Located in the lower part of Assam, the district Bongaigaon was formed in the year 1989. Some areas of Goalpara and Kokrajhar were taken to form Bongaigaon. Though the formation of the district was in the recent past, it has a rich past that dates back to ancient period. The lineage of kings who ruled this part of Assam is traced back to pre-Vedic age. A tour to Bongaigaon will let you enjoy the abundance of nature, brilliance of ancient constructions and the reflection of rich cultural heritage of the bygone era in the historical buildings. Here are the top 7 places to visit in Bongaigaon that present the best views of the district’s past and the present.
1. Abhayapuri
If your eyes yearn for green and your mind craves for solitude, you may want to make Abhayapuri your first destination on your tour to Bongaigaon. Surrounded by hills and dense natural forests, Bongaigaon is the leading attraction in the district. The place has a rich past. The Lungai Pahar Shiva Temple located around 10 km from Abhayapuri attracts devotees in great numbers. The temple has stone carvings of God Shiva, God Ganesha and Goddess Kali. Yet another attraction near Abhayapuri is Lalmati-Duramari Ganesh Temple. It is amongst the most ancient temples in the state of Assam. The stone carvings suggest that the temple could belong to a period between 8th and 10th centuries AD.
2. Kakaijana Proposed Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 15 kms from Bongaigaon, Kakaijana Proposed Wildlife Sanctuary is declared as Reserve Forest in the year 1966 and was converted into wildlife sanctuary in the year 1999. Lying on the banks of River Aie, the sanctuary is home to various animals and birds. Some of the animals found here include leopard, golden langur, hornbill, python, mongoose and barking deer. Red vented bulbul, jungle leubbler and pied harrier are some of the birds seen here. The greenery in the sanctuary consists of a wide range of herbs and shrubs. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts tourists in great numbers. Kalikapat, a spring on the hill, which flows from the dense forests and reach paddy fields is yet another leading attraction.
3. Jogighopa And Pancharatna
Situated on the banks of River Brahmaputra, Jogighopa and Pancharatna are two famous historic sites in Bongaigaon, Assam. Pancharatna lies on the southern side while Jogighopa lies on the northern side of the banks of River Brahmaputra. These famous sites, which face each other, have several cubicles cut down from rocks. These small rooms are considered to belong to Medieval period and monks used these rooms to meditate. The site has various ancient temples and monuments made of huge rocks. Certain ruins found here are said to belong to post Gupta period. Archaeologists opine that the caves seen here rank amongst the most unusual types.
4. Rock Cut Caves
If you love to look into caves, which reflect the culture and style of the past, you are sure to reach for Rock Cut Caves on your visit to Bongaigaon. Located on Brahmaputra River banks, Rock Cut Caves are stunning specimens of rock cut architecture prevalent in the ancient times in Assam. Sculptural designs are not seen in the caves. The five caves on the riverbanks belong to Salasthambha period.
5. Tamranga Lake
True to the description of being ornithologist’s paradise, Tamranga Lake attracts a wide range of migratory birds throughout the year. This natural lake is formed by the combination of two lakes. The floodwaters of River Brahmaputra feed the lake. The lake is situated near Bishnupur.
6. Kachugaon Game Reserve
Covering an area of 214 sq.km, Kachugaon Game Reserve is home to some of the rare species such as golden langur and spotted deer. You could find elephants and gaur too. Kachugaon Game Reserve is under the protection of Assam’s forest department.
7. Bageswari Hill
Bageswari Hill is less than a kilometer from Bongaigaon town. The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva inside a cave attracts devotees from various parts of India. Bageswari Temple and Baba Taraknath Temple are seen on either side of the cave, which add to the religious value of the place. You could view the entire town and the tea garden from the natural watchtower found in the hill. Projects to promote the tourism value of the place are underway.
The travel experience in Bongaigaon is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. Though it is now well developed as an industrial center, it has not lost its natural charm. The lush greenery and the natural atmosphere are well preserved. Town Park in the center of the city is one amongst the proofs of the city’s intention to keep the place green and natural.
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