Nestled in the heart of Assam, Bongaigaon is a city strategically located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River and serves as a crucial economic hub for the region. Known for its lush tea gardens and thriving petrochemical industry, This Place attracts a large herd of tourists yearly. Visitors are drawn to its rich history, evident in ancient temples and archaeological sites that dot the city. The city’s unique charm lies in its harmonious mix of ethnicities, each contributing to a colourful mosaic of customs, festivals, and cuisines. From serene natural beauty to industrial prowess, Bongaigaon offers a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted spirit of Northeast India.
History Of Bongaigaon
The area now known as Bongaigaon was once part of the Bijni Kingdom, ruled by zamindars from the Koch community, an Indo-Mongoloid ethnic group, from the 16th century until the end of princely states in 1956. In 1822, David Scott, an East India Company employee and the first Commissioner of North East Rangpur district, established the original Goalpara district, which included areas from the Bijni Kingdom and undivided Garo Hills. Initially, it was administratively connected to North-east Rangpur (now in Bangladesh).
In 1866, Garo Hills was separated, and a new district, “Greater Koch Behar,” was created, detaching the remaining Goalpara from Rangpur and tagging it with Koch Behar. In 1874, the British included Goalpara in the Assam Valley Province. Over time, Goalpara district was divided into five districts: Goalpara, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, and Chirang. On March 14, 1989, This Place was rocked by bomb explosions from separatist tribal militants, resulting in 17 deaths and at least 48 injuries. Later that year, the government of Assam decided to create a new district named Bongaigaon, carving out areas from the Goalpara and Kokrajhar districts. The official declaration of Bongaigaon District, with its headquarters in Bongaigaon, was made on September 29, 1989. In June 2022, heavy floods in Assam significantly affected the residents of this place.
Must Read: Kamakhya Mandir
Top 4 Tourist Places In Bongaigaon
Bongaigaon, located in Assam, offers several interesting spots for visitors. Here are four notable tourist places in and around Bongaigaon:
1. Bagheswari Temple
Image Credit: Bongaigaon for Wikimedia
The Bagheswari Temple in Bongaigaon is a must-visit for any tourist. This central landmark is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Parvati, Bagheswari. According to mythology, the temple enshrines where Parvati’s Trishul (trident) fell after dividing her body. This significance makes it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas pilgrimage sites particularly revered by followers of Shaktism. Beyond its religious importance, Bagheswari Temple offers a serene and picturesque setting.
Nestled amidst lush green hills and tea estates, the temple complex itself is beautifully designed. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire the architecture, and partake in the spiritual atmosphere. During Durga Puja, especially Durga Mahaashtami, the temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations and attracts devotees from all over.
Location: Adabari, Guwahati, Assam 781126
Distance From Bongaigaon: 117 Km
Travel Time From Bongaigaon: 3 Hours 1 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Birjhora Tea Estate
Image Credit: Yugixel for Pexels
Birjhora Tea Estate is one of the biggest and most beautiful tea gardens in Bongaigaon. It’s scenic beauty and gentle slopes create a sense of tranquillity. This estate is known for producing high-quality Assam tea, especially the first flush. If you are a tea connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys beautiful natural landscapes, the Birjhora Tea Estate is a must-visit.
The estate offers guided tours that take visitors through the tea gardens, explaining the process of tea plantation, plucking, processing, and packaging. You can also witness the tea pluckers at work, a traditional and vital part of tea production. Some estates even allow visitors to try their hand at plucking tea leaves. In addition to the tours, the Birjhora Tea Estate may also have a shop where you can purchase their freshly produced tea.
Location: Birjhora Tea Estate, FH9J+4V9, Mechpara, Assam 783380
Distance From Bongaigaon: 8.4 Km
Travel Time From Bongaigaon: 23 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jorhat
3. Bongaigaon Eco Park
Image Credit: Devleen for Wikimedia Commons
Bongaigaon Eco Park is a favoured tourist attraction, offering a serene, relaxing ambience. The park’s main attraction is the elongated Koyakujia Beel (Lake), which covers 86.6 hectares and has 11 small islands. The lake, encircled by the grand Malegarh Pahar Range, presents a captivating view of the sunset, with the sun’s rays creating a beautiful reflection on the water.
The park is not just a scenic spot; it’s a hub for various activities. It serves as a popular picnic location and a bird-watching zone. A boat ride through the island channels, under the towering Sal Trees, offers an unforgettable experience. The park also hosts many migratory birds, making it a haven for bird watchers. With its diverse offerings, Bongaigaon Eco Park provides visitors with a comprehensive and enriching experience.
Location: Bongaigaon Eco Park, ITI Road, New Colony, Mahabirstan
Distance From Bongaigaon: 3.0 Km
Travel Time From Bongaigaon: 9 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: November to April
4. Bagheswari Hill
Image Credit: Lisa Fotios for Pexels
Bagheswari Hill is a centrally located hillock in Bongaigaon, Assam, India. It’s known for offering stunning panoramic city views from its highest points. The most prominent feature on the hill is the Bagheswari Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Maa Bagheswari, considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peetha is a revered pilgrimage site in Hinduism where the severed body parts of the goddess Sati fell.
The hill holds religious significance as it houses an ancient Shiva temple within a stone cave. This cave temple is flanked on either side by the Bagheswari Devi temple and the Baba Taraknath temple, making it a destination for devotees across India. Tourists can enjoy the religious sites, the panoramic views, and the serene atmosphere of the hill.
Location: Bagheswari Hill, FHF9+XP2, Mayapuri, Mechpara,
Distance From Bongaigaon: 6.4 Km
Travel Time From Bongaigaon: 18 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Umananda Temple
Best Time To Visit Bongaigaon
Image Credit: Rezaul17 for Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Bongaigaon is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these months, the temperature remains moderate, making it ideal for exploring the area’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Additionally, this period avoids the heavy monsoon rains, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable trip.
How To Reach Bongaigaon?
Image Credit: Matthew Turner for Pexels
Bongaigaon is well-connected by rail, road, and air in the western part of the state. You have several convenient options to reach Bongaigaon, a key city in Assam. They are as follows:
By Flight
The closest airport to Bongaigaon is in Guwahati, about 185 km away. You can fly to Guwahati from cities like Chennai, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Dibrugarh, and Tawang. After you land in Guwahati, you can take a taxi to Bongaigaon.
By Road
It connects various parts of Assam and India via National Highway 37. Regular government buses and private services are available to Bongaigaon
By Train
This place has two railway stations connected to various parts of the state and the country by major trains.
Further Read: Tourist Places In Silchar
Bongaigaon, with its beautiful tea gardens and peaceful Bagheswari Temple, offers a variety of experiences. Whether you love history and nature or just want to enjoy the local vibe, Bongaigaon has something for everyone. Are you ready to explore the unseen beauty of Assam? Don’t miss the chance to see its special charm. Book your trip to Assam now and include this place for a memorable journey in this fascinating part of Northeast India.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Smk. afc for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Bongaigaon
What is famous in Bongaigaon?
Bongaigaon is known for its rich historical and cultural significance. Famous attractions include Bagheswari Temple, Kakoijana Wildlife Sanctuary, Kachugaon Game Reserve, and Manas National Park. The city also has remnants of Buddhist culture, such as hilly caves (Gumphas) and stone carvings on Jogigopha hill rocks.
Which industry is Bongaigaon famous for?
Bongaigaon is well known for its petrochemical industry, housing a major refinery township of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), which plays a significant role in the city's economy.
What is the name of the hill in Bongaigaon?
The famous hill in Bongaigaon is Bagheswari Hill, which is centrally located within the city. At its highest point, it houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, making it a significant religious site.
What is the language of Bongaigaon?
The official languages of Bongaigaon are Assamese, Bodo, and English, reflecting the region's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
Is Bongaigaon a Tier 2 city?
Yes, Bongaigaon is considered a Tier 2 city in India. It is a growing urban centre in Assam, known for its industrial and commercial significance, contributing to the region's economic and infrastructural development.
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Assam Tourist Places In Assam Picnic Spots In Assam
