Explore India’s Only Rainforest with Arya Stays Deep in the easternmost edge of Assam, where the mist-kissed hills of Arunachal flirt with the Brahmaputra plains, lies a forest unlike any other. Dihing Patkai—a name that rolls like poetry—invites you to step into a world so ancient, so lush, and so alive that it pulses with the very heartbeat of nature. This is India’s only rainforest. Not a mere forest—a cathedral of green, an orchestra of birdsong, a breathing, whispering world waiting to be discovered. Dihing Patkai is The Forest That Breathes - and evergreen Eden that stretches across over 500 sq. km of primal lowland tropical rainforest. As you enter, you are enveloped by towering Hollong, Nahor, and Bhelu trees—some over 100 feet tall. The undergrowth is a profusion of wild orchids, curling vines, and moss-draped trunks. This is not just a forest. This is a green universe where sunlight filters through seven layers of leaves, and even the silence crackles with life. This is a biodiversity hotspot. With over 300 species of birds, 47 species of mammals, and nearly 300 species of butterflies and moths, it rivals many national parks in sheer life density. The Wild Citizens of Dihing Patkai are : Clouded Leopard – the elusive, mist-dwelling feline and symbol of Dihing Asian Elephant Herds – frequently seen crossing trails in stately silence Malayan Giant Squirrel – a vibrant tree-dweller unique to this region Hoolock Gibbons – India’s only ape species, howling in haunting duets Hornbills – including the rare Rufous-necked and Great Hornbill And if you're lucky, a sighting of the rare Black Panther—a living shadow moving through the green. The forest is home to dipterocarp trees, medicinal herbs, and exotic flora. Look out for: Wild bananas Rare orchids (including Paphiopedilum) Tree ferns Cane and bamboo groves Sacred groves still worshipped by local tribes like the Singpho and Tai Phake Every tree here is a memory keeper, every flower a whisper from a time before humans. You can go for a trek inside the dense jungle for an exciting adventure or a a jeep safari as well. Location: Dibrugarh & Tinsukia districts, Eastern Assam Best Time to Visit: October to April Ideal for: Nature lovers, birders, wildlife photographers, trekkers, and soul seekers Dihing Patkai isn’t a destination—it’s a living, breathing world that changes you. Where the air tastes ancient, and every leaf has a secret. You can book a complete experience of Dihing Patkai with Arya Stays, complete with a visit to Singpho villages, a taste of Singpho cuisines and cozy homestays. Contact us at info@aryastays.com.
Nestled just a few kilometers from the cultural town of Barpeta, amid quiet paddy fields and sleepy cow trails, lies Ranthali, a quaint village in Nagaon district of Assam that sparkles — quite literally — with a rare and ancient tradition. This is not a place of grand palaces or royal courts, yet its legacy is nothing short of regal. For generations, the humble homes of Ranthali have nurtured one of Assam’s most exquisite and symbolic crafts — the making of traditional Assamese jewellery. Here, artistry is not just a skill; it is a language. A golden thread passed down through bloodlines, braided with history, memory, and an unspoken pride that gleams brighter than the gold they shape. Assamese jewellery, or 'Asomiya Gohona'j, is distinctive — not merely ornamental, but deeply rooted in identity. It embodies the aesthetics of a land where nature, folklore, and faith intermingle. Every curve, every bird-shaped motif, every red enamel inlay tells a story. And Ranthali is the living epicentre of this artistic heartbeat. Over 200 families in this village have been involved in jewellery-making, forming a vast and intricate network of karigars (craftsmen) who shape more than metal — they shape culture. Many of these families have been crafting ornaments for five to six generations, with sons, daughters, and now even daughters-in-law taking up the pliers, enamel brushes, and polishing wheels. The motifs used in Ranthali’s jewellery are steeped in Assamese nature, folklore, and spirituality. Some of the most iconic forms include: 1. Lokaparo • Twin pigeons perched back-to-back. • Symbol of fidelity and harmony. • Popular in earrings and pendants. 2. Joonbiri • Shaped like the crescent moon. • A classic favourite during Bihu and weddings. • Often paired with matching bangles. 3. Dholbiri • Inspired by traditional Assamese percussion instruments. • A nod to the rhythmic soul of Assam. 4. Gamkharu • A broad, gold bangle with repoussé work. • Worn by both women and Bihu dancers. 5. Thuriya • A type of earring with a spherical design, often for older women. • A heritage item passed through generations. 6. Keru and Dugdugi • Intricately crafted earrings, often used in bridal sets. • Dugdugi resembles a small locket with embossed designs. Each design is shaped from 24-carat gold, sometimes alloyed with copper for strength. The unique charm lies in the hand-beaten texture, the bold motifs, and the use of lacquer and natural enamel. When you walk through the narrow lanes of Ranthali, you might hear the sounds of rhythmic hammering, the soft hum of a polishing wheel, or the chatter of karigars hunched over wooden benches. The tools are humble — tiny anvils, wooden mallets, blowtorches, and lacquer bowls, the workshops are rustic verandahs of the houses — but the outcome is majestic. Each piece is handcrafted, taking anywhere from a day to a week, depending on complexity. Designs are rarely sketched. Instead, they're passed down by demonstration — a grandfather showing his grandson how to curl a pigeon’s feather into gold. There is a quiet resurgence happening here. With increasing awareness, support from artisan groups and some interventions by the Assam government and NGOs, Ranthali’s artisans are once again finding pride of place in the region’s cultural economy. Exhibitions, e-commerce platforms, and boutique stores are helping these families reach wider markets. Yet challenges persist — price fluctuations in gold, lack of organised training, and the younger generation’s migration towards urban jobs threaten this golden lineage. But hope, like gold, never tarnishes easily. For curious travellers and culture lovers, a visit to Ranthali village near Nagaon is a journey into Assam’s soul. You can: • Visit artisan homes and workshops — where gold is shaped with fire and familial warmth. • Interact with craftspeople, watch the entire process from molten gold to shimmering ornament. • Purchase authentic Assamese jewellery directly from makers — a piece that carries history and craftsmanship in every curve. Ranthali is not just a village. It is an open-air museum, a breathing atelier, and a cradle of intangible cultural heritage. Its jewellery is not mere adornment; it is a language of belonging, a song of soil and tradition, a golden echo of Assam's heart. In the gentle clinking of a Gamkharu, or the elegant sway of a Joonbiri, one does not just see craftsmanship. One sees identity, resilience, and a story forged in gold — by the hands of Ranthali. In April 2025, after years of advocacy and cultural campaigning, traditional Assamese jewelry finally received its Geographical Indication (GI) Tag—a milestone moment. This means: The craftsmanship of Ranthali is now protected against imitation. Only jewelry made in Assam using the authentic process can be called Asomiya Gohona. Artisans now have a legal identity and economic protection. This is not just a bureaucratic stamp—it’s a symbol of pride for an entire community and state. Why You Must Visit Ranthali When you visit Ranthali with Arya Stays, you don’t just witness jewelry—you step into a living museum of Assamese heritage. You can: * Interact with master craftsmen. * Try your hand at basic foiling techniques. * Learn the story behind each motif. *Even purchase authentic, certified pieces as timeless souvenirs. "Ranthali isn't just a stop on your itinerary—it’s a conversation with Assam’s golden soul. Come, let the ornaments speak to you." For an organised visit to Ranthali, contact Arya Stays info@Aryastays.com.
It’s time for Pobitora…. It’s that beautiful time of the year to visit the enchanting Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary! Pobitora, a small but beautiful little paradise of flora and fauna, comes alive at this time of the year, when the weather slowly transforms from the warm summers to the pleasantly cool winters. It’s that beautiful time of the year now when a soft blanket of fog engulfs everything in the morning, the leaves are moistened by tiny dew drops and the chill in the air prompts you to pull your shawl just a little more snugly around you. Pobitora is simply a heaven in the winters. The sweet chirpings of the little birds greet you early in the morning, signalling the advent of a wonderful day, urging you to venture out on a refreshing morning walk on the nice village roads, admiring the traditional Assamese rural life in the nearby villages of Mayong.
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