Mancotta Chang Bungalow, Dibrugarh, Assam

Chang Bungalows: When the British established their tea plantations in the mid-nineteenth century they quickly built comfortable bungalows designed to make life as pleasant as possible in what, was to them, a hostile and strange land. One of the main features of these buildings has given rise to their name – Chang Bungalows. Chang in the local language means “raised on stilts” and the design served multiple purposes- both to keep the house cool by allowing fresh air to blow underneath and to keep water and animals out! All the tea gardens have at least one of these bungalows, most of which date back over one hundred years and indeed a stay here is like stepping back in time, the original features and ambiance remain, harking back to a time of style and elegance. Breakfast can be taken on the veranda looking over the tea plantations, and dinner in the original dining room. This is a wonderful, charming base from which to explore Dibrugarh and beyond.