A day in Jorhat town
Quick answer
A free day in Jorhat town works well without a long drive:
- see Ahom heritage at Raja Maidam and Lachit Borphukan's Maidam
- shop for tea, gamosas and muga silk in the central markets
- eat a proper Assamese thali for lunch
- take a short trip to Tocklai, the Gymkhana Club or Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar
Most visitors use Jorhat as a base for Majuli, Kaziranga and Sivasagar. Keep one easy day for the town itself. It was the last capital of the Ahom kingdom and is still the heart of Assam's tea country.
Morning: Ahom heritage
- Raja Maidam: maidams are the burial mounds of Ahom royalty. Charaideo, near Sivasagar, has the best-known group and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jorhat's Raja Maidam is the resting place of Purandar Singha, one of the last Ahom kings.
- Lachit Borphukan's Maidam at Hoolungapara honours the Ahom general who defeated the Mughals at Saraighat in 1671.
Late morning: tea
- Tocklai Tea Research Institute, founded in 1911, is one of the oldest tea research stations in the world. Parts of the campus can be visited.
- Walk the roads through a tea garden on the edge of town. See the tea guide.
Lunch
An Assamese thali, from khar to masor tenga. See our food guide.
Afternoon: markets and shopping
- Tea: loose-leaf orthodox and CTC from local sellers. They're good gifts.
- Gamosa: the white-and-red woven Assamese towel and symbol of respect.
- Muga and pat silk: mekhela chadors, stoles and fabric. Muga's natural golden sheen is unique to Assam.
- Bell-metal and bamboo crafts.
Short trips (by cab)
- Jorhat Gymkhana Club (1876), often described as Asia's oldest golf course.
- Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, about 15 km east, a Vaishnavite prayer hall with a lamp said to have burned for centuries.
- Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, about 19 km away. Go early in the morning.
Evening
Pitha and tea, then dinner. Jorhat winds down early, so plan dinner by 8 to 8:30 pm outside the festival season.
Where to stay: NOI Homes, central Jorhat
NOI Homes is a boutique homestay on J.B. Road in central Jorhat. There are two 2BHK apartments, each for up to six guests. NOI Homes Elite is always let as the whole apartment, with two bedrooms (Khwaab and Gulmohar). NOI Homes Privé can be booked whole, or as private rooms: Rajwada, the master suite, and Sukoon, the cosy room.
We're on J.B. Road in the centre of town, so markets and food are close by. Ask us for a route for the day when you arrive.
Every stay includes Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, a fully equipped kitchen and 24×7 on-site help. Breakfast and home-cooked Assamese meals are available on request at an extra charge. See the rooms in the catalogue, or check availability.
Planning dates? Message us with your dates and number of guests. We reply on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is Raja Maidam in Jorhat?
It is the burial mound (maidam) of the Ahom king Purandar Singha, one of the last kings of the Ahom dynasty.
What can I do in Jorhat in one day?
See the Ahom maidams, visit Tocklai and a tea garden, eat an Assamese thali, and shop for tea and muga silk. Add the Gibbon Sanctuary if you start early.
What can I buy in Jorhat?
Assam tea, gamosas, muga and pat silk, bell-metal ware and bamboo crafts.
Are there things to do in Jorhat in the evening?
Markets, tea and pitha, and dinner. The city is quieter after about 9 pm.
Timings, fares and seasonal openings in Assam change often. We check our posts regularly, but please confirm locally before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp.