Barpeta Road

 Geography

Barpeta Road is situated at an elevation of 165 feet (50 meters) above sea level. It lies along National Highway 27, making it a crucial link between Assam and the rest of the country.

A Glimpse into History

Barpeta Road was historically known as Athiyabari. Developed as a commercial hub due to its strategic location along major trade routes in Assam. The town grew significantly during British rule with the expansion of railways and road networks, boosting trade and connectivity. Over time, it emerged as an important center for business, education, and transportation in western Assam.

 Tourist Attractions

One of the major attractions near Barpeta is Manas National Park, declared a national park in 1990. Located in the Himalayan foothills, it is known for:

• Rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (1988) & Biosphere Reserve (1989)

• Home to endangered species such as the tiger, leopard, golden langur, pygmy hog, Assam roofed turtle, and Bengal florican

• Over 60 species of mammals, 312 birds, 42 reptiles, and 54 fish species

The park is 20 km from Barpeta Road and is accessible via National Highway 31. Visitors can obtain entry permits from the Field Director, Manas Tiger Reserve, Barpeta Road. The best time to visit is November to April.

Demographics

Athiyabari is a Municipal Board city under the Barnagar Circle of Barpeta district. The city is divided into 10 wards, with elections held every five years. According to the 2011 Census, Barpeta Road has:

• Total population: 35,571 (18,489 males and 17,082 females)

• Average Sex Ratio: 924 females per 1,000 males

• Children (0–6 years): 3,213 (9% of the total population)

• Child Sex Ratio: 918 (lower than the overall sex ratio)

• Literacy Rate: 87.2% (Male: 91.52%, Female: 82.58%)

Barpeta Road has a higher literacy rate compared to the overall Barpeta district (63.8%), highlighting its focus on education.

🏅 Sports in Barpeta

Sports play an integral role in the town’s culture. The town has produced notable sports personalities, particularly in football and taekwondo. The Barpeta Stadium is a hub for local tournaments. Schools such as St. Joseph’s High School, St. Mary’s High School, Marian School, and G.N. Bordoloi Memorial High School actively promote sports and host intercity events.

🚗 Transport & Connectivity

Barpeta Road enjoys excellent connectivity through road, rail, and air:

• Road: Located on National Highway 27, the town is 135 km from Guwahati (by road) and 21 km from Barpeta district headquarters.

• Rail: Barpeta Road railway station offers direct train services to Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Puri, and Dibrugarh.

• Air: The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati), 135 km away.

Being the commercial capital of Western Assam, Barpeta Road is a major trade and commerce hub, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic growth.

💟 Local Cuisine and Handicrafts of Barpeta Road

🍲 Local Cuisine:

Barpeta Road, like the rest of Assam, is known for its simple yet flavorful Assamese cuisine, which includes rice-based dishes, fish, and locally grown vegetables. Some of the popular dishes include:

• Xaak bhaji – Stir-fried leafy greens, a staple in Assamese meals.
• Masor Tenga – A tangy fish curry made with tomatoes or lemon, popular among locals.
• Pitika – Mashed potato, eggplant, or fish mixed with mustard oil, green chilies, and onions.
• Pork and Bamboo Shoot Curry – A favorite among the local tribal communities.
• Pithas – Traditional rice cakes, including Til Pitha (sesame-filled) and Narikol Pitha (coconut-filled), enjoyed during Bihu festivals.

🧵 Local Handicrafts:

Road is known for its vibrant weaving and handicraft traditions, especially inspired by Assamese culture. Some of the notable handicrafts include:

• Assamese Handloom (Mekhela Sador & Gamosa) – Traditional woven textiles crafted by local artisans.
• Bell Metal and Brass Work – Items such as utensils and religious artifacts, crafted using age-old techniques.
• Cane and Bamboo Products – Handmade furniture, baskets, mats, and decorative items, widely found in the region.
• Wood Carvings – Intricately designed wooden masks and sculptures used in traditional festivals.

Barpeta’s cuisine and handicrafts reflect its rich cultural heritage, making it an important center for Assamese tradition and craftsmanship. 🥘🎨

 How to Reach Barpeta

Road is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from various parts of Assam and India.

By Road:

• It is 135 km from Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, and can be reached in 3–4 hours by bus or private vehicle.
• Regular ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) buses and private buses operate between Guwahati, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and other major towns.

By Train:

• Barpeta Road Railway Station (BPRD) is a major railway junction on the Northeast Frontier Railway.
• Direct trains connect Barpeta Road to Guwahati, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, and other major cities.
• The train journey from Guwahati to Barpeta Road takes about 2–3 hours.

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati Airport), which is 135 km away.
• From the airport, travelers can take taxis, rental cars, or buses to reach Barpeta Road.

With its well-developed transport network, Barpeta Road is easily accessible from different parts of India, making it a convenient destination for business, education, and tourism. 🚆🚌✈️