Sibsagar

The legendary Ahom dynasty, which controlled Assam for some six centuries, made Sibsagar its capital. It is one of Assam's oldest towns. The most obvious legacy of this once flourishing dynasty is its huge artificial reservoir, known as the Sibsagar Tank. The town also has a sprinkling of Hindu temples.

How to Get There
Buses from various centers—including Jorhat and Guwahati—stop at Sibsagar, dropping passengers at the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) bus stand (on the corner of Assam Trunk and Hospital Roads).

How to Get Around
There are autorickshaws and taxis available in Sibsagar as well as local buses.

Attractions
Construction of the 18th-century Sibsagar Tank was ordered by Ambika, a queen belonging to the Ahom dynasty. Overlooking this reservoir is Assam's tallest Shiva temple, the 108-foot-tall (33-meter) Shiva Dol Temple.

To view a collection of interesting artifacts harking back to the Ahom dynasty, visit the Ahom Museum.

Kareng Ghar, the palace ruins of the former Ahom rulers, lies around 2.5 miles (four kilometers) from the town center. Its underground section is called Talatal Ghar. Nearby is a former elephant and buffalo-fighting pavilion, the Rang Ghar, built in 1746.

Places to Stay and Eat
The handful of places to stay in Sibsagar are also the best places to eat.

A good possibility is the Sibsagar Tourist Lodge, with economical rooms that are spacious, neat, and equipped with functioning hot showers (a luxury in remote areas). Near Sibsagar Tank.

The Kareng Hotel's rooms are not bad considering the low rates; they're plain but acceptably clean. Meals are available at the on-site restaurant. Temple Road.

For More Information
Assam Tourism next to the Ahom Museum.