Planning to travel Diphu in Assam but not sure what to see and do there? This travel blog is for you!
Assam is one of the largest and most accessible of the seven states in Northeast India.
Unlike most of the other states, it’s in Assam that no foreign or Indian tourist needs any special permit to travel.
Assam is moreover known for its rich biodiversity (visit the Bodoland region and you will realise what I am talking about) with some of the well-known national parks in the world including Manas National Park and others.
But where Assam has enough to offer for wildlife lovers, for a mountain lover it has very little, particularly if you compare it with the neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
The only two districts that offer hills in Assam are Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
So while returning from a road trip in Nagaland, and witnessing the amazing Hornbill Festival, I decided to visit Karbi Anglong district, in search of a mountain destination in Assam.
A quick probe on the internet and I found out that this tourist destination in Karbi Anglong district, called Diphu, is well connected with the railway, as well as road transportation.
Diphu: Popular Tourist Destination In Karbi Anglong
Diphu is a tiny little town with regular trains leaving from Guwahati, Jorhat and Dimapur.
Regular buses and frequent trains (as many as 10 trains every day) connect Diphu with the neighbouring prominent towns, allowing backpackers and tourists alike, to visit with no hassle.
Guwahati to Diphu is moreover an easy 4-hour train ride.
From Dimapur, you can get there in less than 45 minutes.
What To Do In Diphu
To be honest, Diphu doesn’t offer much beyond a very small-and-confusing town-like experience. But you travel about 10 km in any direction and you are treated to the beautiful hills of Karbi Anglong.
A good road transportation system moreover makes it easy to move across the region. However, if you have your own vehicle it will be even better.
Siloni Picnic Spot
One of the most preferred spots for a fun-loving holiday is the Siloni Picnic Spot. Also known as Longsokangthu Picnic Spot, it is located 24 km north of Diphu (towards Manjha) and is a protected piece of land looked after by the Department of Environment and Forest.
The park remains open every day for tourists between 10 am and 4 pm.
Tourists can enjoy the surrounding river and mountain views, and cook and barbecue inside the park. They can moreover play music and dance.
All in all, Siloni Picnic Spot is an ideal one-day picnic spot for families and big groups staying in Diphu.
Since connected to a road, one can get there in a self-drive vehicle, or by using public transport. Shared tuk-tuks are also available all the way to Longnit, beyond which one requires to hire a rickshaw on their own that takes 100 Rupees per trip.
Siloni Picnic Spot has an entry fee of 20 Rupees per person.
Botanical Garden
Other than Saloni Picnic Spot, the Botanical Garden is another highlight near Diphu.
Located at only 5 km (again, towards Manjha) it houses a wide range of medicinal plants, herbs and flowers. Most of the plant species you will find here are rare species.
There is a small lake in the garden with boating facilities for kids. Overall, the botanical garden boasts another picnic spot for plant lovers as well as for families visiting Diphu.
The best time to visit the Botanical Garden, of course, is monsoon.
The District Museum
Established in the year 1886, The District Museum has a wonderful collection of artefacts with high archaeological value.
The museum reflects the culture of the entire Karbi Anglong district.
Some of the collections found here include ancient ornaments, musical instruments, hunting tools and fishing equipment. Handlooms and textiles reflecting the culture of Diphu are also available here.
You can also read more about Karbi Anglong on Assam tourism website, including local culture, tribe and tourist attractions.
The Highest Point Of Singhason
Located 4 km from Diphu, the highest point of Singhason serves as an ideal spot for trekking and hiking lovers.
With an altitude of about 1,600 m, the hiking trail winds through the rainforest and rocky hills to the summit, offering panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River.
Among various animals that can be spotted on the trek are barking deer, and gigantic languors. It is also possible to spot some migratory bird species, including the Himalayan hornbills.
How Long To Stay There
Since Diphu is a very small town, and all the attractions are located nearby, a two day holiday should be enough to explore it all.
If visiting all the places using public transport, it may feel a bit of rush, but nonetheless, it’s possible to cover all the highlights mentioned above in two days.
If, however, you are visiting other tourist destinations in Karbi Anglong district, you may need a little more time.
Two more destinations I suggest you in Assam are Majuli Island and Bodoland. Check these Majuli Island Photos and Bodoland Pictures to see what to expect there.
Where To Stay In Diphu
For a budget backpacker to someone wanting to stay in a place rather fancier, there are enough accommodation options to choose from. I stayed at a place called Hills and Lakes Resort – located at a 10-minute drive from the train station – for 1500 Rupees a night.
If, however, you are looking for something more budget, find a place near Diphu train station and you may find a single room for 300 to 400 Rupees per night.
Do know of any other tourist destination in Karbi Anglong district? Let’s talk about them in the comments below.
Also, check this blog on top holiday destinations in India for more suggestions.
Really a great and informative article.