If you love waking up to a cup of tea every morning, the aroma and the taste of the tea marking a pleasant beginning, you might love visiting Jorhat in Assam. Jorhat is famously known as the ‘Tea capital of the world’ thanks to the innumerable number of tea plantations here. Jorhat is situated on the northeastern region of Assam. You might love to know about its rich cultural heritage as well. Since the year 1824, the time during which it came under the rule of British, Jorhat was the last capital of Ahom dynasty, which reigned supreme in Assam for more than six centuries.
Jorhat is and always has been a busy commercial centre. Tea production apart, the land is famous for its contribution in the field of jewelry making. Jewelry items from Jorhat are fine specimens of their tradition. Since it maintains its vibrant and colorful tradition, you will find that it reflects in their jewelries as well. If you are planning to spend your vacation in Jorhat, ensure that you cover all those places that portrays Jorhat in its most vibrant colors. Here is a list of top 10 places to visit in Jorhat.
1. Majuli Island
Majuli Island owns the credit of being the largest riverine island in the world. Declared as world natural heritage site by UNESCO, Majuli Island is at a distance of 20 kms from Jorhat on the mighty Brahmaputra River. The scenic place has a rich cultural and religious association. The first neo-Vaishnavite monastery was established here by Sankardeva, a saint belonging to the 15th century. Measured to be of 1256 sq.km of land in the year 1901, Majuli Island has been reduced in its size owing to frequent land erosion and floods. It earlier boasted of possessing 65 satras after the first one established by Sankardeva but now only 22 satras are left here. You will love viewing the routine activities of the people of the island. Apart from agriculture and fishing, they do weaving, pottery and handloom. Walk down to roads of the island not just to get to know the routine of the people but also to enjoy their warmth and hospitality. If you chance here during the right season, you may be able to spot some of the rare endangered species like whistling teal. Some of the most important attractions here include Vaishava Satra and Geramur Satra. Weapons used by ancient people are seen in Geramur Satra. Migratory birds from various parts of the world delight bird watchers.
2. Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 15 km from Jorhat. Spread across 1915 hectares of land, Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was declared the status in 1997. The unique feature of the sanctuary is that primates of different species are commonly found here, which are very rarely seen in other wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the monkey types found here includes capped langur, hoolock gibbon, slow Loris and rhesus monkey. Apart from primates, the other animals you find here include elephants, leopards and wild pigs. The sanctuary acquires its name from hoolock gibbon, which is the only ape in India.
3. Kakochang Waterfalls
Flowing down in between the rubber and coffee plantations, Kakochang Waterfalls offers magnificent view. Situated 13 kms from Jorhat’s Bokakhat, the breathtaking waterfall attracts tourists in great numbers. The ruins of Numaligarh, which are of archaeological importance, can be viewed from Kakochang Waterfall. The landscapes of lush green tea plantations are spectacular when viewed from here. Being close to Kaziranga National Park, a trip to the waterfalls becomes a natural part of itinerary.
4. Gymkhana Club
Gymkhana Club, which ranks amongst the oldest clubs in India, is located 4 km from Jorhat. It is also the third oldest golf club in the world, which is still in use. Gymkhana Club was established with a view to entertain British tea plantation workers in 1876. Later, it was shifted to the present place in 1885. Ever since its inauguration, Gymkhana Club served a venue for conducting horse races. For about half a century, Indians were not allowed to gain access into the club. The lush green golf course hopes to achieve a spot in the list of World Heritage Sites being the oldest golf course in the whole of Asia.
5. Tocklai Tea Research Centre
Tocklai Tea Research Centre is amongst the world’s largest as well as oldest tea research stations. Established in 1911, the centre has helped the world gain more scientific knowledge on tea. Various researches on the cultivation and processing of tea are conducted here. The centre aims to enhance tea’s nutritional value and conducts researches towards achieving it. The eight research departments of the centre are soil, plant production, agricultural economics, botany, agronomy, biochemistry, engineering and manufacturing, statistics and tea tasting.
6. Sukapha Samannay Kshetra
Sukapha Samannay Kshetra, constructed in memory of Ahom’s first king, is one of the sites that is of archaeological importance. Going by Ahom tradition, Sukapha was god Khunlung’s descendent. Excavation to unearth remains of the kingdom is being done here.
7. Bangalpukhari
Bangalpukhari, the water tank in Jorhat’s south, was constructed in 1739 by Rupsingh Bangal. Badam Barphukan, a notorious governor of Ahom, who had tortured the people as well as the Burmese soldiers he had captured, was killed by Rupsingh Bangal. He was rewarded for his bravery. Using the money he received as a reward, Rupsingh Bangal built the water tank. However, the natives of the land do not use the water tank apprehending bad luck as it was built using the money received for the act of killing a fellow human being.
8. Cinnamora Tea Estate
Cinnamora Tea Estate, which is Assam’s first tea estate, was established in the year 1850. It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Jorhat.
9. Lachit Borphukan’s Maidam
Lachit Borphukan of the 16th century is considered the bravest general of Ahom dynasty who defeated the mighty Mughals in 1672 at Saraighat war. Lachit Borphukan’s Maidam was constructed to honor the great warrior.
10. Thengal Bhavan
Thengal Bhavan owns the credit of being the site from where the first daily newspaper in India was published. The Bhavan was constructed by Raibahadur Shiva Prasad Barooah in the year 1880. The year 1929 saw the establishment of printing press in the site by him to enable printing of weekly newspapers in local language. He proceeded to start a daily newspaper, which is the first of its kind in any language in India.
Jorhat is a great destination to be on your holiday. With tea plantations in plenty offering pleasant views to your eyes and the busy activities to highlight the business face to the region, you will sure love the perfect blend. Tourist places in Jorhat offers you a relaxed and quiet holiday where you will be amidst nature enjoying looking into the rich historic past of the place.
More Tourist Hotspots In Assam:
Best place of Jorhat (Aasam).