Silchar Travel Guide: Gateway to Barak Valley, Culture & Scenic Journeys

Silchar is one of those rare Northeastern cities that feels both warm and quietly surprising. Set beside the wide Barak River and surrounded by lush green plains, Silchar is the cultural heart of the Barak Valley and the second-largest city in Assam. Travellers often pass through it on the way to Mizoram, Manipur, or Tripura—but pause for a day or two, and you’ll discover a place steeped in heritage, tea-garden charm, and incredible stories.

For Indian travellers, Silchar appeals with its food, culture, and easy connectivity. For European visitors, it offers a perfect combination of heritage experiences, soft adventure, and a chance to witness the authentic lifestyle of the Barak Valley—often overlooked in traditional India itineraries.

Where is Silchar?

Silchar lies in southern Assam, close to the Bangladesh border, beautifully tucked into the Surma Valley. This geography creates a unique blend of cultures—Bengali, Manipuri, Bishnupriya, Marwari, tribal groups, and old colonial influences. Sylheti Bengali is the dominant language, and its food traditions give Silchar a flavour entirely distinct from Brahmaputra-valley Assam.

Silchar is also one of the most important gateways to the Northeast.
From here, roads fan out to:

• Manipur

• Mizoram

• Tripura

This makes Silchar an essential stop on long trans-Northeast journeys.

How to Reach Silchar

By Air:
Silchar has its own airport—Kumbhirgram Airport, about 29 km from the city centre. It is connected to Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, and other major cities.

By Train:
The Silchar Railway Station in Tarapur is the terminus of the legendary Lumding–Silchar line. This route, rebuilt as a broad-gauge line, is considered one of the most scenic railway journeys in India.

By Road:
Silchar is 330 km from Guwahati and is connected by NH6. The road journey takes 9–10 hours through lush forests and rolling hills.

Why Silchar Is Special

Silchar blends aristocratic history, multicultural flavours, old tea plantations, and one of the most fascinating railway journeys in India. It was here that the first modern Polo Club in the world was formed—decades before the sport became known across Europe. A commemorative plaque behind the District Library still marks this historic spot.

Food in Silchar is another key attraction. From Shutki (dried fish) and Shidal chutney to Chunga-r Pitha, the cuisine reflects influences from Sylhet, Tripura, and rural Barak Valley traditions. The cultural mix of Bengali Sylheti residents, Bishnupriya Manipuris, Manipuri Meiteis, Marwaris, and various tribal communities gives the region an exceptionally colourful character.

For travellers who love discovering cultures beyond guidebooks, Silchar is a rewarding base.

Top Things to See in Silchar

1. The Legendary Lumding–Silchar Train Journey

This train route is a true wonder. Cutting through dense forests, cliffs, waterfalls, and 33 tunnels, the track offers some of the most dramatic terrain in Northeast India. Because of steep inclines, trains often use dual engines—a treat for railway enthusiasts.

You’ll pass the mysterious village of Jatinga, known for its bird-migration phenomenon.
Tip: Carry food and water. The train sometimes runs late, but the views are absolutely worth it.

2. Jatinga & Haflong (85 km from Silchar)

A scenic road takes you to Jatinga, famous for its bird behaviour that still puzzles scientists. Nearby Haflong, the only hill station of Assam, is known for its serene lake, orchids, tribal culture, and peaceful walking trails.

Great for: nature lovers, soft adventure travellers, and photographers.

3. Tea Gardens of Silchar

The Barak Valley has some beautiful old tea estates, and a visit to the Sindoora Tea Garden is highly recommended. This area is less commercial and still retains the vintage charm of Assam’s early tea days.

Visitors can watch tea plucking, enjoy scenic walks, and see traditional “line villages” around the gardens.

4. Palace of the Kachari Kings – Khaspur (10 km)

Khaspur was the last capital of the Kachari Kingdom, an important power in medieval Assam belonging to the Bodo-Kachari lineage.
Today, you can walk through:

• Temple gateways

• Ancient brick structures

• Ornamental pillars

• The ruins of the palace complex

A great stop for history enthusiasts and photographers.

5. Sri Kancha Kanti Devi Temple (17 km)

Located near Udharband, this temple is dedicated to a form of the Mother Goddess. Its serene ambience and local significance make it an important spiritual stop. It combines elements of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

6. Shiva Mandir at Bhuvan Hill (50 km)

A scenic drive followed by a short trek takes you to the Shiva temple perched atop Bhuvan Hill. The forests around the hill are ideal for short nature walks. During Shivaratri, this place attracts thousands of devotees.

7. Maniharan Cave

Close to the Bhubaneswar Temple, Maniharan Cave is a natural cavern associated with Hindu mythology. Inside, you will find narrow passages, cool springs, and a mysterious aura that encourages slow exploration. The cave is easy to access and suitable even for families.

Experiences You Should Not Miss

1. Street Food & Sylheti Cuisine

Try:

• Shutki preparations

• Shidal chutney (strong flavour, but a local favourite)

• Chunga-r Pitha (sticky rice cake steamed inside bamboo)

• Prawn- and fish-based dishes common in the valley

2. Sunset at Barak River

The riverfront is calm, spacious, and great for an evening stroll.

3. Exploring Local Markets

Silchar’s markets are colourful and filled with Manipuri fabrics, tribal bamboo work, Sylheti snacks, and spices.

4. Polo Heritage Trail

Visit the commemorative plaque marking the world’s first modern polo club—small but significant for sports historians.

Best Time to Visit Silchar

• October to April – Pleasant, perfect for outdoor sightseeing

• May to September – Green and beautiful, but occasional heavy rain

Where Silchar Works in a Northeast Itinerary

Silchar is ideal as:

• A base for exploring Barak Valley

• A gateway to Mizoram (Aizawl)

• A connecting town for Imphal (Manipur)

• A scenic overnight stop for long road trips across the Northeast

Plan Your Trip with Experts

For customised Northeast India circuits—including Silchar, Barak Valley, Haflong, and Mizoram routes—connect with:

NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd.
+91 9733300696
We curate authentic, culturally immersive, and experience-rich journeys across Assam and the entire Northeast.