If there is one place in the evergreen state of Assam, you should add to your ‘must-visit’ list, it’s the hill town Haflong. Otherwise replete with tea gardens, rolling hills and clear lakes, Assam conjures up a picturesque scenario for an ideal holiday. But the state’s only hill station is in the scenic town of Haflong. Rich in natural beauty, culture, and heritage, this hilly hamlet of Assam is thronged by Indian and international travelers, all year round.
Reaching Haflong
The cozy town of Haflong is located in the southern part of the state near Silchar. To reach Haflong, you would have to fly down to Guwahati, the nearest major airport. From there you can easily book a car and drive down NH 27 for about 7 hours, to reach Haflong.
Sitting at 680 meters above the sea-level, the weather of Haflong is quite pleasant throughout the year and makes it conducive to travel anytime. However, the region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon months and makes it all the more verdant. For those who prefer to travel during the dry season, the best time to visit Haflong is between the months of October and February.
Experiencing Haflong
Haflong Hill Also called the White Ant Hillock, the Haflong Hills offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, wrapped in greenery. The hilly terrain makes for a scenic trail to trek through.
You can also opt for paragliding activities that are conducted for tourists around the hills, and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and the valleys.
Haflong Lake This is one of the largest natural water bodies of Assam. Located in the heart of the town, the Haflong Lake had gained a lot of popularity among tourists and travelers. The hanging bridge overpass adds an adventure element to the lake area. If you love water sports, then go for a boat ride or other activities on the lake. This water body is also a major breeding ground for fishes and is a recognized angling spot where you can try your hands at fishing.
Maibong At about a distance of 47 Km from Haflong town, you can reach Maibong. A historically significant spot, Maibong still carries ruins of its regal past and attracts history enthusiasts. Maibong was the erstwhile capital of Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, an ethnic community who ruled Assam till the early 1800s, before colonization by the British Empire. The ruins also house an ancient temple that is believed to date back to the 12th century. The Ramchandi Temple is another notable place to visit in Maibong.
Jatinga In the winter months, exotic migratory birds throng to this greener and warmer locale in Jatinga, on the spur of the Haflong Ridge. Jatinga became popular for a strange phenomenon called ‘bird suicide’. There is no scientific explanation for this occurrence, but numerous birds seem to above the mountains and fall dead on the ground, in the monsoon months.
Food of Haflong The cuisine of Assam is known for its subtle, yet distinctive flavors. A unique blend of local herbs and spices, the dishes make a memorable impression on your palate. Hence, if you are in Haflong, you cannot but sample the exotic dishes the state has to offer. Also, being closer to Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram, the cuisine had the influence of its neighboring states. The Tribal Kitchen in Haflong East, and Khasi Hotel in Dibarai are two noteworthy places to explore local cuisine.
Chavang Kut Every year, in the month of November, the town celebrates its harvest festival called Chavang Kut. Traditionally a celebration of the Chin-Kuki tribe, the festival is a revelry of the new yield and paying homage to nature for its gifts. Watching the locals don their ethnic garb and dancing to the folk tunes is uplifting.
With traces from its British colonial past, blended with the purest form of nature, Haflong is indeed a paradise for those who are looking for a peaceful holiday!
