Darrang

Darrang is a district in the central part of Assam. It is located on the Southern side of the River Brahmaputra. Mangaldai is the district headquarters.

The principal attraction of Darang includes its historical forests, wildlife, natural beauty, temples, and tea gardens. Darang can be reached from Guwahati through National Highway 52 which connects Darang to the neighbouring districts of Kamrup, Udalguri & Sonitpur. There is also a Steamer service from Upper Kurua to Guwahati. The nearest Airport and Rail station is at Guwahati, 77 km and 65 km respectively. The Tezpur airport is 110 km away. However, there are some meter-gauge trains that also run in the Darrang district, Udalguri railway station, 67 km from Mangaldai is connected with Rangiya Junction railway station. Through Rangiya Junction one can access broad gauge trains to other parts of the country.

The district of Darrang is spread over an area of 3481 sq km. The district is surrounded by Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan in the North, river Brahmaputra flows in the South. The districts Sonitpur and Kamrup are in the east and west respectively.

Mangaldai is the only subdivision in the district. There are other smaller towns including Kalaigaon, Orang, Tangla, Majbat, Paneri, Udalguri, Kharupetia & Rowta. There is a National Park in the district named Orang National Park, one wildlife sanctuary named Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary & two reserve forests namely Khalingduar Reserved Forest and Rowta Reserved Forest. These make the district an ideal destination for wildlife and forest enthusiasts.

The Bodo, Rabha, and Koch are the main residents of the district. There is a substantial number of migrant communities such as Bihari, Marwari, and Nepali. Bodo, Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi are commonly spoken in the area.

What to See

Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary – Barnadi Sanctuary is situated 70 km from Mangaldai, close to the Assam-Bhutan border. Pigmy hog, Elephant, and various Butterflies are common here.

Gandhi Smriti Park – Located in the heart of Mangaldai town this is a well-maintained park to spend an evening.

Patharughat Shaheed Minar – It is located 16 km away from Mangaldai town. The place commemorates the Jallianwalabagh victims of Assamese origin.

Kamakshya Devalaya –19 km from Mangaldai, near Lakhimpur village the Kamakshya Devalalay is a temple with a stone fetish. Dole Festival (the festival of colour) is celebrated here in Spring. It was founded during the 12th century.

Batha Beel (Pond) –is located 16 km from Mangaldai near Sipajhar. A nice spot for bird watchers.

Pukhuria Beel (Pond) – This is another choice for Birdwatchers. Hundreds of migratory birds come to this beel every year.

Baladev Pukhuri (Pond) –70 km from Mangaldai near Baldevpara, west of Sipajhar, is a beel (pond) covering 48 Bighas created during the reign of King Dharma Narayana.

Jaypal Pukhuri – 70 km from Mangaldai this pond is spread over 20 Bighas at Barkaliyajhar village. The lake is said to have been created by King Jaypal.

Bhairabkunda –76 km away from Mangaldai near Udalguri. This is a famous pilgrim centre. Bhairabkund is also famous for its natural beauty of the place.