Silchar, India
Region: Assam
Geographic Coordinates: 24.820000, 92.800000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Monsoon and tropical climate.
Population: 172830
Language: Assamese
Silchar is a stunning city located in the southern region of Assam, India. It is the second-largest city in the state and is famous for its picturesque landscapes, Cultural legacy, And mouth-watering cuisine. The city lies on the banks of River Barak and is surrounded by verdant hills that make it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. The history of Silchar goes back to ancient times when it was governed by various dynasties such as Kachari, Dimasa, And Tripura. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage that can be observed in its architecture, Art forms, Festivals, And traditions.
Some of Silchar’s renowned tourist attractions include Khaspur Archaeological Site, Bhubaneswar Temple Complex, Gandhibagh Park, And Maniharan Tunnel. One thing that sets Silchar apart from other cities is its diverse population comprising people from different ethnicities such as Bengalis, Manipuris, Mizos among others. This diversity has resulted in a rich culinary culture where one can relish an array of dishes ranging from traditional Assamese cuisine to Bengali sweets. Silchar also serves as an essential educational center with several esteemed institutions like National Institute Of Technology (NIT), Assam University among others situated here.
The presence of these institutions has contributed significantly to the intellectual development not only of Silchar but also other parts of Northeast India. Apart from its natural beauty and cultural richness what makes Silchar special are its friendly inhabitants who are known for their warmth towards tourists. One can experience this firsthand while exploring local markets or interacting with locals during festivals like Durga Puja or Bihu. In conclusion, Silchar offers an exquisite blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And modern amenities making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking something unique.
The warm hospitality, The diverse population, The delicious food, And numerous tourist attractions make this place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime!
- Kachari Fort: A historical fort constructed by the Kachari Kingdom in the 10th century.
- Maniharan Tunnel: A natural cave and tunnel situated on the outskirts of Silchar, known for its religious significance.
- Gandhi Bagh Park: A popular park located in the heart of Silchar, named after Mahatma Gandhi.
- Bhubaneswar Temple: An ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva, located on a hilltop near Silchar.
- Maibong Hill Station: A picturesque hill station situated about 50 km from Silchar, renowned for its scenic beauty and tea gardens.
- Dolu Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by hills and greenery, perfect for boating and picnicking.
- Badarpur Fort: An ancient fort built during the Mughal era, located near Badarpur town in Silchar district.
- Panchalingeswar Temple: A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on a hilltop near Udharbond town in Silchar district.
- Sri Sri Kali Mandir: A popular temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, situated in Tarapur area of Silchar city.
- Borail Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary spread over an area of 326 sq km, home to various species like elephant, tiger, bear etc.
- Tea production: Silchar is known for its tea plantations and is home to several tea factories.
- Handloom industry: The city has a thriving handloom industry that produces silk and cotton fabrics.
- Agriculture: The fertile soil of the region supports agriculture, with crops like rice, jute, and vegetables being grown.
- Tourism: Silchar is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
- Education: The city has several educational institutions that provide quality education to students from across the country.
- Healthcare: There are many hospitals and healthcare facilities in Silchar providing medical services to people from nearby areas.
- Banking and finance: Several banks have branches in the city providing financial services to the local population.
- Retail sector: There are many small shops as well as large retail chains operating in Silchar selling a variety of products ranging from clothing to electronics.
- The Battle of Silchar, fought between the British East India Company and the Kachari Kingdom in 1824.
- Swami Vivekananda visited Silchar in 1893 during his travels across India.
- Tarun Ram Phukan was a freedom fighter from Assam who played a prominent role in the Quit India Movement and was arrested by the British government.
- Gopinath Bordoloi was an Indian independence activist and one of the key figures in Assam’s political history.
- Hiteswar Saikia served as Chief Minister of Assam from 1983 to 1985, and again from 1991 until his death in 1996.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited Silchar twice; once in 1921 during his non-cooperation movement, and again in 1947 during his efforts to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.
- Barak Valley is an important cultural hub for Bengali literature, music, dance, and drama; many famous poets like Kamini Roy and Jibanananda Das have contributed to Bengali literature from this region.
- Cachar district is known for its tea industry which has been thriving since colonial times with many prestigious tea gardens like Borail Tea Estate being located here.
- Silchar Medical College & Hospital is one of the oldest medical colleges in Northeast India established on August’1950.
- Kachari Fort: This is a historical fort that was built by the Kachari rulers in the 18th century.
- Silchar Museum: The museum showcases the cultural heritage of Assam, including artifacts, handicrafts, and traditional costumes.
- Gandhi Park: A beautiful park with a lake, fountains and lush greenery.
- Bhubaneswar Temple: This is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Badarpur Fort: An ancient fort built by the Dimasa kingdom in the 17th century.
- Hajo Powa Mecca Mosque: An important Islamic pilgrimage site located near Silchar.
- Maibong Hill Station: A scenic hill station known for its natural beauty and historic ruins of an ancient Dimasa capital city.
- Barak Riverfront Promenade: A beautiful riverside promenade with parks, gardens and restaurants along the Barak River.
- Kalibari Temple: One of the oldest temples in Silchar dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Cachar Club: This is an exclusive club established during British rule that still retains its colonial charm and is a popular social hub for locals today.
- Magh Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in January, marking the end of the harvesting season.
- Durga Puja is a festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over evil and is celebrated with great pomp and show in Silchar.
- Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated in March.
- Barak Valley Carnival is an annual cultural event showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Silchar and its neighboring areas through music, dance, food, and art.
- Rongali Bihu marks the beginning of Assamese New Year and also serves as a harvest festival; it’s celebrated in April.
- Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan (the holy month) with feasting among family and friends.
- Although not a major festival in Silchar, Christmas still holds significance for many Christians living here who celebrate it with great enthusiasm.
- Saraswati Puja honors Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning) and students all across India including Silchar celebrate this festival to seek blessings for success in their studies.
- Pitha: A traditional Assamese dish made of rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and sesame seeds. It is available in most local sweet shops.
- Masor Tenga: A sour fish curry made with tomatoes, lemon juice, and spices. It is a popular dish in Assam and can be found in many restaurants.
- Khaar: A traditional Assamese dish made with vegetables or meat cooked with khaar (alkaline) water and bamboo shoot. It is a must-try for foodies visiting Silchar.
- Naga Cuisine: The Naga cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors and unique taste. Some popular dishes include smoked pork with bamboo shoot, axone chutney (fermented soybean), and beef curry.
- Biryani: Biryani is a popular Indian rice dish that can be found at many restaurants in Silchar.
Popular restaurants to try these dishes are:
- The Orchard Retreat & Spa
- Hotel Ellora
- Hotel Kalpataru
- Cafe Coffee Day
- Hotel Green Valley
- Gandhi Park is a popular public park that features a lake, boating facilities, and a children’s play area.
- Kachari Park is another well-known park that boasts walking trails, picnic spots, and even a small zoo.
- Bhubaneswar Temple is an ancient temple located on top of Bhuvan Hill that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Maibong Hill Station is a picturesque hill station situated about 50 km from Silchar which offers trekking and camping opportunities.
- Barak River Cruise allows you to enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Barak River while taking in the stunning scenery.
- Hajo Powa Mecca Mosque is one of India’s oldest mosques that draws visitors from all over the country.
- Maniharan Tunnel was constructed during British rule for transportation purposes but now serves as an adventure tourism spot for cave explorers and tunnel enthusiasts alike.
- Khaspur offers visitors the chance to explore ruins of ancient palaces and temples at this historical site.
- Lakhipur Dam provides an ideal location for picnics or simply relaxing by the water body.
- Silchar Club Golf Course caters to golf enthusiasts who love playing on well-manicured greens.
