The Tsomgo Lake

When the vehicle moves amidst the clouds, where a high-altitude glacial lake reflects the surrounding mountain, snow-clad mountain stilts flanked with prayer flags and nearness of Indo-Tibet border thrills ... this place is called Sikkim. It is not uncommon to get smitten by the bewitching beauty of this 5800 ft Shangri La. However, the extreme temperatures in the plains are causing traffic jams even in the mountains but Tsomgo Lake has maintained it beauty pristinely.

The Tsomgo Lake

Thirty eight km from Gangtok, close to the eastern border of Sikkim with Tibet. The journey to the Tsomgo Lake is most interesting through the home of clouds, seven coloured sun that throws light a new hue every now and then. Nearing the lake you try deciphering the whistle of winds that inhabits every nook and corner of height. Listen carefully and you would be impartially hallowed by soothing prayers emanating from near by gompas.

At 3780m the lake almost freezes, at least partly, in winters and is aesthetically surrounded by the ice field. Well, something is ready to accompany your wintery flakes and these are hot, chocolate coffee, momos and many more. During summers walking by the side of the side of the river balms and caresses your senses. On your wish you can take a ride on the silent yaks and a photograph with them is a bonus. Adjoining Tsomgo Lake is the Kyonosia Alpine Sanctuary and twenty km ahead paves a road to Nathu La pass!

Dolphins Tourism in Bramhputra

From childhood to adolescence to youth, I have had nurtured the dream of a trip to Switzerland. The reason is plain and simple: Dolphin. Yes, but the very recent trip in Assam has some what abridged the biggie dream leaving some hope, on a note of discovery of Dolphins.

An hour on the fringe of Guwahati the Brahmputra stretch is home to gobs of Gangetic dolphins, which are called xihu (as hihu) in the local tongue. In recent tourism’s upstairs kick Dolphin Tourism is creating the abuzz among its keen takers. Specialized Dolphin tours are promoted in order to generate the influx of tourist to the state. Sighting of frolicking Dolphins are not so uncommon for the commoners who frequent the place.


The much-sought-after Brahmputra dolphins’ shares quiet a resemblance to sea water Dolphins those are quiet long and sportive. However, the Brahmputra River dolphins are stout and have snout that pouts long with tooth in the frontal. A conversation on boat with the boat men reveals that once the entire Brahmaputra stretch was crammed with dolphin population but soon their blubber made them susceptible at the hands of humans. As the locals and other natives affirm, Dolphin Oil is a miraculous cure for myriads of deadly ailments.


For me the sight was sinfully captivating whenever unmistakable humps rose out of water. Other few minutes my eyes roved to catch a sight of another dolphin romping under water, or preparing unforeseen to end the wait of those who take boat rides especially to catch these aquatics in their natural demeanor. Boastfully, considering a fairly large number of Dolphin populations, the Assam government is working to declare the area as Dolphin Sanctuary. As we neared the prime spot with our guide, scores of these merry riverine creatures aired intermittently along the spot. To spot one quickly transformed to a game and we engaged in the game to distinguish among the scaly, dark ones, adults, paired or child dolphins. A rough estimation concludes some 200 populace in the river belt and close vicinage.

Like every prized species the dolphins too are facing danger in the threat of poaching of aquatics. Animal activists and conservationist are pumping a lot of awareness for Dolphins conservation and their contribution to the sea as well as earth life.

Reaching and Lodging

Guwahati is the access point where all major airlines connect from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bangalore. For lodging the river bank has number of hotels starting at 2000 and above. To name some of it are Rajmahal; Dynasty; Greenwood Resort, Rajmahal, Dynasty et al.

Dolphin Watch

The best way to catch a glimpse of Dolphins is at Kukurmara which is a small village in the in Kamrup district of Assam, some 22 km from Guwahati Airport. Now days there are many trip planner and tour guide who escort you to the Dolphin spots. You can avail the trip for Rs 500 to Rs 1000 inclusive of tea, snacks and lunch that constitutes traditional Assamese menu of fish, chicken, dal and Khaar. Besides the Dolphin trip steal away some time for Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Hajo. Shop at Sualkuchi for the two-piece mekhla chador, the traditional dress of Assamese.

Tezpur

There is not much glitz in Tezpur rather a good deal of rustic, bucolic patches to do well to the eyes! A whole lot of village charm that is contained in this town located on the north bank of Brahmaputra in Assam is bound to bowl you over. Known as a Sonitpur in days of yore, Tezpur is steeped deep into tea plantations and as a matter of fact and pride Tezpur Tea is exported to far and wide countries of the world.

During my visit to Assam this time I dug out unsung past that still prevails in the backbones of Tezpur. The city is infused with mythology and folklore which is importantly a part of Indian mythology. Not many know that the city is “city of eternal romance”. How come and why is narrated down by the localites or the tour guide.

Tezpur — the city of eternal romance

Ask any town-dweller at Tezpur and he would merrily take the pride to narrate the mythological romantic narration of the city. As said Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna fell in love with Banasura’s daughter. When the demon king came to know about his daughter’s affair he ordered his men to imprison Aniruddha. The demons waged a war on the gods and the affair ensued a fierce battle between Lord Krishna and Banasura. In few moments the whole land was drenched with blood and the demon Banasura was finally killed. This way the lovers were united in eternity. At current, Tezpur is a bonus in your Assam itinerary for here you get to see the rolling meadows, snow-capped mountains, archaeological ruins, lush tea gardens et al.

Accessing Tezpur

Assam’s pet, than emblematic city, Tezpur is well connected through all means of transport: air; rail; road. Twenty (20 km) before Tezpur lays the nearest airport called as Salonibari Airport which is served by the Indian and Jet Airways. Tezpur Railway Station is a historical rail station which was constructed by British mandarins for the transportation of goods. Primarily, it is connected to major railway gauge on Rangia Junction.

What attracts in Tezpur …

… has no dearth of attractions. To put it even refined every step is an attraction in Tezpur. Here, I blog about seven tourist’s must in Tezpur which can’t be missed.

1 Agnigarh Hills

A series of sculptures, open-air stage, giant mushrooms, and huge waterfalls infuse a charm in Agnigarh Hills.

2 Chitralekha Udyan

Immaculate lawns in the heart of the hills, Chitralekha Udyan, known as Cole Park, were named after Colonel Cole. Chitralekha has well maintained facility of water sports, well manicured pathways open air stage and a museum.

3 Da Parbatia

Almost 3 km on the temple outskirts Da Parabatia is nothing but ruins of temple constructed in the 600 A.D. of the Gupta period. To enter a small frame of entrance door allows entry to the temple. An entire frame work of floral motifs appended by large pillars on the either side adorns the once holy Shiva Temple here.

4 Mahabhaiarab Mandir

The temple is said to be the oldest and second largest Shiva Lingam India. Said to have been built by Baanasur, the king of giant, Mahabhairab Temple is a sacred temple where many offer prayers on the Shivaratri Day. There are guest rooms and shopping arcades in the vicinity.

5 Orang Wildlife Sanctuary

The locals refer it as mini Kaziranga as Orang is spread on 72 km and lies 65 km to the west of Tezpur. Orang boasts of one-horned rhinos like Bengal Tiger, leopard, wild elephant, buffalo, florican, teal and geese, water birds, leopard, pigeon and florican.

6 Bhalukpong

A charming angling and picnic spots and must visit for wildlife and nature lovers, Bhalukpong is 60 km from Tezpur on the way to Arunachal Pradesh. Located by the Kameng River along the Pakhui Game Sanctuary, it offers activities like rafting, besides boasting of a hot spring and huge orchid garden.

7 Kalia Bhomora Bridge

About 15 km from town is the Kalia Bhomora Bridge over river Brahmaputra. A little over 3 km long, this bridge claims to be the longest over any bridge in India. T connects Naogaon on teh south bank to Tezpur.