10 reasons why Haflong is a great weekend gateway for the people of Barak Valley

Haflong, the only hill station of Assam and the headquarters of Dima Hasao is just about 100 kilometres from Silchar and this should be on your bucket list this summer. Haflong is easily accessible both via road and rail. The average summer temperature is just 25 degrees and can be your perfect getaway this summer for a short trip. The air quality is just excellent with AQI 17. Flanked by the Borail Ranges and other mist-covered mountains from all sides, Haflong is a lone hill station sprawling in the lap of nature. Various activities are awaiting you in this underrated subtropical highland.

Different tribes from across the Northeast have had their peaceful existence in this district for decades and Dimasa is the main language of Dima Hasao. But due to its tribal variation, a typical “Haflong Hindi” acts as the lingua franca of the town.

How to reach?

From Silchar Station, you can get a chair car ticket up to New Haflong, which is a journey of  101 KM at 65 rupees. It takes three to four hours, depending on the train you’ve boarded. There are daily trains to New Haflong at different times but we suggest you take the 7:20 AM Silchar-Guwahati Express, which runs daily at the same time. You can board the same train from Badarpur at 8:15 AM. Otherwise, you can also take the Badarpur Guwahati Vistadome which runs between Badarpur and Guwahati, twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday.

By road, you can reach Haflong via the Mahasadak or the East-West corridor highway number 27 from Silchar. Via road, the journey can take around fours as the hilly road has extreme turns and curves.

Where to stay?

There are good hotels, lodges and homestays in Haflong, but if accommodation is not your number one priority then you can give the IRCTC Retiring Room a try. For that, you must have a ticket along with your PNR Number and book the room in advance online for hassle-free confirmation.

What are the things to do?

Following is a list of activities and things to do in Haflong while under a budget. Our stay at Haflong was just for 24-hours and hence you might not find mentions of touristy things here. Our experience at Haflong was raw and on foot.

1. Judima and the local market

After reaching the New Haflong Station, you might consider visiting the Haflong market first as it is the main centre of business and activities, including food. You will find local women and men from different tribes selling their produce and procured vegetables, meat and fish. You can also see the traditional wine of the Dimasa tribe, “Judima” being sold in the open along with vegetables. There are not many restaurants or cafes for good food, but Bhobos was just perfect. You can find Indian and Chinese food there and everything is prepared fresh with local spices and ingredients. If you want to try the local rice wine, Judima, you can give it a try.

2. The Lake that takes you around

Haflong lake surrounds half of the administrative town of Haflong and there are boats available for rent which will take you around 30 minutes to cover the entire lake. This provides a magnificent view of the town and is not less than an adventure. Also, around the lake, there are small parks with benches, where you can sit and just enjoy serendipity.

3. Hanging by a “safe” thread

Zipline in Haflong is a fairly new activity in the Joya Thaosen Park in Rock Garden. You can take the Lake View Road to reach there. There are two zip-lines, one 70 metres within the park and the other 150 metres across the Haflong lake. The instructors and guides there are very patient and cooperative. The price ranges from 100 to 300 depending on the length. It is a very exhilarating experience for beginners. Yes, it is safe and we approve of that.

Also, while in the park don’t forget to click pictures on the hanging bridge and pick pine cones lying around the pine trees.

4. The Cleanest Garden

Among the many parks of Haflong, it is one of the most well maintained where you can enter for free. The Botanical Garden is maintained by the Forest Department of the Government of Assam. It hosts several flowering plants, rare trees, orchids and shrubs. From Ashok tree to Arjuna tree to peace lily flowers and Khasi pines, there is a lot to learn. It also has a greenhouse for orchids where everything is made out of recycled items. It also has park benches and the guard allows you to sit at peace unless you litter the garden.

5. Cultural Potpourri

Fountain in Haflong is just the name of a central point between the administrative offices and the other parts of the town. The go-around has a fountain that runs in the evening. But what is even more interesting is the wall paintings around the walls of this point. It depicts the traditional garments of the different tribes that live in Haflong. A total of 11 tribes’ garments, especially designs of their shawls, are on display. It has Khelma, Rongmei, Hrangkhol, Vaiphei, Biate, Naga, Dimasa, Hmar, Karbi, Khasi and Kuki designs of their traditional garments and clothing. It is remarkable to know about all the tribes coexisting together peacefully across this hilly district of Dima Hasao. As you walk towards the office of the Deputy Commissioner, you will notice other beautiful wall paintings depicting the culture and diversity of this small town.

6. Off the Track

Our journey through Haflong was mostly on foot and we walked across the entire town. There is a narrow road that connects the two parts of Haflong, passing through the edges of the hills. This road is called “Council-Mahadevtilla Connecting Road”. It is adventurous because it is not a road used by outsiders and will take around 30 minutes of walking to cross the road. In some parts, it is extremely narrow and one careless step can lead to any mishap. Also, in the middle of nowhere, you can spot graffiti of Bob Dylan and Che Guevera. This road also provides a nice view of the mountains and the lower valley. While passing through the villages later, you will find very welcoming locals helping you with directions and harmlessly smiling and waving at you.

7. The Most Magnificent Sight: Abraham View Point

Abraham View Point is a must-visit while in Haflong. It is a small terrace built on one side of the mountain overlooking lofty mountains and the mighty Borail Ranges. You can get amazing pictures there or sip a cup of tea with an amazing view from the cafe downstairs. You can also enjoy great food at the Road Kitchen which is at Abraham View Point in Boro Haflong. This cafe was recently built and maintained by Andy Hakamo.

8. Pork and Momos

Ethnic Hut is one of the nicest Café in Haflong serving local food and other delicacies. You have to try their momos, which they serve on a plate made from banana leaves and a soup bowl from bamboo. Pork with bamboo shoots is their expertise. If you’re having pork with bamboo shoot for the first time this can be a bit heavy for you and a bit smelly (it’s not what you’re thinking). Ethnic Hut also has nice shacks with a nice perfect view of the mountains to enjoy your evening.

9. Play of Clouds: Jatinga Bird Watching Tower

A fifteen minutes auto-ride from New Haflong Rail Station is the Jatinga Bird Watching Tower. It’s perfect for a cloudy morning to witness the sunrise through the mountains and the clouds moving. You can record the best timelapse here. It is a watchtower located near a Khasi settlement and you don’t have to pay any entry fees to access the tower. The picturesque Jatinga Valley is famous for migratory birds that come here seasonally and is infamous as a bird suicide point.

10. The Road Not Taken

Unlike trekking a mountain, we recommend trekking by a river. After you’ve visited the Jatinga Bird Watching tower, you can head southeast on Jatinga Village Road towards the National Highway that connects Haflong with Silchar and then take a left towards the Borail Nursery and then you’ll discover a stream flowing along rocks, stones and boulders. It sounds risky but it’s safe and gives you all the adrenaline rush you need to call yourself the adventurer. You’ve to be extremely careful while stepping on the rocks, as some are just huge pieces of graphite and are brittle. Take a stick or bamboo pole to help you balance and cross the river. After walking for around an hour you will find another path just on its bank and you can take that road which will lead you towards the Railway Colony and eventually the Railway Station. If you’re lucky enough you might even spot hummingbirds and other beautiful birds while crossing this rocky path.

To call it an end to your trip, we recommend you take the Vistadome express back home. Vistadome is a tourist special train running between Guwahati and Badarpur twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It leaves New Haflong Station at noon and reaches Badarpur junction at 2:20 in the afternoon. Vistadome experience is worth the try as it has large glass windows providing picturesque views of the hills surrounding Dima Hasao and parts of Cachar. Starting from Ditokcherra, Bandarkhal, Chandranathpur and Damcherra after leaving Dima Hasao gives such a view which completes the trip. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set off for an adventure-filled walk through the clouds and hills because the mountains are literally calling.

Pro tip:

1. Pack Very Light

2. Carry a harmless safety weapon

3. While in Badarpur, enjoy Khan Restaurant’s Biryani.

4. Please use the government facilities.

Credits: Poireitomba Huidrom 

Inputs: Mahashweta Deb Chowdhury