‘Oil City’ of Digboi is one of the most important cities in Assam because of its crude oil production. Digboi Oil Refinery is also a popular tourist attraction. Digboi is also famous for other interesting features like handicrafts, textiles, war cemetery and wildlife sanctuary. Digboi was discovered during 19th century & is rumoured to have been named after the phrase “dig-boy-dig,” where the English men used to command the labourers to dig for the crude oil underneath, Digboi had established its 1st oil refinery in 1901.
The city in the Tinsukia district of Assam, has Asia’s 1st drilled oil well that is still functioning, making it a popular tourist destination in Assam. Digboi happens to be one of the must visit places in NorthEast India. Another travel destination around Digboi is Margherita. The place was established around the 19th century and was named after an Italian queen, it is also renowned for its plywood factories. The largest wildlife sanctuary in Assam, Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, is 60 km from Digboi and houses like Royal Bengal Tiger, cheetahs, Indian elephant and also over 300 species of birds.
Digboi Club is built with Italian architectural style with several guests houses for both locals and tourists and was primarily built to promote tourism in Assam. There is also a War Cemetery which is 1.5 km away and soldiers who died during World War II have been put to rest here as well as Digboi lake where tourist can enjoy a boat ride. Digboi is now Headquarter of Assam Oil Division of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, where British culture, and war boasts of a disparate experience.
The population is largely heterogeneous. Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, Bihari, Marwari communities form the majority. People from various tribes such as the tea-tribes (brought in by the colonial planters as indentured labourers from the Chhotanagpur plateau region), Bodos, Mishings etc. have also made it their home. There are several places worth visiting in Digboi including Digboi Oil Centenary Museum Digboi Golf Course, Digboi Centenary Park, and Digboi Bar. Tourist visiting Digboi can buy some of the best handicrafts in Assam, especially dolls made of wax are in great demand. Tourist visiting Digboi can also tour Margherita town 14 kms away which is known for its tea gardens.
Tourist can stop over at Digboi to visit the famous Namdapha National Park of ArunachalPradesh which is 100 km s to the east. Tourism in Digboi also includes a boat ride on Brahmaputra. Best time time to visit Digboi is from September to March. Well connected by rail, road and air Digboi surrounded by agriculture fields that contribute to the local economy. In Digboi Assamese, Hindi, English, and Bengali are the languages commonly spoken. As a multicultural city festivals like Holi, Lakhipuja, Kalipuja, Durga Puja, Dewali etc. are all celebrated by the people of the city with pomp and gaiety. All in all, Digboi is a wonderful place to be at as it offers one the scenic beauties of Assam.
