VISITING A TEA GARDEN IN LOWER ASSAM

Photo Travelogue :


When someone says 'Assam' scores of tea-gardens flashes in your mind. Since the British brought tea along with the tea growing adivasi labourers into the state, there has been no looking back. And although 'tea' was not orginally an Assam thing, Assam is now famous in the whole world for its tea. And if you're a tea lover from any corner of this world, chances are that tea has come all the way to you from the tea gardens of Assam. It is one of Assam's ( in India ) major products and is exported worldwide. Whole world loves Assam's tea because of its high quality, that is rich in aroma and has a distinct taste. However, we also know that its upper Assam that has most of the tea gardens and those famous heritage bungalows built during the British Raj. Tourists, on their visit to Asam, specially go to visit these tea gardens and such tours are always included and are a must in their itinerary. Many of these tea gardens allow visitors to watch the whole process ( from plucking to packaging ) along with an opportunity to buy and sip some of these famous tea or 'chai' in the gardens itself much to the delight of the visitors. Such tea tourism are quite popular. However, as most of these tea gardens are situated in upper Assam not everyone can make a trip due to time constraints. So how about enjoying a visit to a tea garden in lower Assam itself? And yes...close to Guwahati. Is that possible? Good news is that - Yes! There are quite a few of these gardens near Guwahati itself and one can enjoy the experience of visiting a tea garden not venturing too far. How cool is that?

So, it was quite suprising when I came across a few in lower Assam...that too so near Guwahati. I'm not sure about the quality or taste difference ( as lower assam is in different altitude than upper ), but, the gardens looked quite pretty as tea gardens usually do along with those large trees that shade the plants and its typical pluckers who carry those big baskets on their backs. In my recent outings I came across quite a few tea gardens namely ~ the Barduar ( 20 kms west of Guwahati near lichubagan, Palasbari and Jubai/Amchong Tea estates ( 20 km east of Guwahati near Satgaon/Sonapur ) and both were quite big. Infact, in the barduar garden I attenpted to pluck a few myself and it was fun. The gardens are on both sides of the main road and quite accessible. However on my return journey I caught a glimpse of another garden and it really caught my fancy. As though the garden was caling out to me..I just had to go and check it for myself. It was a private property, but with no one in sight I just went in. Not because of just the inviting tea gardens but the impressive views that beckoned from behind. Here's how I discovered the magic ;-)


I spotted this small path while returning to Guwahati...


it was so damn inviting, I could not resist...


I got busy admiring the views...hills, cattle grazing the open spaces...


and the hills far away...it looked so pretty...


thats when I noticed the sign on the right - rani tea estate, it said...

and lo and behold...

sprawling tea gardens stood right in front of me...


unlike upper assam where this could be a regular sight, spotting tea gardens in lower assam is a rarity...


my joy knew no bounds and I just stood there taking in the breathtaking beauty of it all...


the tea garden had lots of over growns at the edges...but then, when its green, I don't mind...


amchang and barduar tea gardens, a must visit if you are near Guwahati in lower assam.


Here is a list of few other Popular Tea Gardens to Visit in Assam :
1. Monabarie Tea Estate, NH-52, Monabari, Biswanath, Assam, 784167
2. Halmari Tea Estate, Khowang, Moranhat district, Dibrugarh, Assam 785669
3. Corramore Tea Estate, Khairabari Grant, Hatigarh, Darrang district, Assam 784524
4. Mangalam Tea Estate, Towkok Grant No.2, Assam
5. Ghograjan Tea Estate, Ghograjan Tea Estate, P.O. Lahoal, Dibrugarh, Assam 786010
6. Khongea Tea Estate, PO. Rajmai, Khara Haat-Demow Rd, Hiloidari, Assam 785662
7. Nonoi Tea Estate, Nagaon district, Assam 782101
8. Manohari Tea Estate, Manohari Tea Estate, Nogaghuli 1/177 Orr, Assam 786012
9. Nagrijuli Tea Estate, No.2.Piplani, Baksa district, Assam 781368
10. Harmutty Tea Estate, Doimukh Harmuti Road, Lakhimpur, Assam
11. Sapoi Tea Estate, Sapoi Tea Estate Directors Bungalow, Bhutiaali Gaon, Assam 784111
https://ttwd.assam.gov.in/frontimpotentdata/list-of-tea-garden-at-assam

Address : Rani Tea Estate, Rani, Assam.
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TREKKING TO TIN JHANDA TEMPLE VIEWPOINT AT BIRUBARI HILLS, GUWAHATI

Photo Travelogue :
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This 1300+ ft hill is right in the middle of the city. But finding the right track to its top was quite tricky for me and seemed like an impossible task. I went to all the wrong entry points and almost gave up. Asking here and there, in the end, I found that the main entry point was right under my nose. One has to take the very common Arya Vidyapeeth college road and go straight. Ignore the initial right turn that goes towards kahilipara, or the first left which goes to GMCH. Instead, take the second right thats a little further ahead straight and you enter a place called Sankarpur. And you are in the right place. From here on there was no looking back. Here's my trip in pics. Enjoy :-)


the temple on the top of that hill is actually visible from the plains...


and I start climbing my scooty straightaway...its too steep...


the view of surrounding rolling hills will mesmerise for sure...


this area is quite populated, inspite of being at such height...


eventually, I have to leave my scooty and walk uphill...


till I reach the steps of the temple...its a 300+ steps climb...whoa!


I'm in a dilemma, to climb them or not to climb..., they're intimidating for sure...




as I halt gasping for breath...I get these gorgeous views...


full cardio workout ho gayi aaj toh......


reached the top alas...with idol of ganesh greeting you...


I was not there for religious purpose, so, I simply say 'hi' to lord shiva n his nandi bull...


and, my main purpose was this...



one of the best viewpoints of guwahati city...the climb was so worth it...

three dstinct flags fly in the hill all the time near the temple, hence, its name...

sat on top for a whie enjoying the peace and serenity...a recommended place for hill lovers...


Address : Tin Jhanda Temple, Sathgaon, Sankarpur, Birubari Hills, Birubari, Guwahati-781032
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OFF-ROADING TO KARGIL VIEW POINT ( KAMALPUR ) AT BIRUBARI HILLS, GUWAHATI

Photo Travelogue :
Read first part - Here!


Whenever I'm in my native house I see this hill everday. Its covered in trees and looks like some huge elongated 'brocollis' all clubbed together. The hill runs from east to west ( 3-4 kms ) in the middle of the city ( towards south ), splitting it into two. These days during evenings I see flickering lights from it, suggesting that there have been many encroachments...which is sad as this is literally the lungs of the city. I hate it when trees are cut to make way for illegal human settlements. And its a common sight here. However, I decided to go up close and explore what lies inside before the tress disappear altogether. Lets see what still remains of it. With that in mind I set forth to explore the hills of Birubari right in middle of Guwahati city. There are multiple ways to access and I chose the GMCH route for this particular adventure. Early morning, I rode uptil GMCH and went past it. One has to go the road that goes towards Kahilipara. Its a slope ...but midway, there is small path that one has to take. The landmark to keep in mind is the 'Maha Mritunjoy' temple that lies in corner of a fork.


take the right road from the fork...
and almost immediately we are climbing up...





trees touching the skies... felt so tiny...
We are greeted by the large leafy trees. Although it was a sunny day, The trees almost didn't let the sun rays in. So..it was sort of dark and so much cooler. riding up..stopping here and there. There's said to be a leopards area in this hill, so, kept looking back anxiously not wanting to become its lunch.


these forests are army area...oh..why do they always have the best places?




practicing some tree-pointings...


the ride continues for a while...



stopping the scooty every now and then to take in the magnificent views...
Was bit disappointing to see the human settlements at the top, yes there exists a place called 'kamalpur/kamalnagar' and lots of people live there. A little town in itself For now the trees are covering them, but, for how long I wonder. It'll be sad if the forest vanishes. there are already several muddy off-road patches suggesting many trees have been already butchered to satiate men's nefarious greed. With a sigh, we take the directions that says 'view point' and move on...


until we reach a clearing at the top...
and the city of guwahati is smiling at us from below...




WOW! The views are simply breathtaking...can you spot the river brahmaputra?




trying to touch it...somewhere down below is my home...yes, yes...I see it..



Alas, the trip comes to an end, but, not the memories :-)

'beware of leopards' sign in the area...




Very doable, this place is a hidden gem and one must go there just to see the city views below once. Its so worth it. I enjoyed my trip. Hope the forests are not destroyed further. Do not go after dark as leopards prowl in the entire area. Not sure why its called 'kargil' though :s

Address : Kargil View Point, Kamalnagar, Birubari Hills, near TV Tower, Guwahati, Assam
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