Son Beel

Son Beel, located in the Karimganj district of Assam, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in southern Assam and a striking example of a seasonal wetland.

Spanning up to 9,800 hectares during the monsoon and shrinking to about 4,388 hectares in the dry season, it transforms dramatically with the changing weather. In winter, the lakebed is used for rice cultivation, and as the rains arrive, it fills up to become a shimmering expanse of water, teeming with aquatic life and migratory birds.

The lake is fed by the Singla River, which originates in Manipur, and its waters eventually flow into the Kushiyara River via the Kakra River, crossing into Bangladesh. This dynamic hydrology makes Son Beel not just a scenic destination but also an ecological treasure.

The surrounding landscape is dotted with Hizol trees that remain partially submerged during the wet season, creating a surreal and photogenic setting. The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, including the locally prized Bhujia fish, and supports a rich diversity of birdlife, with over 80 species recorded, including some that are near-threatened.