About Place
- "A city steeped in tea gardens and tranquility."
- "The gateway to Assam's pristine wilderness and cultural richness."
- "Where the mighty Brahmaputra river meets vibrant traditions."
Reasons to Visit
- Tea Gardens and Plantations : Dibrugarh is famously known as the 'Tea City of India.' The lush, sprawling tea estates offer scenic beauty and an immersive experience in the tea-making process. Visitors can tour the plantations, learn about tea processing, and indulge in tea tasting sessions.
- Brahmaputra River : The majestic Brahmaputra River is a lifeline for the region. River cruises offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, vibrant sunsets, and opportunities to spot unique wildlife. The river also plays a central role in local festivals and traditions.
- Cultural and Historical Significance : Dibrugarh is rich in Assamese culture and history. The city and its surroundings are home to various indigenous tribes and communities, each with their own unique traditions, festivals, and crafts. Historical sites like the Dehing Satra and Koli Aai Thaan provide a glimpse into the region's past.
Visa
- India : Citizens of many countries can apply for an e-Tourist visa online. This includes countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and most European nations. The visa is typically valid for 30 days to 1 year, depending on the country of origin.
- South Asian Countries : Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. Other South Asian countries can apply for an e-Visa.
- Others : Visitors from countries not eligible for an e-Visa must apply for a regular tourist visa at the nearest Indian consulate or embassy.
Travel Expenses
1. Travel to & from Destination :
- Estimated round-trip airfare from New Delhi to Dibrugarh for two people: $300.
2. Hotel Cost :
- Average cost per night at Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow: $100.
- Total for 3 nights: $300.
3. Food Cost :
- Average meal cost per person: $10.
- Total for 3 meals a day for 2 people over 4 days: $240.
4. Activity Cost :
- Tea Garden Tours: $20 per person.
- Brahmaputra River Cruise: $50 per person.
- Jokai Botanical Garden: $10 per person.
- Traditional Dance Performance: $30 per person.
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Safari: $40 per person.
- Total for 2 people: $300.
5. Near Destination Travel Cost :
- Car rental for 4 days: $200.
Total Estimated Travel Expenses : $1340.
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival and Tea Garden Tour Arrive in Dibrugarh and check into a comfortable hotel like the Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow. After settling in, start your day with a tour of the Mancotta Tea Estate, beginning at 10 AM and ending by 1 PM. Enjoy a lunch of Assamese thali at the Heritage Chang Bungalow. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Ethelwood Tea Estate from 3 PM to 5 PM. For dinner, savor local cuisine at the De Rock Café, followed by a leisurely evening stroll along the riverbank.
Day 2 : River Cruise and Local Culture Begin your day with a Brahmaputra River cruise starting at 9 AM, returning by noon. For lunch, head to The Red River, known for its Assamese delicacies. Post-lunch, visit the Jokai Botanical Garden from 2 PM to 4 PM. In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the Naharkatia, where you can witness traditional dance performances from 6 PM to 8 PM. Enjoy dinner at the Tea County restaurant and return to your hotel for a restful night.
Day 3 : Historical Exploration and Wildlife Start your day with a visit to the Dehing Satra, a historical site, from 9 AM to 11 AM. Enjoy a traditional Assamese lunch at Rasoi Dhaba. In the afternoon, head to the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park for a safari from 2 PM to 5 PM, where you can spot rare wildlife and enjoy the serene environment. Have dinner at the Heritage Chang Bungalow, and if you’re up for it, take a night walk around the estate.
Day 4 : Shopping and Departure Spend your final morning shopping for local handicrafts at the Dibrugarh market from 10 AM to 12 PM. Have a hearty lunch at the Tai Ethnic restaurant, and then prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight time, you might have a bit more time to explore or relax before heading to the airport.
Safety Tips
- Always carry a copy of your ID and important documents.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
- Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
- Be cautious with food and water; stick to bottled water.
- Use reputable transportation services.
- Keep your valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets.
- Respect local customs and dress appropriately.
- Have a basic first aid kit handy.
- Inform someone of your itinerary and check in regularly.
- Purchase travel insurance for added security.
Flights
- From New Delhi to Dibrugarh : Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet.
- Duration : Approximately 3 hours.
- Cost : Around $150 per person.
Hotels
- Mancotta Heritage Chang Bungalow
- Hotel Rajawas
- Nataraj Hotel
- Dibrugarh Club House
- Hotel Tea County
Contacts
- Indian Embassy : +91-11-2419-7000
- Police : 100
- Ambulance : 102
- Firefighters : 101
Country
Closet Airport
- Dibrugarh Airport (Mohanbari Airport)
Nearest City
- Guwahati
Heritage Sites
- Dehing Satra
Airlines
- Air India
- IndiGo
- SpiceJet
Currency
- Indian Rupee (INR)
Languages Spoken
- Assamese
Real Story
Historical Event : One of the major historical events in Dibrugarh is the Assam Movement, which took place from 1979 to 1985. This movement was a popular uprising led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), demanding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam. The movement, characterized by widespread protests and civil disobedience, was a response to the fear of cultural and demographic changes due to the influx of migrants.
The movement reached its peak in 1983 when the state government called for elections. The AASU and AGP boycotted the elections, leading to widespread violence and loss of life. The movement concluded with the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which promised the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants, among other measures to protect Assamese cultural identity.
Cuisine
Unique Dishes to Try in Dibrugarh :
- Assamese Thali :
- Description : A traditional Assamese thali is a wholesome meal served on a large platter, typically made of bell metal. It includes rice, dal (lentil soup), a variety of vegetable preparations, fish curry, meat curry (usually chicken, mutton, or duck), khar (an alkaline dish made with raw papaya), and pitika (mashed vegetables or fish).
- Experience : The thali provides a well-rounded taste of Assamese cuisine, showcasing the balance of flavors and the importance of rice in the diet.
- Masor Tenga :
- Description : Masor Tenga is a tangy fish curry made with local freshwater fish such as Rohu or Catla. The sourness is achieved using tomatoes, lemon, or thekera (dried mangosteen). It's a light, refreshing dish often enjoyed during the summer.
- Experience : The tangy flavor of Masor Tenga is unique and different from the spicy fish curries found in other parts of India. It is a perfect example of how Assamese cuisine emphasizes subtle flavors.
- Duck with Bamboo Shoot:
- Description : This dish combines succulent pieces of duck meat with bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoots add a distinctive crunch and flavor to the dish, which is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Experience : Duck is a delicacy in Assamese cuisine, and the combination with bamboo shoots makes it an exotic and flavorful dish that reflects the ingenuity of Assamese cooking techniques.
- Pitika :
- Description : Pitika is a simple yet flavorful mashed dish made from potatoes, roasted eggplant, or fish. It is mixed with mustard oil, green chilies, onions, and sometimes coriander leaves.
- Experience : Pitika is a staple in Assamese meals, offering a comforting and familiar taste. It is often served as a side dish and adds a burst of flavor to the meal.
- Khar :
- Description : Khar is a traditional Assamese alkaline-based dish made from raw papaya, pulses, and a special ingredient called 'khar,' derived from sun-dried banana peels. It is considered a cleansing dish and is often eaten at the beginning of a meal.
- Experience : The taste of khar is unique and cannot be found in any other cuisine. It has a mild, slightly alkaline taste and is believed to aid in digestion.
Culture and History
Culture of Dibrugarh : Dibrugarh, located in Assam, is a melting pot of cultures influenced by indigenous tribes, colonial history, and the tea industry. The predominant language is Assamese, and the local culture is rich with traditional music, dance, and festivals. Bihu, celebrated three times a year, is the most important festival, reflecting the agricultural roots of the region. The influence of various ethnic communities like the Ahoms, Chutias, and Morans adds a vibrant tapestry of traditions and customs.
Tea cultivation has a significant impact on the local economy and lifestyle. The tea estates are not only economic hubs but also cultural landmarks where tea pluckers' songs and dances are a common sight. The heritage bungalows of tea estate managers offer a glimpse into the colonial past and the luxurious lifestyle of that era.
The Brahmaputra River is central to life in Dibrugarh, influencing local cuisine, transportation, and recreational activities. Traditional boat races and river festivals are common, celebrating the river's importance to the community.