History of Talatal Ghar
Located in Rangpur, capital of the Ahom Kingdom, this magnificent palace was originally built as an army base by the great Ahom Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha between 1751 AD and 1769 AD. In fact, this elegant structure has two tunnels and three underground floors that were built to facilitate emergency evacuation for the King and his army in times of crisis. The alleys are built like a maze, such that even if the enemy entered the premises, they would be completely lost!
Architecture of Talatal Ghar
After Swargadeo Rudra Singha demise, the massive fort underwent major changes. Three ground storeys were added to the structure making the Talatal Ghar a seven-storey palace. Walking through the long passageway from the east to the west, you will find a number of rooms flanked on either side of the passage. These rooms were used as live-in chambers by the Assamese royalty. The rooms situated along the north to south passageway were minor division chambers, each assigned to a certain task or to the servers in the palace.
Of the seven levels of the fortress, four levels lay above the ground and three levels lie below. The first level on the land was used as stables, constants, hoard rooms and servants' lodgings. The chambers of the majesties are on the two higher levels but are not open to the general public. There is an octagonal room towards the north known as the veneration room right next to it. Among the many chambers, there is one such separated towards the south of Talatal Ghar that stands a little farther from the other rooms. This is presumed to have been used for imprisoning the queen.
The three levels built by King Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha were built with completely natural materials- red bricks and organic cement made of rice powder and duck eggs and has been standing strong since its construction. However, the upper levels built by his successor Swargadeo Rudra Singha were built primarily of wood, and hence have been completely dilapidated.
Since the Talatal Ghar was primarily built as an army base, it consists two secret tunnels- one linked to Dikhow stream which is around 3 kilometres away and another linked to the Garhgaon fortress, which lies at a distance of 16 kilometres. These were built as hiding chambers and escape routes for the king and his army. Tourists are allowed to visit the upper three levels of Talatal Ghar. The underground floors are closed to visitors.
Best time to visit Talatal Ghar
The best time to visit the Talatal Ghar in Sibsagar would be between March and April. The temperature during this time ranges between a low of 8 degrees Celsius and a high of 28 degrees Celsius. You will be surprised to know that Sibsagar experiences seasonal showers in the summers! These showers cool down the humid temperatures and make it quite pleasant.
The winters here are very cold with temperatures ranging from a low of -6 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius. During the monsoons, the temperature is quite pleasant and keeps fluctuating between 11 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, but the frequent rains may not allow you to fully explore the place.
It is best to visit the Talatal Ghar during the daytime when the sun is bright. The premises of this structure are not very well lit during the evenings and nights rendering you unable to appreciate Talatal Ghar in the dark properly.
How to Reach Talatal Ghar
The Sibsagar Railway Station is closest to Talatal Ghar at a mere distance of 4.7 kms. This railhead is well connected to all the major cities in and around the state and is barely a 17 min drive from Talatal Ghar. You can hail a cab or an auto rickshaw once you get off the station and they will take you to Talatal Ghar in no time and at affordable rates.
Many buses ply from the Sibsagar Bus Stand quite frequently which take you around the entire city at very cheap rates. Many interstate buses also stop here, including luxury buses and night journey buses. This Bus Stand lies very close to the Sibsagar Railway Station.
Top Tourist Places in Sibsagar
Charaideo
Talatal Ghar
Ahom Museum
Shivadol
Joysagar Tank and Temples
Gargaon Palace or Kereng Ghar
All Tourist Places in Sibsagar
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