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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