BARPETA

Discover the vibrant cultural fabric of Barpeta, Assam, also known as the "Land of the Satras." Here, the eternal souls of Sri Madhabdev and Srimanta Sankardeva echo. At Barpeta, you can see the thriving universities that support the many facets of Assamese culture, including dance, drama, music, and more. An enduring reminder of this legacy is the 500-year-old Barpeta Satra. Moreover, the wonders of nature also await you in the adjacent Manas National Park.

Visit Barpeta, a thriving town located 98 kilometres northwest of Guwahati in Western Assam. Historically known as the "Land of Satras," this town is an ancient and culturally rich place. Bar, meaning "big," and Peta, meaning "pond," are the roots of its name. They are considered to be a reflection of the abundance of water bodies that were there in ancient times. Developed by Assamese scholar Srimanta Sankardeva and his student Shri Madhavdeva, the Vaishnavite Satras moulded the town's culture and lifestyle. For those exploring North East tour packages, Barpeta offers a unique glimpse into Assam's spiritual and cultural heritage.

During Holi, especially on Doul Mahotsav, you can take in the colourful celebrations as devotees swarm Barpeta to commemorate the teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva. A sanctuary for lovers of wildlife, Barpeta is also the entry point to the spectacular Manas National Park. Named after the Manas River, this park is famous for its tiger reserve and diverse wildlife, including elephants and endangered Hispid Hare. 

Highlights

• Take a trip into the centre of the Barpeta district in Assam, where culture, history, and scenic beauty all come together.
• Enter the calm of centuries-old Barpeta Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery booming with spiritual wisdom and peace.
• Discover Barpeta's pulse during Doul Mahotsav, a vibrant celebration of music, colours, and tradition that fervently honours Holi.
• Dive into the rich history of the town by visiting Bhimeswari Temple, which tells stories of spiritual devotion and bygone times.
• Explore the unspoiled landscape of Manas National Park, home to tigers, elephants, and the Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo.

How To Reach

Barpeta is located approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) west of Guwahati, Assam's largest city.

1 By Car: From Guwahati, you can take the NH27 westward towards Barpeta. Follow the signs and continue on NH27 for about 3 hours. Upon reaching Barpeta, navigate through the city to your destination. This route covers a distance of approximately 140 kilometres and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

2 By Train: You can catch a train from Guwahati Railway Station to Barpeta Road Railway Station. Some of the trains serving this route include the Guwahati - Barpeta Road Intercity Express and the Guwahati - Silghat Town Express. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the train's route and stops. 

3 By Bus: Various bus services operate from Guwahati to Barpeta at different times during the day. Thus, you can look for buses heading towards Barpeta and board one from the Guwahati bus station. The journey can typically take around 4 to 5 hours depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Best Time To Visit

Barpeta welcomes visitors all year round, offering diverse experiences throughout the seasons.

1 Best Season: The ideal time to explore Barpeta is during the winter months of late October to early March. During this time, the temperatures range from 10°C - 25°C (50°F to 77°F), and the weather is pleasant. This is the perfect time to visit notable attractions like the Barpeta Satra and the Barpeta Wildlife Sanctuary.

2 Best Day of the Week: Weekdays, excluding weekends, are optimal for visiting Barpeta. Since weekends tend to be crowded, thus choose a weekday that allows for a more peaceful exploration of the town's attractions.

3 Best Time of the Day: Mornings, particularly from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, offer the best experience for exploring Barpeta. The weather is cooler, and lighting is ideal for capturing the beauty of attractions like the Barpeta Satra and Pari Hareswar Devalaya.

Other Essential Information

• Respect local customs, especially at sacred sites like Barpeta Satra.
• Bring necessities such as bug repellant, sunscreen, and suitable walking shoes.
• Observe park guidelines and show consideration for the species in the Barpeta Wildlife Sanctuary.
• To move around, take reliable modes of transportation like buses or cabs.
• Carry bottled water and stay hydrated, especially in the warmer months.
• Learn a few basic phrases in Assamese for better communication with locals.
• Particularly when visiting places of worship or cultural significance, dress modestly.
• For the most pleasant weather, try to schedule your trip for the winter.
• If you want to avoid the crowds at major destinations, try to avoid visiting on weekends.
• Observe safety precautions and treat residents and other tourists with respect.