Chandubi Lake is one of the quieter water bodies within easy reach of Guwahati, a forest-ringed lagoon in southern Assam where migratory birds arrive each winter and Rabha and Garo villages line the shore. This guide covers where it is, how it is thought to have formed, when to go, how to reach it, what to do, where to stay and how to travel responsibly.
Chandubi Lake is a natural lagoon lake in Kamrup district, Assam, about 64 km south of Guwahati at the foot of the Garo Hills on the Assam–Meghalaya border. Official and press accounts link its origin to the great Assam earthquake of 12 June 1897. It draws winter migratory birds and hosts the January Chandubi Festival.
Key takeaways
- Chandubi Lake sits in Kamrup district, Assam, about 64 km from Guwahati, per the Kamrup district administration (as of October 2026).
- The lake is commonly attributed to the great Assam earthquake of 12 June 1897, when forested land is said to have sunk and filled with water.
- The best months to visit are October to March, when the weather is dry and winter migratory birds are present.
- The Chandubi Festival, a Rabha community event that promotes eco-tourism, is listed by Assam Tourism for 1–5 January (confirm the year’s dates locally).
- There is no formal entry ticket listed by official portals; Incredible India gives visiting hours of 7 am–7 pm, and boating is arranged locally.
- Guwahati is the nearest airport and railway city; from there the lake is a day trip or an overnight eco-camp stay.
About Chandubi Lake and the 1897 earthquake
Chandubi Lake is a natural lagoon in the southern part of Kamrup district, Assam, lying at the foot of the Garo Hills close to the Assam–Meghalaya border. The Incredible India portal describes it as a lake with a natural lagoon surrounded by deep forest and small villages, and the Kamrup district administration calls it “a natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot which is 64 km from Guwahati.”
Its origin is usually told through the 1897 earthquake. Incredible India states the lake was “birthed by a powerful earthquake in 1897,” and an English Wikipedia entry dates the event to the evening of 12 June 1897, when forested land is said to have sunk and filled with water. A Sentinel Assam travel account gives the quake as moment magnitude 8.1, while the Wikipedia article on the 1897 Assam earthquake cites estimates of Mw 8.2–8.3. Treat the magnitude as a historical estimate rather than a settled figure.
Local belief adds a second layer. According to a legend repeated by Incredible India, five hills sank during the quake, and the name “Chandubi” is explained as a blend of two Khasi words, chand (“five”) and dubi (“sinking”). Another story credits a merchant, Chanda Sadagar, who is said to have used the water to move goods toward Meghalaya along the Kulsi river. These are told locally as legend, not documented history.
The lake sits within the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council and is bordered by reserved forest: a 2021 Mongabay-India report places Barduar Reserved Forest to its north and Mayang Hill Reserved Forest to its south. The same report, citing an Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre (ARSAC) study, records the lake’s water spread shrinking from about 481 hectares in 1954 to about 187 hectares in 2007, with average depth falling from 8 metres to 3 metres over recent decades. Conservationists link the decline to sediment, aquatic weeds and sand mining in the connected Kulsi river. Visitors should expect a shallow, seasonal water body rather than a deep reservoir.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamrup district, Assam, at the foot of the Garo Hills |
| Distance from Guwahati | About 64 km (Kamrup district administration) |
| Type | Natural lagoon lake, also called Chandubi Beel |
| Formation | Attributed to the great Assam earthquake of 12 June 1897 |
| Visiting hours | 7 am–7 pm (Incredible India) |
| Entry ticket | No formal ticket listed by official portals; boating arranged locally |
| Nearest airport / railway | Guwahati (Incredible India) |
Best time to visit Chandubi Lake
The best time to visit Chandubi Lake is October to March, the dry winter window when skies are clear and winter migratory birds gather on the water. A 30 Stades travel feature names November to March as the prime season, and migratory arrivals peak in these cooler months. Early January also brings the Chandubi Festival, so expect more visitors then.
Monsoon months bring heavy rain to this part of Assam and make the final forest track slippery, while the water can spread into marshy ground. The lake is shallow and seasonal, so late winter and early spring usually give the most settled conditions for boating and birding.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Feb | Dry, cool mornings; migratory birds; best overall. Festival in early Jan. |
| Spring | Mar | Warming days, still pleasant; fewer crowds after the festival. |
| Pre-monsoon / summer | Apr–May | Hot and humid; green but hazy; fewer birds. |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Heavy rain; muddy forest track; boating less reliable. |
How to reach Chandubi Lake from Guwahati
Reach Chandubi Lake by road from Guwahati, about 64 km to the south, since the city is the nearest airport and railhead. Incredible India lists Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) as the nearest airport and Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) as the nearest railway station. There is no station or airport at the lake itself.
By road, the Kamrup district administration says the lake is “easily accessible by bus from the central bus stand at Adabari, Guwahati.” A Sentinel Assam account describes driving south from the Mirza area on a paved road toward the Garo foothills, then turning onto roughly 2 km of unpaved forest road for the last stretch to the water; expect that final section to be rough. The Rani area, home to a vulture conservation centre listed by the Kamrup administration, lies on the broad southern approach. Allow roughly two to three hours by car with city traffic, and hire a taxi or join a day tour if you are not driving yourself.
| Mode | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Guwahati airport (GAU), then ~64 km by road | Nearest airport; no airport at the lake |
| Rail | Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), then ~64 km by road | Nearest railhead |
| Road (car/taxi) | ~64 km south from Guwahati; last ~2 km unpaved forest track | Rough final stretch; drive daylight hours |
| Bus | From Adabari central bus stand, Guwahati | Per Kamrup district administration |
Things to see and do at Chandubi Lake
The main things to do at Chandubi Lake are slow boating, birdwatching and short walks around the forest edge and nearby villages. Incredible India and the Kamrup district administration both list fishing and rowing as the lake’s core activities, and the quiet, shallow water suits an unhurried paddle rather than open sailing.
- Boating and rowing: Small rowing and paddle boats are arranged at the lakeside. A Sentinel Assam account notes life jackets are provided and that submerged tree trunks mean boatmen follow set channels, so take a local oarsman and wear the jacket.
- Winter birdwatching: The lake is described as a haven for migratory birds in winter. The 30 Stades feature names ducks, herons and kingfishers among common sightings; mornings are best.
- Forest and village walks: The shore is ringed by forest, bamboo groves and Rabha and Garo villages. Walk only with a local guide and keep to paths; this is lived-in land, not a display.
- Chandubi Festival (January): A Rabha community event listed by Assam Tourism for 1–5 January, organised around Rajapara village. It features folk music and dance, handloom and handicraft stalls, Assamese food and, by press accounts, boat races. Confirm the year’s dates before planning around it.
- Photography and picnics: The Kamrup administration describes the lake as a fine picnic spot. Carry out all waste.
| Activity | Best season | Time needed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boating / rowing | Oct–Mar | 30–60 min | Life jacket; local boatman; fee arranged on site |
| Birdwatching | Nov–Feb | 1–2 hr (early morning) | Ducks, herons, kingfishers per press accounts |
| Village / forest walk | Oct–Mar | 1–2 hr | Go with a local guide; respect residents |
| Chandubi Festival | Early January | Half to full day | Rabha community event; dates vary |
A suggested one- to two-day plan
Chandubi works best as a one-night eco-camp stay or an easy full-day trip from Guwahati. A short plan keeps the pace relaxed and lets you catch the birds at first light.
Day trip from Guwahati:
- Leave Guwahati early to beat city traffic; drive about 64 km south to the lake.
- Take a morning boat ride and watch for birds along the quieter shore.
- Lunch at an eco-camp or a simple village kitchen; try fish and rice.
- Afternoon walk along the forest edge, then drive back to Guwahati before dark.
Overnight (one night, two days):
- Day 1: Arrive by midday, settle into a tent or eco-camp, afternoon boating and a village walk, evening by the lake.
- Day 2: Early-morning birdwatching, a slow breakfast, optional guided forest walk, then return to Guwahati.
Where to stay
Stay options at Chandubi are simple: tented eco-camps and basic lakeside lodges near the water, or a wider choice of hotels back in Guwahati. The 30 Stades feature describes jungle camping with tent stays, local food and activities such as fishing and guided walks, and other accounts mention small eco-resorts and homestays run near the lake. Rooms here are basic; book ahead in the winter season and around the January festival.
- Eco-camps / tented stays (lakeside): Simple tents and camp lodges with local meals; best for birders and early starts. Confirm availability and price directly before travel.
- Homestays / village stays: A few local homestays near the lake; a good way to support the community if arranged respectfully.
- Guwahati hotels (budget to upscale): The widest choice of rooms and transport is in the city, 64 km away, if you prefer a day trip. See our Guwahati travel guide for neighbourhoods and getting around.
Because camp prices and availability change and were not confirmed live, the bands below are indicative planning estimates only, dated October 2026 — reconfirm with the property before you book.
Food to try
Food around Chandubi is simple Assamese home cooking, built on rice, river fish and seasonal greens. Eco-camps and village kitchens usually serve a set meal rather than a menu, so eat what is cooked that day.
- Bhat and machor jhol (steamed rice with a light fish curry) — the everyday staple, often with local Kulsi-area fish.
- Pitha (rice-flour cakes, sweet or savoury) — common at the Chandubi Festival, per the Incredible India account.
- Khar and tenga (an alkaline preparation and a sour curry) — classic Assamese flavours if available.
- Local greens such as kolmou xaak (water spinach) gathered near the wetland and cooked fresh.
Carry drinking water and a few snacks; roadside options on the forest stretch are limited.
Budget for a Chandubi trip
A simple Chandubi trip is inexpensive, since the lake has no formal entry ticket and the main cost is transport from Guwahati. The figures below are indicative planning estimates per person for an overnight trip, dated October 2026 — treat them as a starting point and reconfirm, as fares and camp rates vary and were not verified live.
| Item | Indicative range (₹) | Assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Return transport from Guwahati | Shared taxi/bus, lower end; private taxi higher | ~64 km each way; split a taxi to save |
| Eco-camp / tent stay (1 night) | Varies by camp | Basic tent; meals sometimes included |
| Meals | Modest; set village meals | Local fish-and-rice thali |
| Boating / guide | Arranged on site | Short rowing trip; local oarsman |
Exact rupee figures are left open because they could not be verified from a live official source this session. Ask your camp or driver for current rates when you book.
Permits, rules and responsible travel
No special entry permit is required for Indian travellers to visit Chandubi Lake; it is open countryside and village land in Kamrup district, not a ticketed protected-area core. Official portals list no Inner Line Permit for Assam and no entry ticket for the lake, though boating is arranged locally and any camp or guide fees are set on site.
- Wear the life jacket on any boat; a Sentinel Assam account notes submerged trunks and marked channels, so follow the boatman.
- Carry out all plastic and litter; the wetland is shrinking and fragile.
- Treat Rabha and Garo villages with respect — ask before photographing people, buy local handicrafts fairly, and keep noise down.
- Do not disturb birds or wade into nesting areas; keep dogs and drones away from roosting flocks, and check local rules before flying any drone.
- Support community-run camps and guides where you can, so tourism income stays local.
For wider Assam planning, permits and seasons, see our Assam travel guide.
Practical tips
Plan Chandubi as a self-contained trip, because services at the lake are minimal and the nearest full facilities are in Guwahati. A little preparation makes the day far smoother.
- Network and cash: Mobile signal can be patchy in the forest stretch. Carry enough cash, as ATMs and reliable card or UPI acceptance are back in town, not at the lake.
- Health and safety: The nearest hospitals and pharmacies are in Guwahati; carry a basic kit, water and sunblock. The lake is shallow and the shore muddy, so wear grippy shoes.
- Timing: Drive in daylight; the final forest track is best avoided after dark, and boating winds down by evening.
- Solo and women travellers: Day trips and organised camp stays are the easier choice; travel with a known driver or small group, start early and return before dusk.
- Packing by season: October–March, bring a light jacket for cool mornings, binoculars for birds, and insect repellent; in any season pack a rain layer, as weather here turns quickly.
Nearby places
Chandubi pairs naturally with Guwahati and a few sites on the southern Kamrup road, so you can combine it with other stops on the way in or out. The Kamrup district administration lists several nearby attractions.
| Place | Distance from lake (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati | ~64 km | Gateway city; temples, river cruises, hotels and transport. See our Guwahati guide. |
| Rani (vulture conservation centre) | On the southern approach | Conservation breeding centre listed by the Kamrup administration |
| Garbhanga forest area | South of Guwahati, same forest belt | Forested reserve near the Meghalaya border; go with a guide |
| Assam–Meghalaya border hills | Adjacent | Garo foothills scenery; respect the state boundary and local rules |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chandubi Lake?
Chandubi Lake is in Kamrup district, Assam, at the foot of the Garo Hills near the Assam–Meghalaya border. The Kamrup district administration puts it about 64 km south of Guwahati, which is the nearest airport and railway city. It is a natural lagoon lake, also called Chandubi Beel.
How was Chandubi Lake formed?
Chandubi Lake is widely attributed to the great Assam earthquake of 12 June 1897. Incredible India says the lake was “birthed” by that quake, and local accounts describe forested land sinking and filling with water. The magnitude is estimated between about Mw 8.1 and 8.3, so treat it as a historical estimate, not a precise figure.
What is the best time to visit Chandubi Lake?
The best time to visit Chandubi Lake is October to March. These dry winter months bring clear weather and winter migratory birds, and a 30 Stades feature names November to March as the prime window. Early January adds the Chandubi Festival. Avoid the June–September monsoon, when the forest track turns muddy.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Chandubi Lake?
No formal entry ticket is listed by official portals for Chandubi Lake, and no Inner Line Permit is needed for Assam. Incredible India gives visiting hours of 7 am–7 pm. Boating is arranged at the lakeside and any boat or guide charges are set locally, so carry cash and confirm rates on arrival (as of October 2026).
When is the Chandubi Festival?
The Chandubi Festival is listed by Assam Tourism for 1–5 January. It is a Rabha community event, organised around Rajapara village, that promotes eco-tourism with folk music and dance, handicraft stalls, Assamese food and, by press accounts, boat races. Dates can shift year to year, so confirm locally before you plan around it.
How do I reach Chandubi Lake from Guwahati?
Reach Chandubi Lake by road from Guwahati, about 64 km to the south. The Kamrup district administration says buses run from the Adabari central bus stand, and a taxi or day tour is easiest. The last roughly 2 km is an unpaved forest track, so allow two to three hours with traffic and travel in daylight.
Last updated and sources
Chandubi suits travellers who want quiet water, winter birds and a short break from Guwahati rather than big sights. Go between October and March, keep the pace slow, and tread lightly on a shrinking wetland and its villages.
Last updated: 21 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Incredible India — Chandubi Lake; Kamrup District Administration — tourist places; Assam Tourism — January events (Chandubi Festival); Mongabay-India — shrinking Chandubi lake (2021); The Sentinel — Cruising the Chandubi; The Sentinel — developing Chandubi as a tourism site; 30 Stades — Chandubi Lake; Wikipedia — Chandubi Lake and Wikipedia — 1897 Assam earthquake. Accessed September 2026.
