Tinsukia
Tinsukia (Assamese: তিনিচুকীয়া Tinichukīẏā) is the economic capital of Assam and the main business centre of Upper Assam. It is a gateway to many tourist attractions in Upper Assam. It has a couple of good hotels to stay overnight before you embark on a journey to the nearby areas.
Understand
Tinsukia (tih-nih-soo-kih-ah) was connected by the Bengal-Assam railways way back in the 19th century, resulting in a very high influx of businessmen, railway employees and laborers from the mainland India. The introduction of railways into this area permanently changed the demographic configuration of the area resulting in wider socio-political effects. During the second world war, the outskirts of the city was used for setting up camps for the US army.
Unfortunately, this cosmopolitan city has been affected by perpetual terrorist strikes for last few years.
Get in
By bus
Daily bus services are available from Guwahati, Dibrugarh and other places of Assam to Tinsukia.
By plane
The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport. Taxis outside the airport are costly (₹500 for Tinsukia). A good alternative is to go to the main exit gate, where you will find shuttle autos which will take ₹5 and drop you to Mohanbari Bus Stop on NH37, from where you can pick up Buses/Autos/Wingers for Tinsukia that cost ₹20 per passenger.
By train
Tinsukia is well connected with rest of the world through New Tinsukia railway station. Many long-distance trains are available from the station.
See
Tinsukia is famous for its endless stretches of tea gardens, which are very pleasing to the eyes. Tinsukia is also the capital of the Muttack Rajahs, and in a place called Guijan you come across the ruins of the kingdom. Guijan is just 45 minutes from Tinsukia town. But there is nothing particular about the town to talk about. There is a temple of lord Krishna. Other than that it is an industrialised town and the pollution ratio is high. Roads are narrow and bad; as it is in all small Indian towns. However, just as you step outside, the beauty of the tea gardens overwhelm you. Ninety minutes away from Tinsukia lies the town of Digboi, which boasts of the first oil refinery in Asia .
Do
Visit Dibru Saikhowa national park, a place where you can see a number of migratory birds, which is 25 km from the old railway station. Many ornithologists are there who would guide you to see those birds. One can see the white deohah.
Buy
Tinsukia is a good place for shopping especially for those with low budget. However, in some cases bargaining is necessary. Besides a number of shopping mall there is daily bazar opened on all days except Wednesday. Some shops good for buying clothes are:
- Amarjyoti
- Levis
- Shandar
- UCB
- Vandana
Eat
- Madhu Milan, New Market.
- MB's, GNB Road.
Budget
While in Tinsukia do try the roadside food stall, you will find an array of yummy fast foods notably they can be found near supermarket, opposite old railway station and near Vishal megamart
Mid-range
- Hotel Centre Point - GNB Road
- Hotel Royal Highness - GNB road
- Hasty Tasty - Ranghar commercial complex
- KF - ATC Mall
Drink
An array of bars and pubs can be found which are a very cheap option. The only lounge bar available is KF's at ATC Mall.
Sleep
Budget
In Digboy Hotel Galaxy offers good food with compared to others, and it offers accommodations at ₹200 per day, but you can't get attached bathrooms or other basic facilities of a starred hotel.
Go next
- Digboi