Explore the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Bongaigaon, which is tucked away 180 kilometres to the northwest of Guwahati. Surrounded by verdant hills, this site, which was formerly the capital of the Kamatapur Kingdom, now includes ancient ruins and Buddhist caves. It fuses modernity and history smoothly and serves as the entry point to the Manas National Park, which is classified by UNESCO.
Situated in Assam, Bongaigaon entices you with its combined allure of Old and New Bongaigaon. This vast metropolis offers a plethora of things to enhance your vacation experience. Experience the abundant biodiversity of Koyakujia Bil, an environmental park close to Abhayapuri that draws visitors from all over the world and local communities. Amid the hustle and bustle of city life, you can find spiritual refuge at Bagheswari Temple, a prominent landmark.
Visit Jogighopa and Pancharatna, historic locations rich with stories of medieval meditation, and embellished with Buddhist stupas and relics of a Gupta temple. Bagheswari Hill, Kachugaon Game Reserve, and Kakoijana Reserved Forest are wonderful places to visit if you're interested in nature, as they provide a home for animals and a haven for biodiversity. Discover the charm of Bongaigaon, a vibrant town rich in culture and history, with our Assam packages.
With views of Bhutan's border in the distance, the banks of the Aai River make for a lovely setting for a picnic. Additional attractions that enhance Bongaigaon's charm are the City Garden, Roumari Dam, Manas River Point, rock-cut caverns, and Lalmati Duramari Ganesh Temple. Seize the opportunity to go antique shopping and add mementoes to your priceless memories of this energetic city.
Highlights
• Visit Bongaigaon, the former capital of the Kamatapur Kingdom, which is filled with historical sites that provide insights into Assam's rich cultural legacy and colourful past.
• Explore Koya-Kujia Bill Ecological Park, which has calm gardens, a natural body of water, and a variety of birds like Bengal Floricans and Long-billed Vultures.
• Visit the historic Brahmaputra River sites of Jogighopa and Pancharatna, where monks utilised rock-cut cells for meditation in the Middle Ages.
• Explore Sri Surya Pahar, a hidden gem surrounded by picturesque hills, featuring rock-cut Shivalingas, memorial stupas, and a rich tapestry of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu relics.
• Visit the Kachugaon Game Reserve to see rare and endangered animals like spotted deer, gaurs, golden langurs, and majestic elephants in their natural habitat.
How To Reach
Situated about 180 kilometres northwest of Guwahati, here are some ways to reach Bongaigaon:
1. By Car: From Guwahati city centre, you can take NH27 and continue straight for approximately 170 kilometres until you reach Bongaigaon. This route typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic conditions.
2. By Train: You can board a train from Guwahati Railway Station to Bongaigaon Railway Station. Several trains like Kamrup Express and Brahmaputra Mail serve this route daily, with the journey taking around 4-5 hours depending on the train type.
3. By Bus: Buses operate regularly from Guwahati to Bongaigaon. You can catch a bus from Guwahati ISBT (Interstate Bus Terminal) and it will typically take you about 5- 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Best Time To Visit
Bongaigaon welcomes visitors all year round, each season offering its own charm and experiences.
1. Best Season: The best time to visit Bongaigaon is during the winter season, from October to March. With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like birdwatching. During this time, the region attracts numerous migratory birds, including species like the Siberian Crane and the Asian Openbill Stork, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
2. Best Day of the Week: Weekdays are the best days to explore Bongaigaon. During these days, tourist spots are less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience. You can leisurely explore attractions like temples, game reserves and national parks without the rush of crowds.
3. Best Time of the Day: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to explore Bongaigaon. During this time you can visit the Tamranga Lake for a peaceful boat ride or explore the temples of temples of Abhayapuri.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
1. Plan your visit during the winter months (October to March) for the most comfortable weather.
2. Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for both warm days and cooler evenings.
3. Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
4. Explore local cuisine at roadside eateries for an authentic taste of Assamese flavors.
5. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
6. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
7. Be prepared for occasional rainfall, so carry an umbrella or raincoat.
8. Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Bongaigaon's culture and history.
9. Keep emergency contact numbers handy and stay informed about travel advisories.
Explore Kakaijana Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover the wild at Kakaijana Wildlife Sanctuary, which is tucked away next to the tranquil Aie River and about 15 km from Bongaigaon. The charming golden langurs that are indigenous to this area can be found here. Once a forest with reservations, it is now a refuge that invites you to discover its wide variety of wildlife. If you look closely, you might see pangolins, hornbills, pythons, storks, and leopards. The sight of pied harriers, jungle fowls, and red-vented bulbuls may also excite you. Don't miss the captivating Kalikapat spring, which enhances the allure of the sanctuary by bubbling out of the verdant woodlands and meandering into the nearby paddy fields.
Enjoy the beauty of Tamranga Lake
A short drive from Bongaigaon will bring you to Tamranga Lake, sometimes called Tamranga Bil or Tamranga Beel. Nestled amidst hills, rice fields, and rubber plantations, this tranquil lake is one of Assam's largest freshwater bodies. The lake is a popular fishing destination for the locals, and in the winter it makes a great place for picnics. For a little charge, you can hire local fishermen or boatmen to take you on a relaxing boat excursion here. To have a more thrilling experience, you can take a nighttime boat ride to see the fish schools surfacing and the fishermen at work.
Explore the Revered Bagheswari Temple
Discover Bagheswari Temple, one of Assam's oldest temples, which is ideally situated in the heart of Bongaigaon City. Of the 52 Shakti Peethas or temples devoted to Shaktism, this one is one of the oldest and is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Parvati. It takes its name from the neighbouring Bagheswari Pahar, where tigers were formerly common. Devotees congregate in huge numbers during Durga Pujo, particularly on "Durga Mahaashtami." Legend has it that King Abhayapuri found a piece of Goddess Parvati's Trishul in the temple shrine after Lord Vishnu split it across the Earth.
