North East India is a region of diverse cultures, languages, landscapes, and wildlife. Among the eight states that constitute this region, Assam is the largest and most populous one. Within Assam, there is an autonomous region called Bodoland Territorial Regions (BTR), popularly known as Bodoland, which is home to the Bodo people and other indigenous communities. Bodoland is a hidden gem of North East India, as it offers a rich and unique experience of nature, culture, and history.
Bodoland covers an area of over nine thousand square kilometres, and comprises five districts: Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur. It is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, below the foothills of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. The region has a diverse terrain, ranging from plains and hills to forests and rivers. Bodoland is also a biodiversity hotspot, as it hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered golden langur, pygmy hog, and Bengal tiger, etc. The region is also home to two national parks, Manas National Park and Raimona National Park.
Bodoland is not only rich in natural resources, but also in cultural heritage. The Bodo people are the largest ethnic group in the region, and they have a distinct identity, language, and religion. The Bodo language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, and has its own script which is among the 22 Eighth Schedule Languages of the Indian Constitution. The Bodo religion “Bathwo” is based on the worship of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and sky. The Bodo people also have a vibrant tradition of music, dance, art, and cuisine. Some of the famous festivals of the Bodo people are Bwisagu, Domachi, Amthisua, and Kathigasa, etc.
20 reasons why you should visit Bodoland Territorial Regions (BTR) and explore Bodo villages
- BTR is home to two famous National Parks, Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including the endangered golden langur (mascot of Bodoland), pygmy hog, Bengal tiger, Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, etc. And Raimona National Park (newly declared national park in India) which is home to rich biodiversity, including the endangered golden langur, Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, gaurs, chitals, hornbills, and many more species of animals and plants. Apart from that, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary situated near Kokrajhar town is a protected area for critically endangered Golden Langur and the forest habitat of Indo-Bhutan border in Kokrajhar supports large number of Golden Langur population. Entire forest belt of Kokrajhar, especially Ultapani Reserve Forest, is popularly known as diverse butterfly species.
- BTR is the heartland of the Bodo people, the largest ethnic group in Assam and other indigenous communities. They have a distinct identity, language, religion, and tradition. You can experience their culture, music, dance, art, cuisine, and festivals, such as Bwisagu, Domachi, Amthisua, and Kathigasa, etc.
- BTR is a region of peace and progress. It has been granted autonomy and development by the central and state governments, and has been working towards community conservation, eco-tourism, education and livelihood improvement.
- BTR is a region of adventure and excitement, as it offers various activities and experiences for the visitors. You can go for wildlife safaris, river rafting, trekking, camping, cycling and paragliding.
- BTR is a region of scenic beauty, with diverse landscapes, such as the mustard fields, greenery of paddy fields, the Bhutan foothills, the Saralpara and Bogamati River. You can enjoy the views and take amazing photos.
- BTR is a region of cross-border connectivity, as it shares its borders with Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. You can cross the Indo-Bhutan border with valid documents issued by Govt. of India and visit nearest towns such as Gelephu, Phuensholing and Samdrup Jongkhar or explore the nearby areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
- BTR is a region of cultural extravaganza, as it hosts the various festivals and fairs like, Baukhungri Festivals, Bwisagu Festivals, Domachi Festivals, Indo-Bhutan Friendship Mela, etc. where you can witness the performances, exhibitions, competitions, and cuisines of various communities and artists.
- BTR is a region of rural charm, where you can visit the remote Bodo villages and experience their lifestyle, fishing techniques, agricultural activities, and rice beer making. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their stories and struggles.
- BTR is a region of sunrise and sunset, where you can witness the spectacular colours of the sky at different times of the day. You can visit Kalamati, a hilltop near the Manas National Park, for an early sunrise and visit Saralpara and Dheer Beel (Kokrajhar) for a spectacular sunset.
- BTR is a region of hidden gems where you can discover many places and things that are not well-known or popular but are worth exploring. You can visit the Bodoland Martyrs’ Cemetery, the Bodofa Cultural Complex, the Bodoland Museum, and the Bodo Weaving Centres, Markets in Kokrajhar, where you can buy many handmade traditional clothes, souvenirs and handicrafts.
- BTR is a region of history and heritage, where you can learn about the past and present of the Bodo people and their struggle for autonomy and statehood. You can visit the Bodo Accord Monuments, Bodoland Territorial Regions Secretariat, and Cultural Centres in different places.
- BTR is a region of spirituality and faith, where you can witness the diversity of religions and beliefs among the Bodo people and other communities. You can visit the most famous Bathou Traditional and Cultural Centre at Bagansali, Koktajhar and Hirimba Bathou Thansali, Udalguri where the Bodos worship the five elements of nature.
- BTR is a region of art and craft, where you can admire the creativity and skill of the Bodo people and other artisans. You can see the colourful and intricate designs of the Bodo Dokhna, the traditional attire of the Bodo women, or the bamboo and cane products, such as baskets, mats, and furniture.
- BTR is a region of music and dance, where you can enjoy the melodious and rhythmic expressions of the Bodo people and other performers. You can listen to the Bodo folk songs, melodies of traditional musical instruments like Serja, Kham, Sifung, Jotha, Torkha, Jabkring, etc. and watch the Bodo folk dances, such as Bagurumba, Kherai, Bardwisikla, etc.
- BTR is a region of cuisine and delicacies, where you can taste the variety and flavour of the Bodo food and other dishes. You can try the Bodo cuisine, such as rice, fish, pork, and bamboo shoot, or the Bodo snacks, such as Pitha, Laru, Sworai, Sithao, etc.
- BTR is a region of tea and coffee, where you can sip the refreshing and aromatic beverages of the Bodo people and other growers. You can visit the tea gardens, especially the Elephant-friendly tea garden of Mr. Tenzing Bodosa in Udalguri (First elephant-friendly tea garden in the World).
- BTR is a region of festivals and celebrations, where you can join the fun and joy of the Bodo people and other communities. You can participate in the Bodo festivals, such as Bwisagu (New Year festival), Kherai (harvest festival), or the other festivals, such as Domachi, Amtisuwa, etc.
- BTR is a region of sports and games, where you can watch or play the traditional and modern sports of the Bodo people and other enthusiasts. You can watch the Bodo martial arts, the Khomlainai (Bodo wrestling), or the other sports, such as football, cricket, and archery.
- BTR is a region of education and empowerment, where you can see the progress and development of the Bodo people and other communities living in the region. You can visit the educational institutions, such as the Bodoland University, Central Institute of Technology (CIT) in Kokrajhar or the social organizations, such as the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), Bodo Sahitya Sabha ((BSS), All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF), etc.
- BTR is a region of hospitality and warmth, where you can feel the friendliness and generosity of the Bodo people and other hosts. You can stay in the homestays, Lodges, or the resorts in tourist places.
These are some of the reasons why you should visit Bodoland Territorial Regions (BTR), a hidden gem of North East India. If you are looking for a destination that is offbeat, authentic, and diverse, then BTR is the place for you.