Nagaon Travel Guide

Get a detailed travel guide to Nagaon, including top attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, safety tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Nagaon

Nagaon is a city in the central part of Assam, a state in North-Eastern India. It is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and historical significance. Nagaon has a population of about 2 lakhs and is surrounded by hills, forests, and rivers. The city is famous for its tea plantations and silk production, and is a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience of Assam.

List of Places to Visit in Nagaon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kaliabor Manor: A 150-year-old bungalow built during the British era, it is now a heritage hotel that offers guided tours. Beautiful gardens and a golf course surround the manor.
  • Hojai Museum: The museum showcases the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the people of Hojai, a nearby town. It has a collection of ancient artifacts, musical instruments, and traditional costumes.
  • Kakochang Waterfall: This picturesque waterfall is located amidst a dense jungle and is a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals. It is also believed to be a holy site among the locals.

Natural Attractions of Nagaon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Orang National Park: This wildlife sanctuary is home to animals such as tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and leopards. The park also has a variety of bird species and offers jeep and elephant safaris.
  • Kaziranga National Park: Located 80 km from Nagaon, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and other wildlife species. The park also has a variety of birds and offers elephant and jeep safaris.
  • Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is home to several endangered species of birds, animals, and reptiles. It offers bird watching and trekking opportunities to tourists.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nagaon

Nagaon has several scenic routes for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the popular routes are:

  • Hojai to Langting Trek: A 10 km trek from Hojai to Langting that offers breathtaking views of the hills and the forest.
  • Kaziranga to Kaliabor Bike Ride: A 30 km bike ride that takes you through the lush green hills and tea plantations from Kaziranga National Park to Kaliabor town.
  • Nagaon to Borghola Trek: A 12 km trek from Nagaon to Borghola that offers panoramic views of the countryside and the river Kapili.

Best Things to Do in Nagaon: Activities and Tours

  • Tea Tasting Tour: Nagaon is known for its tea plantations, and taking a tea tasting tour is a must-do activity. Many tea estates offer guided tours and also provide accommodation.
  • Silk Tour: Nagaon is also known for its silk production, and taking a silk tour is a great way to learn about the traditional methods of silk weaving.
  • River Rafting: The river Kapili offers excellent opportunities for river rafting. Many adventure tour operators offer guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nagaon

Day Activity
1 Arrival and check-in at a hotel
2 Tea Tasting Tour and visit to Kaliabor Manor
3 Visit to Hojai Museum and Kakochang Waterfall
4 Kaziranga National Park Safari
5 Orang National Park Safari
6 Silk Tour and visit to Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary
7 River Rafting and Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Nagaon

Nagaon offers a rich culinary experience with a blend of Assamese and Bengali cuisine. The must-try dishes are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pitha: Assamese rice cakes with various fillings such as coconut, jaggery, and sesame.
  • Masor Tenga: Assamese fish curry made with sour ingredients such as tomatoes, tamarind, or lemon.
  • Misti Doi: A popular dessert in Assam made with sweetened yogurt and caramelized sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Assam Tea: Nagaon is known for its tea plantations, and sipping on a hot cup of Assam tea is a must-do.
  • Apong: A traditional rice beer made with fermented rice and served in bamboo hollows. It is a popular drink among the locals.

Where to Stay in Nagaon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nagaon offers a range of accommodation options such as hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the popular options are:

  • Tea Estate Resorts: Many tea estates offer accommodation facilities with stunning views of the hills and tea plantations.
  • Heritage Hotels: Nagaon has some beautiful heritage hotels that offer a glimpse into the colonial past of the city.
  • Budget Hotels and Guesthouses: Nagaon has several budget-friendly options for backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Nagaon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Nagaon is known for its silk products, cane and bamboo handicrafts, and artifacts made from bell metal. Some of the popular souvenirs are:

  • Assamese Silk Sarees: You can find a wide range of silk sarees such as Muga, Eri, and Pat silk in Nagaon.
  • Cane and Bamboo Handicrafts: You can find a variety of traditional handicrafts made from cane and bamboo such as baskets, mats, and furniture.
  • Bell Metal Artifacts: You can find beautiful sculptures and artifacts made from bell metal in Nagaon.

Local Culture and Customs of Nagaon

Nagaon is a melting pot of cultures, with Assamese, Bengali, and tribal cultures living in harmony. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and the city is known for its vibrant festivals such as Bihu, Durga Puja, and Holi. It is advisable to dress modestly while visiting places of worship, and it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s house.

Best Time to Visit Nagaon

The best time to visit Nagaon is from November to March when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. This is also the peak tourist season, and the accommodation rates may go up. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided as the roads can become dangerous due to landslides.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nagaon

Do:

  • Dress modestly while visiting places of worship.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Carry a camera and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter public places.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.
  • Photography is prohibited in some religious places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nagaon

Nagaon is a relatively safe city, but you should take the usual precautions such as not venturing out alone at night or carrying expensive jewelry and gadgets. If you are traveling to the wildlife sanctuaries or trekking routes, it is advisable to take a guide with you.

Health in Nagaon

Nagaon is located in a malaria-prone region, so it is advisable to take anti-malaria medication before traveling. It is also advisable to carry insect repellent creams and wear full-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Nagaon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nagaon

The nearest airport to Nagaon is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is about 135 km away.

Bus Stations Near Nagaon

Nagaon has a well-connected network of bus stations that connect it to most major cities in Assam and neighboring states.

Other Options

You can also take a train to Nagaon as it has a well-connected railway station that connects it to most major cities in India.

How to Get Around in Nagaon

Nagaon has a good network of public taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws that can be used to get around the city. You can also hire a private car or bike from various rental services available in the city.

Where to Go Next from Nagaon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Silchar: A beautiful town located 177 km from Nagaon known for its tea plantations, lakes, and temples.
  • Shillong: The capital city of Meghalaya, located 240 km from Nagaon, and known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and hills.
  • Manas National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site located 165 km from Nagaon, known for its wilderness, flora, and fauna.

Conclusion

Nagaon is a hidden gem in Assam with its rich culture, natural beauty, and historical significance. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family vacationer, or a history enthusiast, this city has something to offer for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to explore Nagaon and create unforgettable memories. Happy traveling!