Chandubi Lake, also known as Chandubi Beel, is one of Assam’s most beautiful natural destinations, located about 61 km from Guwahati. Surrounded by forests, hills and open skies, Chandubi is a perfect getaway for those who want to escape city life and spend peaceful time with family or friends. Every year, this serene destination comes alive with colours and culture during the Chandubi Festival.
About Chandubi Lake
Chandubi Lake covers an area of about 4.5 square kilometres and lies within the Loharghat range of Kamrup (Rural) district. The lake was formed after the great earthquake of 1897, which caused parts of the hilly region to sink. Located at the foothills of the Garo Hills, bordering Assam and Meghalaya, Chandubi is a natural tectonic lake surrounded by dense forests and rolling terrain. The lake receives water from the Kulsi River, a southern tributary of the Brahmaputra.
History Behind the Name Chandubi
According to local accounts, the Chandubi region once had five hills before the earthquake of 1897. When these hills sank into the ground due to the tremors, a large lake was formed. The name Chandubi comes from the Khasi language, where “Chand” means five and “Dubi” means sinking.
What is the Chandubi Festival?
The Chandubi Festival is organised every year during the first week of January to celebrate the natural beauty, local culture and traditional lifestyle of the region. The festival is aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism and raising awareness about the conservation of Chandubi Lake.
During the festival, visitors get the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Rabha and Garo tribes through traditional music, dance, handicrafts and local cuisine. It is an ideal time to understand the indigenous way of life while enjoying nature at its best.
📅 Chandubi Festival 2026:
January 1 to January 5, 2026
Why You Should Visit Chandubi During the Festival
If you are looking for a refreshing weekend or a short holiday, Chandubi Festival is the perfect excuse to plan a trip. The calm environment, cultural programmes, traditional food and warm hospitality of the local people make the experience truly memorable. The festival also offers a great chance to explore nearby waterfalls, picnic spots and scenic village roads.
Top Attractions of Chandubi Festival 2026
This year’s festival will feature folk dances, traditional cuisine, indigenous games, ethnic attire and exhibitions reflecting the region’s diverse and living traditions. The third day of the festival will feature traditional games competitions including ‘khuti khel’ and ‘baghbul khel’ will be held. A seminar on ‘Customs and Traditions in Tribal Rural Society and Their Unwritten Scientific Basis’ will be also organised.
Things to Do Around Chandubi Lake
Boat Ride: Traditional wooden boats take visitors deep into the lake, offering stunning views of water lilies and surrounding hills.
Picnic & Camping: Chandubi and nearby Kollong area become popular picnic spots during winter.
Waterfall Visits: Ranikhamar Kafandonga and Soloka Dare waterfalls are hidden gems near Chandubi.
Birdwatching: Migratory birds visit the lake between September and December, making it a paradise for bird lovers.
Buy Local Products at Kollong Market
A newly developed indigenous market called Kollong (কলং) has been set up on the banks of Chandubi Lake by the Chandubi Tourism Development Committee. Here, tourists can buy locally grown vegetables, fruits, spices, and also enjoy traditional tribal food prepared by the Rabha Hasong community. The market supports local livelihoods and promotes sustainable tourism.
Best Time to Visit Chandubi
Chandubi is an all-season destination, but winter months from December to February are the most popular due to pleasant weather. The monsoon season (June–September) offers lush greenery and fewer crowds, while September to December is ideal for birdwatching.
How to Reach Chandubi Lake
From Guwahati, you can reach Chandubi via:
Guwahati – Rani – Mirza – Rajapara – Bokdobha Chowk – Chandubi Road
Or via NH27 and NH17 up to Bokdobha Chowk, followed by Chandubi Road
The journey takes around 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of hills, tea gardens and paddy fields.
The 16th Chandubi Festival will be celebrated with a five-day programme from January 1 to 5 at the historic Chandubi Beel, located in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area of South Kamrup district. The festival, held every year, showcases the rich cultural heritage of various communities through vibrant programmes. This year’s festival will feature folk dances, traditional cuisine, indigenous games, ethnic attire and exhibitions reflecting the region’s diverse and living traditions. The festival is jointly organised by the Barduar-Bholagaon Anchalik Rabha Students’ Union and the Chandubi Festival Celebration Committee. The festival will begin with the hoisting of the flag by the Chandubi Festival Celebration Committee president Bichitra Rabha and formally inaugurated by the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC), chief executive member, Tankeswar Rabha. The guest house will be inaugurated by Subodh Talukdar, divisional forest officer, West Kamrup Forest Division. Among others, the festival this year will feature an indigenous games event, and indigenous food fair. A souvenir Lakeya will be released by Anup Kumar Medhi, state executive member of the BJP. MP, Bijuli Kalita Medhi; BTC chief, Hagrama Mohilary and Palasbari MLA, Hemanga Thakuria are also expected to attend the festival. The third day of the festival will feature traditional games competitions including ‘khuti khel’ and ‘baghbul khel’ will be held. A seminar on ‘Customs and Traditions in Tribal Rural Society and Their Unwritten Scientific Basis’ will be also organised.
