Barpeta is famously mentioned because the ‘Land of the Satras’. During the 16th century, Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Shri Madhabdeva launched a vigorous movement to promote Vaishnavite Art and Culture. Barpeta Satra, a renowned Vaishnavite temple was established in the year 1583 and in due course, many other satras were built in the town. Hence, it acquired the names, ‘Land of the Satras’ and Satranagari. These satras influenced the society altogether forms by impacting the culture, lifestyle, politics and therefore the economy. With the passage of your time , the satras developed further to become open universities handling various branches of education and humanities , including music, dance, drama, sculpture, ivory work and many more.
Situated on the foothills of Himalayas, Manas Park covers a neighborhood of 2837 sq. km. declared a reserve forest within the year 1928, the park earned the status of UNESCO’s World Heritage site within the year 1988. It earned the status of Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The park is a tremendous combination of scenic landscapes and biodiversity. It is home to a wide range of wild animals including tiger, leopard, elephant, Assam roof turtle, Bengal florican, Himalayan black bear and golden langur. It is bird watchers’ haven as there are quite 300 species of birds.
Barpeta Satra is one among the leading attractions in Barpeta. Ever since it had been founded by Shri Madhabdeva over 500 years ago, the Satra remains the foremost influential identity of all Vaishnavite Satras in Assam. Kirtan Ghar, the prayer hall is that the biggest of halls in Satras across Assam. Kirtan Ghar is a fine specimen of the architectural excellence in Assam during the medieval period. Tourists from various parts of the world frequent Barpeta Satra.
The town Baghbar is situated 20 km from Barpeta. One of the main attractions in Baghbar Hill is a Satra built by Shri Madhabdeva. Hardira Chowk, a battleground here is yet one more tourist spot as here was the last battle fought between Ahom army and Burmese soldiers within the year 1822. The hill offers stunning view of Brahmaputra, which flows from southwest direction in Barpeta. From Capitol Hill, you’ll have spectacular views of Brahmaputra flowing down from the Majestic Himalayas.
Manas River is yet one more river that flows in Barpeta. The trans-boundary river is situated on Himalayan foothills and may be a link between South Bhutan and India. Flowing from Bhutan, the river joins Brahmaputra at Jogighopa. Manas Park offers river rafting facilities in Manas River.
Dargah of Syed Shahnur Dewan is situated at Bhella, which is 8 km from Barpeta. Syed Shahnur Dewan was a lover of Ajan Fakir, a Muslim Sufi saint. It is said that he visited the land during medieval period and spread the philosophies of Sufi and Islamic religion. With his healing powers, he cured the medical condition associated with maternity of Queen Fuleswari, who was Shiva Singha, the Ahom king’s wife. Syed Shahnur Dewan was duly rewarded by the king with donations of land and other grants. The details of an equivalent are found in copper plate inscriptions, which were lost when Burma invaded in 1824.