Nagaon

State

Nagaon is one of the largest districts in the north-eastern province of Assam. The destination lies in central Assam on the river banks of Kollong River at a distance of 123 km from Guwahati. Nagaon is separated by Kollong River. The district is surrounded by Sonitpur District, Brahmaputra, Karbi, Anglong and Cachar Hills. Nagaon is situated at an average altitude of 60.6 metres.

The destination is spread across an area of 3,993 sq km. Some of the major rivers flowing through the district are the Barpani, Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Kopili, Kalong, Nanoi and Sonai.

The name of the destination, Nagaon has been derived from the word Nowgong, meaning New Settlement by Momai Tamuli Barbarua. The evidence of human habitation here has been traced back to 100 BC, during which the Chinese explorer Chang Kien traded with Assam. The earliest inhabitants of the region are believed to be Australoids and the pre-Dravidians along with Mongoloids.

During the years of yore, the town was known as Nowgong, which also served as a headquarters of the British Empire in the north-eastern region from 1839. Following the Treaty of Yandaboo, the British compelled the Burmese to withdraw from Nagaon. The district headquarters Nagaon evolved as a town, which later became a municipality in 1893.

The world renowned Kaziranga National Park, spread over an area of 175 sq km is the major tourist attraction in the region. The reserve known for its biodiversity has one horned rhinoceros along with various species of birds, mammals and reptiles. The National Park along with River Brahmaputra and its tributaries encompasses widespread grasslands and woodlands that form the Kaziranga landscape.

The reserve forest was instated in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO-IUCN in 1985, which was also declared as Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in 2007. The beautiful Akashiganga waterfall, situated close to Dabaka, is frequented by tourists, which is also a major pilgrim site.

The tradition of the destination can be seen in the buffalo fight that is held on the annual harvest festival, Bihu. Bhogali Bihu is celebrated on the first day of 'Magh', month of Assamese calendar that falls in mid-January. Nagayan Ojhapali is the most popular dance form performed in the region.

Nagaon is well connected with an extensive network of roadways, with connections of National Highway 36 and 37. There are two railheads in Nagaon, which include Haiborgaon and the other at Nagaon town. Besides, the international airport of Guwahati, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, is the nearest airport to the destination.

The destination experiences monsoon type of climatic conditions with regular showers throughout the year. Due to excessive rainfall during the monsoon months, the conditions are not favourable for a visit. Apart from monsoons, the weather remains pleasant in the region.