THE TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF MAGIC LAND

DIMA HASAO

North Cachar Hills emerge from the heart of Assam like a chorus of silent hymns and rise up to the sky like crescendo of music. The sportive clouds play around the cliffs like gleeful children. The limitless green rolls away to distant horizon in a beautiful rhythm. The limitless green rolls away to distant horizon in a beautiful rhythm. The mountains float in the distant sky. The clouds descend and snugly lie below one's feet. It is   blue and green all around. The fragrant breeze silently embraces everyone and whispers love to the beautiful springtime flowers. The summer rains drench the hills and spread an unfathomable mystery. Its dramatic topography – ever-changing…ever-enduring, is a feast for the senses. Its fabulous topography offers a dazzling variety of adventure options.

Clouds are hills in vapour

Hills are clouds in stone.

"Abode of the Clouds”, this is Dima Hasao, the destination which soothes the minds of weary travelers. Clouds are always found during the monsoon season nestling in the tropical forest valleys of Dima Hasao. Dima Hasao is a kaleidoscopic 'pleasure trove' for the discerning visitor with its wide array of festivals and dances, handicrafts, flora and fauna, breathtaking natural beauty and temperate climate. Dima Hasao abounds in rare traditions, vibrant culture and un-spoilt natural beauty. A hidden jewel with an aura of mystery.

The cultural and religious learning of about thirteen different tribal communities, in addition to all this makes North Cachar Hills a wonderful amalgam of cross-cultural diversity. Though each ethnic community enjoys its own individual cultural strengths, this melting point often referred to as a laboratory of exotic cultural synthesis.

The magic land Dima Hasao is a verdant land of the eternal blue hills, a treasure of flora and fauna. The hunting beauty of North Cachar Hills has a magical charm that lures visitors to imbibe of its natural beauty, tribal culture, craft traditions and splendid wildlife. The amazing diversity of Dima Hasao makes it a destination for all season. Here the dazzling array of ethnic lifestyles opens up fresh insights into a land that has a prism-like beauty. With breathtaking natural beauty, abundant flora and fauna and rich cultural heritage, Dima Hasao attracts admirers from different countries of the world. In Dima Hasao tourists spots are no less fascinating. Besides being the “Cradle of Nature” the North Cachar Hills District has a number of places which bore the stamps of hoary past and bewitching beauty.

Haflong: The Land of Blue Hills

The clouds here aren't lonely.
They caress hillsides, embrace trees, play with leaves.
They lounge on the roads, rising lazily to let a car pass
Settling down again even before the tyres go around the corner
They talk to the flowers, and play with the dogs
       And, I hear, in partnership with campfires,
       Disorient the birds in nearby Jatinga,
       So that tribesmen can club them out of the air

...

They laze, cradled like pet cats,
In the laps of high valleys.
Damp with promise, they leave traces of their passage
In the grass, and in the smell of the carpets.
The clouds wander here,
But it's only me that's lonely.

Quite up in the rugged terrains there stands out the queen town of Haflong, the district’s headquarters, located in the midst of natural artistry offering a unique look. Because of its wonderful natural settings one might get tempted to call it the `Switzerland of the East`. Many want to term Haflong as “Nature’s Own Virgin Delight”. The garland-like Borail Hill or the `great dyke` extending right from north to east builds-up an impervious wall almost all around Haflong. This very topographic freak gives and impression that the town itself is embedded in a natural fortress. Haflong is often referred to as the land of blue hills. Its one of those places where you will find greenery, greenery and greenery. So put ahead your foot to this quiet, calm, away from the world, next to heaven place.

Did I try to catch the clouds
Did I try to catch the rains
What more could I do
To hold the beauty in my eyes ......

.. The more you say, the less it is for this beautiful and only hilly town of Assam.

Many infer that the name Haflong was derived from the word ‘’HANGKLONG`’ meaning enriched land. Some others say that the name is drawn from the Dimasa word “HAFLAU” which means ant-hill. That is why Haflong is also known as “White Ant Hillock”. Whatever may be the background, the fact remains that it is now the only Hill Station in the state of Assam and it bears all the promises of being further developed into an attractive Tourist Resort. In this picturesque hill-station one can see the rainbow down below.

Known for its pleasant climate and friendly people Haflong is really a scenic tourist destination. Haflong, a word that almost brings the cool air with it is a secret hide out of the tourists. The scenic beauty of Haflong has a subtle ambience – a mental and sensory quietude – rarely to be experienced elsewhere. Its colourful people, great verdant landscapes and cultural strengths are a delightful combination for an unusual holiday experience.

Prettily laid out with shady paths and artificial waters and located on the spur of a narrow strip of Borail range about 3117 feet above the sea level, Haflong, the district Headquarters has almost divine charms. The total area of Haflong is around 12.79 Sq. Km. From different points in the town like Missionary Hill, the Lovers Leap, Upper Bageter, PHE Tank, Synod Point and many other such vantage points, magnificent changing views can be had of the mysterious looking river valleys of the Rubby and Diyung rivers lying far bellow against the dark backdrop of cloud-caped peaks. The Hill Section of the N F railway line almost surrounds the town at the lower ridge and there are three Railway stations in chain at Lower Haflong, Bageter and Hill Haflong. Abounding in splendid ‘colonial style’ Bungalows like Gumaigajo, Summit, Dalshangie, Limit, Taradevi, Hurst Lea, Groveland,  DC’s Bungalow, Circuit House - all are facing the main Borail range, the town’s history is inextricably linked with its past European residents.

A flash of tartan, the scent of heather and tendrils of mist clinging to the hillsides; houses with Tudor-style framework, church steeples and lakes in the middle of this dreamland town one should be pardoned if one fancy himself to be in some small hamlet in heart of England. Up in the Terrains, lie the queen town of Haflong, the district Headquarter of North Cachar Hills, where swirling mists flirting with lofty hills. In the midst of natural artistry, it offers a unique look. The garland like Borail hills, extending from the north to the east build up an impervious wall almost all around Haflong. Evergreen, flush with blooms of exotic flora, its hilly expanses are criss-crossed by gushing rivers and a cobweb of slivery streams.

Haflong is a land of pleasing blue orchards and pera, pineapple and oranges. Add to it the picturesque beauty of Haflong Lake and Boat House situated within the heart of this hill town. Haflong Lake is one of the two lakes on the only hill station of Assam. This large and beautiful lake adds a celestial beauty to the hill station which is regarded as the 'Scotland of Assam'.  The lake with a total area of 5, 09,760 Sq. feet and length of 3020 meters was constructed by Engineer Bayajen and J C Carting during their stay at Haflong for the construction of railway track. The lake is a place of amusement, recreation and a divine rendezvous that evokes romance in every nook and corner.

Through the vignettes of evening emerges Haflong, its houses shining like nuggets of gold in the twilight. The placid waters of the lake reflect the sky painted with a million hues of red by the setting sun. Amore enthralling introduction to God’s own land is hard to imagine.

As night descends and lights start twinkling in town, Haflong looks like a piece of starlit sky resting at the foot of the Borail range. Very little happens here at night. There is hardly any traffic to speak of and people huddle back to their homes before dark. All that one hears at night is the rustle of leaves or the occasional flutter of a nocturnal bird seeking its prey or shouting its protests at those intruding into its domain.

Haflong is spread along main Road. The market, off Main Road in the centre of town is at its most bustling and colourful on Saturday, when it expands into an enclosure further down main Road, and overflows with fresh betel nut, banana flowers and Ju (rice beer) for space.

The Saturday market of Haflong is the biggest Hatt of North Cachar Hills. People from far-off villages start pouring into town from Friday evening. At daybreak the market looks like a festival, complete with colour, ethnic diversity, wares and noise. It is an event few people miss.

Blessed with a salubrious climate and landscapes of natural beauty, Haflong has its beautiful lake, museum, view points, lovers point, churches, parks, hilly rivers, sun rise over Borail from Circuit House, seasonal festivals and beautiful orchids to offer the tourist an enjoyable break from routine life. Its dramatic topography – ever-changing….ever-enduring, is a feast for the senses. Its picturesque and unspoiled environs are perfect for extended stays.

For those who just want to relax, rejuvenate and relish, Haflong Circuit house is there to indulge your whims. The Haflong Circuit House is the perfect place to lie down and look at the stars in the night. An early rise, enjoying the moments of sun rise and a walk in nearby small village watching birds; that’s how one should spend the morning here in this beautiful place Haflong. The best thing to do in Haflong is to enjoy the nature and its amazing powers.

Geography: Haflong is located at 25.18° N 93.03° E. It has an average elevation of 513 metres (1683 feet).

Geographical coordinates: 25° 11' 0" North, 93° 2' 0" East.

Demographics: As of 2001 India census, Haflong had a population of 35,906( Male-19651, Female-16255). Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Haflong has an average literacy rate of 80% (28852), higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85% (16717), and female literacy is 75 %( 12135). In Haflong, 12% (4156) of the population is under 6 years of age.

Jatinga: The Ornithologists Paradise

Just 9 kilometers from Haflong in the east there stands a tiny picturesque village called Jatinga on a spur of the Haflong ridge which itself is an offshoot of the main ridge of the Borail range. It is centrally located at the tri-junction of the roads leading to Haflong, Lumding and Silchar. The junction looks like a natural saddle with the Jatinga River flowing westwards and the Dolong River towards the north. The hill slopes with their grooves and gurgling streams and patches of evergreen trees provide a natural habitat for the birds. It’s an Ornithologists paradise.

There is poetry in the word Jatinga, the pathway of rain and water in the Zeme Naga terminology. Jatinga was first inhabited by the Zeme Nagas in 1890. They were the first to witness the mystery when their camp fires attracted the birds. This frightened them as they believed that the birds were evil spirits swooping down from sky. Eventually they deserted the settlement. The Jaintias, who moved in, in the year 1905 under their leader Lakhanbang Suchiang, stumbled upon the mystery while venturing into the valley at night with lighted torches to round up stray cattle. The bamboo torches attracted showers of birds which the Jaintias regarded as ‘Gift of God’.

The mysterious behaviour of the birds flying over Jatinga from September to November has made this beautiful tiny place famous over the world. Here the mist and fog lie like a veil around the beautiful face of the damsel from September to November. Occasionally, the fog lifts revealing a garden village where nature has been bountiful. When there is moonless dark night, the breeze blowing from the south to north, the sky is moderately foggy and it’s raining slightly, the birds over flying Jatinga use to come down towards powerful lights lit on the ground. A watch tower maintained by Forest department provides an opportunity to see this bird mystery.

 

As fog comes on a moonless night….

When the wind blows in direction right….

Jatinga turns into an island of search light,

and birds appear like ghosts from nowhere.

Jatinga village in the foot hills of Borail Range which is a halting place for many birds. The phenomenon which has attracted Ornithologists world over is suspected suicide committed by birds. This phenomena occurs in the late monsoon months of August to October with September attracting the maximum number of birds. Birds are trapped by “Bird Lighting’’. They are attracted by artificial light on dark moonless night. The phenomenon occurs only when certain climatic conditions are fulfilled i.e. apart from moonless night, the direction of the wind should be South West to North East. Along the valley of Borail there must be thick fog or mist and light drizzling. The Southern wind carting mist, when passes over this place, birds make their appearance in locations which one illuminated. The Birds sighted during the phenomenon at Jatinga are Indian Ruddy, king fisher, Indian pitta, Green pigeon, Black drongo, Grey heron, Spotted dove, Quail etc.

Curiously, most of the doomed birds do not attempt to fly away after they land near the lights. They look dazed and disheveled, perhaps due to the trauma of the whole shocking experience. Such birds fall easy prey to the villagers. Some of the birds hovering around the light sources are brought down by a vigorous swing of the bamboo poles. Catapults are also used to bring down the birds in flight as well as those perching on the trees and bushes near the light sources. However, contrary to the popular belief, birds do not commit suicide. Under circumstances not yet fully explained, these birds get caught in the fog and wind, get disoriented and seek solace of the light sources put out by the villagers. They hit against trees or other objects and get injured in their flight towards the light source. The villagers hit the hovering birds with bamboo poles or catapults to bring them down

Various studies have been conducted to unravel the causes behind this phenomenon.  The record maintained show that 44 species have been attracted to the light sources. It has been established that the birds are not attracted to the entire Jatinga Ridge but only to a well-defined strip, 1.5 km long and 200 meters wide. Invariably the birds come in only from the north and attempts at placing the lights on the southern side of the ridge to attract the birds have failed. Another interesting fact has been brought out is that no long distance migratory bird gets attracted to the light traps. The victims are resident birds of the adjacent valleys and hill slopes.  

The unusual behaviour of the birds seems to occur due to the peculiar weather conditions at Jatinga. There also appears to be a correlation between the breeding period of the birds and the Jatinga phenomenon. Studies also reveal that the flight of water birds to Jatinga may be attributed to heavy rains and floods and submergence of their natural habitat in the surrounding areas. It has been observed that there was a high congregation of birds at Jatinga during 1988 which happened to be a year of high floods.

This strange phenomenon is attributed to the electro-magnetic characteristics of the Jatinga ridge. The ridge is bounded nearly on all sides by fault planes. This combined with the mineral content of the valley with its high magnetic properties could be responsible for certain geo-physical changes in the atmosphere here. These are enhanced during the monsoon months of September and October when the ground water comes up almost to the ridge top of Jatinga. All these are believed to cause certain unusual changes in the gravitational pull around the region. It is possible that these affect the nervous system of the birds making them completely disoriented and confused when they happen to fly over the Jatinga ridge.

The first mention of this mystery is found in the Wild Life of India (1957) by the British tea planter and ornithologist E.P. Gee. "The whole thing is extraordinary" Gee wrote. He noted that the bird death took place only at this spot. Even when lights were put up in nearby places, the phenomenon did not occur. He also noted that some conditions are necessary for the phenomenon to take place. The Zoological Survey of India visited Jatinga during the monsoon months of 1977 and got wide publicity from leading ornithologists in Europe, U.S. and Japan.

Renowned ornithologists Dr. Salim Ali, Dr. Sudhin Sengupta, A. Rauf have carried out researches on this subject.  However, no single hypothesis comprehensively explains the Jatinga mystery. The renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali, notes that "The most puzzling thing to me about this phenomenon is that so many species of diurnal resident birds should be on the move when, by definition, they should be fast asleep. The problem deserves a deeper scientific study from various angles".

At Jatinga, Birders can look after Red headed Trogon, Great Barbet, Lesser and grater Yellownapes, Longtailed Broadbill, Blue whistling Thrush, Slaty backed and spotted forktails, spangled Drongo, white browed scimitar Babbler, white crested, lesser and whistling duck, Blue breasted Quail, Kalij Phesant, Yellow legged and Barred Buttonquails, Slaty legged Crake, Common and Purple moorhens, White breasted Waterhen, Watercock, slaty breasted rail, Pheasent tailed jacana, Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Woodcock, spotted and emarlad dove, White throated kingfisher, Ashy Woodswallow, Black creasted Bulbul, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black naped Monarch, Blue Rock Thrush, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Gorgeted Flycatcher, Golden Spectacled Warbler, white capped water redstart, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, Black throated Sunbird, Mountain Imperial Pigeons, Bay Woodpecker, Maroon Oriole, Crested Finchbill, striated bulbul, Coral - billed and Red billed scimitar Babblers, Long billed, streaked, Eyebrowed, Pygmy and spotted Wren Bablers, Crested serpent eagles, Grey peacock, pheasant, red junglefowl, Oriental Turtle and Emerald Dove, Red breasted Parakeet, Vernal hanging parrot, brown hornbill, Black creasted, Flavescent, Ashy, Mountain and Black bulbuls, Streak breasted scimitar babbler, Silver eared Mesia, Blue winged Minla, Whishkered and white bellied Yuhinas, Grey sibia, snowy browed, slaty blue, little pied sapphire and many more ....

Jatinga is well-known for its horticultural produces and it is rated as the most prosperous, literate and ideal village in the entire region. The villagers are perhaps the best horticulturists in the state and they grow oranges, pineapples, papayas, jack fruits and pan etc. abundantly. Jatinga oranges are famous for its tastes and size.

Maibang: The Land of Ancient Glory

Situated on the bank of river Mahur, 53 KM from Haflong and almost in the middle of the District, Maibang once flourished as the capital of Dimasa kingdom in the later part of the 16^th century.  Once it was the centre for literature and sculpture.

Maibang is known for its majestic landscape and scenic grandeur. As you travel through the thickly-wooded Mahur Valley, Maibang appears on the windscreen like a cinemascope picture. A vast green open carpeted with paddy fields unfolds before your eyes. That’s why, Maibang valley is one of the best places for the nature lover. And coursing its way through the middle, Mahur River bifurcate the town into old and new segments.

The word ‘Maibang’ in Dimasa means ‘abundance in paddy’. This is true even today as Maibang stands out to be the granary of the entire district. This sub-divisional town of Dima Hasao has seen some glorious days in the past when it was the seat of Dimasa kings. Today most of the relics of that era lie buried under the green foliage that race with the seasons to cover every inch on earth. The monolithic  stone temple of Goddess Ranachandi ( One stone house) hewn by Dimasa King Maharaja Harishchandra Narayan on the banks of Mahur river and two stone inscription by  Dimasa King Maharaja Meghanarayan  on 12 July 1576 in the City Gate of ancient Capital Maibang are the only mute testimonies of its historic past.

Geography: Maibang is located at 25.3° N 93.17° E. It has an average elevation of 355 metres (1164 feet).

Geographical Coordinates: 25°18′N 93°10′E / 25.3, 93.17

Demographics: As of 2001 India census, Maibang had a population of 7664. Males constitute 55% (4251) of the population and females 45% (3413). Maibang has an average literacy rate of 73% (4179), higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78% (2406), and female literacy is 66% (1773). In Maibang, 13% (731) of the population is under 6 years of age.

Umrongso : The Dream Valley

Another exotic destination in Dima Hasao. Umrongso, the only industrial town of Dima Hasao, is 112 km from Haflong and 224 km from Guwahati. Umrongso in is located at the borders of Assam and Meghalaya. The huge Hydel plant has came up at Umrongso under North East Electric Power C2`3`2orporation (NEEPCO) with dams in the Kopili River.

The road to Umrongso unfolds like a dream. A procession of hills stretching upto a distance where shapes merge into the misty horizon. Valleys are filled with surrealistic castles of floating clouds. A gentle breeze whistles its way through the young pine plantations like an enchantress leaving traces of fragrance behind, while far off in the distance the setting sun calls it a day. Its rays touching the water bellow like a magic wand turn the lake into molten gold. This is Umrongso, a dream come true in the lap of the silent hills.

The beautiful Umrongso Lake, the quite valley, the hot water springs and the exquisite scenery are enough to captivate attention. The visitors in this area can enjoy both hot and cold bath and fishing in the river Kopili. A few meters away towards the east there is a reserve forest abound in wild animals.

The manicured green cover on the undulating slopes here represents the dawn of a new era. The Kopili Tea Estate is a pioneering plantation project in Dima Hasao. Limestone deposits near Umrongso have prompted another industrial activity in the region. Three cement plants are there in Umrongso.

Demographics: As of 2001 India census, Umrongso had a population of 9024. Males constitute 55% (4946) of the population and females 45% (3413). Umrongso has an average literacy rate of 74% (6722), higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79% (3924), and female literacy is 69% (2798). In Umrongso, 14% (1273) of the population is under 6 years of age.

Garampani : The Land of Hot Spring

Situated at the extreme west of the district end on the Eastern bank of the river Kopili, Garampani is famous for its hot springs which is believed to possess medicinal properties and the captivating views of water falls. It is about 124 kms away from Haflong and a good place for holiday makers and sight seers.

Panimoor: The Holy Place

A place of mesmerizing natural beauty situated about 120 km away from Haflong and 8-10 km from Haflong Tiniali, the Kopili River turns into a thrilling waterfall, rolling over the rocks of Panimoor. Panimoor – wherein the water column carves out its way and surrenders to gravity. The very sight of this gigantic waterfall is enough to make one miss a heartbeat and exclaim ‘wow’. The enchanting surroundings with lush greens enhance the beauty of the cascading waters. The Dimasa people consider the place as a pilgrimage and on every Magh Purnima, they take a holy bath at the falls. Its simply beautiful, the natural beauty. It takes you away from the city lights; become a bootlegger as you witness the various moods of nature.

Mahur: The Tunnel Town

The place is singularly known for its tunnel, the longest one in the Hills section of N F Railway line. The No. 11 tunnel near Mahur has 1192 feet running length. The exquisite scenery from the top of the hills is enough to captivate a tourist’s attention.

The coffee grown in Mahur area is said to be the best in India. Mahur is the headquarters of Jatinga Valley Development Block. Mahur bazaar is famous for the hill produce like ginger, cotton, chilies, sesame, potatoes etc.

Geography: Mahur is located at 25.17° N 93.12° E. It has an average elevation of 727 metres (2385 feet).

Geographical coordinates: 25° 10' 0" North, 93° 7' 0" East

Demographics: As of 2001 India census, Mahur had a population of 5485. Males constitute 55% (2999) of the population and females 45% (2486). Mahur has an average literacy rate of 76% (4179), higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80% (2406), and female literacy is 71% (1773). In Mahur, 13% (731) of the population is under 6 years of age.

Asalu : The First Headquarters

From 1853, it was the first sub-divisional headquarters of the Dima Hasao which was then within the Nowgong district. In 1880, the Sub-Divisional headquarters were shifted to Gunjung. There still stands an old broken fort of stones.

Gunjung: The Battle Field

About 29 km off Haflong and up on a plateau of height 2500 feet Gunjung was the sub-divisional headquarters till 1895. The name Gunjung was derived after the name of a Zeme Naga whose name was “Gunyung”. It was where a fierce battle was fought between the Dimasa freedom fighter Veer Sambhudhan Phonglo and the British in which English army was completely routed. After this battle the British thought it fit to move out to a safer place like Haflong for its headquarters. Moreover Halfling’s proximity to the railway line also prompted the British to shift the headquarters as such not much was left behind at Gunjung after the British moved out.

Geographical coordinates: 25° 19' 0" North, 93° 1' 0" East

Thuruk : The Coldest Place

A place with appealing natural beauty, Thuruk is the coldest place of the district and about 110 km from Haflong via Sangbar road and only 13 km from Harangajao on foot. One can experience snowfall there during the winter. The nature of Thuruk is a great attraction in itself. For trackers it is quite tempting. Moreover the hospitality of the villagers is unforgettable. Thuruk is the abode of Biate tribes.

Semkhor: The Land of Legend

From Maibang a road leads to Semkhor. It is the only Dimasa village situated in a hilltop and not near the river like the others. The word Semkhor is a combination of two words ‘Sem’ and ‘dikhor’ which means salt and well. Semkhor is the home to Semsa. This land of intense natural beauty, imbued with a mystic aura, is steeped in legends and history.

As legend goes, a Dimasa Kachari king had stationed his elite warriors at this vantage point to guard the saline water wells here. By boiling the brine of these wells salt could be made. The people of Semkhor are known as ‘Semsa’ which means ‘son of salt’ or the salt people. After the fall of Maibang and subsequent departure of Dimasa king to Cachar, the Semkhor people continued to live in this self-contained village without much contact with the outside world. Even today things have not changed much although the saline water wells have fallen to disuse.

Semkhor is 29 km from Maibang. The village administration of Semkhor is truly democratic. Semkhor has not only historical importance but it has also provides scope for studying the structure of Dimasa society.

Hajong : The Tortoise Lake

Located on Maibang-Hajadisa road, Hajong is famous for the abundance of rare variety of hill terrapins. Hajong Lake is located in the Langting-Mupa reserve forest. Seven rare varieties of tortoise have been identified here. Only in winter one can visit the place.

Laisong: The Land of Tradition

Situated at 110 km from Haflong with its scenic splendours, Laisong is the largest Zeme Naga village of Dima Hasao. The biggest traditional dormitory for Zeme Naga boys ‘Hangseuki’ is situated here. Preservation of culture and tradition is the sole objective of the dormitory. Each facet of Laisong Valley is honed to a bright finish that charms as much as it intrigues - as you delve deeper into its culture.

Geographical coordinates: 25° 12' 0" North, 93° 18' 0" East

Harangajao : The Land of Green Valley

It is situated along the border of the district, only 46 kms from Haflong. The word Harangajao is a Dimasa word meaning ‘slope of red soil’. It is the largest producer of pineapples. The river Jatinga is flowing, bisecting the land into two, once it was known as a cultural centre of Dima Hasao.

The Heritage village near Jatinga

A new attraction for the tourist in Haflong is the Heritage Village near Jatinga. Here the tourists find traditional houses and dormitories of all the tribal communities of Dima Hasao. A place which reflects the tribal traditions, culture, heritage and harmony. The Heritage Village is now a popular picnic and sight seeing spot maintained and constructed by Forest Department under the Rastriya Sama Vikash Yojana (RSVY).

THE PLACES OF WORSHIP AT HAFLONG  

Hindu Temples

Jagannath Bari: The oldest Hindu temple of Haflong built by Jnanendra  Kumar Das in the month of January,1911. It draws a very large number of devotees in festive occasions. It is one of the cultural centres of the Bengali Hindu people and located in the Main Road near Lal Field.

Kali Bari and Shiva Temple: The Temple was built by Mahant Samhar Giri in the year 1915 -16. This temple is surrounded by trees and a perfect place for religious exercise. It is the cultural centre for the Nepali population and located besides Haflong Govt. College.

Devisthan: It is located at Upper Bageter and a place of worship.

Shiv- Kali Mandir: Built by Samarendranath Bannerjee and some Nepali devotees in March 1943.

Govinda Ashram: The place for religio-cultural congregations of the Bishnupriya  Manipuris was inaugurated on February,1969. The temple is dedicated to the religious ideology of Sri Chaitanya and is located behind the PWD Colony.

Namghar: The main cultural centres for the Assamese community located near the Deputy Commissioners office was inaugurated on August 7, 1983.The Namghar was dedicated to the religious and cultural ideologies of Sri Sankardeva.

Shiva-Parvati Mandir: The temple was opened in the month of March of 1994 near the Haflong Namghar.

Ardhangini Kali Mandir: Situated in the Sarkari Bagan Road and was founded by Anantalal Sarma in the year 1981.

Sibarai Temple: In March 13, 1995 this temple was established near Haflong Lake with an intention to assemble the Dimasa devotees under a religious banner.

Ramkrishna Seva Samiti: Initially started in the Jagannath Bari complex in the year 1945 but later-on in 1955 it was shifted to the present site Located at a beautiful hillock in the west of the town. A place of attraction for all the people.

Satsang Vihar: The main cultural and religious centre for the devotees of Thakur Sri Sri Anukul Chandra situated near the Railway Field. It was inaugurated on April 15, 1984.

Apart from these several other places of worship for the people of Hindu community are there in Haflong like Akhanda Mandali and Ramthakur Mandir, Bazar Kali Bari, Mahadev Tilla Kali Bari.

Muslim Shrine

Haflong Mosque: The Haflong Mosque was constructed and donated by Khan Bahadur Hazi Samsuddin Khan and situated in the heart of Haflong Bazar. It was first housed in a thatch-roof opposite to the present Jagannath Bari. Prior to 1913 it was shifted to the present site. This Mosque is the main religious centre of the Muslim population in the town.

Syed Baba Mukam: A place of worship for all the communities. Syed Baba Dargah is located at Banjang near Mahadev Tilla and was established in the early part of the twentieth century. One Masque is also situated in the Mukam complex.

Apart from this, two other Mosques are at Haflong. One at Lower Haflong and another at Mahadev Tilla area.

Christian Churches

Presbyterian Church:  the old chapel was established in 1912. This church is the parent church of several churches of Haflong. The first Presbyterian Church was established at Haflong by the Wallesh Mission. The Missionary was Rev. Garland Williams of Wales in the first decade of the twentieth century. It is situated on a hillock in the vicinity of Synod High School.

Roman Catholic Church: This beautiful Church is the only Catholic Church in Haflong and is centrally located on the Main Road of the town. This church was established by the Holy Cross Father Monseigneur Brown. The new building of the church was inaugurated 1978. This Catholic Church is under the diocese of Diphu. Catholic Church is a must visit for every tourist.

Apart from this two, Evangelical Free Church of India, Independent church of India, United Pentecostal Church, four Square Church, Church of East India are some of the notable worship place of Christian community. Every Christian village in and around Haflong town also have their own churches.

Dima Hasao Travel Guide

Where to stay at Haflong

Circuit House, Haflong

Dial: +91-3673-236223

Dak Baunglow, Haflong

Dial:  +91-3673-236273

Hotel Elite, Haflong

Dial:  +91-3673-236708

Dial:  +91-3673-237350

Hotel Joyeswari, Haflong

Dial:  +91-3673-236484

Hotel Valley View, Haflong

Dial: +91-3673-239378

Hotel Eastern, Haflong

Dial: +91-3673-236476

Hotel Rahmania, Haflong

Dial:+91-3673 - 236363

Nothao

The Little Homes Lodge, Haflong

Dial: +91-3673-236247

Dial: +91-94350-77695

Where to stay at Maibang

Irrigation IB, Maibang

Dial : +91-3673-282451

Where to stay at Umrongso

NEEPCO Guest House, Umrongso

Dial:+91-3670- 288246

Forest IB, Umrongso

PWD IB, Umrongso

Lily Hotel, Umrongso

Dial:+91-3670-288243

Where to stay at Mahur

PWD IB, Mahur

Where to stay at Panimoor

PWD IB, Diyungmukh

Forest IB, Panimoor

How to reach Haflong

Air:  Airport at Silchar and Guwahati. Both the places are connected with Haflong by Road and Rail

Road:                          

• ASTC Day Bus service daily from Guwahati (Dep.6.30 AM)

• ASTC Day Bus service daily from Nagaon (Dep.10 AM)

• Night Super Bus service daily from Network Travels, Guwahati (Dep.7.30 PM)

• Tata Sumo service daily from Silchar (Dep.6AM and 1PM)

• Tata Sumo service daily from Lanka         (Dep.6AM and 1PM)

Rail:   Haflong is covered by three Railway Stations of NF Railway Hill Section Meter Gauge.

          The three Railway Stations are Lower Haflong, Hill Haflong and Bageter Station

     From Guwahati via Lumding to Lower Haflong Station (285 Km)

·         0849 Lumding-Badarpur  Special (Dep. Lumding at 7.45 AM)

·         0853 Hill Queen (Dep. Lumding at 9.35 AM)

                 From Silchar via Badarpur to Lower Haflong Station (112 Km)

·         0852 Badarpur -Lower Haflong Special (Dep. Badarpur  at 9.20 AM)                    

·         0592 Silchar- Lumding Special (Dep. Silchar at 2 PM)

Travel Agents:

Network Travels, Haflong                                         

                                          Dial: + 91- 99542-82682

Dial: + 91- 3673-236044

Orient Trailways, Haflong

            Dial: + 91- 3673- 237291

Lamagalao Travels, Haflong

Dial:+ 91-3673 -  217454 

                                                      Dial: + 91- 94355-81430

Lamayung Travels, Haflong

Dial:+ 91-3673 -  237850

                                                      Dial: + 91- 94013-35846

ASTC, Guwahati

                                    Dial:+ 91-361-2547941

            Network Travels, Guwahati

                                    Dial:+91-361-2522007/2547911

Railway Enquiry:

            Railway Enquiry, Hill Haflong

                                    Dial:+91-3673-236365

            Railway Enquiry, Lower Haflong

                                    Dial:+91- 3673-236244

            Railway Enquiry, Maibang

                                    Dial:+ 91-3673-282404

            Railway Enquiry, Mahur

                                    Dial:+ 91-3673-283414

Railway Enquiry, Lumding

Dial: + 91-3674-263366

            Railway Enquiry, Guwahati

                                    Dial:+ 91- 361-2540330

            Railway Reservation, Guwahati

                                    Dial:+ 91-361-2541799

Air Service Enquiry:

Indian Airlines Guwahati                              

Dial:+ 91-361- 2264420

                                          Dial:+ 91-361- 2264421

                                          Dial:+ 91-361- 2264422

                                          Dial:+ 91-361- 2264423

Jet Airways Guwahati                                    

Dial:+ 91-361- 2665784

                                          Dial:+ 91-361- 2665785

Site best viewed in Internet Explorer on 1360  x 768  resolution 

WEBSITE DESIGNED & MAINTAINED BY DIPR, Dima Hasao, HAFLONG

 Contents : Zahid Ahmed Tapadar & Lalhmachhuana Joute

HOSTED BY NATIONAL INFORMATICS CENTRE

© Copyright DIPR, Dima Hasao, 2011