North Cachar Hills: Landscapes, Birds and Culture

North Cachar Hills can be explored through a range of travel interests: seasonal birdwatching, river landscapes, short hikes and cultural history. Each of the places mentioned offers a distinct focus—from the waterfalls at Panimur to the historic structures of Maibang.

Birdwatching at different times of year

Jatinga is a birdwatching destination; August to November are considered the best months for it. Umrangso offers a different seasonal connection: at their stopover sites, Amur falcons make a brief stop in October and November during their migration from Siberia to South Africa. The periods overlap in October and November, but the locations and birdwatching themes differ. If you are planning your trip around birdwatching, you can take both date ranges into account.

River landscapes, a lake and hills

Numerous waterfalls and rapids along the Kopili River shape the landscape at Panimur. The area is particularly well suited to sightseeing, picnics and camping. Panimur is also revered as a pilgrimage site by the Dimasa community; people take holy baths there on Magh Purnima. Nature and religious significance are two distinct aspects of the same place.

Umrangso offers a striking contrast between natural surroundings and a designed landscape: the artificial lake was created by a dam that NEEPCO built on the Kopili River. Boating and lakeside picnics are possible at Umrangso Lake. The surrounding hills offer opportunities for trekking and exploring largely untouched areas. There is also a natural 18-hole golf course.

The Bendao Baglai Waterfalls are on the Abong River, about five kilometres from Samparidisa village, near Haflong. Hajong Lake also has a special connection to nature: it is a habitat for rare hill terrapins, and seven different species have been recorded there.

Haflong and its surroundings

Haflong is the only hill station in Assam and can be explored on foot. Short hikes are possible in the Haflong Valley. From the Gallery View-point, panoramic views extend across Haflong town and the Borail Hills. The Haflong Botanical Garden is home to orchids, parrots and rabbits—a different way to experience nature than at the waterfalls and hills in the surrounding area.

The historic railway line that connects Haflong is also a point of interest. It was built during the colonial era and later converted to broad gauge. On the way to Badarpur in the Barak Valley, the line passes through many tunnels. Thuruk offers another highland highlight: it is widely regarded as the coldest place in Assam. The sharp drops in temperature are attributed to its elevation and the topography of the surrounding hills.

Culture and history

Maibang was the historic capital of the Dimasa Kingdom. The Ramchandi Temple there is a two-storey monolithic temple carved from a single rock. Laisong is a cultural centre of the Zeme Naga community and lies near the border between Assam and Nagaland. Hangrum is at the tri-junction of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur; its landscape includes mountains, lush forests, numerous streams and rivers, as well as tribal villages on ridges.

Dima Hasao has a rich cultural heritage connected with the Dimasa, Jeme-Naga, Hmar, Kuki, Biate, Hrangkhol, Khelma, Karbi and Vaiphei communities. Umrangso’s food culture is also part of this picture: the area is known for traditional dishes from its tribal communities, including specialities made with bamboo shoots, smoked fish and sticky rice. A festival in Haflong celebrates Dimasa culture and Judima, the community’s traditional rice wine, which has GI status. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Baga, Sonitpur, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Kamrup, Barpeta, Bongaigaon.

For the main travel overview: Assam.