Jorhat

State

Jorhat, often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Assam, is famous for its vast lying tea gardens and is also called the 'Tea capital of the world'. Since the time of British rule, Jorhat has been the main center for tea cultivation. Before the British Raj in 1824, it was the capital of Ahom Kingdom. It was "The last Capital of the Ahom Kingdom", has archeological values associated to Rajamaidan— the last burial mounds of the Ahom kings. Nestling on the northeastern part of Assam and along a tributary of River Brahmaputra (Bhogdoi), Jorhat is an important agricultural town for Assam.

History

Jorhat, also known as Jorehaut, means two hats or mandis-“Macharhat” and “Chowkihat” which existed on the two different banks of the river Bhogdoi during the 18th Century, Jorhat was "The last capital of the Ahom Kingdom". In the year 1794, the Ahom King Gaurinath shifted the capital from Sibsagar while Rangpur to Jorhat. This town was a flourishing and commercial metropolis but completely destroyed after a series of the Burmese invasions of Assam since 1817 till the arrival of the British force in the year 1824 under the stewardship of David Scott and Captain Richard.

The British Rule, though, was not free from rebellions and revolutions, contributed to reemergence of this historical town. From the very first decade of the British rule, the great revolutionists who emerged were Gomdhar Konwar, Jeuram, and Piyali. The British system of administration came into vogue in the year 1839 with an established Police Thana. During the great Sepoy Mutiny and Piyali Barua was sabotaged and these leaders were hanged in public at this very place in 1858.

Accessibility

Air

There is an airport in Jorhat itself which makes it easy to visit Jorhat. There are regular flights from Guwahati and other cities. Jorhat is situated in the center of the city and is easily accessible from any part of the city.

Rail

Jorhat has its own railhead and is well connected to major cities of Assam. There is regular trains to Jorhat from Guwahati.

Road

Jorhat is well connected by bus to all parts of the state. The city is around 308 km from Guwahati and there are regular bus service that take around 7 hrs to cover the distance. There are both state buses and private buses have to and fro transportation for Jorhat.

Local Transportation

Jorhat is a big city and you will find almost all modes of transportation inside the city. There are buses, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and taxis that make commuting in the city easy and comfortable.

District
North Cachar Hills district
Location
Central part of the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam. It is about 85 km north of Silchar and 345 km from Guwahati.
STD Code
03673
Best time to visit
October to April