Jorhat: Tea Capital of India

If you are planning a trip to Assam, it can’t be complete without a stay in Jorhat. As the tea capital of India, Jorhat is the second-largest urban city after Guwahati. This city is the perfect blend of Modernity and culture. As people of different culture lives in Jorhat, they have many fascinating histories to tell.

Brief History

• Jorhat means two hats or mandis; “Masorhaat” and “Sowkihat”, which are located on the opposite shores of the river Bhugdoi.
• Jorhat was the last capital of the Ahom Dynasty till 1824. Besides, this Dynasty was ruling over Jorhat for more than six centuries.
• Moreover, Ahom Dynasty built many water tanks around the capital city, such as Rajmao Pukhuri or Borpukhuri, Buragohain Pukhuri, Bolia Gohain Pukhuri, Kotoki Pukhuri and Mitha Pukhuri.
• Later on, the arrival of the British force in 1824 and a series of Burmese attack in Assam during 1817 destroyed this flourishing city.

State/District/Capital

Jorhat is the second-largest city of Assam after Guwahati covering an area of over 2581 sq km. Due to the presence of many tea gardens in this city, it is called the Tea Capital of India. Apart from this, Jorhat is also famous for its agriculture and jewellery manufacturing. Undoubtedly, this is the best place for those who love to wake up with a cup of tea every morning.

How to reach Jorhat?

By Air

Jorhat’s Rowraih airport is well connected to other major cities of the country via frequent flights. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati is the nearest international airport at 323 km. Lots of cabs and taxis are operating outside the airport to reach within the city.

By Rail

There is two railway station in Jorhat viz. Mariani Junction and Jorhat Town Railway Station. The Mariani railway junction is 18 km away from the city centre, and another one is 2 km away. The former one is connected to all major cities of India.

By Road

One can easily find taxis and buses connecting the district of Jorhat by major Indian cities.

When to visit Jorhat?

Avoid visiting Jorhat in summers because of hot and humid temperatures ranging between 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. From July, the monsoon sets in, and till September there is constant rain. But the best time to explore the city is in winters due to the cool pleasant weather.

Official language

The official language of Jorhat is Assamese. Along with Assamese, the other languages also spoken there are English, Hindi, Bengali, Mishing, Deori, Aiton, Shan, etc.

Weather

• Summer season- March to June
• Average temperature- 15°C-28°C 

• Monsoon season- July to September
• Average temperature- 33°C-28°C 

• Winter season- November to February
• Average Temperature- 7°C-18°C

Fairs & Festivals in Jorhat

Bihu

Bihu is the most prestigious festival of Assam, which is a set of three celebrations: Rongali celebrated in April, Kongali celebrated in October, and Bhogali celebrated in January. Whereas Rongali Bihu is the most significant of the three celebrating the Assamese New Year and spring festival.

Ali Ai Ligang

Ali Ai Ligang festival is a famous spring festival of Assam and seemingly the most colourful one. The youth perform a dance called Gumrag after the ceremony of paddy sowing. Cutting trees, ploughing, fishing, and burning jungles are strictly prohibited during the festival.

Tea Festival

The Tea Festival is held in the region of Jorhat in the northeastern state of Assam. It is all about tea, music and happiness. Besides, the major activities included in the festival are visiting the tea gardens, playing golf, safaris into the jungles, tasting delicious food items, shopping, and cultural entertainment.

Transportation/Stay to prefer

With a plan to visit Jorhat, one could easily find many hotels and lodges available within the city. If you are fascinated by the life of tribal people, then the best thing you could do is to stay in bamboo cottages at Majuli island.

As for transportation within the city, you can easily find taxis and rickshaws. Although, you can hire a cab if you are planning to visit with your family.

Places to visit in Jorhat

Jorhat has plenty of places to visit and spend quality time with your loved ones. So, here is a list of some must-visit spots of Jorhat.

Historical

1. Sukapha Samannay Kshetra
2. Lachit Borphukan’s Maidam
3. Gymkhana Club

Natural

1. Majuli island
2. Molai forest
3. Tocklai Tea Research Centre
4. Cinnamora Tea Estate
5. Gibbon wildlife sanctuary
6. Kakochang waterfall

Spiritual

1. Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar
2. Burigosain Devalay
3. Kenduguri Namghar

Cuisines to taste in Jorhat

Jorhat’s cuisine is the perfect combination of North India and North-East India. The city is famous due to its hot and spicy street food. Especially, from North Indian to Continental and Assamese to Chinese food, there are a variety of unique dishes.

1. Aaloo Pitika
2. Khar
3. Fish Curry
4. Pithas
5. Momos
6. Vada Pav

Things to do in Jorhat

The District of Jorhat has many beautiful sites to offer. When you are in Jorhat without a to-do list, your journey can’t be finished off. So, here is the list of things to do when you are there.

• Visiting Kakochang waterfall.
• Walking by narrow lanes of Cinnamora Tea Estate.
• A tour to Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.
• A visit to Majuli island especially by ferry.

Souvenirs to buy in Jorhat

This city has not much to offer in the souvenir. Still, you can’t miss these.

1. Mekhla Chadar
2. Japi
3. Gamosa
4. Xorai
5. Traditional Assamese Jewelry

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