Sualkuchi Travel Guide

Sualkuchi, a sleepy village in the northern bank of the river Brahmaputra, about 35 kms from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a block of Kamrup District with a population around 52,679,with 90 sq km . There are 8 G.P. in Sualkuchi block out of which, weaving is a dominant occupation. In fact Sualkuchi is known as the MANCHESTAR OF THE EAST; is the center of Assam’s textile production, which has earned it the name of Manchester of India. The weaver’s village specializes in mainly two types of silk, Muga silk and Pat silk. Indigenous items such as mekhela chadors, and gamosas made of these materials are the famous produces in the country. It has been declared as a Handloom Heritage Village, and thus is steadily growing up as an important tourist spot in Assam. Eri silks and Endi clothes from this region is also quite well known. Sualkuchi Village is also quite rich in flora and fauna, and it retains the traditional charm with bamboo houses and overall rustic nature of the villages. A number of migratory birds visit the place during the winter season, and thus, bird watching is an ideal thing to do in Sualkuchi. There are a few budget hotels in the place with basic amenities for accommodation and the traditional cuisine is a must try. There are also various religious institutions like temples and namghars in the area which attract a number of tourists.

The weaving tradition in this hamlet can be traced to the 11th century when king Dharma Pal, of the Pala dynasty, sponsored the craft and brought 26 weaving families from Tantikuchi to Saulkuchi. The village took shape as a weaving village when the SHAMS occupied Sualkuchi defeating the Mughals in the mid 17th century.

The North Eastern Council, in exercise of the financial powers authorized by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, accorded administrative approved as well as sanction on 8th May 1987 towards implementation of the Scheme IPP for the weavers of Sualkuchi and Adjoining areas under the pattern of self help group of Kamrup District of Assam. The Scheme is being implemented by Deputy Commissioner Kamrup and Project Director, DRDA, Kamrup District Assam.

One can witness the ethnicity and rustic view of the village in form of the bamboo houses and walls covered with mud in order to maintain cool in summers and warmth in winters. Also rich in flora and fauna, Sualkuchi is an ecologically diverse area inhabiting not only the local exotic animals and birds but also varied species of migratory birds. Dotted with temples, namghars and monasteries at every step, the village is a wholesome package for tourists. Silkwork is yet another feather in Sualkuchi's hat. Some very fascinating and intricate designs are developed on the naturally golden Muga silk in the karkhanas or workshops that can be found beside almost every house. The village of Sualkuchi situated on the northern banks of River Brahmaputra with sprawling green hills all around is a beautiful place to visit, exhibiting a charm that will leave you completely awe-inspired.