Bongaigaon Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Bongaigaon in Lower Assam with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and buy, and more.


Bongaigaon, located in Lower Assam, is a beautiful city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The city is known for its lush green landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historic sites. With its beautiful surroundings and friendly people, Bongaigaon is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Assam. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about visiting Bongaigaon.

Introduction to Bongaigaon

Bongaigaon is a small city located in Lower Assam, surrounded by beautiful hills and forests. The city is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and rich culture. The Brahmaputra River flows through the city, making for beautiful views and landscapes. Bongaigaon is also home to several historic sites, including some of the oldest temples in Assam.

List of Places to Visit in Bongaigaon

Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Bongaigaon:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Bongaigaon Rajbari - a historical palace built in the late 1800s.

  2. Ambari Archaeological Site - home to ancient artifacts and ruins.

  3. Chapakhowa Bil - a birdwatcher’s paradise and an important eco-tourism spot.

Natural Attractions of Bongaigaon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Pancharatna Waterfall - a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush green trees and plants.

  2. Manas National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to diverse flora and fauna.

  3. Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary - a protected area known for its diverse species of birds and animals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bongaigaon

If you’re a biking or hiking enthusiast, Bongaigaon offers several routes for you to explore. The most popular hiking and biking routes include:

  1. Manas River Hike - a 14km hike along the Manas River.

  2. Bapuji Thakur Samannaya Khetra - a 5km hike through a beautiful forest.

  3. Paharpur Trek - a 10km trek through the hills and forests.

Best Things to Do in Bongaigaon: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities to do in Bongaigaon:

  1. Jeep Safari in Manas National Park - explore the park and its wildlife from the comfort of a jeep.

  2. River Rafting in Manas River - experience the thrill of the rapids while enjoying the beautiful views.

  3. Visit the local markets and bazaars - shop for local handicrafts and products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bongaigaon

Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending one week in Bongaigaon:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Bongaigaon Rajbari and Ambari Archaeological Site
Day 2 Hike to Pancharatna Waterfall
Day 3 Explore Manas National Park
Day 4 Visit Chapakhowa Bil and Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 5 River Rafting in Manas River
Day 6 Jeep Safari in Manas National Park
Day 7 Visit local markets and bazaars

Food and Drink Scene of Bongaigaon

Assamese cuisine is known for its flavor and variety. Here are some must-try dishes when in Bongaigaon:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Assamese Thali - a platter of rice, daal, vegetables, fish, and meat.

  2. Masor Tenga - a sour fish curry made with tomatoes and lemon.

  3. Pitha - a traditional Assamese sweet made of rice flour and coconut.

Local Beverages

  1. Apong - a traditional rice beer.

  2. Tea - Assam is known for its tea gardens and produces some of the best tea in the world

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

Bongaigaon offers a range of accommodation options for travelers, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some popular options:

  1. Hotel Panchajanya - a budget-friendly hotel offering clean rooms and friendly service.

  2. Hotel City Palace - a mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and amenities.

  3. Brahmaputra Jungle Resort - a luxury resort located in the heart of Manas National Park.

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

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Bongaigaon:

  1. Handicrafts - Bongaigaon is known for its traditional handicrafts, including bamboo products, pottery, and textiles.

  2. Tea - Assam produces some of the finest tea in the world, and it makes for a great souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Bongaigaon

Assam has a rich culture and heritage, and Bongaigaon is no exception. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  1. Women wear the traditional Mekhela Sador, a two-piece garment made of silk or cotton.

  2. Bihu is the biggest festival in Assam, celebrated with dance and music.

Best Time to Visit Bongaigaon

The best time to visit Bongaigaon is between November to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. During the monsoon season, from June to August, the city receives heavy rainfall, which can make travel difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bongaigaon

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.

  2. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

  3. Try the local cuisine and tea.

Don’t:

  1. Take pictures in a temple without permission.

  2. Wear shoes inside a temple.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bongaigaon

Bongaigaon is a safe city for tourists, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling to a new place. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  1. Avoid walking alone at night.

  2. Keep your valuables with you at all times.

Health in Bongaigaon

Bongaigaon has several medical facilities and hospitals in case of any medical emergencies. However, it’s always a good idea to carry a first-aid kit with you when you travel.

Getting to Bongaigaon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bongaigaon

The nearest airport to Bongaigaon is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is around 180 km away. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Bongaigaon.

Bus Stations Near Bongaigaon

Bongaigaon is well-connected by buses to Guwahati, Kolkata, and other major cities in Assam.

Other Options

You can also take a train to Bongaigaon from Guwahati, Kolkata, and other cities in Assam.

How to Get Around in Bongaigaon

The best way to get around Bongaigaon is by car or taxi. You can also rent a bike to explore the city on your own.

Where to Go Next from Bongaigaon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore Assam, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to add to your itinerary:

  1. Guwahati - the largest city in Assam and the gateway to the northeast.

  2. Kaziranga National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros.

  3. Shillong - the capital of Meghalaya and a popular hill station.

Conclusion

Bongaigaon is a hidden gem in Lower Assam, offering natural beauty, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can explore all that Bongaigaon has to offer and make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.

Evening Skyline of Bongaigaon City, Paglasthan Evening Skyline of Bongaigaon City, Paglasthan Biodiversity Special train ''Science Express'' stands on platform of New Bongaigaon Railway Junction Biodiversity Special train ''Science Express'' stands on platform of New Bongaigaon Railway Junction Kakara Pitha is popular here Kakara Pitha is popular here