Rhinos, magic and the barter fair
Just an hour or two from Guwahati, Morigaon packs in Pobitora’s rhinos, the legendary “magic village” of Mayong and the Jonbeel Mela, where goods are still exchanged by barter.
4 sights and experiences.
One of the densest populations of one-horned rhinos anywhere, packed into under 40 sq km of grassland and wetland. Jeep safaris; about 50 km from Guwahati.
Long known as the “land of black magic” from old tales of sorcery. Today it is a quiet riverside village with a small museum of manuscripts and ritual objects.
A three-day Tiwa fair near Jagiroad on the weekend of Magh Bihu (January). Hill and plains people still trade by barter, and the Tiwa king of Gobha holds court.
A riverside shrine on the Killing where Sita and Hanuman are worshipped together, with old stone remains around it.
November to April for Pobitora. Jonbeel Mela is held in January, on the weekend of Magh Bihu.
By airLGBI Airport, Guwahati — about 60 km.
By trainJagiroad station on the main line, about 25 km from Morigaon town.
By roadAbout 75 km from Guwahati via NH 27 and Jagiroad; Pobitora is about 50 km from Guwahati.
