Tezpur Travel Guide (Lower Assam/Assam/North-Eastern India/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Tezpur

Tezpur, located in Lower Assam, is a mesmerizing city that gives travelers an authentic Assamese experience. Tezpur, also known as the cultural capital of Assam, is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas and the lush green forests of Arunachal Pradesh. This city is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts. Here is your complete travel guide to Tezpur, Assam, to help you plan a memorable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Tezpur

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Agnigarh Hill: This historic site is believed to have been the palace of King Banasura in Hindu mythology, surrounded by eternal flames.
Bamuni Hills: This archaeological site is known for its ancient ruins and stone carvings dating back to the 9th-10th centuries.
Cole Park: A peaceful park situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Cole Park has a variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds.
Mahabhairav Temple: One of the oldest and most famous temples in Tezpur, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Padum Pukhuri: Also known as the Lotus Pond, Padum Pukhuri is an artificial pond that attracts visitors with its serene and peaceful surroundings.
The Hazara Pukhuri: This pond is associated with the Ahom king who built it in the 18th century, with a beautiful park surrounding it.

Natural Attractions of Tezpur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Bhalukpung: Just a few kilometers from Tezpur, Bhalukpung is a popular destination for adventure seekers, with activities like river rafting, trekking, and bird watching.
Nameri National Park: This scenic national park is home to a wide range of bird species, with the Nameri River offering river rafting opportunities as well.
The Brahmaputra River: The mighty Brahmaputra River runs through Tezpur and offers visitors the possibility of river cruises and boat rides. The river islands of Umananda and Majuli are also nearby.
Kalia Bhomora Bridge: An engineering marvel and a popular landmark for tourists, the Kalia Bhomora Bridge is one of the longest bridges in India.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tezpur

Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary: Trekking through the Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Bhoomeshwar Hill: A popular hiking and trekking destination near Tezpur, the Bhoomeshwar Hill offers breath-taking views of the surrounding ranges.

Best Things to Do in Tezpur: Activities and Tours

River Rafting: The turbulent Brahmaputra River attracts rafters from all over the world for a thrilling and challenging experience.
Boat Rides: The Brahmaputra river provides boat rides for visitors to enjoy their time while admiring the beauty of the city.
Tezpur Mahotsav: Held annually in January or February, the Tezpur Mahotsav is a festival of culture, music, dance, and food, showcasing Tezpur’s rich cultural heritage.
Golfing: Tezpur boasts a spectacular 18-hole golf course for golf enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tezpur

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Hazara Pukhuri and Mahabhairav Temple
Day 2	Trek to Bhoomeshwar Hill
Day 3	Take the river rafting ride at Bhalukpong
Day 4	Visit the Bamuni Hills and Cole Park
Day 5	Take a leisurely boat ride on the Brahmaputra River
Day 6	Golfing at the golf course
Day 7	Visit the Padum Pukhuri and Agnigarh Hill

Food and Drink Scene of Tezpur

Must-Try Dishes

Soil Chicken: A traditional delicacy of Assam, Soil Chicken is cooked in earthen pots with special spices and herbs that give it a unique taste.
Pitha: A popular dessert in Assam, Pitha is made from rice flour and can be stuffed with anything from coconut to sesame seeds.
Assamese Thali: A platter made up of a variety of dishes such as fish curry, chicken curry, vegetables, dal, and rice, served with bamboo shoots and pickles.

Local Beverages

Assam Tea: One of the finest teas in the world, Assam tea is renowned for its strong flavor and aroma.
Apong: A locally brewed alcoholic beverage made from rice and fermented for several days.

Where to Stay in Tezpur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel KRC Palace: A luxurious stay with elegant ambience and state-of-art amenities will enchant your stay in Tezpur, with a prime location near Hazara Pukhuri and Agnigarh Hill.
Hotel Pine Yard: A budget-friendly hotel offering clean rooms and a decent stay experience in the heart of Tezpur.
Tourist Lodge: A government-operated guesthouse offering comfortable accommodation and a great view of the Brahmaputra River.

What to Buy in Tezpur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tea: Assam tea is famous worldwide, and Tezpur has numerous tea gardens that offer some of the finest teas.
Handicrafts: Assamese handicrafts, such as silk and cotton sarees, bell-metal crafts, and pottery, are popular souvenirs to buy in Tezpur.
Bamboo Products: Tezpur is home to many artisans who create beautiful items from bamboo, such as baskets, decorative items, and furniture.

Local Culture and Customs of Tezpur

Tezpur is a culturally rich city that prides itself on its vibrant festivities and traditions. The Bihu Festival is a major festival celebrated with much enthusiasm in Tezpur, also known as Magh Bihu. The festival is celebrated in January and is a great opportunity to witness traditional music, dance performances, and local food. The people of Tezpur are warm and hospitable, and visitors are expected to show respect towards their customs and beliefs.

Best Time to Visit Tezpur

The best time to visit Tezpur is during the winter months (October to February) when the climate is cool and pleasant. This time is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tezpur

Do:

Dress modestly as Tezpur is a culturally sensitive city.
Respect the cultural norms and customs of the people.
Carry sufficient cash as most places do not accept cards.

Don’t:

Do not litter the public spaces and show respect to the environment.
Do not indulge in any activity that goes against the local laws.
Do not click pictures of strangers without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tezpur

Tezpur is a safe city for tourists, and the locals are known to be welcoming and cordial to the visitors. However, visitors should be cautious while traveling and keep their belongings safe.

Health in Tezpur

Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to prevent diseases such as dengue and malaria. It is advisable to carry necessary medication and first aid kit while traveling to Tezpur.

Getting to Tezpur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tezpur

The nearest airport to Tezpur is the Salonibari Airport, which is located around 10 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Tezpur

Tezpur has a bus station with a lot of buses plying to the nearby destinations.

Other Options

Taxis are available for hire in Tezpur, which is a convenient mode of transportation.
Auto-rickshaws are also a a cost-effective option to explore the city.

How to Get Around in Tezpur

Tezpur is a compact city, and most of the popular tourist destinations can be reached on foot. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also popular modes of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Tezpur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nameri National Park: Just an hour’s drive from Tezpur, Nameri National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kaziranga National Park: Located about four hours from Tezpur, the Kaziranga National Park is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife species.
Uma Nanda Temple: Situated on an island in the Brahmaputra, the Uma Nanda Temple is a unique destination featuring ancient architecture and serene surroundings.

Conclusion

Tezpur, often called the cultural capital of Assam, is a city that is steeped in history and boasts a rich culture. The city is a perfect blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure activities, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all types. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Tezpur and experience the best that this city has to offer.