Tuli is perhaps one of the most beautiful and ideally located towns in the State. Nestled along the bank of the Milak River, the town has a good number of hillocks, streams, plain and high areas, and a lot of space to grow. The age-old locally popular Tuli River flows through the middle of the town adding much to the beauty of the township. It is connected with the rest of the world through NH – 61 and Tuli Railway Station at Wameken Valley. Important cities of Assam like Jorhat and Dibrugarh are just an hour drive away.
This fast blooming industrial town is also known for making headlines from time to time for various reasons. In the late 1950s and 60s it created a sort of California Gold Rush for timber business attracting even big corporate houses like Birla company. Then in the 70s it became known for the now defunct Tuli Paper Mill. Beginning the mid 80s, Tuli again caught the attention of the State for violent Elections. Then the flash-flood struck in 2005 and the town was back in spot light again.
Now the latest buzz about this town is Christmas Lights. People from different parts of the State and neighboring towns of Assam flock the town at night during Christmas and New Year to see the decoration lights. The number of visitors is getting bigger every year. What is special about Tuli Christmas lights is the creativity and the genuine warmth and joy that one feel as you walk and drive through the streets. One good thing I have seen among the Tulians over the years and for which I am proud and happy is that people no longer destroy decorations and fight on the streets. Instead there is feeling of oneness and harmony. Tulians, both young and old, friends and families, mingle and visit each others' wards and join in caroling and exchanges of greetings and giving. My only prayer and wish is that it will continue and get better as we celebrate the coming of the Saviour of the world in true spirit every year.
As I write this, the people of Tuli are now busy putting down the lights which have lighted the hearts of many who have passed through this town. And this I tell you, if you have a List of 100 Places to Visit before You Die, may one of your destinations be Tuli during Christmas time which will go on hopefully.
