Chandubi Lake
A tranquil forest lagoon and birding escape near Guwahati
Tucked into the foothills where Assam meets Meghalaya, Chandubi is a natural lagoon ringed by forest and tea, formed — the story goes — by the great Assam earthquake of 1897. About 60 km from Guwahati, it is a peaceful weekend escape of still water, mist-wrapped hills and the Rabha and Garo villages that live along its shores.
Birdwatchers come in winter for the migratory flocks; others come simply to boat on the quiet lake, walk in the surrounding forest, and stay in a lakeside eco-camp. A small tourism festival each January brings Rabha music and dance to the shore. It is the gentlest of getaways from the city — nature, culture and calm within a couple of hours' drive.
What to see & do
- Boating on the still, forest-ringed lagoon
- Winter migratory birds and forest walks
- Rabha and Garo village life along the shore
- The January Chandubi festival of tribal music and dance
Getting to Chandubi Lake
| How to reach | About 60 km / 2 hours south-west of Guwahati by road, towards the Meghalaya foothills; reached by car. |
| Best time | November to February for birds, cool weather and the Chandubi festival. |
| Permit | No permit for Assam. |
| Good to know | Stay a night at a lakeside eco-camp to catch the mist at dawn — the lake is at its most beautiful early. |
More to explore
Kaziranga National Park
Golaghat & Nagaon districts
The last stronghold of the one-horned rhinoceros.
Manas National Park
Bodoland, Bhutan foothills
A World Heritage tiger reserve on the Bhutan frontier.
Tea Gardens & River Cruises
Upper Assam & the Brahmaputra
Colonial bungalows, endless green, and life on the great river.