the cottages cultus lake This hard-to-beat option has helpful English- speaking staff, eager room service and superb food. Ro

This hard-to-beat the cottages cultus lake option has helpful English- speaking staff, eager room service and superb the cottages cultus lake food. Rooms are neat, although some may not have external windows. It s by far the most popular of the city centre hotels and is worth booking the cottages cultus lake in advance. the cottages cultus lake

Despite being an oil-service town, Sivasagar exudes a residual elegance from its time as the capital of the Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for more than 600 years. The name comes from waters of Shiva , the graceful central the cottages cultus lake feature the cottages cultus lake of a rectangular reservoir dug in 1734 by Ahom Queen Ambika. Three typical Ahom temple towers rise proudly above the tank s partly wooded southern banks to the west Devidol, to the east Vishnudol and in the centre, the 33m-high Shivadol Mandir, India s tallest Shiva temple. Its uppermost trident the cottages cultus lake balances upon an egg-shaped feature the cottages cultus lake whose golden covering the British reputedly tried (but failed) to pilfer in 1823.

Bansbari Lodge (%3612602223; www.assam bengalnavigation.com/bansbari.htm; d 2000, jungle package 7500). Jungle packages cover full board, early morning elephant safari, jeep safari, guide, park entry fee and village and tea garden excursions. Ask about river rafting. Contact Jungle Travels India in Guwahati (p 560 ) for bookings. Access is from Barpeta Rd.

1 Sights Mizoram the cottages cultus lake State Museum MUSEUM (Macdonald Hill, Zarkawt; admission 5; h9.30am5pm Mon-Fri) This museum has interesting exhibits on Mizo culture. the cottages cultus lake It s up a steep lane from Sumkuma Point past Aizawl s most distinctive church, whose modernist bell- tower spire is pierced by arched windows.