Haflong

Tucked in the Himalayan terrain of Assam, Haflong is one of the popular tourist places. Often called as the 'Switzerland of the East', Haflong hill station stands at an elevation of around 513 metres. This pictorial town is ornamented with beautiful green hills, gurgling streams and cascading waterfalls. In Assam, Haflong is the only hill station and also known as White Ant Hillock. Tourists reach up to this hill station by driving along the narrow mountainous roads or by train on an anciently old track. The traditional towns and villages lying alongside depict the culture and tradition and culture of the north-east.

Haflong is also the district headquarters of North Cachar Hills and one among the 23 districts of Assam. The residents of this place are mainly of north east origin; however people of other ethnicity have also migrated here. The commonly spoken languages are Hindi, Dimasa, Biate, Zeme, and some tribal ones. Popular due to breath-taking scenic locations, this town lies close to Silchar. Lush greenery, undulating terrains, pristine water bodies make Haflong a perfect destination for your vacation. The region is also well known for its trekking and hiking opportunities.

April to July (Summer Time)

The must visit places at Haflong are not many, but you will surely be mesmerized with scenic backdrop of this town:

Food in Haflong is largely influenced by north east cuisine and is of agrarian nature. Rice forms the staple diet and fish curry is common too. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants are there in Haflong, some offering multi-cuisine food. Sweet dishes are a specialty there. The local food is non-spicy, yet tasty. Tea is something worth having all day long in this hill station. Diu, a rice beer is a famous local drink here.

Haflong market has a line of retail shops selling all the basic necessities. Weaving is a prime art in Assam; you can buy some of the traditional handlooms, especially mekhela chaddar. Cane, bamboo products, metalware like bell metal and brass are also popular here. World famous Assam tea is available in the shops of Haflong.

By Air and Rail: The nearest airport is at Silchar at the distance of 113 km. Haflong Hill Railway Station is about 7 km. away and the nearest railhead is at Silchar at the distance of about 106 km. By Road: Buses are available for Haflong from Newgong, Golaghat, Dimapur, Guwahati, Diphu, and Jorhat. The Assam State Transport Corporation operates these buses; bus fare from Guwahati will be around Rs. 290 to 300.

Apart from sightseeing in Haflong, you may take a couple of days, after that you can also visit the nearby places from the town. Jatinga: This is a tribal village located in the same district (24 km. away) and lies 330 km. south of Guwahati. This place is famous for the birds “committing suicide” incidents. Now, it is known that the birds do not commit suicide, but actually killed, the rumour of suicide has spread far. Kaziranga National Park: With few hours of driving, you can reach this national park housing two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceroses. With several tigers, wild water buffalo, elephants, and swamp deer, Kaziranga is known to be a great bird sanctuary. The park spans tall elephant grass, dense tropical forests, marshland and is divided by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra. Silchar: Only with a drive of about 2 hours, you can reach Silchar from Haflong. The Sri Sri Kancha Kanti Devi temple is a prime attraction of this place. The town of Khaspur has a huge ancient palace that is almost ruined today but is surely worth a watch. Silchar is a town with awesome architectural evidences. Maibong: This place is 47 km. from Haflong and on the banks of river Mahurlies. Popular tourist spot is the ruins of the prominent capital of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. The temple of Kachari kings can also be seen here. Umrangsu: At about 106 km. from Haflong, this is the biggest hydelplant under North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). There are several dams across the river Kopili, the tributary of the Brahmaputra.