Tezpur is a city steeped in mythology, legend and folklore. Tezpur or the 'city of blood' conjures up images of the romantic legend of Usha and Anirudha. The ruins of Agnigarh, where this immortal romance blossomed, still bear mute testimony to this poignant legend.Tezpur was known as Sonitpur in olden days. The legend revolves around Banasura, the great Asura king (devotee of Shiva), his beautiful daughter Usha and her friend Chitralekha. The ancient Sonitpur was the capital of the Asura dynasty. The princess saw a handsome prince in her dreams and fell in love with him.Chitralekha, a talented artist, not only painted his portrait from Usha's description but recognised him to be Aniruddha, grandson of Lord Krishna, ruler of Dwarka. Using her magical powers, Chitralekha spirited Aniruddha away to the princess' boudoir where the two married each other according to Gandharva rites, without the knowledge of the king. When Banasura learnt of the clandestine romance, he imprisoned Aniruddha, which led to the arrival of Lord Krishna to Sonitpur to rescue his grandson. A fierce battle ensued and the entire city was drenched in human blood, hence the name Sonitpur. In the battle of Hari (Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva in the form of Banasura), Bana was defeated and the lovers were united forever. In 1942, for the first time in entire British India, the tricolour was hoisted in the police station at Gahpur, a tiny mofussil town under Sonitpur district. Fourteen years old Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft.

Cities of Assam

Guwahati, Sibsanagar, Tezpur, Digpur, Sonitpur.

Tourist Places of Tezpur:

Da Parbatia, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, The Hazara Pukhuri, The Cole Park, Eco Camp, Bhalukpung, Orang Wildlife Sanctuary.