A cup of Assam Tea

Cool things to do in Majuli 1. Satras - Visit the Satras and experience the socio-cultural institution of Assam and the institution of Art, Music and culture pioneer of the neo-vaishnavite movement and experience the abundant spirituality. A. If you get a chance, enjoy Satriya dance in the Satras, the classical dance form of Assam. B. Visit the award-winning mask making in Samaguri Satra where the mythological characters get alive in the hands of artists. C. Visit the museum of Auniati Satra; however, you are not allowed to take pictures yet get mesmerized by a collection of art from the history. 2. Food - Majuli does not have typical restaurant cultural. Depending on where you stay, you will ultimately get a chance to indulge in local assamese cuisine. Mild yet delectably cooked assamese food. 3. Wear a Mekhla Chadar- It is not mandatory to wear the traditional outfit in Majuli .   When you visit Satras, you see most people in their tradition...

      I was waiting in the ghat to cross the river to get to the world's biggest river island Majuli.  I was high on my emotion, leaving my kids with my mom and at the same time fascinated about visiting Majuli for the first time. Then a lady came and interrupted my thoughts asking about what to see in Majuli? It took me awhile to recollect my thoughts and by the time I was able to answer she had disappeared. When I think about Majuli, I wonder if my words really justify the real, rhythmic and rustic as well artistic muse Majuli.       When we took the ferry ride, it was entirely different than regular ferry rides. It was difficult to differentiate the difference between land and sand. After one hour ride, we got to Majuli. We visited our relative in Komalabari and after an hour was ready to explore the unspoiled land. We took our car to Samuguri about 3 miles from Komalabari. At that time the color of the crimson sky was merging with turquoise o...

      Utterly offbeat and witness to 6oo years of riots, revolves, changing political scenarios and one of the tremendous cultural hub of the east with fluid architecture and the city of lakes, yes it is Sibsagar. Built in 18th century by Ahom dynasty, tucked away in the fertile bank of Dikhow river Sibsagar, in the mist of green forest and dusty roads, the city intrigued you every bit. Entering here you fall for the finest fables of yesteryears.  A day is not enough to explore this historic city but will get you a glimpse of the vast might of the Ahom kingdom. 1. Shiva Dol - Whether you are an avid devotee or audacious traveler, Shivdol will hook you in no time. Located in the heart of the city consisting of the main Shiva dol and two relatively small Vishnu dol and Devi dol. Dol means temple in the Assamese language. Built-in 1734  by queen Ambika wife of Shiva Singha, Ahom king. The dome-shaped Shiva dol had a kolosi (vase) of pu...

The meditation center       In the kitsch of chaotic world, Namphke village is tucked in quaint calm and tranquility of solitude. It is situated on the banks of Burhidihing river which is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra river.  25 miles away from Dibrugarh Assam, the road from the tea town Dibrugarh takes you through the emerald green tea gardens, dusty roads with the glimpse of river views to the melange of natural beauty and peace, Namphake.  Burhidihing river       The lifeline of the village is Namphake Buddhist monastery. The origin of Namphake village can be traced back to 1850 A.D. The people living here are descendants of the great Tai race believed to have migrated from Myanmar. They have over 150 families now. This monastery is considered as the most esteemed and oldest Buddhist monastery in Assam. It has a meditation center with the attached library has several Buddhist manuscripts reserve...

      The famous who visited, the awards and the showstopper dal, I was little nervous to write about Bukhara.  The visit itself, you experience the warmth and high hospitality the Indian culture stands for with rhythm of rustic interior keeping rendition with yesteryears of Mughal inspiration.      We were hit by the usual Delhi traffic that got us little late for lunch. Consider ourselves lucky, 5 minutes passed lunch, and we were greeted with the most gracious welcome.       As we already felt little guilty about getting late, so started our day with the main and how would it be without the iconic dal Bukhara. And then pudina paratha, Murg malai kabab, and Kastoori kabab.       Dal Bukhara: cooked for 24 hours in the earthen oven (tandoor)  with tomato and ginger garlic was indeed a show stopper and signature. Thick whippy black gram dal comes with a generous dollop of butter on top. If you haven't...