Lesser Known Destinations of Assam 3

When you visit Kaziranga National Park, try to manage the length of your stay for a trip to the Karbi villages close-by. One of the oldest tribes of Assam, the Karbis have been residing near the Park for ages apart from the sprawling Karbi-Anglong district in the heart of Assam. Their villages are repositories of a unique culture with roots in animism.

Ranthali is perhaps the ‘jewel’ in the crown of Assam’s rich repertory of craft villages. Famed for its beautiful and exotic ‘Asomiya Gohona’ (Assamese jewellery), Ranthali is a place that lives and nurtures a legacy of artisanal skills and interesting history. Home to skilled artisan families, it is approximately 120 km from Guwahati, near Nagaon town, and is a wonderful destination for a day trip.

In North Guwahati, one finds history at every turn. About 25 km from Guwahati, once known as Durjaya, it was the capital of ancient Kamarupa. With river Brahmaputra skirting along the east, it is also known as Raja-Duar or King’s Gate. Besides several architectural vestiges, including inscriptions—each a masterpiece of our ancient heritage and civilization—North Guwahati is home to famous temple sites such as Dirgheswari, Daul-Govinda, Kurma-Janardan, Ashwaklanta, Rudreswar, and Manikarneswar.

Kachasila or “tortoise hill”, like its namesake, is a quaint little hill that resembles a tortoise. Located near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, this hill also has a Shiva and Parvati temple said to be built in the 9th century. Adjacent to Kachasila is Pokoria Beel, which is the home for the endangered River Dolphins. Adventure activities like kayaking, trekking, boating and safaris are much sought after tourist attractions in the region.

Silchang village, located in Morigaon district, exhibits the historical customs of the Tiwa kings and their megalithic tradition. A cluster of Megalithic structures, or dolmens at Silchang reveal a living tradition of the royal assembly which was held in the past. There are 17 dolmens, with each assigned to a specific administrative post representing the erstwhile royal assembly traditional seat. The village shrine, Sri Sri Shiva Jadav Devalaya and Deorajar Kirtan Ghar represent the prayer center of the Tiwa community. Close by is Dayang Belguri, which hosts the annual Jonbeel Mela, a three-day fair held during Magh Bihu (January) where the ancient barter system can still be witnessed.

Mou Organic Farm and Nursery is located at village Moupur, Nartap, with around 30 Bigha of land on which cocoa, organic fruits and vegetables are cultivated. The place provides a unique experience to visitors, not only in terms of its natural beauty but also in conservation and community upliftment efforts