbeher (western Koch kingdom) with the Mughals; Koch Hajo soon become a satellite cum protected kingdom of Ahom Emperors as a part of the united ethnic groups of the region.

By Jishnu Dolakakhoria
Photography by Dr. Neel Konwar

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Hotel Little Palace

• Location : AT Road, Dibrugarh, Assam - 786001
• Website : www.hotellp.com

The palace is really little as a hotel but a lovely and affordable for all to stay building in a big city like Dibrugarh. One of the best positive side of the hotel is that it is situated on the very bank of mighty Brahmaputra and Dibrugarh Town Railway Station located at a little distance.

Visitors should choose upper floor rooms for amazing view of the mighty river. The rooms near the road are a little bit noisy; specially before good night time. Presence of Brahmaputra gives little Palace a relaxing and within the nature feeling. Visitors also can choose the embankment for a fresh morning walk. The little hotel hardly has any opportunity for campus development but a lot regarding interior and room improvement. Some of the rooms has excess use of mirror.

The service is good though room service need some care. Little Palace has a very friendly and polite staff. Having a nice bar the hotel serve great food. Their complimentary Breakfast Buffet is admired by most of the guests. Most of the locals, mainly families visit the hotel's restaurant because of their good food as well as service.

The hotel is fit for all types of tourists and visitors, at a location to access not only the entire important city attractions but also for short trips to any important tourist locations of the nearby districts of Tinisukia and Sivasagar.

Above all the hotel provide comfortable accommodation facility with no need to go outside for food service at a very reasonable rate. However guests should always inspect the rooms as the rooms are mostly different from each to other. And be intelligent before ordering your meal.

By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi

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Taste of Global Shillong at its Best - Deja vu

• Location: Police Point, Latiumkhra, Shillong - 793003 
• Category : Fine Dinning / Lounge Bar 
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese, Continental 

One of Shillong's most highly acclaimed restaurants, Deja vu is said to be providing TASTE of MODERN SHILLONG. Regionally renowned, Deja vu received reputed reviews and ratings from various travelers and international travel companies. The restaurant's Asian and Chinese cuisine creations with some popular American foods are magical, drawing the maximum of flavor from the very freshest of ingredients. The separate lounge area give you the facility to wine and dine.

The setting is comfortable with a vibrant atmosphere. Interior is nice; designed for the centrally located area of a medium sized city. With pinewood coverings make it properly looks like a Shillong's genuine restaurant. Live music makes it better and more vibrant specially in the evenings. Stuff members are polite and very helpful. It is one among the best fine dining restaurants in the region.

On a recent visit, I began with American chopsey. Really it was at its best!! Do not miss this when you visit the best Chinese restaurant of the city. The lunch buffet cost approximately Rs. 350 per head. Lung Fung is given before the main course comes to you. Lung Fung - the chicken soup can be extra spicy for some people. Main course of this eating point includes Vegetable Fried Rice, Vegetable Chowmein, Fish Curry, Chilly Chicken, Chicken Manchurian and Potato Fingers. Potato Fingers with wine can be given a extreme good rating. To finish the food course comfortably the restaurant serve lovely desserts with varieties.

Deja vu has a very large menu to choose dishes. And here the problem is that all of their items has wonderful taste. However no need to be confused. The staff will generously help you to choose proper foods for you. All the foods has excellent quality and quantity too. Locals are fortunate that they have Deja vu to enjoy the tastes with frequent changes of items for lifetime. In this land of mainly non - vegetarian habitation vegetarians also can experience the beauty of the food world; - just check their vegetable steamed momo if I am lying. Though they are specialized in Chinese cuisine why not try some extra? Like Pork Ribs or Tom Yum soup. One of my friend advised. Thanks to him. Do not like fish? Eat Deja vu's Fish Finger and Fish Manchurian; your mouth will send signal to your brain to fish to be loved. They have a good collection of alcoholic beverages too.

No one can say the restro bar overpriced. The food quality, taste, the ambiance, service (actually not service but genuine hospitality!) and interior............just everything is fine. Advice? Go to Deja vu to spent time and money well when you are in Shillong.

By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi
Photography by Surjit Boruah

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Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Just at a distance of 22 km from Jorhat visitors can easily explore a specially categorized wildlife sanctuary. It is Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. One of the last remaining natural home of rare Hoolock Gibbon. Before the year 1997 the sanctuary was known as Hollongapar Sanctuary, and then the reserve was declared protected and renamed officially.

The sanctuary came to be known as Hollongapar due to the abundance of Hollong tree (Dipterocarpus). Hollong is the State Tree of Assam. After entering into the forest special terrain vehicles are provided to the visitors with forest guards and guides - armed and non - armed on request. However it can be explored easily on foot. Having just an area of around 30 sq km the sanctuary is situated within a picturesque location. Surrounded by tea gardens and small villages, visitors having interest can visit the surroundings of the sanctuary.

Visitors can watch Hollock Gibbon in male and female pairs throughout the sanctuary; on Hollong tree's upper canopy and Megna Ferrea's lower canopy. Hollock Gibbon is the only nocturnal primate of the region. The sanctuary is properly managed to preserve this rare primate group. Other eight primate species are also abundant in this small forest.

You can definitely expect to see a lot of mammals, reptiles, birds and plants in this tiny area giving you the opportunity to experience a total wildlife safari just within a single day. It is also a great place for escape holidays; but not a very long distance from urban life. The Forest Rest House give that chance. However you cannot demand highest class lodging and international varieties in your meal.

The sanctuary is also preferable for short period trekking and camping. Visit of the primate researchers is frequent to Hollongapar. General visitors also should have binoculars with them to enjoy the primates fully.

The species Hollock Gibbon is mostly monogamous and thrive in lush greens on top of the tree canopies. The destination is worth visiting for nature enthusiast as well as for those want to rejuvenate their mind within mother nature.

COMMON MAMMALS
Western Hollock Gibbon, Stub - tailed Macaque, Northern Pig - tailed Macaque, Eastern Assamese Macaque, Slow Loris, Indian Rhesus Macaque, Capped Langur, Hog Deer, Sambar, Porcupine, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Large Indian Civet, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Himalayan Giant Squirrel, Hoary - bellied Squirrel, Elephant, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Mongoose, Fox, Jackal, Wild Boar.

COMMON REPTILES
Rock Python, Cat Snake, Cobra, Rat Snake.

Almost All of the Common Plants and Birds of the Region can be Seen at Hollongapar.

By Chow Bidyut B. Gogoi in collaboration with Mrigang Ranjan Loying
Photography by Prabal Gogoi

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Uzes and Pont Du Gard

The center of the vibrant town of Uzes is now regarded as a protected historical monument. The area is a charming mixture of medieval stone houses and modern town houses. The town is surrounded by a broad boulevard that completely surrounds the historic center. The tourist office is situated at the center area and generally tourists start their day from here with a map of the town that includes all the places of interest; provided by the tourism office. A pretty square, called Place aux Herbes; surrounded by attractive stone houses and arcades and a large stone fountain; is a masterpiece of art. The Wednesday Morning Market and Saturday Market for the entire day held at the square.

The most important monument in Uzes is the Duke's Castle. The medieval Garden of the town is popular too especially due to the fact that their lies two medieval towers :- Tour de I'Eveque (12th century) and Tour de Roi (13th century). Here tourists get the opportunity to climb the Tour de Roi to access amazing views around the town and countryside near it.

Another particular spot of Uzes is the Window Tower (la tour fenestrelle). An Italian style round stone tower with several pairs of arched windows. This beautiful 42 meter high architecture stats next to The Cathedral of Saint Theodorit - obviously a tourist attraction. The 18th century Church of Saint - Etinne is another attraction south to the historic center. The nearby area of the tower provide facility to see far reaching views across the Eure Valley including Pavillon Racine. A small building with a doomed room; originally one of the tower of the defensive walls of the town was named after famous writer Racine.

Hotel des Monnaies and Hotel Chanbond la Tour are two architectural attractions; dated back to Renaissance period. Being a small town it is possible to access the entire town on foot.

La Cocalier, north to Uzes is one of the most impressive cave systems in France. The system includes both spectacular rock formations and evidence of prehistoric habitation. The water park near the town is also very popular at a lovely natural setting in Bouscarasse.

If Pont du Gard is the main or only attraction for a tourist he can get in Uzes by air; directly connected to Marsille.

The village of Vers - Pont - du - Gard is situated near the aqueduct of Pont du Gard with a very small population of around 1800 inhabitants. Majority of the people are engaged with tourism related professions. The village had an old history dated back to medieval period. A medieval tower is situated in the village is very beautiful. Rue Grand du Borg, the main street of the village has the town hall and basic village shops like butcher shop, bakery, bookshop, cafe and a Pizza Restaurant. Near the clock tower the village cafe (Las Voutes) is located to offer visitors the typical food of the locality. Vers - Pont - du - Gard is touched by the medieval walls of the old village.

The village has three wash houses (Lavoirs), built in the last part of the 19th century. Three of the wash houses has different names :- The Grand Font; a circular structure at the southeast edge of the old village center, The Lavoir Font d'lsiere at the western edge of the village and The Lavoir Fountain de Misserand at the southeast edge of the village.

Vers - Pont - du - Gard is a very lovely and vibrant village. Almost all the shops remain open for entire week. There exists some Stone Quarries, active from the days of the Romans till today; situated at a very short distance north to the village.

Pont du Gard; the most popular tourist attraction of Southern France was made by the Romans in the 1st century CE. is now regarded as one among the most visited tourist sites in Europe.The construction of this Arch Bridge was completed probably between 40 AD to 60 AD. The main purpose was to supply the city of Nemausus with water, drawing it from the natural spring that produces world famous Perrier brand; which is popular even today. The Pont du Gard strides across the Gardon tributary river near the ancient Roman city's site.

It is not just a water system and great engineering achievement, but also an architectural masterpiece. An great ancient engineering achievement because the blocks, weighing up to six tons were set in place without the use of mortar. This technique of the Romans was known as Opus Quadratum.

There are three levels of this aqueduct cum footbridge. 161 feet in height, have 52 arches. The top level is 902 feet long. The primary building materials of The Pont du Gard is shelly limestone, available in and around the local area. It is said that probably around one thousand workers took three years to complete the project of Pont du Gard. They used very simple tools to shape the blocks and set them into place.

A road bridge was added to the structure in 1743 and it became a famous attraction, especially after that construction. The road bridge was used till 1996.

The visitors center' is where the ticket machine and information center are located. The center also includes restrooms, snack bar, bistro, souvenir boutiques, bookshops etc. It also has "Discovery" areas, with an interactive museum and an educational kids playground. Pont du Gard is one of the France's top five tourist destination and regarded as one among the best family destinations in France.

There is a 1.4 km marked trail around the site from where visitors can see the river and the bridge from all angles. Guided walks across the top of the Pont du Gard can be done during July and August.

The bridge is maintained by Public Association of Cultural Cooperation (since 2003). It is great to see that the officials offer all types of necessary facilities to help disable persons to visit the site. Not only at the main site, there is always a load of parking and visitors at the nearby areas; commonly on the banks of river Gauche and river Droit for picnic and sunbath. For the visitors some wooden platforms were constructed as view points. Groups comes from all over the world to engage themselves in various types of water sports in and around Pont du Gard.

Cycling is very popular for most of the tourists. They choose cycling to reach the main site from nearby towns and cities. More adventurous souls do not hesitate to have an kayaking experience or rent balloons to reach the site.

The entire site is dotted with cafes, restaurants and snack bars. Less Terrasses Cafe - Restaurant is the most popular one with a reasonably priced French menu. For the night bed all of the nearby urban centers provide accommodation of all monetary ranges. Avignon (25 km), Castillon - du - Gard (3 km), Collias (6 - 8 km), Remoulins (4 km) and most popularly Uzes (13 km) are some nearest urban centers; where huge numbers of visitors do book their beds.

Uzes has a varieties of French restaurants with good foods. However for a very traditional French taste Millezime is regarded among the bests to have awesome food and wine. However it should be rememberd that most of the tourists outside from France should request the foods; specially that of meat and fish items to have some more heat. The French like to eat their meat above slightly raw.

All the experiences of Uzes and Pont du Gard can be explained with just some words ...... Lovely, Vibrant, Knowledgeable and no doubt Tasty!.........

By Jonathan Green

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Historic Sivasagar

Heewohagor; as originally pronounced by the locals is really historic! Lets read this article to know why...

The area Sivasagar was the Ahom administrative seat for most of the years of their around 600 years long ruling period. There is hardly any place in and around the modern city of Sivasagar without some unique historical importances. Located at a very middle position of the Tai Ahom inhabited area of the state; Sivasagar is still regarded as the headquarter of this ethnic group of  the west portion of South East Asia.

During their rule the Ahoms constructed above 50 numbers of Dol (temples and temple like monuments)s; monuments of other categories as well as other structures in various places of Sivasagar. They had made a great number of tanks and ponds of different sizes too in modern Sivasagar and Charaideo districts - above 300 in numbers. Most of them were destroyed mainly due to the earthquakes. However the major cause of destruction in modern period is lack of preservation and maintenance as well as unhealthy industrial growth for these monuments.

The word sagar (originally pronounced locally as Hagor) literally mean sea. Visitors can feel the use of this term very proper; experiencing the titanic size of such sagars.

FACTS

• Chowlung Syukapha; a prince from the Tai Province of Myoung Mao established Ahom Kingdom comprising far eastern portions of the modern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland.
• Ahoms independently ruled over Brahmaputra valley as the leading power of Western Part of South East Asia from 1228 AD to 1826 AD.
• Chowlung means Great Dragon King (Chow = Great/Holy, Lung = Dragon/Full of Virtues); while Chowpha means Heavenly King (Chow = Respectful/Lord/King/Ruler, Pha/Fa= Heaven/A Place Where Exist Only Strict Righteousness, Discipline, Law and Order). In the history of Ahoms Chowlung Syukapha is regarded as the only Chowlung till now. Swargadeo is the Assamese meaning of Ahom word Chowpha.
• The official name of the Kingdom of the Ahoms was Myoung - Dun - Chaun - Kham; literally Land Full of Golden Gardens.

For the most of the years of their history the Tai Ahoms ruled over Assam from the capital cities of Garhgaon and Rongpur near the modern city of Sivasagar.

The Sivasagar tank, also known as Borpukhuri has the city heart on its bank; with the most attractive view of the city. The tank covers an area of around 130 acres. The depth is around 60 feet. The surface of the water is higher than the surrounding plains. Sivadol is the tallest structure on the bank, visible from almost every corners of city proper. Two other temples - Vishnudol and Devidol are situated within Sivadol campus.

Assam Tai Museum on the 'Bank of Borpukhuri' (Borpukhuripar) is regarded as the second most important museum in the state after Assam State Museum, showcasing many valuable collections. The Buddhist Vihar, Church and Masjid are some attractive modern structures added to the city heart.

Nobody should miss the ancient capital city of Rongpur which is situated side by side modern Sivasagar. The name is originally derived from the Ahom word Che (Ahom) = town / city (English) = pur / nagar (Assamese) and Mun (Ahom) = enjoy / happiness (English) = rong / ananda (Assamese); so literally the Town of Enjoyment. Rongpur remained Ahom metropolis from 1695 AD to 1795 AD.

Rangghar is the first amphitheater of Asia just outside the capital city of Rongpur at Rupohi Pothar. The two storied beautiful wooden building was constructed by King Rudrasingha to entertain public during Rongali Bihu with various means of games, sports and cultural exhibitions. Temporary bamboo pavilion was made inside the rampart (the surviving portion now have become a wall) of the campus. King Pramatta Singha replaced the wooden structure with bricks in the year 1748, having golden brown color. Another small Rangghar was made by him too, used only for the royals for short entertainment programs does not exist now. Both sides of the amphitheater has two dragon heads; having three Dol like structures between them.

FACTS

• The ancient name of Sivasagar proper was Kolonchupar. After the construction of Borpukhuri (Larger Tank) or Sivasagar tank the place came to be known as Sivapur and remained so till the British occupation of Ahom Kingdom.
• In the year 1838 British officials shifted the headquarters of Upper Assam from Rongpur to the modern city on the bank of Borpukhuri and thus the name Sivasagar officially adopted and started to develop as a modern town. Before that almost entire modern districts of Sivasagar and Charaideo were known as Rongpur.

Talatal Ghar and Joysagar tank is situated near Rangghar. Talatal Ghar, the second residence of the Ahom Swargadeos from the rule of Rudrasingha was originally a seven storied building. Three underground and four over ground. Now only one floor is in a good condition. The lower floors has now no way for entrance. Top three floors were destroyed. But still the poorly preserved and researched place worth visiting; visitors may imagine the old glory of this gigantic sized structure. It is strongly believed, having historical proof that the bottom most ground of Talatal Ghar has two underground tunnels to the nearby Dikhow river and another to the old capital city of Gharhgaon at a 10 km distance. Suspicion and measurements to prove this fact as unreal is more than that of real inquiry and neutral researches.

Golaghar or Kharghar is situated to the south - west direction of Talatal Ghar within Rongpur campus; where arms and ammunition were stored. The building was constructed by Swargadeo Rudrasingha in the year 1704. The holes on the building walls were used to place medium sized canons against any possible attack.

Joysagar is situated outside of old Rongpur city area. Joysagar tank is one among the largest man made water bodies in the world. The tank, summoned by King Rudrasingha needed only 45 days to be completed. It was dedicated to his mother at Jerenga Pothar, where his mother Kunwori Joymoti attained martyrdom for the sake of country. As the dead body of Joymoti was not found he established a gold image of her at her possible death place to the north of the tank, to construct a stone and brick Maidam; looks more like a Dol but with a flat top. Princes Joymoti's symbolic Maidam is also known as Fakuwa Dol as the Assamese festival of color was observed there. The Rangnath Sivadol is adjacent to this Maidam. The north - eastern bank of Joysagar has five Dols : Keshabrai Vishnu Dol, Vaidyanath Siva Dol, Sri Surjya Mandir, Sri Ganesh Mandir and Devidol, Keshabrai. Vishnu Dol is also known as Joydol due to its charm, generally make visitors memorize the real cause of the construction of the grand campus. The Dol also has an image of King Rudrasingha riding on horseback.

The entire Joysagar site was constructed by king Rudrasingha (1696 -1714) having Ghanashyam Khanikar as the main architect. Ghanashyam Khanikoror Ghor (The House of Architect Ghanashyam) is still under a situation to be explored. The person from the western portion of Assam (Koch Rajbongshi Territory of Assam Proper, now under North Bengal) had designed some of the Ahom architectural masterpieces over old geometry of wooden buildings. Sadly he had to be executed due to the fact that he tried to draw, stole and carry Ahom engineering and architectural secrets of the metropolis.Constructed during the reign of Rajeswar Singha (1751 - 1769); his Ghor, a monument dedicated to him is the place where visitors can witness the best terracotta art of the indigenous artist at the south - west corner of Joysagar tank.

Between the Old Rongpur and the modern city of Sivasagar visitors can see a famous suspension bridge of Assam, known as Dikhowr Kopi Loga Dollong; popular throughout the state, constructed in the year 1935. It was the second bridge of Braithwaite Co. (India) Ltd, Calcutta; the maker of Howrah Bridge. The bridge is now restricted for vehicles. Sadly it was a bridge which gave passes for the ships of river Dikhou to the mighty river Luit; having no function now.

Uttaran Jadughar (The Uttaran Museum) at Borduar of Joysagar is a must to experience attraction while visiting Sivasagar. An initiative of Durlabh Borah. Check it if you want to feel your Sivasagar trip to be really completed. It is a example that individuals can do and maintain better than the government in some cases in Assam.

Kareng Ghar - The Royal Palace of the Ahom Swargadeos at old capital city Garhgaon site is the best place to experience Ahom engineering and architecture. It is a seven storied grand structure, regarded as the finest medieval architecture and tourist hotspot in North East India.

FACTS

• Sivasagar Tank, Sivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol was constructed by the second Chief Queen of King Sivasingha; Ambika from 1733 AD to 1734 AD.
• Having beautiful designs Rangghar, Kareng Ghar and Talatal Ghar had wooden doors and windows, which were later used at the office of Assam Tea Company at Nazira.

Gaurisagar is also a very popular tourist site of Sivasagar for international tourists, having four Dols on a giant tank; constructed by Bor Raja Fuleswari - the first chief queen of Swargadeo Sivasingha. Among the Dols; Gorokhiya Dol became almost a ruin due to natural causes. The tank Gaurisagar is ranked just after Joysagar. Gaurisagar has a stone bridge too, namely Namdang Heelor Haknu over a small tributary river Namdang, giving the national highway a space for connectivity. Almost 300 years old, the bridge witnessed war tanks of WW II and 1950's deadly earthquake. Now experiencing havoc from climatic condition and neglect regarding proper preservative measures. The bridge has a special reputation for the researchers of ancient engineering.

Now if you are going to Charaideo Maidam Site, remember the fact that the first permanent capital of the Ahom dynasty is the most important tourist attraction of Sivasagar. The original name was Che - Rai - Doi in Tai Ahom language; meaning Che = Town, Rai = Bright, Doi = Hill; so - The Bright Town Atop Hill. But the official name was Che - Tam - Doi Che - Lung - Kham and generally called as Che - Doi - Kham, Doi - Che, Doi - Che - Lung or simply Doi. It remained capital city almost for 173 years from Chowlung Syuakapha to Chowpha Taokhamti. Almost all of the members of Royal Ahom Ruling Families were buried at Charaideo. However the heads of the last independent Chutiya king and Turbak Hussain Khan (Commander in Chief of Indian Sultanate's Bengal Region) was buried at Charaideo too according to the customary tribute system of the Ahoms. One being a neighboring king and other for his vigorous warfare; who lost his last battle against the might of Ahom women militia.

The maidams were mainly designed with a vault to preserve the bodies of deceased royal members and a wooden or brick mausoleum over where vast quantity of soil was laid spherically; having a temple like structure at the top. Most of the maidams are two storied with a few three storied maidams. Visitors can see hundreds of maidams with different sizes line by line at Charaideo within a area of around 6 km radius. The area was actually much larger but occupied by many arrogant occupiers and so why now the Grand Royal Burial Ground is remained limited within a small radius. Charaideo is regarded as the most sacred spiritual site not only by the real Ahoms but also all the ethnic people of the region who are grateful towards the greatness for this mighty Tai group on Brahmaputra valley; but still not preserved and maintained properly.

The looting of the maidams was started in 1662 AD. Charaideo - one of the most important tourist sites of Assam still need more care, supervision, preservation and development.

The district has two Dargahs of sufi saints; a place of prayer and worship for all. Ajan Peer Dargah at Charaguri Chapori and Harat Khokander Peer Dargah at Panbecha, just at a few km distance from the district headquarter.

Sri Sri Ramkhapith Devalaya is situated at Dikhowmukh. Ramkhapith was established by the Kachari and Chutiya kings 800 years before the arrival of the Ahoms according to the popular oral traditions. In 1240 Chowlung Syukapha organized his victory ceremony there. However the temple was built only in the year 1869 by King Lakshmi Singha.

Apart from the historical monuments, Sivasagar also provide good facility for nature enthusiasts; specially that of bird lovers due to the presence of Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary at just a distance of around 15 km from the city. Bakhor Bengena is another prime natuaral attraction within an typical rural environment of Sivasagar. All the attempts to reproduce Bakhor Bengena tree (Rendia Ulizinsa) have been failed. The 30 feet high 700 years old tree is located at Bakata - Patsaku area, a few km from the city. Ahom kings preserved this tree and according to the tradition Ancient Chinese Royal Campus also had such tree. According to some of the traditions the Bakhor Bengena tree was send as a gift from Chinese Court to Borahi Court and accordingly King Mahamanikya planted the tree, following Royal Mongolian Tradition of the period before Ahom Age had started.

Here if you finished your sightseeing - I think Disang Mukh, Dilihi Mukh (here the word mukh means confluence of two rivers) and Borxil (locally pronounced Borhil) are some of the picturesque spots where you should go for great relaxation and if interested to have a small picnic party. Do not forget that Disang Mukh host The Disang Mukh Festival at every winter to entertain tourists with rural accommodation, dance, music and local delicacies.

Other Attractions of the District
Names : Types : Current Status

• Dijokona Stone Bridge    : Engineering / Architecture    : Endangered
• Rohdoi Stone Bridge    : Engineering / Architecture    : Endangered
• Nafuk Stone Bridge   : Engineering / Architecture   : Endangered
• Chintamoni Garh or Kotarikhona Garh    : Engineering/Rampart    : Almost Extinct
• Rupohijan (Rampart's Man made Stream)    : Engineering    : Almost Extinct
• Moglow Pukhuri    : Pond/Monument    : Preserved
• Harmoti Garh    : Engineering/Rampart    : Endangered
• Thowra Dol    : Architecture/Monument    :  Preserved
• Bogidol and Pond    : Architecture/Monument    : Preserved
• Rudrasagar    : Tank/Monument    : Endangered
• Gojpuria Ali or Bor Ali (Road) and Eta Jan (Man Made Stream): Engineering : Almost Extinct
• Institute of Tai Studies and Research, Moran    : Educational and Research    : Active
• Joysagar College    : Educational Hub    : Active
• Maheswar Dol or Garakhiya Dol, Mai Dol and Pond : Architecture/Monument   : Endangered
• Khonakhukura Pukhuri and Silpukhuri (Ponds), Puroni Ali (Road), Nitai Pukhuri (Pond), Kopon Pukhuri (Pond), Bhoga Pukhuri (Pond)and Tangondhowa Pukhuri (Pond) located on the way from Garhgaon to Ramkhapith    : Historical Monuments    : Preserved

How to Reach

• The nearest airports are at Dibrugarh, Jorhat and Dimapur.
• Though the city has a train station, the major trains passes through Simaluguri Railway Junction.
• Almost all the major cities of north - east India has good road connectivity with Sivasagar.
• Adventurous visitors in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Combodia and South China may come to Sivasagar via Myanmar.

How to Explore Sivasagar
Apart from hired SUVs; Tuktuks are another best option to explore the city and other surrounding attractions. Most of the Tuktuk drivers are aware of Sivasagar's tourism. Some of them are even good in speaking English. Travelers may try to hire such one. Tuktuks are colorful and resemble their Thai counterparts. According to our latest information the Tuktuks are mostly replaced by Battery Rickshaw.


By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi in collaboration with Bhupati Raj Baruah.

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Best Bird Watching Sites in Nagaland

1. GHOSHU BIRD SANCTUARY

Located at the middle of Nagaland in Zunheboto district, Ghoshu Bird Sanctuary is located near Ghukiye village at a distance of around 8 km from the district headquarter Zunheboto town. The around 10 sq km sanctuary is the first community sanctuary of the region since 1996. A picturesque sanctuary; Langki river flows throw it.

• Nearest Cities: Zunheboto, Mokokchung.
• Nearest Airports at: Jorhat, Dimapaur.
• Nearest Railway Station: Mariani.

2. NTAGNKI NATIONAL PARK 

Ntangki National Park is the largest protected forest area in Nagaland measuring around 200 sq km. Having geographical biodiversity of hills, low hills and plain of river Dhansiri visitors can expect to see various species of birds along with many animals. White – winged Wood Ducks and Brown Hornbill are the major rare birds of this semi evergreen forest area. On other bank of river Dhansiri there lies Assam’s Dhansiri Reserve Forest.

• Nearest Cities: Dimapur, Kohima
• Nearest Airports at: Dimapur, Jorhat.
• Nearest Railway Stations: Dimapur, Bokajan.

3. SARAMATI
Touched by Myanmar border, Saramati is one among the finest example of subtropical broad leaf type of forest area in the district of Tuensang. The 3842 meter high Saramati Peak is considered as the highest peak of southern part of Great Himalayas. Need trekking and camping to watch the rare bird species of Blyth’s Tragopan, Rufous – necked Hornbill and Mrs. Hume’s Phesant.

• Nearest Cities: Tuensang, Mokokchung, Jorhat.
• Nearest Airports at: Jorhat, Dimapaur.
• Nearest Railway Station: Mariani.

4. KHONOMA
One among the largest village of the area, Khonoma declared their community forest as a Tragopan Sanctuary; officially came to be known as Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary in 1998 with an area of 87 sq km. Though the area have been reduced to 25 sq km birds get necessary protection from the people of the area and thus Khonoma become a secure nest for rare and endangered species of birds. A great place to watch Blyth’s Tragopan and Dark – rumped Swift at a easily accessible distance from Kohima.

• Nearest Cities: Kohima, Dimapur.
• Nearest Airports at: Dimapur, Jorhat.
• Nearest Railway Stations: Dimapur, Bokajan.

5. MOUNT ZEPHU
The 2605 high Mt. Zephu is also known as Ziphu and Zepuhu. Situated in Phek district on the catchment area of Chindwin River. A number of Rufous – necked Hornbill, Blyth’s Tragopan, Hume’s Phesant and Rufous – Throated Hill Patridge live within this beautiful combination of subtropical broadleaf and temperate broadleaf forests. The luckiest people may observe rare Wood Snipe. Need trekking and camping.

• Nearest Cities: Kohima, Dimapur.
• Nearest Airport at: Dimapur:
• Nearest Railway Stations: Dimapur, Bokajan.

6. SATOI
The trail from Satoi village near Zunheboto town to broad leaf forests is an excellent range for bird lovers and Ornithologists.

• Nearest Cities: Zunheboto, Mokokchung.
• Nearest Airport at: Jorhat.
• Nearest Railway Station: Mariani.

7. DZUKOU VALLEY
The beautiful valley of Dzukou Lilly (an endemic flower) worth trekking to explore its rich bird life along with breathtaking natural scenario. Though the urban structure of Kohima is situated near to it, travelers need a trekking period of almost 6 hours.

• Nearest Cities: Kohima, Dimapur.
• Nearest Airport at: Dimapur.
• Nearest railway stations: Dimapur, Bokajan.

8. FAKIM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The around 6.4 sq km tiny sanctuary, almost 30 km from village Pungao provide good facility to watch birds. It is situated on the slopes of Mt. Saramati.

• Nearest Cities: Zunheboto, Mokokchung.
• Nearest Airport at: Jorhat.
• Nearest Railway station: Mariani.

9. PULIE BADGE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Situated at the up skirt area of Kohima the sanctuary has an area of only 4 sq km. The area was declared protected mainly for rare Blyth’s Tragopan.

• Nearest Cities: Kohima, Dimapur.
• Nearest Airport at: Dimapur.
• Nearest Railway stations: Dimapur, Bokajan.

10. MOUNT PAONA 
Situated in the Barail Range of Peren District, Mt Paona is one of the most mountainous area of the state. The ighest peak is 2062 meter in highet. A famous site for Great Oriental Pied Hornbill, Brown Hornbill and Grey Sibia along with Blyth’s Tragopan.

• Nearest Cities: Kohima, Dimapur. 
• Nearest Airport at: Dimapur. 
• Nearest railway stations: Dimapur, Bokajan.

OTHER IMPORTANT BIRD WATCHING SITES

• Doyang Reservvoir : Wokha District.
• Shilloi Lake : Phek District.
• Phutsero-Chizami : Phek District.
• Mount Japhu : Kohima District.

COMMON BIRD SPECIES
Lesser Whistling Teal, Lesser Tree Duck, Black Eagle, Amur Falcon, Manipur Bush Quail, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Blyth’s Tragopan, Kaleej Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Mrs Hume’s Pheasant, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Great Hill Barbet, Jungle Crow, Yellow-Throated Laughing-Thrush, Stripped Laughing-Thrush, Streak Throated Barwing, White-Naped Yuhina, Baya Weaver, House Sparrow.

RARE AND ENDANGERED BIRD SPECIES
Great Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Great White-Bellied Heron, White Winged Wood Duck, Black-Shouldered Kite, Wood Snipe, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pale-Capped Pigeon, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Grass Owl, Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl, Khasi Hills Swift, Brown Hornbill, Rufous-Necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Giant Hornbill, Yellow-Rumped Honeyguide, Blue-Napped Pitta, Bank Myna, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Brown-Capped Laughing Thrush, Beautiful Sibia, Purple Cochoa, Green Cochoa, Beautiful Nuthatch.


By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi in collaboration Rituraj Burhagohain
Photography by Keshab Rabha

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