Assam’s Kokrajhar and Jorhat on national tourism circuit

Guwahati: Travelling in northeast region is a matter of challenge not only for outsiders but also for the northeasterners themselves.

To change things, the government of India and the Assam tourism department have joined hands under the recent initiative, Swadesh Darshan 2.0.

Kokrajhar in the autonomous Bodoland area southwest of state capital Guwahati is expected to draw tourists for its tribal charm. Jorhat is known as the cultural capital, with river island Majuli located just across the river Brahmaputra. However, the idea is to think beyond known places.

The government has spared no expense to develop the focused areas. For Kokrajhar the government has allocated Rs70 crore as part of the project, tourism department sources said.

“It is a destination centric tourism programme. They are trying to develop some tourism spots in Kokrajhar. Initially, they selected the Diplai Beel (lake) and Dheel Beel in the town,” said the source. Eco-huts on the banks of the lakes are expected to draw nature lovers and tourists. In addition, there will be canopy walking, hiking in Chakrasila hills.

These are wetlands, offering one kind of experience. Besides, local tradition and culture of the place will be promoted through projects like a cultural museum. “Approval is  yet to come,” said the source

The next master plan is expected to be submitted by end of November.

The duration of the the project is two years. The second season started since May 2023. The ministry had declared the project in 2022 that will be completed in April 2025. 

In Jorhat the focus areas are Cinnamara and Toklai. Both places are close to the town with different things to look for. The Tocklai Tea Research Institute is known the world over.

In each of the two project locations in Assam, there are two people with a project manager stationed in Guwahati. Many experts are associated with this project like expert for marketing, architecture, capacity building, and environment. In all nearly 20 people are associated for the development of the project.

The Jorhat project is in its documentation phase. Funds are not allocated till now but hopes are high in Dispur as the state is trying hard to promote tourism beyond known frontiers.

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