Jorhat City: A Hidden Gem in Assam
Jorhat City, nestled in the heart of Assam, is a place filled with rich culture, lush greenery, and vibrant history. Often overshadowed by bigger cities like Guwahati, Jorhat has its own charm that’s waiting to be explored. This city not only offers mesmerizing landscapes but also a peek into the traditional lifestyles of Assam.
The Greenery of Jorhat: Nature’s Embrace
Imagine walking through sprawling tea gardens, the aroma of fresh tea leaves wafting through the air. Jorhat is renowned for its tea estates, making it the second largest tea-producing district in India. Known as the "Tea Capital of the World," it’s a paradise for tea lovers. The rolling hills, dotted with tea bushes, create a picturesque scene that feels straight out of a painting.
Visiting these estates can be an eye-opening experience. You can see how tea is plucked and processed, and even enjoy fresh tea right where it’s grown. There’s nothing quite like sipping a cup of Assam tea while soaking in the natural beauty.
Culture and Heritage: A Blend of Traditions
Jorhat is a cultural melting pot, showcasing the rich heritage of Assam. From the colorful Bihu dances during the festivals to traditional crafts like handloom, every corner of the city tells a story. The moments when locals gather to celebrate these festivals offer a vibrant atmosphere that’s simply contagious.
One cannot forget about the majestic Sivasagar, just a stone's throw away from Jorhat. This historical town is home to the Ahom Kingdom's remnants, giving visitors a glimpse into Assam’s regal past. The monuments and temples reflect intricate craftsmanship and deep-rooted history, making it a must-visit spot.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of Assam
Ever thought about trying some authentic Assamese food? Jorhat is a treasure trove of culinary delights. The local cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, offers a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Dishes like Assam Laksa, Pitha, and various fish curries make your taste buds dance with joy.
Street food adds another layer to the culinary adventure. The bazaars come alive with vendors selling snacks like pithas and bamboo shoot pickle. You might find yourself contentedly munching on these while discovering the lively streets.
Adventures Await: Outdoor Activities in Jorhat
Jorhat isn’t just about soaking up the culture and food; it also offers thrilling outdoor activities. The nearby Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world, is a playground for nature lovers. You can take a ferry ride, explore the lush landscapes, and even indulge in birdwatching. It’s a serene escape that recharges the spirit.
If you’re a fan of wildlife, make sure to visit the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. This haven is home to several species of monkeys, including the hoolock gibbons. Walking through the dense forest while observing these playful creatures adds an element of thrill to your journey.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Jorhat
Jorhat City is more than just a stopover; it’s an experience. With its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, it invites you to discover its hidden treasures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone in search of delightful experiences, Jorhat has something for everyone.
So, the next time you think about Assam, remember that Jorhat is waiting with open arms, ready to tell you its stories and offer unforgettable memories. Why not pack your bags and see for yourself what this charming city has to offer?
Jorhat is the gateway of upper Assam and an important tea centre of this region. This place also serves as a stopover for tourists, who want to visit the Majuli Island of Assam the largest river island in world. Jorhat also has a rich cultural heritage. It Is known for being an important centre for the Assames, Vaishnava Culture.
About Jorhat City
The city of Jodhat is located 314 kilometeres from Guwahati along the National Highway No-37 (NH-37). It is a good link between lower Assam and upper Assam as North Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It is the best base of for tourist exploring upper Assam.
Jorhat History
Jorhat, also known as 'Jorehaut', meant two hats or mandis 'Macharhat' and 'Chowkihat' which existed on te two different banks of the river, Bhogdoi during the 18th century. Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom. In the year 1794, the Ahom King, Gaurinath shifted the capital from Sibsagar and Rangpur to Jorhat. This town was a flourishing and commercial metropolis but completely destroyed after a flourishing and commercial metropolis but completely destroyed after a series of the Burmese Invasions since 1817 till the arrival of the British force in the year 1824 under the stewardship of David Scott and Captain Richard.
Places to Visit in Jorhat City
Kaziranga National Park
This 430 sq. km. National Park is teeming with wildlife including wild elephants, tigers, water buffaloes, swampdeer, gaur, wild boar, Hoolock Gibbon and most importantly, the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. It is also home to over 300 species of birds including the rare Bengal Pelican. It is about an hour's drive from Thengal.
Nambar Forest Reserve
The Nambar Forest Reserve, famous for its rejuvenating hot spring, is just 30km from Jorhat city.
Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kaziraga National Park covers an area of approximately 430-sqkm with its swamps and all thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal habitat for the Indian one-horned rhino. Due to limitless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.
Besides the great one-horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Capped Langurs, etc.
Majuli
Majuli is the largest fresh water mid-river deltoid island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river, Brahmaputra. This island, with a population of 1.6 lakhs, majority being tribal, is endowed with rich heritage and has been the abode of the neo-vashnavite culture. The island is a bio-diversity hotspot and has rich ecology with rare species of flora and fauna.