A Trip to Jatinga Village from Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is a true gem in the north-eastern state of Assam. The Indian One-horned Rhinoceros is the soaring source of fame for the esteemed national park. The jeep safari, elephant safari, and birdwatching are the predominant things to do in Kaziranga National Park. However, while on a visit to the picturesque state of Assam from a distant city, why not utilize the opportunity for some nearby sightseeing around the national park? After all in this era of busy schedules and unavailability of frequent breaks, gather as many pleasant moments as possible to help you stay charged while heading back and getting engaged with the daily routine.
Jatinga, a scenic village in the district of Dima Hasao, is located 243 km from Kaziranga National Park. If you are someone who has a special obsession with tranquility and visiting offbeat destinations, avoiding the tourist crowd, then a visit to Jatinga is a must for you. Enjoy a day or two by embarking on a Kaziranga Jeep Safari, exploring the rich collection of flora, fauna and avifauna, and expressing additional thrills for the sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros.
A Drive from One-Horned Rhinos to Birds, Get Set for Jatinga
Jatinga, under the supervision of the district forestry office in Haflong, is a renowned destination for bird-watching in Assam. Travellers are drawn to this spot for its intriguing “bird suicide” phenomenon. This mysterious occurrence, observed between August and November, sees birds of various species inexplicably dying, especially on dark, foggy nights devoid of moonlight. Scientists have unravelled the enigma: the birds, native or local migrants, are lured by village lights and become disoriented in the foggy conditions, colliding with bamboo poles erected by villagers. The villagers, fearing these nighttime visitors as spirits of the deceased, erected the poles to protect themselves, inadvertently causing harm to the birds. This discovery prompted scientists and environmental activists to educate villagers on the true cause behind these incidents and discourage the practice. This unique phenomenon attracts travelers, especially ornithologists and bird watchers, to the area from August to November. Jatinga is home to approximately 2,500 Khasi-Pnar tribal people and a few Dimasa residents.
You can engage yourself in Jatinga by actively participating in the following activities.
Jatinga Bird Observatory – Located approximately 57 kilometers from the city, the Jatinga Bird Observatory is a picturesque destination worth visiting, particularly from November to February. During these months, it hosts a diverse array of bird species, both local residents and migratory visitors, such as pond herons, black bitterns, kingfishers, and tiger bitterns. This renowned site is celebrated for its scenic beauty, particularly during the winter season, and offers stunning views of the Assamese mountain ranges.
Trek to Hampeupet Summit – The second-highest peak in Assam is accessible for trekking, unlike the highest peak which remains uncharted with no established trail. The trek to Hempeupet Peak begins from N. Leikul village, situated near Haflong. It typically takes 2-3 hours to ascend to the summit and about an hour to descend back down.
Visit Haflong Lake – Located approximately 6 kilometers south of Jatinga, Haflong Lake offers a serene retreat for self-reflection and enjoying scenic vistas. Situated in the heart of the city, it stands out among Assam’s picturesque lakes, renowned for its popularity and the range of outdoor activities it offers. Visitors can enjoy day-long picnics, partake in water sports, and indulge in boating. Anglers will find opportunities for fishing, providing a tranquil lakeside experience. The lake, featuring a Hanging Bridge Overpass, is a prominent tourist attraction in the region.
