Jorhat is situated on the north eat corner of Assam in Eastern India. A tributary of Brahmaputra River runs parallel to this lesser known town. Jorhat is an excessively important farm town of Assam and is also reckoned as the Tea Capital of the world. The vast tea gardens stretching for miles and miles are a delight for the eyes. Jorhat is not just famous for its tea gardens but also for manufacture of jewelry. The jewelry manufactured here has managed to retain its traditional ethnicity. Jorhat is also popular for Majuli Island which is the biggest river island in the entire world.
What to see here: The following attractions are major crowd puller and has been attracting tourists from far and wide.
1. Majuli Island: This Island is located at the heart of Brahmaputra valley at a distance of about twenty kilometers from Jorhat. It covers an area of about one thousand and eight square kilometers. This island is quite populated but it still manages to provide the tourists with ample of picturesque landscapes. A large number of monasteries are located on this island and you can visit them to get to know and enjoy the traditional way of living of the locales. The major monasteries in Majuli are Kamalabari, Auniati and Garmur. This island is however prone to floods hence you must avoid going there in rainy season. Apart from the monasteries you will also get to see some unique flora and animals, some of them are endangered species. A three day Ras Purnima festival is also organized here.
2. Dhekiakhowa Bar Namghar: This place is again closely located to the Majuli Island and is a major place of worship for the Hindus. This ancient religious place was built in the year 1539 by Saint Madhavdeb. The construction took about forty two years to complete. A book kept inside the hall on a throne is worshipped by thousands of Hindus all year round.
3. Gymkhana: This is the third oldest golf club in the world which is still under use. This is also the oldest golf club in India. To build this gorgeous building the raw material had to be imported from Kolkotta and the construction was concluded in 1885. This gymkhana is popular for its annual pony race.
4. Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary covers an area of approximately nineteen hundred hectors. The varied primates found here are worth planning a trip to this small town in Assam. You may easily spot a tiger, however, if you spot a primate you are very lucky. Visiting the park in the early hours will increase your chances of spotting a primate as they are out in search for food. This sanctuary is at a distance of about fifteen kilometers from Jorhat.
Where to stay: Accommodation will not be a problem in Jorhat. This is an important city in Assam with all kinds of facilities. You can easily find a hotel or guesthouse to suit your budget.
How to reach:
Air: Jorhat has its own airport. Daily flights from Guwahati and other important cities in the east are available.
Rail: A small railway station is situated in Jorhat with connecting trains from major towns in Assam.
Road: It is well accessible by road. One can reach this town from Guwahati in seven hours by road. Buses are also available from several towns in Assam to Jorhat.
