Tezpur tourist places: Surprises galore!

Last Updated on January 9, 2022 by asoulwindow

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About Tezpur tourist places

Tezpur tourist places are some of the lesser-known destinations of Assam. Tezpur is a dusty chaotic small town. It is the fifth largest city of Assam and is often referred to as the cultural Capital of Assam. Tezpur is also historically important.

Ancient ruins which can be traced back to 4th century C.E. have been unearthed in Tezpur. Incidentally, Tezpur is also the oldest inhabited city of Assam. Not many are aware of this lesser-known fact about Tezpur tourist places

The lush green tea estates were our constant company as we wheeled away on the imperfect roads of Tezpur.

Here is the most comprehensive travel guide to Tezpur. I am sharing details of some lesser-known places in Tezpur which are no-where to be found in traditional guide books of yesterday. All the frequently asked questions on Tezpur in Assam are explained in this information packed travel guide.

Nomenclature of Tezpur

The literal meaning of Tezpur is town of blood. The reason behind why it was called so is because of a myth associated with one of its former rulers.

Where is Tezpur Located

Tezpur is located on the northern banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River of Assam near Guwahati in North East India. Tezpur is the headquarters of Sonitpur district.

Why is Tezpur famous?

Tezpur is world famous for its ancient ruins, long bridges and most importantly, the Mahabhairab Mandir of Tezpur which is devoted to Shiv Bhagwan. The sprawling tea estates of Tezpur also adds to its popularity. The culture and tradition of Assam is also centred around Tezpur and Guwahati.

History of Tezpur

Tezpur has a rich an interesting past. Here is all you wanted to know about the history of Tezpur. Much of the history of Tezpur is centered around the famous Tezpur temple. Did you know that at the peak of the second world war, Burmese people headed in large number in Tezpur?

The British colonial invaders had established the modern Tezpur in the year 1835 as the headquarter of Darrang district.

But the history of Tezpur is much older than this. Events from Mahabharat and other episodes from Hindu History are associated with Tezpur. Ruins from 4th century have also been excavated in Tezpur. This makes Tezpur a historical, though ignored, site in Assam.

Culture of Tezpur

Everywhere I visited in Assam, I was greeted with Gamsa, a local scarf. It is a white rectangular cloth with typical red borders. Some of my Assamese friends have as many as 200 Gamsas at home which were presented to them at various local Assamese functions. Gamsa is much like the Gamcha of Bihar which can also be wrapped around the head or waist, whether as style statement or for functional purpose.

It reminded me of the multipurpose Bhutanese scarf known as Khata which was put around my neck when welcomed by hosts. This Tibetan scarf was offered to me even during my trips in Tibet and Ladakh.

Places to see in Tezpur

There are many interesting ancient and modern places to see in Tezpur. It is known as cultural capital of Assam for a reason.

Below is the list of top places to visit in Tezpur.

Mahabhairab Mandir of Tezpur

Mahabhairab Mandir is the oldest Shiva Temple in this region. What I saw was a concrete Shiv Temple. However, it was not always like this!  As pigeons fly past my head, my local guide told me that this ancient temple was originally made up of stone.

Perched atop a grassy knoll in north Tezpur, Mahabhairab Mandir is of great historical and spiritual significance. Built originally by a prehistoric King Banasura, the son of Bahubali, it is now under the management of Government of Assam. Banasura finds a mention in Bhagwat Puran and the Hindu Epic Mahabharat. Mahabhairab Mandir is the top place to visit in Tezpur.

History of Mahabhairav temple Tezpur

Banasura, the Asura King has been credited with initiating the worship of Shivalinga in ancient Assam. Thus, the history of this temple dates back to the Puranas. In fact, the Shivalinga established inside the temple is one of the largest ones in the world. It is said that Banasura, the demon King had established this Shivlinga here.

The historians however say that the Mahabhairab Mandir of Tezpur was originally constructed by the ancient Kings who belonged to Salasthamba Dynasty. As per the archaeologists, the original temple as built between 8th and 10th century C.E. I glance over the tall ancient pillars that laid scattered, juxtaposed with the modern concrete buildings. This historic destination is a must see place in Tezpur.

In earlier times, when Ahoms ruled Assam, the Kings of Tungkhungia dynasty patronised the temple activities by appointing Paiks and priest’s aka pujaris. The Ahom rulers also donated vast stretches of land to the temple.

Who built Mahabhairav temple Tezpur?

The Mahabhairav temple was clearly destroyed and rebuilt many times by different Kings who ruled the land. However, a major earthquake in the year 1897 caused immense damage to the temple. Sri Swayambar Bharati, also known as Naga Baba, has been credited with building the present Mahabhairav Temple. The nearby Nat Mandir was constructed by Sri Mahadeo Bharati. These are some lesser-known facts about Tezpur.

Nandi ji

Unlike the sculpture of mostly monochromatic Nandi Bull seen in South India, the Nandi in this temple is an unusual colourful one. You can see blue green and red elements in the Nandi idol here. The Nandi Bull is surrounded by trees in a sprawling garden.

Architecture of Mahabhairav temple Tezpur

I silently walked barefoot in the premises of the temple, sometimes people watching and at other times admiring the idols of Ganesh ji and Hanuman ji, who serve as Dwarpals or the gatekeepers at the main entrance gates. I craned my neck to appreciate the ornate main gate. It is a work of art by Sri Joy Das, a local artist.

A Trishul and a Damru sits atop the Om sign on the main entrance even as 2 Cobra snakes flank its either side. This Tezpur temple is a must-see place.

Soul Window Facts

Did you know that a special type of ritualistic prasad is offered to Shiv Bhagwan in Mahabhairab Mandir of Tezpur? Yes, Bhang laddus are served to the God here. Bhang Laddu is made with cannabis, spices and milk. It is offered daily to the presiding deity Shiv ji.

Bhairabi Mandir

Devoted to the Hindu Goddess Bhairabi ji, the Bhairabi Temple is located on the outskirts of Tezpur near Bamuni Hills. Maa Bhairabi is one of the Mahavidyas of Maa Durga Devi, a prominent Hindu Goddess. It is also a Shakti Peeth of Assam. You can see Kolia Bhomora Setu and Brahmaputra River from here.

Also referred to as Maithan or Bhairabi Devalaya by the local Hindus, this 400 years old temple is worth a visit. You need to take a long staircase in order to arrive at the temple from the main road. It is a Siddha Peeth where Hindu devotees offer prayers in the hope of getting their wishes granted by Maa Bhairabi.

Needless to say, Durga Pooja is celebrated with great enthusiasm here every year. The nearby shops sell assorted sweets, ghee lamps, Pooja Samagri and fruits which are offered to Maa. It is located in Kolibari, in a very peaceful place surrounded by trees.

As per the ancient Hindu scriptures, this was the abode of Maa Durga. Bhairabi Temple is open on all days from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kamakshya Devalaya Temple

This is another top place to visit in Tezpur. Hindu devotees throng in large numbers to visit the Kamakshya Devalaya Temple on a daily basis.

Da Parbatia Temple

Protected by Archaeological Survey of India, you can see remains of the door-frame of an ancient Hindu temple here. The temple can be dated back to 600 C.E. Built in typical Gupta style of architecture, it transports the visitors to a bygone era. This offbeat place in Tezpur is not to be missed.

Haleswar Temple

Not many know about the offbeat Haleshwar temple which was built by a Malecha King ofKamrupa at Harupeswar. It is one of the oldest temples of Tezpur. Ahom King Rudra Singha is credited with the re-construction of original the temple in the year 1705 C.E.

Haleshwar temple is named after Hallowa or farmer because it was a farmer who had discovered a Shivlinga while he was ploughing the field.

Haleshwar temple is situated on the NH15. It is located at a distance of only 12 kilometres east of Tezpur. This well-maintained temple complex is a must visit place in Tejpur.

Nag Sankar Temple

This 4th century temple is a must visit in Tezpur. The Nag Sankar Temple was originally built by King Nagsankar. He belonged to the Lohitya Dynasty. It is interesting to note that in the year 1480 C.E., this temple was further renovated by Su-sen-pha who was an Ahom King.

As per other versions, King Nagmatta had commissioned the construction of the temple. There is fish and turtle in the pond located here.

Also read: Ruins of Martand Temple in Srinagar

Ganesh Ghat Temple

As per the locals, it is believed that if the flood water the tip of the idol of Ganesh ji, the presiding deity, then the entire Tezpur town will be submerged under water. Located on the banks of Brahmaputra River, you can also see a larger statue of Hanuman ji.

You can also visit the Ghats nearby. It is one of the best Tezpur tourist places. This hidden gem of Tezpur is a must-see place.

District Museum of Tezpur

Established in the year 1986, the District Museum of Tezpur is worth a visit. It is the best place which condenses the rich history of Assam through its ancient displays. Not only can you see ancient manuscripts, precious old inscriptions and traditional textiles of Assam, but you can also gawk at the rare stone sculptures, copper coins and silver coins.

There are many such secrets and mysteries of Tezpur which are waiting to be unearthed.  The more you visit Tezpur tourist places, the more you discover.

Tezpur University

If you have ample time, you must also visit the Tezpur University. Established in the year 1994, the Tezpur University offers employment-oriented courses. The university is spread across acres of land and is surrounded with greenery. Its main entrance is unique as well.

This is one of the most unusual places to see in Tezpur Assam.

Ketakeshwar Devalaya

Devoted to Bhagwan Shiva, this Hindu temple is known for its extraordinary Shivalinga which is also one of the biggest Shivalingas of the world! It is said that The Shivlinga got uprooted during a severe earthquake. Later it settled at the position that we see today. The Shiv Bhakts visit the temple regularly.

Garh Doul

Located 7 kilometres or 4.3 miles away from Tezpur, Garh Doul is a must visit place, especially for history lovers. This significant State Protected Monument of Assam is listed as an ASI monument. It is said that the demon King Banasura had built a fortress here to shelter his daughter Usha in her younger days.

We can easily see some of the ruins here. The Archaeological Survey Department of Assam is still excavating the site and discovering new features.

Two brick mounds, which can be dated back to 7th and 8th century C.E. covers an area of 250 metres x 250 metres.

The mounds are the foundation of the brick temple plinths. That is all which is left now. I wonder how it must have looked originally. Garh Doul is located in Tarajan, Kumargaon. This is one of the most offbeat Tezpur tourist places.

Chitralekha Udyan

What else is there to do in Tezpur? This Picnic Spot of Tezpur is very popular with the locals. Also known as Cole Park, the locals visit it during evening to unwind, do boating and take long leisurely walks. Various lakes and grassy knolls dot the landscape of this garden. Water sports such as rowing, boating and paddling are quite popular with the locals. These are some of the best things to do in Tezpur.

Let me now share some amazing facts about Chitralekha Udyan. While you are visiting the Chitralekha Udyan, do not forget to see the ancient ruins from the 9th and 10th century C.E. The two beautifully decorated stone pillars speak volumes of the past of Tezpur.

Such sightseeing places in Tezpur tourist places hide volumes of lesser-known history chapters behind them. This detailed travel guide touches all aspects of Tezpur.

Agnigarh: Top Place to see in Tezpur

It is one of the Top Tourist attractions of Tezpur. I visited Agnigarh during afternoon in winters. After parking the car in thickly shaded road, I climbed up the steps to arrive at this fortress. Perched on a hilltop, its history can be dated back to the times of Krishna Bhagwan.  

The literal meaning of Agnigarh is residence amidst fire or simply the fire fort. As I navigated the grassy knoll, I admired the sculptures made on the side of stairs. Curious, I wanted to find more!

It is believed by the Hindus that the fort was built in order to provide protected shelter to Usha, the daughter of King Bana from Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna Bhagwan. It was therefore known as Agnigarh as it was surrounded by fire on all sides. It also made me realise the meaning of my father’s name. His name is also Aniruddha (Singh).

I climbed on the machan like structure to enjoy the breath-taking views of a boat moving lyrically on the calm Brahmaputra River. It also offered views of the town of Tezpur and the famous Kolia Bhomora Setu in the distance.

Agnigarh is a top place to visit in Tezpur with family and kids. Agnigarh is mostly a picnic spot for local people of Tezpur. This Tezpur tourist place is worth a visit for tourists as well.

Soul Window Observations

Did you know about the ruins of Hindu temple at Malinthan in Arunachal Pradesh It is said that while Shri Krishna and Rukmini Maa were welcomed by Maa Parvati here when they were on their way to Dwarka in the now Gujarat of West India. They had also rested here.

Padma Park

There are many swings for children in the Padma Park. This is why it is a top picnic spot in Tezpur to visit with family and kids.

Padma Park is located within the precincts of Agnigarh. Padma Park was laid in 1924 by late Shri Rai Padmanath Gohain Borooah Bahadur. He was a renowned litterateur of Assam. It was remodelled in 1959 by Shri K.P. Agarwala, who was the then Chairman of Tezpur municipality.

Ouguri Hills: Tezpur tourist places

Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the lesser touristy Ouguri Hills is quite a popular destination with the locals. It is worth climbing up to the top of the Ouguri Hills for sweeping bird’s eye views of the Brahmaputra River and Tezpur City.

You can also see a statue of Kanaklata, a martyr during the Quit India Movement, when India was struggling for its freedom from the oppressing British colonisers. It is one of the major sightseeing attractions in Tezpur. You must visit this unexplored place to understand the history of Tezpur. Needless to say, this lesser-known place is situated away from the crowds.

Bamuni Hills: Must see place

Located near the famous Mahabhairab temple and Bhairabi Temple, Bamuni Hills is popular with the history buffs. The ancient ruins, which can be traced back to the 9th and 10th century C.E. have been excavated on Bamuni Hills. Much of these stone carvings are built in Gupta style of architecture.

One of the sculptures shows Bhagwan Vishnu in his 10 avatars. There are many such unheard-of stories associated with Tezpur.

Tezpur tourism does throw a lot of surprises to the discerning traveler. A visit to these Tezpur tourist places will change your perspective of the history of this region.

Tea Gardens of Tezpur

How can you visit Assam and not see tea gardens? I visit and stayed at the heritage property of Sapoi Tea Farms in Assam. I also visited the tea estates of Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary near Jorhat and Majuli. Tea garden are the major attractions of Tezpur Assam.

I was amazed to see so many different varieties of teas and the different ways in which those were prepared.

Soul Window Facts

Tezpur is home to the biggest tea garden of the world. There are as many as a whooping 73 tea gardens in Tezpur and that number is only increasing.

India is one of the major producers, exporter and consumer of tea in the world. In fact, after China, India is the second largest producer of tea in the world! It is no wonder that almost everyone in India drinks tea at least twice a day. Much of that tea comes from Assam.

I have fond memories of visiting tea gardens of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamilnadu, Darjeeling and Munnar in Kerala and Chikmagalur in Karnataka.

Kolia Bhomora Setu

Also known as Kaliabhomora bridge, I plied on it several time while traversing between Nagaon and Tezpur. This famous bridge connects Nagaon with Sonitpur district. This 9891 feet or 3015 metres long bridge is famous for being one of the longest bridges of India on the lines of Gandhi Setu in Patna, Bihar and Bogibeel Bridge in Assam.

Tired, I was sleeping when my cab crossed it late night. Only when I travelled again on Kolia Bhomora Setu, did I realise the magnitude of it. Constructed over the wide Brahmaputra River, this bridge is a tourist attraction of Tezpur in itself.

Did you know that it took a whooping 6 years to construct Kolia Bhomora Setu between 1981 and 1987? Christened after Kalia Bhomora Phukan, an Ahom General, it is an engineering marvel. No wonder, the American Concrete Institute awarded the Hindustan Construction Company in the year 1988 for successfully completing this project of mammoth proportions. This bridge is a top place to see in Tezpur.

Soul Window Observations

I looked at the bridge, imagining the herculean efforts it must have taken to build this bridge. But then I have seen better architectural gems in India!

Such as the rock cut Ellora Temple in Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the colossal Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu or Konark Temple near Puri in Odisha.

Padum Pukhuri

Kids love Padam Pukhuri for its toy train. Connected to the land via an iron bridge, Padum Pukhuri is another picnic spot popular with the locals. This picturesque lotus pond even has an island within it. What’s more? People can also enjoy musical fountain on the island. The adventurous ones however turn to water sports such as paddling, rowing etc.

Kanaklata Park, Rock Garden and Kanaklata Memorial Park are other picnic spots of Tezpur.

Tezpur Market: Heritage walk

The Tezpur Market is bustling, chaotic and dirty unlike the market of other bigger cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi or Jaipur. I had a free walking tour in the market where I noticed ruins of several 19th century buildings. Many of these heritage buildings have been assimilated in the modern Assamese lifestyle and are even occupied at present.

I recommend a heritage walk in the busting Tezpur market to understand its history better. Do not miss the old clock tower, which looks so different from other British time clock towers of India. Many Hindu temples are also located in the busy Tezpur Market. You can also do shopping here.

Do see the section on shopping in Tezpur. I had sugarcane juice in Tezpur Market even as the men sitting on wooden cargo trolley looked at me oddly. I must have stood out as a wide eyes tourist.

Poki: home of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla

Located in the heart of Tezpur market, Poki or the ancestral home of famous Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla is a must-visit place. Regarded as a doyen of the Assamese culture, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla is a prominent figure of Assam.

Poki was a prominent place in the annals of history as various famous people used to visit during the freedom movement of India. Some of the famous people who visited Poki are listed as below. The yea of their visit to Poki has also been mentioned below.

  • Indian politician Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1921, 1934)
  • Lala Lajpat Rai ji (1932-1933)
  • Madan Mohan Malviya ji (1932-1933)
  • Raja Gopalachari ji (1923)
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad ji (1923)
  • Acharya Narendra Dev ji (1923)
  • Aruna Asaf Ali (1942)
  • The King and Queen of Akaa (1880)
  • Jawaharlal Nehru (1938, 1942)
  • Motilal Nehru (1923)

Poki was also famous because it was one of the first pucca houses built in Tezpur. Poki was built in the year 1874 by Hari Bilas Agarwalla. He was the grandfather of Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla.

I could clearly see the blend of Ahom architectural style and the Rajasthani architectural style in the building.

Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla was a multi-faceted personality. The title Rupkonwar was conferred to him by the people of Assam. Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla was not only a prominent freedom fighter of India but also a litterateur, musician, poet, renowned film-maker, dramatist and celebrated artist.

In fact, during Indian freedom struggle, Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla even went to jail several times. He made Joymoti, his first Assamese film at Poki. It was also in Poki that Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla died on 17th January, 1951.

As the name suggests, the Agarwalla family had migrated all the way from the state of Rajasthan in North India. With time, the Agarwallas integrated with the Assamese way of life. Some of the most illustrious personalities such as Ananda Chandra, Paramananda, Chandra Kumar and Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla have their roots in Poki. These luminaries were the harbinger of Assamese cultural renaissance.

The 50’ x 20’ rectangular courtyard, which is located in the centre of the house had flat stones laid in the floor. The walls of Poki are 2½ feet thick.

As is common with old famous homes of India, the exterior and interior of Poki are painted in stark white, I noticed. A bust Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla with fresh garland greeted me as I entered Poki. The neat precincts of Poki stood as incongruous in the chaotic market outside.

I noticed portrait of Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla along with old ornate wooden beds, wall hangings, wooden almirah, wooden dressing table, side table, old framed pictures, vintage phonograph disc record, personal belongings, exhibits, clothes, old Xorai, wooden artefacts, old books, manuscripts, fading miniature paintings from Rajasthan, traditional musical instruments and even antique palanquins (palki) inside Poki.

Tezpur Museum Poki. Home of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla in Assam

What was once a home of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla is now an important museum in Tejpur.

Poki and its campus was handed over to the Government of Assam by the Agarwalla family in the year 1977. Since then, Poki has been preserved as a historically important monument. A cultural centre Jyoti Bharati was set up and housed in Poki in the year 1978. The State Public Works Department carried out the renovation work at Poki in the year 1982.

Later, in the year 2002, Sonitpur District Administration renovated Poki with the funds facilitated by MPLADS of Shri Moni Kumar Subba M.P.

Poki is located near the G.D. road in the noisy and chaotic Tezpur Market area.

Excursions: Places to see near Tezpur

There are so many tourist places in and around Tezpur such as Morigaon, Dhekiajuli, Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary.If you love going off the beaten track, then you should include below mentioned tourist destinations in your Assam itinerary. There are several unusual things to do in and around Tezpur, if you keep an open mind.

In fact, I had visited Guwahati, Kaziranga, Nagaon, Jonbeel Mela, Bordowa Satra, Majuli, Jorhat, Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Sivasagar, Manas National Park, Bodoland, Dibrugarh and other major tourist attractions of Assam easily in a 3-month long trip which included other states of North East India as well.

In this exhaustive blog, I have researched and mentioned about all the possible places to see and activities to do in and around Tezpur. My travel blog A Soul Window has often been acknowledged in popular media as the Top Travel Blog of India and No.1 travel blog of India.

I work hard to get these offbeat travel stories for you. The least you can do is share this blog with your friend and family.

You must visit the top places near Tezpur. These must-see nearby places are also an easy weekend destination from Guwahati, the capital of Assam.

Below are some of the best points of attractions and places of interest in and around Tezpur Assam.

Dhekiajuli

Located 35 kilometres away from Tezpur, Dhekiajuli is known for its sprawling tea estates.

Dhekiajuli is also famed for producing many Indian freedom fighters. This is why it is also known as Martyrs town or the Swaheed Nagari. The famous Gupteshwar Devalaya or Singori Mandir is located just 10 kms away from Dhekiajuli.

On a clear winter day, you can also see snow-capped Himalayan peaks here. Dhekiajuli is a major tourist attraction. You can easily club Dhekiajuli with your Tezpur tour.

Nameri National Park

Also called as ‘The Last House of White Winged Wood Duck’, it was a part of our 15 days long itinerary in across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, Nameri National Park is an offbeat wildlife destination, tucked away in the North East India.

Since it is Assam, so expect to see dozens of wild elephants in and outside of Nameri National Park. It is not uncommon to see a lone wild elephant walking alone (or in group) on the road as I once saw.

Wildlife enthusiasts have also spotted mammals such as Tigers, leopards, jungle cat, mouse deer, sambhar deer, Bengal Fox etc. Botanists also visit Nameri to study the rare Himalayan plants.

Nameri National Park is located just 35 kilometres away from Tezpur. It sprawls across an area of 200 square kilometres. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Assam.

Also read: My Wildlife Safari in Bandhavgarh

Orang National Park

Orang National Park is located just 64 kilometres and 1 hour 35 minutes away from Tezpur via NH15. Also known as Mini Kaziranga, Orang National Park is famous for its sizeable population of wild Bengal tigers and One Horned Rhinoceros.

Asiatic elephants, endangered pygmy hog and wild water buffalos are also found here. Sprawled across an area of 78 square kilometres, Orang National Park is located on the north bank of picturesque Brahmaputra River.

Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary

This small wildlife sanctuary is spread across only 44.06 square kilometres. You may end up spotting exotic birds such as swamp partridge, the rare Bengal Florican and woodcock on a wildlife safari here.

Since it is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, many migratory birds also visit Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary during winters. Some mammals found in Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary are wild elephants, wild boars, the endangered one horned Rhinoceros and even Tigers.

Despite the small size, you will be amazed at the variety of fauna and flora found here. Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 30 kilometres away from Tezpur.

Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Tezpur

I had satisfying lunches and dinner in Tezpur and elsewhere in Assam. I loved the traditional pitha. Pitha is a lightly sweet snack made during the Bihu festival of Assam. A hot plate of daal, rice with potato and Brinjal Pitika and bamboo chutney is also what I loved to eat in and around Tezpur tourist places.

Pitha of Assam

Non-Assamese food such as Chinese, Continental etc is also available easily in Tezpur. In fact, I was surprised to see some trendy restaurants in Tezpur. Tezpur looked like a village to me initially but it does have ‘its moments’.

I had sumptuous lunch at the restaurant called as Urban shack. Located in the heart of Tezpur, Urban Shack has trendy interiors and delicious food. They are mostly known for serving junk food and fast food.

Souvenirs Shopping Guide to Tezpur

I had bought lot of preserved food from Tezpur such as pitha, local mustard chutneys etc. These foods have a long shelf life. You can also buy Xorai, cane products, handicrafts, Jaapi cap, bamboo products, handmade toys, tea leaves, pickles, bell metal crafts, wooden artefacts, brass products, Phulam Gamusa (towel), masks of Majuli and traditional jewelleries of Assam.

ATM in Tezpur Assam

Tezpur Assam is a bustling little town, therefore there is no dearth of ATMs in Tezpur.

Backpacking Budget Travel Tips for Tezpur Assam

The cost of travel is really low in Tezpur Assam. Cheap public transport (rail, bus, shared cabs), low cost of food and easy availability of budget hotels make Tezpur a nice choice for solo backpackers on a shoestring budget.

Luxury travel Tips for Tezpur

Do not expect super luxurious facilities in Tezpur, Assam. It is a very small town. However, you can stay in some luxurious properties, especially those which are located in tea estates.

Solo Trip Tips for Tezpur

It is possible to explore Tezpur Assam as a solo traveller. Low cost of most amenities and good safe signals make Tezpur an apt destination for solo travellers like me.

Is it safe to visit Tezpur?

Yes, it is very safe to visit Tezpur for both male and female solo travelers. Most of the local people of Tezpur are harmless and keep to themselves.

Local Transport for sightseeing in Tezpur Assam

Tezpur despite being a dusty small town has decent local public transport. You can easily get autorickshaws which you can book for whole day or for visiting from one tourist attraction to other places of interest in Tezpur.

What to wear in Tezpur Assam?

I visited Tezpur and other places of Assam in winter months of December and January. It was slightly cold but still much warmer than other tourist attractions of North East India which I visited during my 3 months long trip here.

How many days to spend in Tezpur Assam?

Honestly, I had visited Tezpur as I was attending a wedding there. Otherwise, it would have never crossed my mind to visit Tezpur Assam.

What can I do in 2 days in Tezpur Assam? Despite being involved in wedding rituals I was able to see the best places of Tezpur within few hours. Most of the points of attractions in Tezpur can be visited in a single day.

What can I do in 1 day in Tezpur? Ideally 2 days are not required for sightseeing in Tezpur. If you still have more time in Tezpur then maybe you can divide the above-mentioned sightseeing places over two days.

Photography Tips for Tezpur

Tezpur is not visually stunning, except the parts around the Brahmaputra River. You can visit the shores of Brahmaputa during sun rise and sun sets for some ethereal shots. A surreal boat ride during sun set in this majestic river is even better.

The machan at Agnigarh also offers good photography opportunities. You can also do birdwatching around Brahmaputra River.

Languages spoken in Tezpur Assam

Assamese and Hindi are the most understood and spoken language in Tezpur Assam. Most people also speak and understand good English and Bengali.

Festivals of Tezpur

There are many festivals of Tezpur which are celebrated on a grand scale.

Mahashivratri at Mahabhairav temple

Much like any other Shiv Temple, Mahashivratri is celebrated with much fanfare here. People from different parts of Assam and other states congregate at this temple to celebrate this annual festival of Mahashivratri.

The Mahabhairabtemple is located near the Chowk Bazaar on MC road. It is very easy to reach the Tezpur temple. It is also a free thing to do in Tezpur.

Bihu Festival

Bihu is the most popular festival in all of Assam. I had visited all the top places of Assam during the Bihu festival. It turned out to be a nice time to be in Tezpur and Assam. I was lucky to see the local Bihu dance in several places such as Manas National Park, Kaziranga and even personal weddings of other people. Bihu is actually the best time to visit Tezpur and other places in Assam.

Bihu dance

Toilet facility in Tezpur Assam

Clean toilets are available around most touristy places of Tezpur. Some toilets in Tezpur maybe dirty. You can also find spic and span toilets in restaurants of Tezpur.

Best time to Visit Tezpur

The plains of Assam are slightly warmer than the hilly areas of neighbouring states such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim and Mizoram etc. Tezpur Weather and Temperature varies as per season.

Winter: The winter months of October to April is the best time to visit Tezpur. I visited Tezpur in the months of December and January. It was warm in the day and slightly cold in the night. I wore just a light T shirt in day. Expect temperature in Tezpur in winters hovering between 12°C to 28°C.

Summer: The summer in Tezpur is not extreme like New Delhi or Rajasthan. Expect temperatures between 24°C to 35°C in Tezpur during summers.

Monsoon: It rains in the months of June, July, August and September in Tezpur. The rains in North East India are torrential and unpredictable. The temperature in monsoon hover between 24°C to 35°C. It is best to avoid visiting Tezpur in monsoon.

Places to stay in Tezpur

Tezpur is a small dusty town. I stayed at a very tacky hotel which had a broken toilet seat and a room so small and suffocating that I can easily call it one of my worst stays. There was hardly any ventilation or space in the room.

Tourism is not developed at all in Tezpur. Having said that you can still find some neat mid-range hotels online.

We stayed in a sprawling tea estate known as the Sapoi Tea Farms. Distance between Tezpur and Sapoi Tea Farms is 46 kilometres. It takes around 1 hour via NH15. You will love your stay at this heritage property which was once a colonial bungalow.

How to reach Tezpur

It is a commonly asked question about Tezpur. It is very easy to arrive at Tezpur. If you follow my North East India itinerary, then you can also visit the charming Buddhist towns of Dirang, Bomdila and Tawang via Bhalukpong which lies in the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Pit stop at the Sela Pass which is located at high altitude is also a must!

Reach Tezpur by Rail: Tezpur has its own railway station which is connected with many major and small cities of India.

Reach Tezpur by Bus: You can catch a bus to Tezpur from the Guwahati railway Station at Paltan bazaar. The bus takes around 6 hours. You can also get buses to other nearby places from Tezpur.

Reach Tezpur by Cab: On both the occasions I reached Tezpur via a road trip. I had a personal car on both the trips. The roads of Tezpur are suffocating due to traffic, noise and dust. However, it is a pleasurable ride as soon as you leave the chaos of the main city.

Reach Tezpur by Air: The small town that it is, I was not expecting an airport in Tezpur but surprisingly Tezpur has a domestic airport known as Salonibari Airport. The more famous Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati, the capital of Assam is another option. From Guwahati, you can drive down or take a bus and train.

Distances from Tezpur

Tezpur can be easily visited as a weekend getaway from Guwahati. http://asoulwindow.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=16613&action=edit

There are many places to see near Tezpur. This distance chart will help you plan your Tezpur trip in a better way. You may club the below mentioned places in your North East India trip itinerary.

Distance between Kaziranga National Park to Tezpur is 50 kilometres and it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes via NH715.

Distance between Nagaon to Tezpur is 58 kilometres and it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes via NH715 and SH3.

Distance between Guwahati to Tezpur is 180 kilometres and it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes via NH27

Distance between Manas National Park to Tezpur is 239 kilometres and it takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes via NH27 and NH15.

Distance between Bongaigaon to Tezpur is 286 kilometres and it takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes via NH27 and NH15.

Distance between Dibrugarh to Tezpur is 309 kilometres and it takes around 7 hours and 10 minutes via NH2 and NH715.

Distance between Kokrajhar to Tezpur is 328 kilometres and it takes around 6 hours and 36 minutes via NH27 and NH15.

Distance between Nameri National Park to Tezpur is 36 kilometres and it takes around 50 minutes via NH15 and Balipara Bhalukpong road.

Distance between Bhalukpong to Tezpur is 58 kilometres and it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes via NH15 and Chariduar Tawang Road.

Conclusion: Is Tezpur worth a visit?

Why visit Tezpur Assam? Tezpur is not a very popular tourist destination. However, it is still an offbeat place in Assam which is worth for 1-2 days of stay. Personally, for me the Mahabhairav temple and Agnigarh were the best places to see in Tezpur. The famous Kaliabhomora Bridge is another tourist attraction of Tezpur which you can’t unsee.

If you are travelling around Assam on a cab, chances are that you will pass through Tezpur. So why not stay here for a day and see all major points of attraction which can be covered in a span of few hours!

The view from my Soul Window is small townish!

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