Tezpur: The cultural capital of Assam

Traditional Assamese- Tezpur

Located on the banks of river Brahmaputra, Tezpur is known as the cultural capital of Assam state of India. The city is also the cleanest city of Assam.

It is a perfect example of emerging civilization amidst nature. The city attracts the tourists from across the world with its green charm. Let’s dive into the historic and cultural essence of this town.

History of Tezpur

Tezpur literally translates to the city of blood. Legends say that this place encountered the epic battle between Lord Krishna’s army and Banasura to rescue the grandson of Lord Krishna- Aniruddha. Banasura was the eldest son of Bali and Lord Shiva’s devotee. The temples and sculptures of Tezpur convey this story.

The modern-day Tezpur was colonized by British with their headquarters at Darrang district. Tezpur also homed a large number of refugees from Burma during the World War II.

Culture in Tezpur

Preserving the core Assamese culture, Tezpur is called as the cultural capital of the state. One can observe a slow-paced life here with people giving more importance to celebrations and socializing rather than growing economically.

Some of the important celebrations of the town are-

  • Bihu
  • Dehing Patkai Festival
  • Ali Ai Ligang
  • Kamrup Bhatheli
  • Biswakarma Puja
Assamese people
Courtesy: www.hindustantimes.com

The above listed are some of the important regional festivals celebrations in Tezpur. The city celebrates the festivals like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Navaratri, etc. with equal enthusiasm, however, the names and mode of celebrating these festivals differ a bit.

Take a round tour to the city of Tezpur here.

Tourist places in Tezpur

Tezpur homes temples and fortress from the prehistoric time. You can find these places preserving the authenticity, with little or no intervention in terms of development.

  • Agnigarh
  • Bhairabi Mandir
  • Hanuman Mandir
  • Padum Pukhuri
  • Cole Park
  • Mahabhairab Temple
  • Bamuni Pahar
agnigarh tezpur assam
Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org

For those seeking a break from routine, time for oneself, Tezpur is their place. If you are planning to visit this wonderful city, you can also book an intercity cab in Tezpur and explore Tezpur and nearby places.

Folks, check out these interesting topics too-

How to reach Tezpur

Tezpur: One-day trip planner

Tezpur: A picture tour

Cities to visit near Tezpur

Tezpur: A food tour

Sites to visit on one day Kollam trip

One day in Kollam

Kollam is a beautiful green city on the Malabar coast of India. If you have limited time, you can cover these places in a day on your Kollam tour.

Cheena Kottaram

Cheena Kottaram
Courtesy: tinypic.com

Cheena Kottaram is also known as China Palace. It was built in the year 1904 for the Travancore king- Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma. The present day, Cheena Kottaram is a rest house.

Address: Salem – Kochi Highway, Chinnakada, Kollam, Kerala 691001, India

Time to spend: 45 minutes

Next destination: Thevally Palace, 15 minutes drive

Thevally Palace

Thevally Palace
Courtesy: latha468.wordpress.com

It is an important historical monument and a heritage palace.

Address: Elampalloor Road, Palace Nagar Thevally, Kerala 691009, India

Visiting time: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Sunday closed

Time to spend: 1 hour

Next destination: Asramam Adventure Park, 10 minutes drive

Asramam Adventure Park

Asramam Adventure Park
Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org

It is an urban park amidst the active city, maintained by Kollam Municipal Corporation.

Address: Behind Guest House Road, Asramam, Kollam, Kerala 691001, India

Visiting time: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Contact: +91 88938 89955

Time to spend: 1 hour

Next destination: Mahatma Gandhi Park and Kollam Beach, 15 minutes drive

Mahatma Gandhi Park and Kollam Beach

Kollam Beach
Courtesy: discoverkollam.com

Mahatma Gandhi is located near the Kollam beach. Only a few people know that Kollam beach is also known as Mahatma Gandhi beach.

Address: Pallithottam, Thamarakulam, Kollam, Kerala 691006, India

Time to spend: 1.5 hours

Next destination: Thangassery Light House, 10 minutes drive

Thangassery Light House

Thangassery Light House
Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org

It is a 135 feet tall lighthouse built in 1902 and commissioned by the British East India Company.

Address: Thangassery Road, Valiazhikom, Thangasherry East, Thangassery, Kollam, Kerala 691007, India

Time to spend: 45 minutes

Next destination: Thirumullavaram Beach, 15 minutes drive

Thirumullavaram Beach

Thirumullavaram Beach
Courtesy: wallpapers.ae

It is one of the popular and serene beaches of Kollam.

Address: Thirumullavaram, Kollam, Kerala 691012

Time to spend: 1 hour

You can also hire a cab on day rental in Kollam and enjoy hassle-free sightseeing.

Planning the route

One day in Kollam
Courtesy: Google Maps

Useful links-

Places to visit near Kollam

How to reach Kollam

Kollam: Food tour

Kollam: History and cultural tour

Kochi: Street food guide

Puttu

You will be amazed to know that Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices.” Since 3000 BC, Kerala has been trading spices with European and Sumerian nations. The traditional cuisine of Kerala includes a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

In the local cuisine, the influence of Dutch and Portuguese food habits can also be seen because of their long-term reign in the region. Kochi is no exception to this food culture.

In this read, we bring to you some popular traditional dishes of Kerala, which you can easily find in the streets of Kochi.

Malabar Prawn Curry

Malabar Prawn Curry
Courtesy: www.youtube.com

It is the iconic dish of Kerala. The prawns are cooked in tamarind, coconut, and jaggery giving the dish a tangy-sweet flavor. It is unique in both ways- the taste it incorporates and the process of cooking.

Here is Jamie Oliver’s take on Malabar Prawn Curry.

Karimeen Pollichathu

Karimeen Pollichathu
Courtesy: www.youtube.com

It is one of the easiest fish dishes in the world. The Marinated pearl spot fish is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed till done. People serve Karimeen Pollichathu with steamed rice.

Puttu

Puttu
Courtesy: saltnpepper-recipes.com

Puttu is a popular breakfast in Kochi. It is prepared from coarsely ground rice flour. People usually prefer Puttu with vegetable stew and Kadala curry.

Filter coffee

filter coffee in Kanyakumari
Courtesy: www.cntraveler.com

Filter coffee in Kochi is so refreshing and the aroma is irresistible. They have preserved the traditional serving in stainless steel cup and bowl and tastes best when you drink the traditional way.

Chuttulli Meen

Chuttulli Meen
Courtesy: www.tastyspots.com

It is a dish inspired by the Jewish cuisine. The fish is grilled and cooked with local spices.

On a parallel note, you can also try Fisherman’s stew- a soupy dish made by stewing vegetables and prawns. This dish is derived from the Portuguese cuisine.

You can also book an intercity cab for touring Kochi and other parts of Kerala.

Editor’s note: Sadya is an elaborate meal in Kochi and entire Kerala. It is prepared during ceremonies and auspicious occasions and comprises rice with about 20 different side dishes (including desserts).

Useful Links-

Sites to visit on one day Kochi trip

Peaceful places to visit near Kochi

What makes Kochi an important city of Kerala?

Shopping ideas in Visakhapatnam

bamboo

Our first suggestion if you are heading out for shopping in Vizag (Visakhapatnam)- Walk through the lanes, ask for the price of the items you like, ask price of similar items at different places and then decide from where to purchase. The vendors bargain as well, so you can try your bargaining skills too.

Following are some of the souvenirs and useful items you can shop from Visakhapatnam. Continue reading “Shopping ideas in Visakhapatnam”