SILCHAR, ASSAM – SHOP, SAVOUR AND EXPERIENCE THE CULTURAL DELIGHTS

Silchar, nestled in the enchanting Barak Valley of Assam, is a must-visit tourist destination that captivates travelers with its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Surrounded by verdant hills, the city is a haven for nature lovers, offering breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and serene riverside views. Silchar’s cultural diversity adds another layer of charm, with a blend of Assamese, Bengali, Manipuri, and other communities contributing to a vibrant tapestry of traditions, festivals, music, and cuisine. From exploring historical sites to immersing in bustling markets and savoring delectable regional dishes, Silchar promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor. So, embark on a journey to Silchar and indulge in its captivating allure that will leave you with cherished memories and a desire to return.
Factors that make Silchar is a destination worth visiting are:
- Natural Beauty: Silchar is surrounded by lush green landscapes and picturesque hills. The city is nestled on the banks of the Barak River, offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. The nearby tea gardens and paddy fields add to the natural charm of the region.
- Cultural Diversity: Silchar is known for its diverse cultural heritage. It is home to a mix of different communities, including Bengalis, Assamese, Manipuris, Biharis, and more. This cultural fusion is reflected in the local festivals, music, dance, and cuisine of the region.
- Historical Significance: Silchar has a rich historical background, dating back to ancient times. Historical sites such as Kachari Fort, Bhubaneswar Temple, and Maniharan Tunnel offer glimpses into the region’s past.
- Vibrant Markets: Silchar boasts bustling markets and bazaars where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, spices, and Assamese silk products. The Hailakandi Market and the Goldighi Mall are popular shopping destinations.
- Scrumptious Cuisine: Silchar is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of culinary delights. From traditional Assamese dishes to Bengali specialties and North Indian flavors, the city’s diverse cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t miss trying local favorites like pitha (rice cakes), tenga (sour curry), and maasor tenga (fish curry).
- Warm Hospitality: Silchar is known for its warm and welcoming people. The locals are friendly and always ready to assist visitors, making your stay in the city a memorable experience.
Whether you are seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, historical sites, or delicious cuisine, Silchar offers a blend of all these elements, making it an appealing destination in the northeastern part of India.
Top Attractions
Silchar and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of attractions that showcase the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Here are some of the top attractions in and around Silchar:
- Kachari Fort: Explore the ancient ruins of Kachari Fort, which was once the seat of the Kachari kingdom. The fort showcases the architectural grandeur of the past and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Bhubaneswar Temple: Visit the Bhubaneswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance. The temple is a prominent religious site and attracts devotees and art enthusiasts alike.
- Maniharan Tunnel: Discover the mysterious underground passageway known as the Maniharan Tunnel. This historical site has religious significance and is believed to be associated with Lord Krishna. It is an intriguing place to explore for history enthusiasts.
- Barak River: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride or simply relax by the scenic Barak River. The river offers breathtaking views and serves as a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
- Haflong: Take a day trip to Haflong, the only hill station in Assam, located around 100 kilometers from Silchar. Surrounded by lush green hills, Haflong offers stunning vistas, tranquil lakes, and a refreshing climate.
- Hailakandi: Explore the historical town of Hailakandi, located approximately 50 kilometers from Silchar. Visit the Satindra Mohan Deva temple, which is renowned for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
- Tea Gardens: Explore the scenic tea gardens surrounding Silchar and learn about the tea production process. Take a leisurely walk through the lush green plantations and enjoy the refreshing aroma of tea in the air.
- Khaspur: Visit Khaspur, a historical site located about 20 kilometers from Silchar. It was once the capital of the Kachari kingdom and features ancient ruins, including temples and palaces.
- Dolu Lake: Enjoy the serene ambiance of Dolu Lake, located around 50 kilometers from Silchar. Surrounded by hills, this beautiful lake offers boating facilities and picturesque views.
- Badarpur Fort: Explore the Badarpur Fort, a historical structure built during the British era. It provides a glimpse into the region’s colonial past and offers a serene atmosphere for leisurely walks.
Shopping and Must Try Cuisine
Shopping in Silchar offers a delightful experience, with a range of options to explore local crafts, textiles, and traditional Assamese products. Here are some shopping destinations and must-try cuisine in Silchar:
Shopping:
- Hailakandi Market: This bustling market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of local products. You can find traditional handicrafts, silk sarees, Assamese jewelry, spices, and local food items.
- Goldighi Mall: Located in the heart of Silchar, this modern shopping mall offers a mix of local and branded stores. You can find clothing, accessories, electronics, and a food court serving both local and international cuisine.
- Rangirkhari Market: Known for its textile shops, Rangirkhari Market is the go-to place for buying traditional Assamese clothes like Muga silk sarees, mekhela chadors, and gamochas (traditional towels).
- Narsing Bandh Market: This market is famous for its assortment of handicrafts, bamboo products, and traditional Assamese artifacts. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs to take back home.
Must-Try Cuisine:
- Assamese Thali: Indulge in a traditional Assamese thali, which includes dishes like khar (a traditional alkaline preparation), tenga (sour curry), masor tenga (fish curry), pitika (mashed potatoes), and a variety of seasonal vegetables. Don’t miss out on trying local favorites like kharisa, a traditional dish made with bamboo shoots.
- Pitha: Pitha is a popular Assamese delicacy made from rice flour and filled with sweet or savory fillings. Sweet pithas like til pitha (sesame seed stuffed) and narikol pitha (coconut filled) are must-tries, especially during festivals like Bihu.
- Assamese Fish Preparations: Being a land of rivers, Assam offers a wide range of fish preparations. Must-try dishes include masor tenga (sour fish curry), masor jhul (fish in a thick gravy), and puthi maas (small fish fried with spices).
- Pani Pitha: Pani pitha is a popular snack in Silchar and Assam. It is a rice flour dumpling filled with jaggery or sweet coconut filling, steamed, and served with a generous drizzle of coconut milk.
- Bengali Sweets: Silchar’s proximity to West Bengal influences its culinary offerings. Explore local sweet shops and indulge in mouthwatering Bengali sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Silchar is during the winter season, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. Here’s why:
- Weather: During the winter months, Silchar experiences mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. The days are usually sunny, and the evenings can be slightly cooler, so it’s advisable to carry some warm clothing.
- Festivals: Silchar is known for its vibrant festivals, and visiting during these times allows you to witness the rich cultural heritage of the region. Bihu, the major Assamese festival, is celebrated in April, but you can also experience the festive spirit during Durga Puja in October and Diwali in November. These festivals offer a glimpse into the local traditions, music, dance, and delicious cuisine.
- Tea Harvesting Season: If you’re a tea enthusiast, visiting during the tea harvesting season, which usually starts in March, can be a great experience. You can witness the lush green tea gardens come to life with plucking activities, and even participate in tea tasting sessions to savor the freshly brewed Assamese tea.
- Barak River Festival: Silchar hosts the Barak River Festival in the month of January, celebrating the cultural diversity and natural beauty of the region. The festival features boat races, cultural performances, adventure sports, and a showcase of local arts and crafts. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the festivities and interact with the local community.