Things To Do
in Nāmrup

A light, tangy fish curry (often made with tomato or elephant apple) — available at local dhabas and Assamese restaurants.

Must-Try!

A traditional Assamese alkaline dish made with raw papaya or pulses and dried banana peel soda — typically found in home-style eateries and festivals.

Slow-cooked meats with regional spices; try at local family-run restaurants or during community events.

Rice cakes and flattened rice with jaggery or cottage cheese — common in markets and local tea stalls.

A compact market where vendors sell fresh fish, vegetables, tea, and snacks — try morning chira-jaggery, deep-fried greens, and local samosas.

For a wider street-food scene and specialty shops (including Assamese sweets and smoked fish), take a short trip to Dibrugarh’s markets.

A polite 'Namaskar' or a smile is customary; use both hands when offering or receiving something to show respect.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or religious places; avoid loud public displays of affection and remove shoes where required.

Ask permission before photographing people in rural areas or inside homes; at temples follow local customs (such as removing footwear and keeping quiet).

Accepting small food offerings is appreciated; if you decline, do so politely. Eating with the right hand is customary.

Tipping is not compulsory but appreciated: small amounts (₹20–₹100 / roughly $0.25–$1.25) for hotel porters or good service at local eateries; larger tips for exceptional private guides or drivers. In informal eateries and tea stalls tipping is rarely expected.

Cash (Indian rupee) is widely used, especially in small shops and rural areas. Mobile payments (UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe) are common in towns; credit/debit cards are accepted in bigger hotels and restaurants in Dibrugarh but may not work reliably in smaller vendors. Carry small notes for markets and transport.

March–May: Hot and humid with temperatures rising toward 30–35°C. Early mornings are the most comfortable for outdoor activities; stay hydrated and plan shade breaks.

June–September: Heavy rainfall and high humidity; rivers swell and some rural roads can become difficult. Good for lush-green photography but expect travel delays and occasional service interruptions.

October–November: Clearer skies, pleasant temperatures and excellent visibility—one of the best times for wildlife viewing and tea garden walks.

December–February: Cool mornings and evenings (8–18°C), occasional fog; comfortable days for exploring, but bring a jacket for early mornings and late evenings.

Guided lowland trails and river-edge walks on protected river islands—excellent for birding and gentle hikes; access usually via boat and with park permission.

Short nature trails in the Dehing Patkai rainforest buffer areas—expect humid forest conditions and good biodiversity; travel with a local guide.

Informal paths through tea gardens and adjacent countryside providing easy-to-moderate walking opportunities and cultural encounters with estate workers.

Flat riverside hikes suitable for sunrise/sunset walks and birdwatching; watch for muddy sections during and after rains.

The majority community, speaking Assamese and engaged in agriculture, trade, and services.

Descendants of laborers from central India working in tea estates; they have distinct cultural practices and languages/dialects.

Present in the region contributing to cultural and linguistic variety, especially in commerce and services.

Smaller presence of indigenous groups from upper Assam and nearby hills with unique traditions and crafts.

Vegetarian food is available, especially rice, lentils, and vegetable curries; ask for no fish-based stocks and specify use of vegetable oil instead of mustard oil if preferred.

Possible but requires specifying no ghee/curd and checking for fish sauces; simple lentil and vegetable dishes are safe bets.

Rice-based staples make gluten-free eating easy; avoid wheat-based snacks and ask about flour-thickened gravies in restaurants.

Communicate allergies clearly (preferably in Assamese or Hindi phrases provided below) and prefer freshly prepared food at reputable eateries to reduce risks.