Panimur is a beautiful place located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. The area surrounding Panimur Waterfall and Koka Picnic Spot is one of the top tourist destinations of Dima Hasao District of Assam. Situated at the slope of the Karbi Anglong Plateau, Panimur has a beautiful waterfall, rapids and a mesmerising view of the Kopili River which passes near Panimur. The location is treated by Dimasa tribe of Karbi Anglong as a pilgrimage site.
Earlier, it was part of the greater Karbi Anglong district which was later bifurcated into two districts – Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. Although it is situated in the Dima Hasao district, Panimur Waterfall is easily accessed via Nagaon district of Assam because of better road connectivity and the shorter route from Guwahati to Panimur via Nagaon.
About Panimur Waterfall and Koka Picnic Spot
Panimur waterfall is called the Niagara of Assam; the resemblance cannot be overlooked. Famed for its gushing milky white waterfall, Panimur unravels the breathtaking beauty and magnificence of the Kopili River flowing through the rock-strewn terrains of North Cachar Hills.
Koka picnic spot is located on the other side of the Kopili river if you are travelling via NH 627. On one side of the Kopili river, there is the Panimur Picnic Spot and on the other side there is Koka Picnic Spot. Basically, both are the same destination.
Best Time to Visit Panimur Waterfall
Panimur is accessible throughout the year. For the best experience and view, visit from October to February. In these months, the weather is smooth and the sky is clear and the waterfall bears the colour of blue sky.
If you are visiting Panimur during monsoon (May-August), you may not get to go near the waterfall because of the overflowing Kopili River. During June to August, the colour of the water looks pale white because of the mud and silt carried by the river, so you may not get the best background for your photos.
Why You Need to Visit Panimur and Koka Picnic Spot?
Panimur Waterfall and Koka Picnic Spot have garnered considerable attention, largely due to its prevalence on Instagram reels and the buzz among travel enthusiasts. Many flock to Panimur enticed by its stunning natural beauty, only to discover that the entire Dima Hasao district is a hidden gem. The region remains largely unexplored and full of its offbeat tourist places. Here is the list of all the tourist places of Dima Hasao district. You can consider to add them in your itinerary along with your trip to Panimur waterfall.
Dima Hasao, home to Haflong, Assam’s sole hill station, offers a tranquil retreat amidst its enchanting landscapes. It proudly hosts Mt. Thumjang or Seilkal Peak, Assam’s tallest peak, towering at an impressive 1866 meters. Beyond its geographical marvels, Dima Hasao embraces a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Dimasa and Karbi tribes. This cultural mosaic is further enhanced by a delightful climate, ensuring visitors a pleasant and memorable vacation experience.
Tourist Activities and Things To Do in Panimur
Boat Riding and Rafting
Boat riding and kayaking at Panimur are available from October to March. You can explore the area near the waterfall on a boat and capture stunning pictures. The boating service providers strictly adhere to all safety measures. Swimmers can jump from rock cliffs into the river and swim.
Picnic and Music Parties
The people of Assam are known for their culture of picnicking. Panimur has not escaped from the eyes of the people of Assam. There is a dedicated picnic spot near Panimur. 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.
Koka Picnic Spot
A camping facility is available here for a night stay. You can easily book your boating and rafting. People from neighboring areas come here mainly for picnics. If you want to witness the true beauty of the place, book a boat ride from Koka picnic spot. You will go upstream and get a frontside view of Panimur waterfall.
How To Reach Panimur?
Haflong, the headquarter of Dima Hasao district is the nearest town town. You can easily reach Panimur waterfall from Haflong in 3 hours 30 minutes via NH 627. Haflong to Panimur distance is about 116 km. The falls is just about a 100 metres from the main road. So, you don’t need to trek much.
To reach Panimur Waterfall from Guwahati, Assam, follow these directions:
- Start your journey in Guwahati and travel approximately 220 km towards Nagaon via NH 27.
- Stay on NH 27 until you reach Lanka town.
- From Lanka town, head towards NH 627, which connects Lanka and Haflong.
- Follow NH 627, and continue your journey until you reach Panimur, about 27 km from Lanka.
Accommodation and Hotels near Panimur
For luxury travellers, suitable lodging near Panimur is limited. You may need to consider staying in either Umrangso or Haflong. Umrangso is located 33 km from Panimur waterfall and offers excellent luxury hotels and resorts, as well as budget-friendly options. Haflong is another viable choice with a range of accommodations to suit different preferences.
For those who enjoy camping, there are a few options available at the near Panimur and Koka picnic spot. Panimur Adventure Campsite is a good option which is situated near the river. However, please note that camping capacity is limited, and the amenities at the campsite may not reach the standards of your thoughts. So, plan accordingly based on your preferences and priorities.
How To Plan Your Trip to Panimur from Guwahati
Before embarking on your journey to Panimur, it’s essential to explore other tourist destinations within Dima Hasao, including Panimur itself and the Koka Picnic Spot.
In my case, I crafted a two-day, two-night itinerary for Panimur and its surrounding areas. I visited Panimur falls from Guwahati, which is about 220 kms via Nagaon & Lanka. The road upto Lanka (180kms) is 4 laned but the remaining 40 kms is in bad shape. Total time taken guwahati is around 4.5 -5 hours. I arrived at noon.
I spent approximately two hours there before proceeding to Umrangso Lake. I then stayed overnight in Haflong. The next day, I set off on a trek to Tumjang Peak. Then, back to Guwahati.
Is Panimur Overhyped?
There is no doubt that the view of the waterfall and nearby area is truly amazing, but it is not a complete package in itself. The riverfront is bereft of any modern amenities. You can visit Panimur for once, but not for twice. Instead, there are other amazing tourist places near Haflong and Umrangso that are more beautiful than Panimur. Above all, Panimur is not a waterfall, but a rapid. Comparing it with Niagara is not justified at all.
Secondly, the picnic culture in Assam has negatively impacted this area. The administration’s lack of attention to cleanliness and implementation of tourist-friendly measures and guidelines has led to the deterioration of the entire area, particularly during the winter picnic season from November to February.
Tourist Places Near Panimur Waterfall
While Panimur draws many domestic visitors, the premier tourist destinations in the Dima Hasao district are unquestionably Haflong and Umrangso. After exploring Panimur, consider venturing to these nearby locations for an enriching experience.
Miyungma Daogah Waterfall
Miyungma Daogah waterfall is situated near 29 kilo in Dima Hasao. It can be reached via NH 627 and it is 18 km from Panimur Waterfall. It provides the best view during monsoon. However, during winter season, it dries up. It is 5 km far from main road (NH 627). Besides the waterfall, you can get watch the best view of Kopili river from this place as the river is flowing nearby this place. Boating services is also available near the riverview point.
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 Panimur. It is 90 km from Panimur Waterfall. These are many premium resorts near the Kopili reservoir. Kopili River Bridge & Dam view point is must-go destination.
FAQs Regarding Panimur Waterfall
Q: What is the distance of panimur waterfall from guwahati?
A: Panimur waterfall distance from Guwahati is 215 km via NH 27. It would take approximately five hours to reach Panimur Waterfall from Guwahati.
Q: What is the distance of Panimur Waterfall from Lanka, Nagaon?
A: Panimur waterfall distance from Lanka (a town in Nagaon district of Assam) is 38 km.
Q: What is the distance of Panimur Waterfall from Haflong?
A: Panimur waterfall distance from Haflong (headquarter of DIma Hasao district) is 116 km.
Q: Which is the best viewpoint in Panimur?
A: The best view point in Panimur is the near the rapid. It is good for photography. However, avoid going near the rapid during Monsoon season.
Q: What is weather and climate of Panimur?
A: In July, Panimur experiences scorching temperatures, often soaring to 35 degrees Celsius, making it a challenging time for outdoor activities. However, from November to March, the weather in Panimur tends to be more moderate, with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.
Q: Is Kopili Picnic Place nearby Panimur Falls?
A: As the Kopili river flows by the area, the region is also known as Kopili picnic spot.
