Silchar

Silchar or “Shilchar” as known locally is a riverine city situated along the banks of the Barak River. This city is the headquarters of the Cachar District of Assam and has a rich platter of historical and natural sites. Situated in The Barak valley, the city lies near many serene locations. The calm comportment of Barack valley led former Prime minister Indira Gandhi to name the city as Indias “Island of Peace”

The name of the city is derived from the Bengali words “Shil” and “Char” meaning rock and riverside owing to its rocky riverbank. The city houses some prestigious institutions like NIT and the primary campus of Assam University. The city also has one of the oldest polo clubs in the world.

Silchar Overview

Best Time to Visit Silchar

Located in the Barak valley, this citys climate is like the humid subtropical climate. Owing to its winters being slightly too hot, Silchar Climate is classified as a Tropical Monsoon climate. Silchar temperature ranges from around 30°C in summer to around 12°C during the winter months. The weather in Silchar is pleasant throughout the year with humid summer months and dry winters. Silchar weather in monsoon is wet and humid as the region receives a good amount of rainfall. This city is also prone to floods during this season as the Barak river is rain-fed.

Winter is mostly dry and warm with mild mornings, making it the best time to visit this city. Although temperatures below 10° C have been recorded in the city the average winter temperature in this city rarely drops that low.

How to Reach Places to Visit in Silchar

This city is a major transportation hub of the region connecting Assam to neighbouring areas of Manipur and Mizoram. Although the city is more than 300 km away from the state capital, Guwahati much of it is well connected via a complex network of roadways and railway stations. This city has its own domestic Airport that remains busy year-round catering flights from major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati.

Located in Tarapur, the Silchar railway station is managed by northeast frontier railways and is a major interlinking point in the region. The station operates many local and express trains in and across the Barak valley.

The Assam State Transport Corporation operates several regular and luxury busses on the Guwahati Silchar route connecting places like Shillong Aizawl and Agartala. Many Private buses along with minibuses operate inside the city making it easier to commute.

What are the Things to See and So in Silchar?

This city caters to a wide spectrum of visitors, from young aspiring students to elderly and seasoned travellers. While the city lacks a vibrant nightlife it more than makes up for it in terms of serene destinations and historical sites. The Barak valley is a beautiful place untouched by urban concrete structures. The citys proximity to the many lakes and waterfalls, allow tourists to enjoy moments of undisturbed peace.

This city also has several temples and historical sites that will attract the attention of history nerds and devotees alike. The local culture is also unique and can be seen in the citys unique food and handicrafts.

Places to Visit in Silchar

The riverine city has long been on the bucket list of travellers and tourists. Whether youre on a luxury trip to explore the region or a student planning to study in its institutions, the variety of tourist sites in the city is sure to fancy your platter.

This city has the right balance of modernization and proximity to nature, making it the perfect place to quench your thirst for adventure and exploration. The city has witnessed the thriving and fall of many kingdoms and dynasties, each leaving its impression, carved in the form of architecture.

Kachari

One such kingdom was Kachari, whose ruins can be found in Khaspur, just 22 km from this city. While the original palace complex no longer exists, tourists can still visit the “Lions Gate”, “Sun Gate” and “Kings Temple”.

Maibong

Another Silchar place having the footprints of the Kachari kingdom is Maibong, the former capital of Kachari. The site houses a temple known as “Ek Patthar Ghar” dating back to the 12^th century.

Badarpur Fort

The Badarpur Fort along the banks of the river Barak is another Silchar place with much historical importance. Located about 16 km from the Badarpur station, the Fort can set you a bit off track from this city, however, the forts magnificence more than makes up for it.

Maniharan Tunnel

Another one of the popular tourist sites in the city is the Maniharan Tunnel. A few kilometres from the city, the holy river Tribeni flows below this natural tunnel. The tunnel is linked to Hindu mythology as it is believed that Lord Krishna used the tunnel to visit Barak Valley.

Restaurants

This city greets tourists with a wide assortment of flavours spread across its many restaurants. The restaurants in Silchar cater to local tastes as well as acquired cuisine. Much of the native population of this city consists of Bengalis that speak Sylheti, as such Bengali influence is eminent in this citys cuisine, focused heavily on different varieties of fish and fish-based dishes. Other communities like Nagas also have some influence on the local cuisine.

Nawab Restaurant

The Nawab restaurant is a frequent destination for foodies in this city. The restaurant serves Indian and Mughlai food with its “bamboo biriyani” and “ilish biriyani” being famous dishes worth checking out. Despise its Non-Veg centric platter the restaurant has ample vegan and vegetarian options on its menu.

Marwari Dhaba

The Marwari Dhaba is a great place for travellers and passers-by in this city, serving delicious meals at pocket-friendly prices. The Rajasthani Phulkas and Paneer Sabari are especially known to win the hearts of people.

Chocolate Room

The Chocolate Room is a great coffee shop/ Café in this city. With a modern touch both in its food and décor, this place caters mostly to young blood. While visiting the café be sure to try its Hazelnut Coffee.

Places to stay in Silchar

Accommodation in this city is readily available and suits the budget of luxury and leisure travellers alike. It is however recommended to have a reservation in advance beforehand to pick the best hotel as per ones requirements.

Hotel Cachar Club by Siara

The Hotel Cachar Club by Siara is a great blend of hospitality and modernity in this city. The hotel features lavish interiors and excellent room service. The rooms also include 54 additional amenities including a bar, Gym, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Doshobhuja

The Hotel Doshobhuja is a lavish and relaxing property in the locality of Meherpur, 5 km from Silchar railway station. The hotel features a modern interior and amenities like free parking, 24 hr room service, etc.

Hotel Centre Palace

The Hotel Centre Palace provides a modest stay for its guests at a value-for-money price. The hotel is also located in the heart of the city, a mere 20 km from the railway station. The hotels proximity to local tourist places in Silchar as well as the Barak River is also a great plus.

Nightlife

This serene city is full to the brim with colour during the day, and while less colourful compared to the daytime, the city still boasts a decent nightlife. The core areas of the city are often decorated with fancy lights, and local events are a common occurrence after sunset. This city is an important industrial and transportation hub of Northeast India and is rapidly developing. In recent years, many clubs and bars have sprung up along the highways passing through the city.

Delta Bar

Delta Bar, located on National Highway 53, is an affordable establishment for anyone passing through this city. The bar is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike.

Tantra Bar

Tantra Bar has made a name for itself thanks to its great food and ambience, topped only by its extremely professional staff. Located in the locality of Tarapur, Tantra Bar is one of the go-to places to experience the nightlife in this city.

Barak Bar

Barak Bar, to its frequent customers, is more than just a place for recreational drinking. Located in Tarapur, this bar is a go-to spot for everything from birthdays to hangouts.

Rotary Club of Silchar

The Rotary Club of Silchar is open 24 hours a day for members. The club and their members are responsible for organising many events in the city.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Silchar

The culinary culture of this city in Assam is reflective of its demographic. The citys proximity to river Barak makes fish an important part of the citys cuisine. The high concentration of Sylheti/Bengalis also adds to the popularity of fish as well as rice, being a staple. Some popular local Bengali dishes are Shidol chutney, Chungar Peetha, etc. “Sutki” or dried fish is also a local delicacy and an acquired taste that might not be fancied by everyone. Apart from regional dishes, western, Indian, and Asian dishes also decorate the platter in this city.

Things to Buy in the Place to Visit in Silchar

Assam Tea Sellers

A big part of this city can be carried home in form of gifts and mementoes. Because of its proximity to tea-growing areas, this city is also a manufacturing hub of tea. As such various types of tea can be purchased from Assam Tea Sellers.

Gulgulia Brothers

The city is also known for its agricultural products and local handicrafts, ranging from baskets made of jute sticks to mats made of straw. Gulgulia Brothers deal with agro-related products.

Srikona Bara Bazaar

The Srikona Bara Bazaar is a hub for such products making it a shoppers paradise. Most tourist places in Silchar also have a few gift shops scattered around.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

Silchar Assam is a calm and relaxing escape from urban chaos without sacrificing much of the modern amenities. The city acts as a hub for exploring other nearby places as well as a great standalone tourist destination.