Sivasagar Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Sivasagar, also known as Sibsagar, is a city located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is located about 360 kilometers east of Guwahati, the state capital, and is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. The city was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom, a dynasty that ruled the region for six centuries, and has several monuments and sites of historical significance.

In this article, we will explore the places to visit, best time to visit, things to do, how to get around, where to eat, famous street stalls, and where to stay in Sivasagar.

Places to Visit in Sivasagar

• Sivasagar Tank: The Sivasagar Tank is a man-made lake located in the center of the city. It was built by the Ahom kings and is surrounded by several temples and historical sites.
• Rang Ghar: Rang Ghar is an amphitheater that was built during the Ahom Kingdom. It was used for various cultural and sporting events and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving amphitheaters in Asia.
• Talatal Ghar: Talatal Ghar is a palace that was built during the Ahom Kingdom. It is an underground structure that was used as a military base and has several secret tunnels and chambers.
• Joysagar Tank: Joysagar Tank is another man-made lake that was built during the Ahom Kingdom. It is surrounded by several temples and historical sites and is a popular picnic spot.
• Charaideo: Charaideo is a town located about 30 kilometers from Sivasagar. It was the first capital of the Ahom Kingdom and has several tombs and monuments that are of historical significance.

Best Time to Visit Sivasagar

The best time to visit Sivasagar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is cool. This is also the peak tourist season, so it is recommended to book accommodations in advance.

Things to Do in Sivasagar

• Explore the historical sites: Sivasagar has several historical sites that are worth exploring, including Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and Charaideo.
• Visit the temples: Sivasagar is known for its temples, including the Shiva Dol, Devi Dol, and Vishnu Dol. These temples are considered to be some of the oldest in Assam and are of great historical and cultural significance.
• Enjoy a picnic at Joysagar Tank: Joysagar Tank is a popular picnic spot and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
• Attend a cultural event: Sivasagar is known for its cultural events, including the Raas Leela festival and the Rangoli Bihu festival. These events are a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.

How to Get Around in Sivasagar

Sivasagar is a small town, and getting around is easy. The most popular modes of transportation in Sivasagar are:

• Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transportation in Sivasagar. They are affordable and readily available. However, you may need to negotiate the fare before boarding the vehicle.
• Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are a good option if you are traveling short distances. They are slower than auto-rickshaws, but they are also cheaper.
• Buses: Sivasagar has a limited bus service, but it is an inexpensive mode of transportation. However, buses can be crowded, and it may be challenging to find the right bus route.
• Private taxis: Private taxis are available in Sivasagar, but they are more expensive than auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws. However, they are a more comfortable mode of transportation.
• Walking: Sivasagar is a small town, and many of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a good option if you want to explore the town at your own pace.

Where to eat in Sivasagar

Sivasagar, located in Assam, offers a range of dining options. From traditional Assamese cuisine to North Indian and Chinese dishes, you can find it all here. Here are some of the popular restaurants and cafes to check out in Sivasagar:

• Boruah’s Restaurant: Boruah’s Restaurant is a popular eatery in Sivasagar known for its North Indian and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is located on MG Road and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.
• Hotel Piccadilly: Hotel Piccadilly is a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental food. It is located in the heart of Sivasagar and is known for its biryani and tandoori dishes.
• Hotel Brahmaputra: Hotel Brahmaputra is a popular dining spot in Sivasagar known for its traditional Assamese cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes here include khar, fish tenga, and pitha.
• Hotel Luit: Hotel Luit is a budget-friendly restaurant that serves delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is located on A.T. Road and is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
• Yash Palace: Yash Palace is a vegetarian restaurant that serves a range of North Indian and South Indian dishes. The restaurant is located on MG Road and is known for its thali meals.
• Guwahati Fast Food: Guwahati Fast Food is a popular street food stall that serves delicious snacks like samosas, kachoris, and jalebis. The stall is located on MG Road and is a must-visit for all street food lovers.
• Gopal’s Snacks: Gopal’s Snacks is a small eatery that serves a variety of vegetarian snacks like chaat, pav bhaji, and vada pav. It is located on A.T. Road and is a popular spot among locals.

These are some of the popular places to eat in Sivasagar. Make sure to try out the local Assamese cuisine and street food during your visit. Looking for more places in Bihar? Have a look on our guide to Gaya here.

Famous street stalls in Sivasagar

Sivasagar is known for its street food and local delicacies. Some of the famous street stalls in Sivasagar are:

• Bhel Puri Stall: Located near the Shiv Dham Temple, this stall serves mouth-watering bhel puri. It is a perfect snack to munch on while exploring the town.
• Chaat Stall: This stall is situated near the Shiva Dol Temple and serves delicious chaats, such as Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, and Dahi Bhalla.
• Lassi Stall: The Lassi stall in Sivasagar is a must-visit for all Lassi lovers. Located near the Sivasagar Tank, it offers a variety of Lassi, including Mango Lassi and Chocolate Lassi.
• Sivasagar Sweets: This sweet stall is famous for its traditional Assamese sweets like Til Pitha, Narikol Laru, and Pitha Guri. It is located near the Rang Ghar.
• Jalebi Stall: This stall is situated near the Shiv Dham Temple and serves freshly made, hot and crispy Jalebis. It is the perfect dessert after a spicy chaat or a bhel puri.
• Momos Stall: For all the momo lovers out there, Sivasagar has some amazing momo stalls. These stalls offer a variety of momos, including chicken, veg, and pork momos.
• Fish Fry Stall: The fish fry stalls in Sivasagar offer some of the best fish fry in the region. They serve a variety of fish, including Rohu, Catla, and Bhetki.

These street stalls in Sivasagar offer a great experience for food lovers, providing delicious local cuisine at reasonable prices.

Where to stay in Sivasagar

Luxury accommodation

There are a few luxury accommodation options available in Sivasagar. Some of the top-rated ones are:

• Hotel Piccolo – Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Piccolo is a luxurious property that offers world-class amenities to its guests. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
• Hotel Brahmaputra – Hotel Brahmaputra is a popular luxury hotel that is located near the famous Shivadol temple. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites that are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, a bar, and a garden where guests can relax and unwind.
• Hotel Shiva Palace – Hotel Shiva Palace is a luxurious hotel that is located in the heart of the city. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites that are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine, a fitness center, and a spa.
• Hotel Brahmaputra Jungle Resort – Hotel Brahmaputra Jungle Resort is a luxurious property that is located amidst lush green forests and tea gardens. The resort offers well-appointed rooms and cottages that are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine, a bar, and a swimming pool.
• Hotel Bihu Inn – Hotel Bihu Inn is a luxurious hotel that is located near the famous Sivadol temple. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites that are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, a bar, and a garden where guests can relax and unwind.

Budget accommodation

Sivasagar offers several budget-friendly accommodation options for travelers. Some of the best budget accommodation options in Sivasagar are:

• Hotel Piccolo: Hotel Piccolo is located in the heart of Sivasagar and offers budget-friendly accommodation to travelers. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, along with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, parking, and 24-hour front desk assistance.
• Hotel Brindavan: Hotel Brindavan is a budget hotel located in the center of Sivasagar. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking.
• Hotel Brahmaputra: Hotel Brahmaputra is a budget hotel located in the heart of Sivasagar. The hotel offers basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking, along with comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
• Hotel President: Hotel President is a budget hotel located in the center of Sivasagar. The hotel offers basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking, along with clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
• Hotel Shiva Palace: Hotel Shiva Palace is a budget hotel located in the center of Sivasagar. The hotel offers basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking, along with comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

All of these budget hotels offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options to travelers visiting Sivasagar. Looking for more places in Bihar? Have a look on our guide to Darbhanga here.

Travel Tips Sivasagar

Sivasagar, a historically rich town located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, is known for its grandeur and architectural marvels. Here are some travel tips for a hassle-free and enjoyable visit to Sivasagar:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sivasagar is from November to February when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature is between 10°C to 25°C.
• Language: Assamese is the main language spoken in Sivasagar. However, most people can also understand and speak Hindi and English.
• Getting there: Sivasagar is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Jorhat, which is about 60 km away from the town. You can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Sivasagar from the airport. The town is also well-connected by train, and there are frequent trains from Guwahati, Jorhat, and other major cities.
• Getting around: The best way to get around Sivasagar is by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the town at your own pace.
• Places to visit: Sivasagar is home to several historical monuments and landmarks, such as the Sivasagar Tank, Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Joysagar Tank, and the Kareng Ghar. You can also visit the nearby Ahom Kingdom capital of Charaideo.
• Food: Sivasagar is known for its Assamese cuisine, which is a blend of local and regional flavors. Must-try dishes include Assamese thali, khar, pitha, and fish curry. You can find several restaurants and street food stalls that serve local cuisine.
• Shopping: Sivasagar is famous for its handloom products, such as muga silk and cotton textiles, traditional Assamese jewelry, and bamboo crafts. You can find these items in the local markets and shops.
• Accommodation: Sivasagar offers several options for accommodation, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some popular options include Hotel Brahmaputra, Hotel Piccolo, and Hotel Shiva Palace.
• Safety: Sivasagar is a safe place to visit. However, it is advisable to take basic precautions and avoid going out alone at night.
• Etiquette: When visiting religious places and temples, it is essential to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the premises. It is also polite to ask for permission before taking pictures of people and their belongings.

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