Jorhat: Tea, Forest and History

Jorhat reveals several sides of Assam: semi-evergreen and evergreen forests lie in the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, between tea gardens and human settlements. The area is also home to an important prayer house, a long history of tea research and a golf course with an unusual layout.

Forest Between Tea Gardens and Settlements

The Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary covers 20.98 square kilometres in Jorhat district. Its semi-evergreen forests and evergreen woodland lie between tea gardens and human settlements. This landscape makes the contrast between forest and human-shaped surroundings a striking feature of a stay in the area. Road distances are also useful when planning your visit: the sanctuary is 20 km from Jorhat and 5 km from the railway junction at Mariani.

Tea as Research and Hands-on Learning

Tocklai lies on the southeastern edge of Jorhat. The Tocklai Institute was founded there in 1911 and is considered the world’s largest and oldest tea research centre. The institute includes a tea museum and a model tea factory, where machines are on display showing how tea leaves are processed into ready-to-drink tea. This offers a concrete insight into the technical stages of tea production, so a visit need not focus solely on tea plantations or scenery. If you are interested in tea, you can explore this research and technology connection alongside the city’s natural and cultural attractions.

A Prayer House and Newspaper History

Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar is an important Bornamghar, or prayer house in Assam. The saint and reformer Madhabdev founded it in 1461. Its long history adds a religious and cultural perspective to a visit to Jorhat, distinct from exploring tea and nature.

Another historical trail leads to Thengal Bhawan. Raibahadur Siva Prasad Barooah had the building constructed in 1880. It later housed a printing press and an office from which the daily newspaper Dainik Batori was published. The first Assamese daily newspaper—and the first daily newspaper in any language to be published from an Indian village—was issued there. The history of the building thus connects a single house with the development of the Assamese press.

Sports History and a Distinctive Golf Course

Jorhat Gymkhana Club offers an unusual variety of sports facilities, including horse racing, lawn tennis, swimming, billiards and snooker, polo, cricket and an 18-hole golf course. The golf course was established in 1876 and is widely considered the oldest in Asia. Its distinctive character is also tied to its layout: it was built within the horse-racing track, and this arrangement still defines it today. The club grounds bring several sports together, while the golf course also has a unique historical distinction.

Places to Know for Your Trip

Jorhat Airport, also commonly known as Rowriah Airport, is located within the city of Jorhat. This gives you a clear arrival point to consider when looking for accommodation in the city. Nimati Ghat is important for another part of your trip: it is considered the gateway to Majuli Island.

Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium is also among the city’s visitor attractions. It opened to the public in March 2013. Alongside tea, press history and sport, science and the planetarium offer further themes to explore on your trip.

More destinations in this selection: Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Morigaon, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Kamrup, Barpeta.

For the broader travel overview: Assam.