History

Sibsagar was known as the former capital of the Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more than 600 years till the advent of British. One of the oldest towns in Assam, Sibsagar - "The Ocean of Shiva"- lies 60-km east of Jorhat and 369-km from Guwahati and is an important centre for the tea and oil trades. It`s cluster of monuments from six centuries of Ahom rule are still of significance to modern Assamese culture.

A huge artificial tank, constructed by Queen Madambika in 1734, lies at the heart of the complex. Rising from its southern shore, the massive plain 32-metre-high Shivadol is the tallest Shiva temple in India, flanked by smaller temples dedicated to Durga and Vishnu. Pilgrims come from all over the state visit this temple during the Shivaratri festival. On the western shore of the lake next to a park, the Tai Ahom Museum contains a few ill-labeled artefacts.

Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing town and is the headquarters of the district of the same of name. The Eastern Regional Headquarters of the Oil and natural Gas commission is located at Nazira only a few kilometres away from the town.

Surface

From the ASTC bus stand, 300m east at the junction of Hospital road and AT road, one can find regular bus services to Jorhat, Kaziranga, Guwahati, Tezpur and Tinsukia. The private bus stand is situated across the road. Three daily buses serve Charaideo from the Saheli stand, by the same junction. For Gaurisagar, tempos can be picked up at the central market. Other local destinations are best reached by auto-rickshaw.

Train

Simaluguri, the nearest railhead, 20-km east, is served by frequent buses from the junction 200m north, all passing through Gargaon.