Interesting facts

1. Goalpara derives its name from 'Gwaltiki' or 'Gwalpara', which translates to 'village of the cowherds'. 2. It is situated on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River. 3. Sri Surya Pahar, located about 12 km from the city, is a significant, yet relatively under-explored, archaeological site. 4. Sri Surya Pahar is unique for housing relics and rock-cut sculptures from three major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. 5. Sainik School Goalpara is the only Sainik School in the state of Assam, established in 1964. 6. The city is famous for its distinct dialect of Assamese, known as the 'Goalpariya dialect'. 7. The region gave birth to 'Goalpariya Lokageet', a vibrant and popular folk music genre of Assam. 8. Legendary folk singer Pratima Barua Pandey was instrumental in popularizing Goalpariya Lokageet on the national stage. 9. Urpad Beel, located nearby, is one of the largest natural lakes in Lower Assam and a haven for migratory birds. 10. Historically, Goalpara was a part of the powerful Kamata and Koch kingdoms. 11. During British rule, Goalpara was originally part of the Rangpur district of Bengal before being transferred to Assam. 12. Pir Majhar in Goalpara is a highly revered tomb of a Muslim saint, visited by people of all faiths. 13. Hulukanda Hill is another picturesque local landmark offering panoramic views of the Brahmaputra. 14. The Naranarayan Setu, a massive double-deck bridge at Pancharatna, connects Goalpara district to Bongaigaon district across the Brahmaputra. 15. Dadan Hill, dedicated to a general of the legendary King Bana, has an ancient Shiva temple at its peak. 16. The district is heavily forested in parts, renowned for its high-quality Sal trees and growing rubber plantations. 17. Goalpara shares an interstate boundary with the hills of Meghalaya to the south. 18. A large portion of the district falls under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, designed to protect the rights of the indigenous Rabha people. 19. Joybhum Kamakhya Temple, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra, is one of the important Shakti shrines in the region. 20. Old Goalpara district was massive; in 1983, it was divided into four separate districts: Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, and the present-day Goalpara district.