Local lifestyle of Assamese communities!
Local lifestyle of Assamese communities!
Interact with Assam’s indigenous tribes reside on Majuli the largest river island
Why this experience is unique?
Embark on an enriching expedition through the historical and cultural tapestry of Assam, nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River which welcomes travellers with its lush tea gardens, offering insights into Assam’s thriving tea industry and colonial heritage. When you are in Assam, soak yourself in the rich heritage offered by Shivsagar, the erstwhile capital of the Ahom Kingdom, which reveals a treasure trove of ancient monuments such as the majestic Rang Ghar (Asia’s first amphitheater in the Assam), Talatal Ghar, narrating tales of Assam’s royal legacy.
Jump onto a ferry and get ready to visit the largest river island in the world which has been a cradle of Assamese civilization for centuries – Majuli Island. The settlement on Majuli began with the arrival of the Neo-Vaishnavite saint and social reformer, Srimanta Sankardeva, during the 15th and 16th centuries. Under their influence, several satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) were established on Majuli Island. These Satras became centers for religious and cultural activities, nurturing art, music, dance, and literature. Till today, the local mask making, and potter artisans are continuing the art and keeping the centuries old traditions alive. See and do things which are still unexplored in the area!
We will pick you up from the Dibrugarh airport and transfer you at a curated homestay. The day is kept activity light well to preprare well for the next few days. Assam’s renown lies in its sprawling tea estates and the exquisite tea they produce. Your journey at Dibrugarh includes a delightful experience of tasting tea amidst the lush greenery of a vibrant tea estate. In the evening, spend some peaceful moments at Bogi Beel, India’s longest rail-cum road bridge, watching the sun disappearing in the Brahmaputra River while sipping tea on a boat.
After breakfast, we will leave for Shivsagar which is approximately 2 hours journey from Dibrugarh. We will visit the main three landmarks of Shivsagar that has a huge historical significance for Ahom people of Assam. Starting with Shiva Dol (Shiva’s temple), the tallest temple of Assam built by Queen Ambika in 1734 A.D.
Talatal Ghar was once an army base of Ahom Dynasty and houses two secret tunnels and three floors below ground level which were used as exit routes during the conflicts with other kingdoms.
End your historical encyclopaedia at Asia’s first Amphitheatre – Rang Ghar, an epitome of architectural brilliance. In the evening, we will make a short visit to the local artisans of the area that are water hyacinth products weaver. We will head back to our base in Dibrugarh and stay at a local homestay.
Post breakfast, you will leave for Majuli Island – known as the oldest and the largest inhabited riverine island of the world. History says that the island, earlier known as Majoli, was a long piece of land located between Brahmaputra River to the north and Burhidihing to the south. A massive flood stage took place in 1750s that resulted as a change in Brahmaputra’s course and formation of Majoli Island. The island is home to the Satras (monasteries) which are also the centers for performing arts. One will visit the Satra and learn the Vaishnavite culture of Assam. In the evening, enjoy a walk alongside Brahmaputra River and stay at traditional bamboo Hut.
Post breakfast in your lodge, you will be meeting the local mask makers in the village. From watching them closely to making your own small mask while sipping tea will be the highlight of the day. Get ready to learn about the century’s old history behind the concept of making masks and their significance in theatrical performances done at Raas Leela Festival. Have traditional lunch at Majuli and explore the flavors of Assamese cuisine. In the evening, we will visit the potter’s village to experience some hands-on pottery experience with the local artisans. Stay at Traditional Bamboo Hut.
Wake up to a river view and enjoy your breakfast. Post breakfast, depart towards the new destination for the day – Tinsukia, which will be a long journey of five hours via Bogi Beel Bridge. Enroute Tinsukia, visit the famous Jagannath Temple famous for its architectural beauty and brilliance. The temple is built out of red sandstone featuring multiple domes and elaborate carvings. In the evening, explore the local cafes in the area and try some fusion delicacies. Stay in a boutique homestay.
Post breakfast, after a refreshing stay in Tinsukia Homestay, wake up early and head for Maguri Beel, the most beautiful site in upper Assam. Buckle yourself up for an hour ride on a small boat with the local fisherman. Embrace the beauty when it’s added with pink water lilies floating on water and the boat rides through them. If you are keen birder, this is the haven for witnessing the unique birds migrated from central Asia and different parts of the world. In the evening, stroll around the tea estates and be a part of the Baghaniya community cultural dance – Jhumur. Stay in a traditional Assamese homestay and enjoy the traditional cuisine.
Post breakfast, a 40 minutes’ drive will bring you back to the main town of Dibrugarh. Your journey will conclude after arriving at Dibrugarh.
You can either choose to extend your trip or depart for your desired destination!
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
