Jorhat is one of Assam’s largest towns. Jorhat derives its name from two haats or bazaars — Macharhat and Chowkihat. The town gained in importance after Ahom king Swargadeo Gaurinath relocated his capital from Rangpur (present-day Sivasagar) in 1794. It was destroyed during the Burmese raids before the British began rebuilding in the early 1800s.

Today, Jorhat is referred to as Assam’s tea capital thanks to some 300 tea estates around. The British started the Jorhat Provincial Railway in 1885 to carry tea chests to Kokilamukh Ghat on the Brahmaputra 13 km away, for export to the world beyond via the river route. Many tea estates have colonial bungalows, some of which have been refurbished for high-end, niche tourists. The Gymkhana Club of 1876 vintage gives a feel of the lifestyle of well-heeled tea planters and estate managers.

1. Kakochang Waterfalls

2. Tocklai Tea research Center

3. Cinnamora Tea Estate

4. Thengal Bhavan

5. Sukapha Samannay Kshetra

The best time to visit is winter (October-March).