Things to Do in Silchar - Exploring the Serenity of Assam

Casually coined “The Island of Peace”, Silchar is renowned for having the first-ever polo club in the world and having conducted the first competitive polo match. Serving as the headquarters of Cachar district in the beautiful state of Assam, Silchar has managed to capture the hearts and minds of many travellers.

The small city is located along the banks of the Barak River, and its name was derived from the rocky riverbank that served as a docking port for ships and vessels. The lush green tea farms, riverbanks and distant hills create the perfect escape for those who seek peace and calm in the chaos of everyday life.

It’s easy to imagine spending peaceful days exploring places and appreciating the lush greenery, the orange hues of the sun setting behind the horizon, the cultural diversity, and the rich cultural heritage that ancestors have left behind in Silchar.

Silchar is a popular tourist destination in our Assam tour package and given the many things to do in Silchar, the city deserves a spot on your travel list.

Places to Visit in Silchar

• Dolu Lake
• Maniharan Tunnel
• Gandhibag Park
• Bhuban Mahadev Mandir
• Kancha Kanti Kali Temple
• Khaspur
• Maibong

Dolu Lake

Dolu Lake is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Situated about 30 km away from the main city, the lake has tranquil surroundings and is a beautiful spot for picnics, relaxation, leisurely walks and boating. Visiting Dolu Lake is among the top things to do in Silchar with family. Surrounding the lake are small hills that add to the overall charm of this place, the calm atmosphere at the lake so in contrast with the bustling city only a few minutes away is a work of nature. Dolu Lake is a perfect place to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle.

Maniharan Tunnel

Maniharan Tunnel is renowned for its mythological tales and is surrounded by a blend of myths and religious importance. According to local lore, this ancient pilgrimage site was used by Lord Krishna during his travels. The old passageway is also mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. For centuries, the tunnel has been frequented by several devotees on their way to visit the Bhubaneshwar Temple located nearby. The holy Tribeni river flowing below the tunnel and numerous carvings of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, Lord Krishna, and Shri Garuda further solidify the tunnel’s significance. Among the things to see in Silchar, this tunnel is a popular destination within the tapestry.

Gandhibag Park

The park acts like an oasis in the urban landscape of the city. Located in the heart of Silchar on the banks of a lake, this park is a popular attraction for many locals and tourists alike. Named in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, the park is well-maintained with lush greenery, vibrant flowerbeds, a toy train and an ample play area for kids. It is an ideal place for picnics, leisure activities, and morning jogs. The park also features two major historic attractions - the statue of Mahatma Gandhi as a symbol of peace and the Shaheed Minar, a memorial for martyrs who died protesting in 1962. Gandhibag Park is also known for its melas and cultural fairs. Among the things to do in Silchar at night, attending the fairs with locals selling handmade goods, textiles and delicious Assamese food is the key highlight.

Bhuban Mahadev Mandir

Located on the Bhuban Hills in Cachar, Bhuban Mahadev Temple attracts thousands of visitors seeking spiritual solace, cultural connection and spirituality. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient temple is a place of pilgrimage, especially during auspicious times and festivals like Maha Shivratri. According to a legend, Lord Shiva himself manifested as a deity to rid the surrounding area of demons. Because of its location, Bhuban Mahadev Mandir is a haven for trekkers and nature lovers. The trek takes you through a dense forest, lets you witness the panoramic views of the surrounding hills, and then take in the breathtaking views of the Barak Valley. Whether you are a devotee or a lover of adventure, trekking to the Bhuban Mahadev Mandir should be among the top things to do in Silchar with friends, for it promises tranquility and lifelong memories.

Kancha Kanti Kali Temple

Kancha Kanti Devi Temple is an ancient site located in the lush greenery near Silchar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kachakanti who is believed to be the incarnation of Divine Goddess Kali. The temple is steeped in local tradition and legend that speaks of the Goddess who possesses immense power. It is also believed that Goddess Kali visits the temple every Sunday in one form or another. Visiting this temple during major festivals like Durga Pooja, Kali Pooja or Navratri is quite popular among tourists and a perfect thing to do in Silchar with family. The architecture, with its traditional and intricate carvings, and religious motifs resemble the traditional art and craftsmanship of Assam and adds to the beauty of this place.

Khaspur

Khaspur is an ancient village which lies about 20 km from Silchar and is home to the ruins of Dimasa Kingdom. The monuments and structures laying waste in this village have become a popular attraction for many tourists among which the Lion Gate, Sun Gate, and the King’s Debalaya still stand tall. Khaspur was originally a part of the Tripura Kingdom that became independent after the fall of Koch rulers. The archaeological ruins offer a glimpse into the glorious past and narrate the history of the rulers of the bygone era. Surrounded by tea estates and lush green landscape, the spectacular views from this scenic hill station are worth the time and effort it takes to get here from Silchar. Khaspur is a treasure trove. In your itinerary for “things to see in Silchar”, Khaspur is the perfect destination for a day trip.

Maibong

Maibong is located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam and is a more unexplored part of Assam India tourism. The town was once the capital of Dimasa Kachari Kingdom in the 16th and 18th centuries and still boasts some architectural ruins and remnants from that time. A visit to this fort is a perfect itinerary for things to do in Silchar for 3 days. Besides hills, rivers, waterfalls and the serene landscape surrounding the area, the prime attractions in Maibong are the Kachari Fort and ancient Ramchandi Temple located on the banks of the Mahur River. The ancient site and ruins of the fort with a few monolithic carvings still distinctively visible to the eye offer a glimpse into the rich history, culture and architectural brilliance of the Kachari Dynasty.

There is a lot to do in Silchar. The city boasts the perfect blend of architecture, natural beauty and cultural diversity and the best time to visit the city is between October to March. With the onset of winter in the country, the climate in the city remains moderately cool and comfortable - a perfect time to explore and sightsee. These months also mark the time for several celebrations and festivities like the Barak Valley Hozaak Fest, Kali Puja, Diwali and so much more.

There is too much to experience and things to do at these places in Silchar. However, the city is also popular for several fun affairs. From shopping in the local bazaars to savouring the food at local eateries, paragliding, trekking, boat riding, kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing are also popular activities in Silchar.

While the city may not be as popular as Guwahati, Kaziranga, Haflong, the sprawling tea estates of Cachar, and the wetlands of Son Beel or Dibrugarh, it has a subtle tranquility and warmth that offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Silchar is more than just a travel destination. It’s an experience that invites you to slow down, reconnect and immerse yourself in the journey.

As many of us know, travelling to a new destination does something incredible to the human soul. It is invigorating and life-changing and can enrich life in more ways than one. And an Assam trip will do just that.