TOP ATTRACTIONS OF UPPER ASSAM - JORHAT AND TINSUKIA

Upper Assam is not just tea gardens, hills, valleys and rivers, it has lots of other attractions too especially around the cities of Jorhat and Tinsukia, besides others. It has a multitude of wildlife sanctuaries and natural reserve forests, offering interesting flora and fauna of exotic species; as well as religious, cultural, spiritual, historical and archeologial marvels and limitless natural attractions. Here's exploring just a few from the diverse catalogue :-)


pretty hills in the background of a typical bus depot...the region is well connected...


temple perched on top of a hill amongst greenery ( naam ghars pertaining to srimanta sankardev's Eka-sarana movement are plently in the region )...

Jungle trek...



bird spotting...




animal spotting ( famous one horned rhino ) in wildlife sanctuaries...

Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Molai Forest, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bherjan-Borjan-Padumoni Wildlife Santuary are a few amongst many besides the world famous Kaziranga...

Lachit Borphukan’s Maidam

@Lachit Maidam Road, Lahdoigarh, Sorumona Poria, Assam 785700


Named after the famous Ahom General, Lachit Borphukan, this 'maidam' with a memorial stone, was constructed by Swargadeo Udayaditya in his memory in 1672, and has the brave warrior's last remains that were laid to rest in the grounds. It is a place of historical importance, as the brave warrior had fought off the Mughals and defeated them 17 times in the famous 'Battle of Saraighat'. It is recommended to visit this place to pay tribute to the great soul. Located in Gohain Gaon, this well decorated maidam is around 15 kilometres from Jorhat and 8 kilometres from Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. Easily accessible, cabs and buses are available from any of the locations in Jorhat.


beautiful ancient temple...


tilinga temple tinsukia... There are many centuries old ancient temples in these parts of the state of Assam, of which, Tilinga is a famous Shiva temple located in Tinsukia. It is a major tourist attraction, frequented by locals too. It is believed that tying a bell at this temple makes your wishes come true. The temple thus have thousands of bells of different sizes ( of various metals ) tied all around it. It lies in Bordubi, 17 Km from Tinsukia. There are also hundred Shiva tridents speared here and there in the sand.


Address : Jorhat | Tinsukia
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DAY TRIP DEEP INTO MEGHALAYA FORESTS VIA RANI

Photo Travelogue :


Meghalaya, a northeastern state lies to the south of Guwahati, Assam and there are multiple ways to go there. Its one of the most beautiful places to visit in India...with raw untouched beauty. The GS road or NH 40 that starts from Jorabat ( in outskirts of Guwahati ) splitting into two - one going shillong and the other to Dawki ( near India-Bangladesh border ) is the most common route. However, there are other routes which are less travelled and less crowded. They are more scenic and adds to the fun and adventure. I love roads that passes through forests; and whenever I come to know about some I just have to be on that road. So, I heard about this alternate road going into Meghalaya...I just had to try it. I didn't want to go all the way to shillong...but, just ride couple of hours...enjoy and come back. Interestingly, this road passes through a thick forect ( Deciduous and Evergreen Tropical Forests ) and my excitement knew no bounds. I sped to the location and it was just a thrilling time I had. I simply loved being one with nature. Here's my trip in pics. Enjoy :-)


those hills are beckoning....


the entire road they give company...


village roads...and it begins to rain...oh no!

determined, I move ahead...rain not gonna stop me, cos' I have the raincoat...lol...

passing by the rani forest office...




the sal forests begins ...plenty of those on the way...

passing by beautiful hills and fields...



am quite envious of the people who live here and see this view everyday of their lives...


and, the ride continues...hello bakri ( goat )...are you gonna gimme company?


the bakri vanishes and I'm alone on the road once again...


more sal trees come up...


the sign at corner of a fork says Chandubi 23 kms ( right ) and ahead is Meghalaya...


the road to Chandubi...in the rain it looks quite narrow and spooky...


moi, deciding which way to go ahead...hmmm...


chalo Meghalaya...






sal trees are so disciplined...they stand tall; in perfect lines, and, in-attention!

I went pretty deep about almost two hours ride into Meghalaya. It was all green forests every where...it was drizzing too and there was no one in the rain soaked road except me...oh how I loved it...just pecfect... me and nature!

sadly, time to speed back home...

With reluctance I had to turn back.as it was getting quite late and dark. There are no street lights in these forest roads and driving around alone after dark gets bit scary too ( not recommended ). But I totally loved it...and am going to be back someday soon.



Meghalaya's forests are rich in biodiversity, endemism, and forest cover. They are also a source of clean air, water, and livelihood. Meghalaya translating to 'abode of clouds' has some of the highest rainfall regions in this world.
Address : Jirang Nongrim Road, Meghalaya.
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CHASING THE SHRINKING URBAN RESERVE FOREST OF HENGRABARI, GUWAHATI

Photo Travelogue :


The city of Guwahati in Assam is surrounded by green hills on all the sides, except north, where the river Brahmaputra flows. For a nature lover, these hills having the reserve ( urban ) forests are quite an attraction, as they are close by and accessible whenever one wishes to enjoy nature. However, with population explosion and encroachments, these hills are rapidly losing its beauty and the green cover. I decided to visit what was left of it...before everything vanished altogether.




glimpses of green hills surrounding guwahati city...




peaking over rooftops...


you just can't miss these looming heights...the birubari hills...


the ramchai-chitrasal-kharguli stretch...


the bonda tower and amchang reserve not faraway...


the sarania hills and gandhi mandap...

more of these beauties...








with so many beautiful hills and forests to chase, tempted I was...and I chose to ¬ chase!!

so, today, hengrabari reserve forest was it, will I make it?






hills being mutilated for encroachment...sad situation...




whats left of it, looks at you...still welcoming... but, how to reach...every road that goes to it is densely populated...aaarrrgh..!






seriously, I wanted to demolish all these structures...hope, nature reclaim them some day...






shrinking...shrinking...the greens are shrinking...


with great difficulty, finally, met some of these without the annoying concrete blocking my path...


hope they don't vanish too...

Its sad to see the forests getting destroyed to make way for human settlements disturbing nature and ecology of the place, not to mention, the stunning beauty. Hope the situation reverses and fast.

A few decades ago the areas around Hengrabari were covered with dense forest, tall trees and wild bushes. There are several Reserved Forests in and around Guwahati. The reserved forests within the limits of Guwahati Municipal Corporation, are Hengrabari, Phatasil, Jalukbari and Khanapara. These forests are under the administrative control of the Divisional Forest Officer, Kamrup (East) Forest Division. The other reserved forests around Guwahati are Rani and Garbhanga RFs. Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests act as the green lung of Guwahati, but, unfortunately, a large chunk of the area is encroached by unauthorized occupants. The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden set up in 1957 is the largest of its kind in the North East region and it is spread across 432 acre. The zoo is located within the Hengrabari Reserved Forest at Guwahati, The zoo occupies an area of 130 hectares. It is a top destination for families seeking summer fun. It's an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks, offering stunning natural scenery. The area is also perfect for tracking adventures, making it a must-visit location in Guwahati ( wiki ).

Address : Borbari, Pathar Quarry, Hengrabari Reserve Forest, Hengrabari-Assam State Zoo, RG Baruah Rd, Guwahati, Assam 781005.
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