Umrangso, located in the heart of Dima Hasao district of Assam, offers breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. From serene lakes to lush green hills, this tranquil place is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Umrangso is known as the queen of Dima Hasao. The blue hills, the lake views, and the white clouds don’t need a filter in your phone; you don’t need a particular season to capture their beauty. In this blog, we will explore Umrangso, nearby attractions and share first-hand travel experience. Before we discuss our trip to Umrangso, you should be familiar with some background knowledge about Umrangso.
Brief History of Umrangso
Umrangso is a land that echoes of the ancient Dimasa Kingdom. During the British rule, Umrangso remained largely untouched due to its terrain, which was governed indirectly by local Dimasa chiefs. Post-Independence, it gained autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Kopili Hydro Electric Project, developed by NEEPCO, began operations in the 1980s. It harnessed the power of the majestic Kopili River and turned Umrangso into an industrial hub. With its serene landscapes, vibrant tribal legacy, and growing significance, Umrangso has carved a special niche in Assam’s tourism landscape, emerging as a cherished destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.
How to Reach Umrangso
Umrangso is well-connected to Guwahati, the capital of Assam, primarily via roadways. Although a rail line links Guwahati to Haflong (district HQ of Dima Hasao), road travel is more convenient.
By Road:
Dima Hasao is accessible from major Assam cities like Guwahati, Silchar, and Nagaon.
ASTC and private buses operate daily routes from Guwahati to Haflong.
There are Overnight buses to and from Guwahati.
AC buses are limited on this route.
Recommended: Hire a private vehicle for a more comfortable journey and to enjoy scenic halts en route to Umrangso.
By Train:
The nearest major railhead is New Haflong/Haflong .
Trains run frequently between Guwahati–Haflong–Silchar, taking around 6.5 hours from Guwahati.
Around 16 trains run daily along this route during morning and afternoon hours.
Vistadome Special Train to Haflong: To begin your Haflong tour itinerary via rail , book a ticket on the Jan Shatabdi Express (train no. 12067), which operates every day except Sunday. The train departs from Guwahati Railway Station at 6:20 AM, and tickets are typically available if booked a week in advance.
My Personal Trip to Explore Umrangso: Day 1
Our adventure to Umrangso began from Guwahati. Around 8 AM, we hit the road, as the countryside rolled past. With brief halts along the way to admire the changing landscapes, we embraced the thrill of a new route, each turn bringing us closer to the serene charm of Umrangso.
Umrangso offers a handful of hidden gems for the wandering soul, and our first stop was the majestic Panimur Waterfall. We arrived there at around 1:30 PM, greeted by the distant roar of cascading waters growing louder with every step. The moment we saw it, we stood in awe – the sheer force and beauty of Panimur was breathtaking. Crystal-clear waters tumbling over rocks, surrounded by untouched greenery, created a surreal scene that felt like a dream.
After relishing a delectable spread of traditional Dimasa cuisine, we journeyed onward to our next destination –The Camping Village, nestled beside the serene, shimmering waters of the artificial lake born from the Kopili River. Before reaching our campsite, we explored the town of Umrangso, immersing ourselves in its vibrant local culture and traditions. We arrived at the campsite at around 4.30 PM, and were instantly swept away by the serene ambience, the breathtaking landscape, and the heartfelt warmth of the hosts. Tucked away like a hidden gem, this haven is perfect for anyone seeking to unwind and reconnect with Nature.
For the thrill-seekers, the campsite also offers adventurous water sports facilities, adding an exciting dimension to the experience. Everything – from the cozy tents nestled amidst Nature to the scenic surroundings and mouthwatering food – contributed to a truly unforgettable experience. It’s not just a campsite, it’s a soulful escape.
Explore Umrangso: Day 2
The next morning, after enjoying a delightful breakfast at the campsite, we started for yet another adventure – an exhilarating speedboat ride that left us thrilled and awestruck. With warm goodbyes to our gracious host Abhilash, we left the campsite and set off for our next stop – the picturesque Umrangso Golf Field, renowned as the venue for the Falcon Festival. The lush green area and the gentle breeze filled us with a sense of calm and clarity.
Savouring a comforting cup of coffee at the restaurant by the field, we soaked in the tranquillity before continuing our journey to the newly opened Tularam Cave. This cave, named in honour of Tularam Dimasa, a noble descendant of the Dimasa royal family and the last ruler of the Dimasa Kingdom, carries echoes of a proud and poignant history. After experiencing the tranquil charm of Umrangso, we began our journey back home. The days spent amidst its natural beauty, the warmth of its people, and the peaceful rhythm of life felt like a gentle pause from the rush of the world.
A Relaxing Night
We planned our last night at umrangso well in advance. One of my friends recommended to stay at Pushringdi Floating Island Resort. It as a dream night for us. It is a place where the river whispers and time stands still. Pushringdi Island Resort in Umrangso is a private paradise, offering luxury cottages, breathtaking views, and peace that lingers long after you leave.
Till now, I have only mentioned about my personal trip to Umrangso. I had specifically selected these places according to my convenience. However, there are more places to explore near Umrangso and nearby Haflong (district headquarter of Dima Hasao).
Kopili Reservoir and Khandong Dam
Kopili river is the lifeline of Dima Hasao district. Kopili river originates in Meghalaya plateau, flows through Dima Hasao district and finally joins the Brahmaputra river. Kopili river has been dammed and a reservoir created for hydropower generation. The reservoir is one of the most beautiful places near Haflong. It is 22.4 km from Umrangso. These are many premium resorts near the Kopili reservoir. Kopili River Bridge & Dam view point is must-go destination.
Umrong Reservoir and Umrong Dam
Umrong river has been dammed to create Umrong reservoir. The name Umrangso originates from this river. Both Kopili reservoir and Umrong reservoir is adjacent. You can explore both places in a single day. There are islands inside the reservoir and one can enjoy boating facility there. The annual Falcon Festival is celebrated near the the reservoir at place named Golf field.
In addition to this you can also explore Jatinga village of Dima Hasao which is famous for its natural beauty and mysterious death of migratory birds near the village.
My Personal Suggestion: If you are a hiking and trekking person; you can explore Tumjang Trek. Tumjang Trek has been trending on Instagram recently. It is being promoted as the “trek to Assam’s highest point”, “the Dzükou Valley of Assam” etc. I visited this place a few years ago. Read this blog for more details about this trek.
Waterfalls Near Umrangso
FYI, every nook and corner of this beautiful land is filled with waterfalls, here is the list of unexplored waterfalls near Umrangso. You can also explore them as per your convenience.
Panimur Waterfall
Bendao Baiglai Waterfall
Miyungma Daogah Waterfall
Harangajao Waterfalls
TongHaam / Tongham Waterfall (Natun Leikul Waterfall)
Dilaima Waterfall
Banglaima Daogah Waterfall
Best Time to Visit Umrangso
During February to April, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, offering visitors an ideal climate for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, April is the best month if you are nature lover and love outdoor activities. You can easily go trekking and off-roading, as water level of rivulets is minimal. Once the monsoon season arrives, you can not trek and explore much.
Alternatively, the months from August to November present another window of opportunity to discover the destination at its best. During the months of October and November, there is less rainfall.
If you are festive goer, you can check out Falcon Festival and Jatinga Festival to prepare your itinerary. Both are the popular festivals in the region.
