Tezpur - the city of eternal romance

The city of eternal romance - Usha's love for Lord Krishna's grandson Anirudha caught her father Baana's disapproving notice and so he kept Usha in isolation. The place is now known as Agnigarh. Anirudha with the help of Chitralekha managed to make Usha his own though not without Aniruddha being held captive by Baana. This resulted in a bloody War between L.ord Krishna and Baana and the bloodshed was unprecedented. Romantic Tezpur indeed got its name! The Tezpur town abounds in archaeological sites, hills, lakes and gardens. Da-Parbatia: The doorframe of Da-Parbaitia is the oldest specimen of sculptural art in Assam and its carving is characteristic of the style of Gupta school of art. It dates back to 600 AD. The figurines of goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on the Jambs of the door frame are enchanting Bamuni Hills: The sculptural remains of Bamuni hills date back to 9th Century A.D. A cross- shaped bracket lintel ornamented with horned Kirtimukha panels contains the figures of 10 incarnations of Vishnu. The Bhomoraguri stone inscription of the Ahom general Kalia Bhomara Barphukan and Harjjar Varman's 9 line inscription are located near Tezpur. Chitralekha park: The picturesque stone inscription of yore is endowed with hillocks, gardens and lakes. The Chitralekha Udyan, the most beautiful garden of Tezpur has impressive ornamental stone pillars, sculptural relics, water sports facility, lush green walkways and a small amphitheatre too. Here, the ancient and the modern co-exist in harmony. Agnigarh hill is the site of the legendary romance of Princess Usha , the daughter of King Bana and Aniruddha , the grandson of Krishna. King Bana kept Usha on this hillock surrounded by fire. A landscape garden with exquisite sculptures, soft illumination and a cascanding waterfall welcome thousands of tourists to this memorial of eternal romance. The hill top provides a spectacular view of the Brahmaputra and the Kalia Bhomora bridge. The Ouguri Hill houses giant monoliths which are any rock climber's delight. The hill top provides a panoramic view of Tezpur on one side and the Brahmaputra on the other side The Padum Pukhuri, literally meaning lotus pond, has a lovely central island. A musical fountain and a toy train are other attraction in the Padum Pukhuri Park. The Mahabhairab Temple believed to have been built by King Bana, has one of the biggest and oldest Shivalingas of the world. It attracts thousands of devotees especially during Shiv Ratri festival. Other historic temples in the vicinity of Tezpur include Holleshwar, , Bhairavi and Rudrapada temple. Sonitpur district has 73 tea gardens including world's biggest tea garden, Monabari . A visit to a tea garden provides insight not only into tea making and the unique culture associated with it but also gives the flavour of bygone era of the Raj. Getting here Tezpur is well connected by air,road and rail AIR LINKS Direct Alliance Air flights to Tezpur from Kolkata are available on Thursdays and Sundays. Where to Stay: Prashaanti Tourist Lodge Jenkins Road, Tezpur, Ph : 03712-2210 6 Centre Point Main Road, Opp.police station Ph.: 03712-232359/232295 & 9854000108, Fax:0374-223210 Kanyapur N.T.Road, Ph.03712-220261/222311 KRC J.N.Road Ph.03712-222688/788/9706521793 Fax: 03712-223188 Luit Ranu Singh Road Ph. 03712-222083/224708 Madhuban Near Kamrupia Namghar, Ph.03712-221180/233467