Located approximately 30 km from Sibsagar town in Assam is Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siukapha in 1253. Charaideo symbolises the Ahom power, the place of origin of the royal Ahoms.

Also read: Inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Indian subcontinent

Here lies the mausoleum or the burial mounds of the Ahom royals, called Charaideo Maidam. It is home to over 90 royal burial mounds, also referred to as the Pyramids of Assam. The Centre has decided to nominate this historic site for the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site. If selected, Assam will have three world heritage sites, the other two being Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park.

As of now, only 30 of those royal burial mounds are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.

At present, a number of these monuments are in a state of neglect. But soon, we will be able to see these monuments preserved the way they should be. The site is also considered as a sacred place for the ancestral gods of the Ahoms. No wonder, Che Tam Doi Phi, the older name for Charaideo, is translated as the city of the sacred hill.

Charaideo is already visited by a lot of tourists, both local and international. But, because only 30 of these burial mounds are protected by the ASI, the rest of the mounds are in a state of decay; human encroachment being one of the main reasons for the damages.

On your next visit to Assam, do make sure to add Charaideo Maidam to your itinerary. The town of Sibsagar is home to many more royal monuments that you need to see. The town doesn’t disappoint.

1. Where is Charaideo Maidam located?
   Charaideo Maidam is located approximately 30 km from the heritage town of Sibsagar in Assam.
2. When is the best time to visit Assam?
   November to May is the best time to visit Assam.
3. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Assam?
   At present, Assam has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park.