Dima Hasao

Dima Hasao district is a district in the Indian state of Assam. As of 2011, it was the least populous district of Assam. Dima Hasao district is one of the hill districts of Assam. Haflong, the district headquarters, is the only hill station in the state. 

Haflong is a very famous tourist destination, which is also called Switzerland of the North-East. Earlier Dima Hasao was called North Cachar Hills District. The inhabitants of the present-day Dima Hasao district belonged to Mongolian groups who had begun to live in the mountainous areas and who held on to their culture, traditions and land rights from the beginning. 

The present North Cachar Hills district was annexed to the old Cachar district with Asalu as its only police post. Then in 1880, this part was upgraded into a sub-division with its headquarters at Gunjang under Cachar district. Then, in the year 1895 the headquarters was shifted to Haflong area. Since that time, Haflong has continued to have the status of headquarters. 

Dima Hasao is one of the three hill districts of Assam, with the Boreal Range and the Shillong Plateau being the dominant features of the topography. The district offers a wonderful view of beautiful mountains, lush green environment, pleasant climate, beautiful waterfalls, beautiful valleys, serene lakes and tribal cultures that define its cultural landscape making it ideal for tourism, adventure and holiday. .

The district has many centers of attraction which attract many travelers coming from different parts of the country and the world. Jatinga, is a small but beautiful village adorned with some spectacular landscapes. Tourists from far and wide come here to enjoy the mysterious migratory birds, which generally come here in the months of August and September. 

The place is also popular for horticulture products like oranges. Dream Valley of Umrongso is another beautiful place in the district blessed with mesmerizing natural scenery. The sunset at Umrongso also creates a wonderful panoramic view. Kopili River flows through the place where a hot water stream flows which has some medicinal properties. Kopili Tea Estate attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of the country. Panimur in the district is famous for the wonderful waterfall of Kopili River. Haflong, known as the Switzerland of the East, is located in the district. The city is naturally surrounded by the Barail Hills and hence it is commonly known as the 'Land of Blue Hills'. Some other notable tourist places in the district are Garampani, Mahur, Hajong, Thuruk, Harangajao, Laisong, and Maibang. The best time to visit here is from February to April and August to November.

How to reach:

Dima Hasao is well connected to the state capital as well as other districts of Assam. Haflong Hill Railway Station is the main railway station in the district. Dima Hasao is connected by road to cities like Guwahati and Silchar. You can get flights to Guwahati and Silchar airports and then travel by road to reach Dima Hasao. Dima Hasao is well connected by road to main cities like Guwahati, Silchar and Lanka. There are many buses, both private and state buses are easily available in the district.

Area

The geographical area of the district is 4,888 square km. It is bounded by Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, Cachar districts along with Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya in the north-east. The district is divided into 4 sub-districts, 4 towns and 695 villages.

Population

According to 2011 census, the population of the district is 2,14,102. The sex ratio in the district is 932 females per 1000 males. The major languages of the district are Dimasa and Bengali.

Economy

The economy of the district mainly depends on the agricultural sector. More than half of its population is engaged in agriculture to earn their livelihood. Rice and paddy are the major agricultural products of the district. Every year a large part of the revenue coming from agricultural products in the district helps its economy to a great extent.

Education

The district is known to be home to many prestigious educational institutions. It provides a platform for higher education. Some of its most recognized educational institutions are Don Bosco, St. Agnes Convent, Sacred Heart School, Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya, St. Xavier's School, Haflong Government College, J.B. Hegger College, B. Bodo Junior College, Hills Degree College, Maibang Degree College etc.