Cricket icon and Bharat Ratna awardee, Sachin Tendulkar, along with his family, enjoyed a memorable visit to the Western Range of Bagori in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on the morning of April 8.
As part of a personal getaway, Tendulkar, along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara, arrived in Kaziranga on April 7, following his exploration of Meghalaya’s scenic landscapes. They stayed at the Kaziranga Borgos Resort on the night of April 7, where they were warmly welcomed with a traditional Bihu dance. Later, they savoured a delightful lunch at IORA – The Retreat, immersing themselves in the rich culinary heritage of Assam.
Speaking to ND24, Chef Hirak Jyoti Baruah at Borgos Resort shared, “For breakfast, we served him traditional Jolpan along with an assortment of other items. He particularly enjoyed doi-chira and til pitha. It was an honour to serve the icon.”
Doi-Chira and Til Pitha are staples of a traditional Assamese breakfast. Doi-Chira is made by combining flattened rice with yogurt and jaggery, creating a classic Assamese delicacy. Til Pitha, on the other hand, is made from coarsely ground, soaked rice spread over a hot pan and stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and sesame.
As part of his visit, Tendulkar and his family embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour jeep safari through the vibrant Bagori landscape. The safari took them to the Dunga Watch Tower Point, offering breathtaking views of the tranquil Dunga Beel, an emerald-hued wetland surrounded by lush grasslands and marshes. “Tendulkar appeared deeply immersed in the natural beauty of the area,” an official told ND24.
During the safari, he also took the time to engage with the women frontline staff stationed in Bagori, acknowledging their essential role in conservation efforts. As a token of appreciation, the DFO of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Aun Vignesh CS, presented Tendulkar with a coffee table book on the UNESCO World Heritage Kaziranga National Park and briefed him on ongoing conservation initiatives.
After the safari through Bagori and Kohora (Central) Range of Kaziranga, Tendulkar and his entourage made their way to IORA – The Retreat for lunch, where they were treated to a vibrant spread full of the earthy flavours of Assam. The menu featured a delightful mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, each crafted to highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage.
The aromatic herbs, fragrant spices, and unique ingredients of Assamese cuisine were on full display, offering the Master Blaster of Indian cricket a taste of Assam’s culinary richness. Some of the items served to Tendulkar and his team included Tengesi Tenga Diya Chitol Maas (Chitol fish curry with creeping wood sorrel), Koldil Kukura (chicken curry with banana stem), Bahor Sungat Diya Kukura Mangxo (marinated chicken roasted in green bamboo), Xorioh Ari Maas Patot Diya (Ari fish with mustard seeds steamed in banana leaf), and Kola Saulor Kheer (black rice pudding).
“Apart from these items, Aloo Pitika (mashed potato), Dhekia Xaak Bhaji (stir-fried fiddlehead ferns with potato), pickles, and chutneys were also served,” an official said.
Later, Tendulkar was scheduled to return to Borgos Resort for dinner, where a plethora of Assamese dishes had been planned for the buffet. The menu included Khaar – a staple dish often considered symbolic of Assamese cuisine, typically served as part of a traditional meal – Koldil Bhaji (stir-fried banana stem), Boror Tenga (red lentil fritters cooked in a spicy and sour curry), Hanhor Mangxo Komora (duck meat with ash gourd), local chicken curry, and fish items cooked in a rustic style. Joha rice and black rice pudding were also included.
During the jungle safari at Kohora, the legendary cricketer was fortunate to witness the rare and majestic sight of a golden tiger. As the jeep continued its journey, he also had the thrilling experience of seeing a rhino cross their path, adding to the excitement of the day.
Reflecting on his time at Kaziranga, Tendulkar described the visit as an unforgettable experience, one that left him deeply moved by the park’s natural beauty. The iconic batsman is reportedly scheduled to visit the Burapahar Range and is set to return to Mumbai on April 9.
