Barpeta, in Assam, is a fascinating town with Vasihnavite influence.Thanks to its rich past, the city has emerged as a Vaishnavite pilgrimage hub. The city is known to possess Satras or the Vaishnavite monasteries, which have become a widespread tourist attraction. Tourists from every nook and corner come here to witness the ancient traces of the first homecoming of Vaishnavism in Assam. Barpeta Satra is the most frequently visited among all the others. The place also harbours diverse communities from Assamese to Bengali and more. People visiting this palace also wander off to landmarks like Mana National Park, famed for its tiger population. To know more about the intriguing town of Barpeta, read on.
History Of Barpeta
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Barpeta today stands tall as the most culturally important town in Assam. However, history spills a different narrative of how the city was once a very different village. Barpeta was initially known as ‘Tatikuchi,’ a cluster of weaver communities.
The city was a part of the Kamrup region earlier, but by the nineteenth century, a few adjoining centres joined Barpeta to form the undivided Kamrup district. In 1983, this was given the status of a district from a subdivision.
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Top 5 Places To Visit In And Near Barpeta
Barpeta is a culturally and commercially flourishing town known to harbour a lot of fascinating tourist places nearby. Here are the top 5places to visit near Barpeta:
1. Manas National Park
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The Manas National Park is an important tourist centre in Barpeta. This houses many endangered species, like the golden langur and the Assam roofed turtle, contributing to its popularity. The national park has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional conservation of endangered species. This park also boasts many tourists who come here to witness its tropical evergreen forests and riverine habitats made for the aquatic life on the banks of the Manas River. This place is a must-visit for any traveller who wants to know more about the region’s biodiversity.
Location: R66Q+3Q Jar Gaon N.C., Assam
Distance From Barpeta: 38.8 Km
Travel Time: 1 Hour
Entry Fees: Rs. 300 onwards
Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Barpeta Satra
Barpeta Satra is a famous Vaishnavite monastery in Barpeta, a popular tourist destination. The Barpeta Satra is considered the most spiritually significant Satra and was the focal point of Vaishnavite teachings. Built by Mahapurush Shrimants Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, this Satra has three important divisions: the Kirtanghar, Namghar and the museum. The Kirtanghar is the prayer hall, while Namghar is a community hall. Many tourists who visit the place can learn more about the local culture through the beautiful carvings displayed on the walls of the Satra. Similar to the interior beauty, the outside structure and style are also worth noting. Moreover, the Satra also played an essential role in developing Assamese art and culture.
Location: Ward no. 3, Thakur Bazar, Assam 781301
Distance From Barpeta: 1.8 Km
Travel Time: 25 Minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
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3. Sundariya Satra
Sundariya Stra is another such monastery in the region, known for being a culturally refined hub of Vaishnav teachings. Shri Madhavdeva, an essential figure in the history of Assam, first established this religious place. The shrine played a crucial role under him and after him in promoting art and culture inspired by Vaishnavism in Assam. It also fought for social reforms in the area, bringing about a significant change in society. In addition, the place is known for its architectural style, which displays the use of bright colours on walls for the projections of the deities shown. Moreover, the overall shrine is now considered a tourist spot for people.
Location: 82PG+WPJ, Sundaridia, Assam 781314
Distance From Barpeta: 3.0 Km
Travel Time: 8 Minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
4. Ganakkuchi Satra
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Ganakkuchi Satra is one of the most exceptional sites in Assam. Since Shri Mashavdeva started his journey as a preacher, the Satra has been a centre for spreading Vasihnavism concepts. He spent 18 years here, dedicating himself to spreading Vaishnava ideas and bringing about social reforms. Because of its influence, Assamese culture has also significantly changed in recent years. Even today, Satra is a popular tourist attraction known for its blend of traditional and contemporary elements of Assamese architecture. People wanting spiritual peace can come here for a serene retreat.
Location: Gank Kuchi Gaon, Assam
Distance From Barpeta: 3.6 Km
Travel Time: 8 Minutes
Entry Fees: free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
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5. Baghbar Hills
The Baghbar Hills are a scenic place to visit. Located only an hour from the main town of Barpeta, the lush green hills of Baghbar are culturally and naturally prominent. The mountain houses a Satra that once was a hub of Vaishnavite teaching in the region and bears a historical badge of honour for being a battleground in the past. Tourists often tour this region for its vivid landscape, beautiful wildlife and gorgeous views of the Brahmaputra River from its elevation. Many travellers that frequent this place comprise historical geeks and nature enthusiasts. Families also go on trips to the Baghbar Hills and spend quality time picnicking and capturing the panoramic beauty.
Location: 6V93+C5 Unnamed Road, Mowamari, Assam 781308
Distance From Barpeta: 27.8 Km
Travel Time: 53 Minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Best Time To Visit Barpeta In Assam
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Barpeta in Assam is a pleasant location that allows for much exploration. Hence, visiting during calm and balanced climatic conditions is the perfect idea.
The winter season covers the area between October and March, allowing for a pleasant outing without many disruptions. Meanwhile, people who want to see a lush green environment with flooding rivers can visit from July to September, which marks the rainy season in Assam.
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How To Reach Barpeta?
Barpeta is well connected to Assam’s main roadways and rails, allowing tourists to travel easily. Here are the various ways through which one can reach Barpeta in Assam:
By Air
People can board flights and land at Guwahati Airport. Then, they can take private vehicles or public transport to reach Barpeta, which is about 98 kilometres away from the airport.
By Rail
People can hop on a train to reach Guwahati Railway Station and then use public transport to reach Barpeta. Local train services run throughout the day between Guwahati and Barpeta.
By Road
There is ample public transportation from other parts of Assam to Barpeta, including buses and cabs.
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Barpeta is a beautiful opportunity to witness the cultural development of Assam, now stored in its monasteries and inscriptions. Tourists visit this place and travel to the Satras or the Vaishnav monasteries, and they even witness the grandeur of the Brahmaputra River. So, if you want to learn more about how Viashnavism evolved in Assam and how people now indulge in Vaishnav practices, book a trip to Assam now! Bring your daily life and friends to enjoy a vacation that fills you with knowledge and wisdom.
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Cover Image Credit: PhBasumata for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Barpeta
What is Barpeta famous for?
Often called the Satra Nagari or the City of Satras, this place is famous for its Vaishnav monasteries. These monasteries or Satra, handloom industries, Manas National Park and the riverfronts make Barpeta famous.
What language is spoken in the Barpeta district?
Barpeta has many communities that mainly speak Bengali, Assamese, and Bodo languages. Minorities who use dialects or speak relatively unknown languages also exist.
What is the religion of Barpeta?
Barpeta is a cauldron of religions. The majority of the population is Muslim, followed by the Hindu community. In addition, there are Sikh and Christian populations as well in the region.
What is the nickname of Barpeta?
Barpeta is dubbed the Satra Nagari or the ‘City of Satra’s. This name was borne out of the fact that the place harbours a massive number of Satras or Vaishnav monasteries.
Which river is in the Barpeta District?
The Barpeta District has the mighty river Brahmaputra running through it. Thanks to its huge length, breadth, and even depth, the river is a significant topographical contribution to the region.
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