Majestic views, pristine waterfalls and winding rivers — Dima Hasao is the only hill station in Assam and, blessed with abundant natural beauty, it has turned into a major tourist destination. And that, too, after a decade of militancy and violence due to the demand for separate statehood.
Dima Hasao district continues to be a part of Assam with its autonomous council working alongside the BJP-led state government for the upliftment of people. The council, led by chief executive member Debolal Garlosa, is now focusing on making tourism as its mainstay.
“Dima Hasao is blessed with a lot of natural beauty. We have a lot to offer to our tourists. From massive waterfalls like Panimur to serene places like Umrangso golf course to mysterious spots like Jatinga, from hills in Maibong to the rivers flowing throughout, this place is also called Switzerland of the Northeast. Our council is fully focused on boosting tourism now,” tourism adviser to the council, Zed Nunisa exclusively told CNN-News18.
“Haflong town in Dima Hasao is now well connected by road, which has made it easier for tourists. Not just that, with our new tourism policy, the draft of which was recently released on World Tourism Day on September 27, we have focused on increasing homestays and hotels to accommodate tourists. We have also met with local social media influencers to promote Dima Hasao as a major tourist destination. We are also planning for more videos on and about tourist attractions in Dima Hasao. A website has also been launched to help tourists…” he said.
Where to find this destination?
With a dense population, Haflong town and, mostly all parts of Dima Hasao, are welcoming to tourists and local residents are known for their wide smiles and greetings — juthai (hello) — in Dimasa. Haflong is well connected by both road and railway to Guwahati.
The Haflong railway station is considered the most beautiful railway station in the northeast. Giant green hills and clear blue skies will greet you with a juthai at the railway station. Travelling a distance of 323 km on curvey roads with dense tree cover on both sides, it takes five hours to reach Haflong from Guwahati. The longest road tunnel in Assam — BG Tunnel No 9 — has also reduced travel time for tourists.