Chandubi Lake of Assam also known as Chandubi Beel, which is 61 km from the city of Guwahati, is a picturesque destination if you want to escape the city lights and spend some quality family/friends time amidst nature. Here in this blog, we will discuss how to reach Chandubi Lake, resorts and camping near Chandubi lake and what are the sightseeing and adventure activities near Chandubi Lake.
About Chandubi Lake
Chandubi Lake (beel), covering an area of 4.5 sq. km, is situated within the Loharghat range of Kamrup (Rural) district. The chandubi lake was created by the devastating earthquake of 1897. The lake is at the base of Garo Hills bordering Assam and Meghalaya. The natural tectonic lake is surrounded by forest and hilly terrain. Chandubi receives inflow from River Kulsi, a southern tributary of River Brahmaputra.
History of Chandubi Lake
As per the accounts of the residents, Chandubi used to be a region characterized by hills with five mountains prior to 1897. However, due to an earthquake, these five mountains subsided into the ground, giving rise to the formation of the lake. The term “Chandubi” originates from the Khasi language, where “Chand” signifies five, and “Dubi” denotes sinking.
Why You Need to Visit Chandubi?
If you are tired of working five days a week and want a quality weekend, then you must visit this place. The serene nature of Chandubi will heal your soul and rejuvenate your mind for the next week. The area surrounding Chandubi lake is a natural paradise full of waterfalls, tea estate, beautiful view of Garo hills. Besides, the area is full eco-resort & homestay, camping, boating, trekking and other adventure activities.
How to Reach Chandubi
There are two routes to reach Chandubi Lake from Guwahati. Both routes take an equal amount of time on a normal day. If you are travelling from Guwahati city, you need to take Guwahati-Accoland-Rani Road. After that, you need to go along Garopara Road and Mirza-Rajapara Road until you reach Bokdobha Chowk. From there, you turn right towards Palashbari-Mirza-Loharghat-Rajapara-Chandubi Road. You go along this route for 15 km. You will reach Chandubi Lake. This route will take almost 1.5 hours.
The second route is to take NH27 and then NH17 until you reach Bokdobha Chowk. From there, the route to reach Chandubi Lake is the same as the first one. One can enjoy the scenic beauty all along the way through the green hills and paddy fields till one reaches the destination.
Why Chandubi Lake is Famous?
Chandubi Lake and its nearby area are a natural paradise. The destination is also the habitat of wild Asiatic elephants. The meandering lake with clear sparkling water is in itself a feast for the eyes. The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the migratory winged visitors during the autumn and winter seasons. There are numerous picnic spots and waterfalls in the area.
Where to Stay near Chandubi?
There are handful of homestays and eco-resorts near Chandubi area. There have well-built bamboo cottages with good sanitation and in-house restaurant facilities. In addition to this, local businessmen from the Rabha and Garo communities organise eco camps in the interior areas of Chandubi Lake. However, you are advised to book in advance if you are visiting Chandubi beel area during peak season (November to March).
Read this blog before you book your accommodation in Chandubi
The whole region surrounding Chandubi Lake is away from the hustle and bustle of the city and sits cosy in Nature’s lap. The place is a famous picnic spot during winter, however, the use of loudspeakers is prohibited to allow the migratory birds an open free space.
Outdoor activities and tourist spots near Chandubi Lake
Apart from enjoying the abundance of Nature, walking tours through the beautiful winding village roads, the tea gardens, lush green paddy fields and surrounding hills of Meghalaya keep inviting the tourists with open arms. The spectacular natural view on the way to Ranikhamar is an important tourist asset.
Boat Ride
Boating inside Chandubi lake is the most popular activity. Only on boat ride, you can explore the beauty of this place. The boats are traditional boats made of wood. The cost of boat ride in Chandubi is Rs. 50/- per person. Life jackets are provided. The lake is filled water lilies during late spring and summer months and provides the best view of the lake. There are some eco resorts on the other side of the lake that can only be accessed through boats. In addition to boat ride, one can enjoy swimming and kayaking in Chandubi lake.
Ranikhamar Kafandonga Waterfall
To visit this waterfall, you have to take a boat from the Chandubi picnic spot through the lake. Local guides or resort owners will arrange the boat for you. After the boat ride, you will arrive at the foothill of a small hillock. From there it’s a steep hike for 45 minutes and you will reach the base of the waterfall. Now, sit on the stone as water splashes coming from the waterfall hit your face, it’s heaven. The Boat ride will cost you approximately Rs 250 per person in the off-season for up and down.
Soloka Dare Waterfall in Baroigaon village
This waterfall located near the Assam Meghalaya border is another hidden gem that you can explore from the Chandubi Lake picnic spot. It is also near to Kafandonga waterfall and it falls on the same route from Chandubi Lake to Kafandonga. If you are visiting this waterfall from August to October, you will get less crowd.
Chandubi Picnic Spot
The whole area surrounding Chandubi becomes a veritable picnic place during picnic season (December-March). The people of Assam are known for their culture of picnicking. Panimur has not escaped from the eyes of the people of Assam. If you are travelling in a group, you can carry a packaged lunch and have food in this picturesque place. If you are an outdoor person, you can prepare your food near the spot, have a drink and enjoy music and dance.
Birdwatching
Chandubi area is a heaven for bird lovers and ornithologists. If you want to click unique and exotic birds, Chandubi is the right place for you. If you book a boat ride, the boatmen would take you towards the interior areas of the lake surrounded by wetlads and forests. The exotic birds near Chandubi lake are Rock Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Bronze-winged Jacana, Asian Openbill, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Little Cormorant, Little Egret etc.
Best Time To Visit Chandubi
Chandubi Lake stands out as an all-season tourist destination near Guwahati, offering diverse experiences throughout the year. The winter months, from December to February, are particularly favored by a majority of visitors due to the pleasant weather. However, each season brings its own unique charm to Chandubi. The monsoon season, spanning from June to September, provides an exceptional experience with frequent rainfall and cloudy skies. This time of the year attracts fewer visitors, creating an opportunity for those seeking solitary moments amidst nature’s tranquility. For birdwatchers, September to December is the best season, as the the area is visited by migratory birds during these months.
Chandubi Festival is organised every year during the first week of January month to showcase local culture, promote eco-friendly tourism and to raise awareness about conservation of Chandubi lake. You can visit Chandubi during this festival to explore culture (art, music, cuisine and handicrafts) of Rabha and Garo tribe of Assam.
Climate of Chandubi Lake
The climate is moderate and humid (upto 70% relative humidity with most rainfall during monsoon (May-Sept.). The mean minimum summer temperature is 34°C and mean minimum winter temperature is 9°C.
FAQs regarding Chandubi Lake and Picnic Spot
Q: What is the area of Chandubi Lake?
A: 4.5 square kilometer
Q: What is the distance between Guwahati and Chandubi lake?
A: Chandubi is 61 km from Guwahati via Mirza-rajapara road.
Q: How Chandubi Lake was created?
A: Chandubi Lake was created after the devastating earthquake of 1897. The earthquake shifted Shillong Plateau vertically upwards by about 11 meters. As a reaction, Chandubi lake was created as Chandubi is situated at the base of Shillong Plateau.
Q: When Chandubi Festival is held?
A: Chandubi Festival is held every year during the first week of January month.
