Lanka — Travel Guide
Lanka, celebrated across central Assam as an important commercial and cultural municipality of the Hojai district, the sacred home of the ancient Lankeswari and Mahamaya Mandirs, the primary gateway to the roaring Panimur Waterfalls along the Kopili River, and the 10th century Davaka kingdom ruins of Rajbari, situated along National Highway 27, is an engaging destination in Assam.
It works as a primary transit crossroads between the Brahmaputra Valley and the Karbi Anglong hills where sacred temple pond waters reflect morning devotional chants, where ancient carved stone lintels record medieval Assamese kingdoms, and where fertile river plains produce fragrant Joha rice and precious Agarwood trees.
Located at an elevation of 159 meters in the Kopili Jamuna valley, it sits 22 km south of Hojai, 35 km west of Lumding railway junction, 50 km from Panimur falls, 65 km south of Bordowa Than, and 155 km east of Guwahati.
Morning breezes drifting over green paddy fields and bamboo groves carry the appetizing aroma of tangy Masor Tenga fish curry prepared with elephant apples, savory raw papaya Omita Khar, and spicy Aloo Began Pitika.
Locals enjoy soft Luchis with Cholar Dal, sweet coconut Til Pithas, creamy Doi Chira with liquid jaggery, and steaming cups of strong Assam CTC black tea, while temple conch shells sound at dawn.
Carved stone temple ruins, green tea garden patches, busy agarwood trade mandis, and passing express trains define the daily rhythm of this Hojai district town.
Lanka is famous for the Lankeswari Mandir, the nearby Panimur waterfalls, the 10th century Rajbari archaeological ruins, and its flourishing agarwood trade.
It's a practical base if you want to explore roaring river rapids, inspect medieval stone sculptures of the Davaka kingdom, visit Srimanta Sankardev's birthplace at Bordowa, and taste authentic Assamese ethnic cuisine.
The surrounding Hojai and Kopili valley territory holds deep antiquity shaped by the ancient Davaka kingdom of Samudragupta's pillar inscriptions, the medieval Kachari rulers of Dimapur and Maibang, the Ahom kings, and the neo Vaishnavite renaissance led by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. From the ancient step stones of Akashiganga to the monumental Shivalinga at Nagaon, you'll discover rewarding cultural landmarks across the district.
Local life centers around Joha paddy cultivation, agarwood oud oil distillation, bamboo handicrafts, fish farming, railway logistics, and warm Assamese hospitality. You can view the sunrise over the Kopili River basin at dawn, explore the ancient stone carvings of Rajbari by midday, and watch the sunset illuminate the temple pond by evening.
Neighboring destinations like Hojai, Lumding, and Nagaon offer open air sculpture parks, railway junctions, and historic Vaishnavite monasteries. Adding Lanka to your travel plans works well for archaeology scholars, nature photographers, spiritual pilgrims, and road trippers exploring Assam.
You can view the glowing golden sunset reflecting off the waters of the sacred temple tank and watch the evening earthen oil lamps illuminate the sanctum by dusk. The journey is worth every rupee. Lanka provides an authentic, peaceful, and culturally deep Assamese travel experience.
Planning your trip around the pleasant winter sightseeing season from October to March, the grand Durga Puja celebrations in autumn, or the festive Doul Utsav (Holi) at Bordowa Than in spring will give you the best experience across Assam. Here is the seasonal breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (October to March): The premier travel window. Pleasant, crisp, and sunny with daytime temperatures between 12°C and 25°C, ideal for visiting Panimur falls, exploring Rajbari ruins, and touring Bordowa Than.
• Monsoon Season (June to September): Heavy rains turn the Kopili valley emerald green and swell the Panimur waterfalls to roaring torrents.
• Summer Season (April to June): Warm and humid with daytime temperatures reaching 35°C. Early morning sightseeing and evening market strolls are recommended.
Major Annual Cultural & Spiritual Celebrations
• Bihu Festivals (Rongali, Kongali & Bhogali): Celebrated with traditional Bihu folk dances, dhol drum beating, community buffalo feasts, and lighting of Meji bonfires.
• Doul Mohotsava at Bordowa Than (March): Grand annual spring festival of colors drawing thousands of Vaishnavite pilgrims for sacred prayer chants and choral music.
• Durga Puja & Kali Puja: Celebrated with grand artistic pandals, illumination of town markets, and community feasts.
• Sankardev Tithi: Commemorated with sacred Borgeet recitations, Dihanaam singing, and reading of the Kirtan Ghosha.
What Lanka is Famous For
• Panimur Waterfalls: The roaring Niagara of Assam on the Kopili River.
• Rajbari Archaeological Ruins: 10th century stone temple sculptures of Davaka.
• Assamese Flavors: Masor Tenga, Omita Khar, Aloo Pitika, and Til Pitha.
Reaching Lanka in Assam is simple because National Highway 27 (East West Corridor), Lanka Railway Station on the Northeast Frontier Railway network, and Guwahati Airport provide reliable multi modal transit connectivity. Here is your complete transit guide:
By Air
• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU): Located 175 km west of Lanka (approx 3.5 hours drive via 4 lane NH 27 with direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai operated by IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet).
• Tezpur Airport (TEZ): Located 125 km north via Kaliabor bridge.
• Dimapur Airport (DMU): Located 140 km east via Lumding.
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid cabs, rental taxis from Guwahati, and ASTC express buses operate regular direct services to Lanka.
By Train
• Lanka Railway Station (Station Code: LKA): Located in town on the Northeast Frontier Railway Guwahati Lumding-Silchar broad gauge mainline with daily express train halts.
• Hojai Railway Station (Station Code: HOJ): Located 22 km north on the mainline.
• Lumding Railway Junction (Station Code: LMG): Located 35 km east, a major national divisional junction connecting to Upper Assam and Tripura.
• Connecting Express Trains: Jan Shatabdi Express, Saraighat Express, Brahmaputra Mail, and Guwahati Silchar Express connect Lanka directly across Assam and Northeast India.
By Road
• National Highway 27 (East West 4 Lane Highway Corridor): High speed national highway connecting Lanka directly with Guwahati, Nagaon, Doboka, and Silchar.
• State Highway Corridors: Connecting Lanka with Lumding, Hojai, and Karbi Anglong districts.
• Bus Services: Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private deluxe coaches run frequent direct buses between Guwahati (ISBT Betkuchi), Nagaon, Hojai, Lumding, and Lanka every 15 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws & Town Cabs: Readily available at Lanka railway station, ASTC bus stand, and Main Bazaar for quick local commuting.
• Rental Private Cabs: Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient way to explore the regional circuit covering Panimur Waterfalls, Rajbari ruins, Akashiganga, and Bordowa Than in a single day.
Exploring local artisan markets and tasting authentic Assamese, Hojai, and Kopili valley culinary specialties is an enjoyable part of visiting Assam. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Agarwood Oil, Joha Rice & Cane Crafts)
• Pure Distilled Agarwood (Oud) Oil: World famous luxury fragrant essential oil produced in local traditional distillation units.
• Aromatic Joha & Black Sticky Rice: Naturally fragrant short grain indigenous rice varieties prized for festive sweets.
• Handwoven Assamese Gamocha & Mekhela Sador: Traditional red and-white cotton shawls and mulberry silk attires woven by rural weavers.
• Handcrafted Bamboo & Cane Artifacts: Finely woven storage containers, lampshades, and decorative items from local artisans.
• Traditional Liquid Jaggery (Jola Gur): Farm fresh unrefined date palm and sugarcane syrup packed in clay pots.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Authentic Masor Tenga: Fresh river fish cooked in light, tangy broth flavored with elephant apple (ou tenga), tomatoes, and lemon.
• Traditional Omita Khar: Classic Assamese appetizer made with raw green papaya, pulses, and alkaline plant ash extract.
• Aloo & Began Pitika: Roasted potatoes and eggplants mashed with raw mustard oil, chopped green chillies, and fresh coriander.
• Sweet Til Pitha & Ghila Pitha: Sticky rice flour rolls stuffed with sweetened black sesame seeds and fried jaggery cakes.
• Steaming Assam CTC Black Tea: Strong, aromatic mountain tea brewed fresh and served piping hot in glasses.
Must-Visit Places in Lanka
Lanka and the surrounding Hojai Kopili heritage corridor offer roaring river cascades, 10th century stone temple ruins, sacred Vaishnavite thans, and lush bamboo countryside. Here are the top attractions to visit during your stay.
1. Panimur Waterfalls & Kopili River Rapids (Day Trip / 50 km)
Known as the Niagara of Assam, a striking natural wonder where the Kopili River plunges over massive granite rock formations into roaring white water rapids.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 50 km southeast in Dima Hasao border.
2. Rajbari Archaeological Site & Ancient Shiva Temples (Hojai / 22 km)
The ancient ruins of 9th 12th century stone and brick temples from the Davaka kingdom, showcasing carved Umamaheshvara icons and stone plinths.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Fee: Free entry
Route: Located 22 km north near Hojai.
3. Lanka Lankeswari Mandir & Mahamaya Complex
A sacred town temple dedicated to Goddess Lankeswari and Mahamaya, featuring a sacred bathing pond, daily evening prayers, and grand Durga Puja celebrations.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in central Lanka town.
4. Akashiganga Waterfalls & Pilgrimage Shrine (35 km)
A sacred waterfall cascading down the Karbi Anglong hill ranges, celebrated in Kalika Purana folklore for healing hill streams and scenic walking trails.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 35 km northeast on Dabaka road.
5. Bordowa (Batadrava) Than Heritage Sanctuary (Day Trip / 65 km)
The revered birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, the 15th century father of Assamese culture, holding the ancient Kirtan Ghar, Monikut, and holy Akashiganga pool.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 65 km north via Nagaon.
6. Rajmohan Nath Archaeological Sculpture Park (Hojai / 22 km)
An open air museum park displaying 10th century stone doorframes, dvarapalas, and temple pillars excavated across the Kopili valley.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Fee: Free entry
Route: Located in Hojai town center.
7. Lumding Reserve Forest & Hill Viewpoint (Day Trip / 35 km)
Dense semi evergreen forest hills and historic railway junction offering scenic forest road drives and birdwatching opportunities.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 35 km east via NH 27.
8. Kopili & Jamuna River Valley Farmlands
Scenic alluvial river valley farmlands famous for fragrant Joha rice fields, golden mustard crops, and green bamboo groves.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located around town perimeter.
9. Maha Mrityunjay Mandir (Nagaon / 60 km)
The world's largest Shivalinga shaped temple standing 126 feet tall, drawing thousands of pilgrims for grand Maha Shivratri celebrations.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 60 km northwest near Nagaon.
10. Kaziranga National Park Southern Foothills (Day Trip / 95 km)
UNESCO World Heritage reserve home to the world famous Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, wild water buffaloes, and Royal Bengal tigers.
Timings: Safari timings apply (Nov to April)
Fee: Forest department entry ticket
Route: Located 95 km north via Kaliabor.
11. Ram Thakur Mandir & Gopal Ashram (Lanka)
A peaceful spiritual ashram holding daily devotional kirtan sessions, peaceful prayer halls, and annual festival gatherings.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in town quarters.
12. Lanka Agarwood, Bamboo & Traditional Bazaars
An active trade market where visitors can buy authentic distilled Agarwood (Oud) essential oil, bamboo baskets, and handloom Gamochas.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along Station Road.
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