Simsang River
The Simsang River, also known as the Someshwari River when it enters Bangladesh, is the longest and most significant river in the Garo Hills. Course and Origin: It originates from the Nokrek Peak and flows through the heart of the Garo Hills, dividing the region and sustaining countless communities, including the district headquarters, Baghmara. Its vast expanse and powerful flow make it an impressive natural feature. Cultural Significance: For the Garo people, the Simsang is more than a river; it's a cultural lifeline, central to many of their festivals, legends, and daily lives. The river supports a unique ecosystem and provides the town of Baghmara with its famous fish delicacies. Scenic Beauty: The riverbanks offer picturesque views, with the river meandering between lush, rolling hills. It is a major spot for picnics, fishing, and boating, especially where the current is calmer near the town. The river also marks the border with Bangladesh in some southern sections, adding a geopolitical layer to its importance. Hydrology: The river's tributaries include the Rompa, Rongdik, Ringdi, and Chibok, all contributing to its large volume.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Nature/River/Cultural HubEntry Fees:
General Access:
Free to Visit: Access to the riverbanks and the ghats is generally free of charge.
Boating Costs:
Varies by Vessel: Charges apply only for activities like boat...General Access:
Free to Visit: Access to the riverbanks and the ghats is generally free of charge.
Boating Costs:
Varies by Vessel: Charges apply only for activities like boat rides, which can range from Rs.100 - Rs.500 per person, depending on the type of boat (simple canoe vs. motorized vessel) and the duration.
Festival Fees:
Event Charges: During the Tyisam Festival, there may be nominal entry fees for the event grounds, specific activities, or designated parking areas.
Guide Fee:
Optional Guide: A local guide is not essential for the town-side ghats but is highly recommended for exploring the more remote sections (cost approx. Rs.500 - Rs.1000).Timing:
Regular Timings:
24/7 Access with Caution: As a natural river, it is open 24 hours, but public access areas (ghats, picnic spots) are best and safest to visit during daylight hours (from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM).
Idea...Regular Timings:
24/7 Access with Caution: As a natural river, it is open 24 hours, but public access areas (ghats, picnic spots) are best and safest to visit during daylight hours (from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM).
Ideal Visit Time:
Late Afternoon/Sunset: The most ideal time is late afternoon (from 4:00 PM onwards) to witness the sunset's golden light reflecting on the water, which is spectacular and the temperature is mild.Special Events:
The Tyisam Festival:
Cultural and Sporting Event: Held typically in December, the festival features boat races, beach football, traditional Garo dance performances, local crafts exhibitions, and various food stalls, acting as the region's big...The Tyisam Festival:
Cultural and Sporting Event: Held typically in December, the festival features boat races, beach football, traditional Garo dance performances, local crafts exhibitions, and various food stalls, acting as the region's biggest winter carnival.
Nathok Wari:
Annual Fishing Festival: A traditional fishing festival, usually held in winter months, where local communities participate in a communal fishing event, often using traditional techniques, celebrating the river's bounty.Best Photo Spots:
The Ghats/Embankments:
Close-up Shots: Photography from the main ghats near Baghmara town provides clear, close-up shots of the river's flow and any activity like fishing or boating.
The Viewpoint:The Ghats/Embankments:
Close-up Shots: Photography from the main ghats near Baghmara town provides clear, close-up shots of the river's flow and any activity like fishing or boating.
The Viewpoint:
Panoramic Vistas: The nearby Simsang River Viewpoint offers the best elevated, sweeping panoramic views of the river meandering through the valley.
Sunset Backdrop:
Silhouette Shots: The river's wide surface provides a perfect reflective canvas for silhouette photos of boats, trees, or people against the vibrant colors of a winter sunset.
Fishing Boats:
Cultural Focus: Capturing the brightly colored local fishing boats or canoes either anchored at the bank or moving across the water for a cultural/travel photography theme.
Bird Migration:
Avian Activity: The river attracts numerous water birds, especially during winter, offering great opportunities for wildlife photography near the banks.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boating:
River Safari: Taking a boat ride (simple or jet-ski, when available) is a must-do activity to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Picnicking:
Family Time on the Sandbanks: Setting up a picnic on the temporary sandy banks (ghats) that form during the dry winter season.
Angling:
Sport Fishing: Participating in recreational fishing or angling (check local rules/permits).
Attending the Festival:
Cultural Immersion: Plan a visit during December to attend the vibrant Tyisam Festival for a full cultural experience.
Sunset Viewing:
Read More
Information
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Why Famous:
The Tyisam Festival:
Annual Winter Carnival: The Simsang River is most famous for hosting the annual Tyisam Festival in December, which is a major cultural and sporting event drawing tourists and participants from all over the region and beyo...The Tyisam Festival:
Annual Winter Carnival: The Simsang River is most famous for hosting the annual Tyisam Festival in December, which is a major cultural and sporting event drawing tourists and participants from all over the region and beyond.
Fishing Heritage:
Famous for Fish: The river is renowned for its diverse aquatic life and is a prime spot for traditional fishing, giving Baghmara its fame as a town known for delicious fish preparations. An annual fishing festival, Nathok Wari, is held here.
The Lifeblood of Garo Hills:
Geographical Importance: As the longest river in the region, its fame is tied to its role as the economic and geographical axis of the Garo Hills, linking communities and providing a crucial water source. -
Architecture:
Natural Dimensions:
River Length and Width: The Simsang River is the longest in the Garo Hills, with a total length of over 100 KMS. Near Baghmara, its width is substantial, often exceeding 100-200 meters in parts, especially during the post...Natural Dimensions:
River Length and Width: The Simsang River is the longest in the Garo Hills, with a total length of over 100 KMS. Near Baghmara, its width is substantial, often exceeding 100-200 meters in parts, especially during the post-monsoon flow.
Man-made Interventions:
Bank Development: While the river itself is natural, the banks near Baghmara have some minimal development, including concrete embankments, small ghats (steps to the water), and designated viewing/picnic areas to facilitate public access.
Geological Structure:
Sedimentation: The riverbed near the town is characterized by sand and fine silt, contributing to the formation of small sandy banks during the dry season, which serve as temporary beach-like picnic spots. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Guwahati International Airport (GAU) Nearest airport (250-280 KMS). From Guwahati, the journey continues by road via a hired taxi or long-distance bus to Baghmara.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) Nearest major railhead (320... -
Near Tourist Places:
Simsang River Viewpoint (15 KMS), Baghmara Reserve Forest (4 KMS), South Garo Hills District Museum (2 KMS), Pitcher Plant Sanctuary (7 KMS), Siju Caves (45 KMS), Balpakram National Park (66 KMS), Siju Bird Sanctuary (45 KMS), Dilsa Hill (10 KMS), Cola Beach (Approx. 12 KMS), Rengchi River (10 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety:
Beware of Strong Current: Never venture far from the bank during the monsoon or after heavy rain due to the river's strong currents.
Boating Safety: Always use a life jacket if taking a boat ...
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