Top Destinations In Assam

Termed as the land of “Blue Hills and Red River” Assam is the gateway to the north eastern states and has been aptly described as the sentinel of Northeast India. Seven Indian States and two countries Bhutan and Bangladesh, surround Assam which is also close to India’s international borders with China and Myanmar.

Assam is surrounded by hills, major rivers such as Brahmaputra & Barak and its tributaries, thick forest, tea gardens which enhances the scenic beauty of Assam. Infact the mighty Brahmaputra river of Assam is the only male river in the country.

The state is dotted with monuments of 600 years old Ahom dynasty; the longest ruling single dynasty in Indian history. It was one among the very few dynasties that could not be conquered by the Mughals. Assam is the home to various ethnic tribes and groups, each having its own cultural heritage and unique features in its socio-cultural life including customs, religious belief, language, culture, way-of-life, food, songs, festivals including Bihu, Baishagu, Rongker & Chomangkan Festival, Bishu, Baikho, Ali-Aye-Ligang, Me-Dum-Me-Phi, Ambubachi Mela and many more.

Assam is a home to Five National Parks and 18 Wildlife sanctuaries, the highest concentration in India, are host to 25 percent of India’s floristic wealth and enormous faunal diversity. The famous Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat district of Assam is home to largest population of world’s one horned rhino species, Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo and Eastern Swamp Deer, wild elephants as well as Migratory birds. This National Park has also the highest density of tigers. Manas National Park, also a world heritage site, is a constituent unit of the Eastern Himalayan Bio-Diversity Region; one of the two biodiversity “Hot Spot” in the country. The mystery of the birds’ suicide at Jatinga Dima Hasao District, is a subject of interest of all nature lovers and researchers.

The state is endowed with more than 600 tea gardens which gives soothing view to the eyes as one travels down to upper Assam. Around 20 tea gardens in Assam have developed and maintained golf courses within the garden area and a few have polo fields. The Jorhat Gymkhana Club is the oldest golf course in Asia and the third oldest in the World.

Located in the Nilachal hills in the western part of Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is the oldest temple is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya. The temple is popular among pilgrims of Tantric worship, more so during the annual Ambubachi Mela Festival. Hajo is another spiritual centre where people from three religions, Buddhist, Hindus and Muslims congregate for pilgrimage.

The mighty river Brahmaputra decors the geography of the state and one can take a Cruise along this river with first class facilities experiencing wildlife, tradition, adventure tourism on its way. “MV Mahabaahu” a Cruise amongst the Top Ten River Cruise of the World, is of great pride for Assam. Assam is blessed with the world’s largest inhabited river island Majuli, which has several satras vaishnavite monasteries, some dating back to the 16th centuries; as well as the world’s smallest riverine island in the world namely Umananda Temple which was built in the 17th Century dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kaziranga

One of the greatest wildlife emblems of the country, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga National Park, is famed as a home to two-thirds of the world's population of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. With the mighty Brahmaputra river lapping at the fringes, the park encompasses wetlands, forests and grasslands, which shelter a sizeable population of tigers as well. Moreover, the park is an abode of world-famous snakes - the rock python, the reticulated python and the king cobra, the longest venomous snake. While eastern swamp deer and wild water buffalo are common sights, if you're lucky, you can also spot a herd of elephants making their way grandly through the park. The park is surrounded by ancient temples, pristine waterfalls and lush tea estates.

Guwahati

Lying on the southern fringes of the mighty Brahmaputra river, Guwahati, the largest city of Assam, holds spirituality and adventure at its heart. Home to the much revered Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to mother goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Goddess Sati, the 8th-century temple attracts devotees throughout the year.Apart from temples, river cruising in the feisty Brahmaputra is a magical experience, with rock climbing at the Elephant Rocks in Morigaon, about 78 km away, coming a close second.

With a number of trekking trails and breathtakingly-beautiful camping sites to its credit, Guwahati offers travellers a plethora of thrilling opportunities. Crisscrossed by waterways that pass through wildlife sanctuaries strewn around Guwahati, the city enjoys a rich bounty of flora and fauna. Driving through the jungle for safaris can be a stimulating experience. Feel your heart leap with excitement as you spot a flying fox jump across the forest, or the Indian cobra slither sinfully by. Watch out for the elusive dolphins that call the waters of the Brahmaputra their home, along with beautiful endemic and migratory birds that take shelter nearby.

While its wild side languishes in serenity, the city's cosmopolitan centre bustles with the vibrancy of festivals, fairs, music, dance and arts and crafts. From the renowned Bihu dance and folk music to the energetic bhortal nritya, the city holds its culture close to its heart and displays it in an array of colours and merriment that leave tourists in awe.

To sample the local flavours of the city, head to the old quarters by the river. Dotted with palms, ponds, quaint temples and imperial mansions, the area speaks of the glorious history of the region when it was ruled by the Ahom kingdom and the Koch Hajo. The city was once known as Pragjyotishpura or the Light of the East and is said to have been a powerful kingdom during the days of Mahabharata.

Guwahati is also known for the resplendent silk saree and its yardages, known as Assam silk or Muga silk.

Jorhat

Spread across a lush green landscape dotted with imperial bungalows that exude colonial charm, Jorhat, the second-largest city of Assam, is an eclectic mix of cultures, diverse tribal communities, vibrant festivals and bustling markets. A major hub for exquisite Assamese jewellery, Jorhat has several renowned craftsmen who have been practicing their art for generations. The city is popular for pure gold jewellery made in Ahom (Assamese) style, and is a little dull in its shine. The gold jewellery is filled with lac, in which gemstones are embedded with the help of gold leaf.

Not just jewellery, Jorhat has been one of oldest and the most important centres of commerce and trade in Assam. It was the capital of the powerful Ahom dynasty (1228-1826). Jorhat was built around two major markets, the Chowkihat and Macharhat, which came up on the banks of the pristine Bhogdoi river that flows through the city. In fact, 'jor' or 'jora', in Assamese means two and 'haat' means a market.

Jorhat also boasts some of the most spectacular tea gardens in the state that are sprawled across vast expanses. With the distinctive aroma of tea in the air, one can stroll through breathtaking lush greenery and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful gardens.

Tezpur

Lush green tea gardens, picturesque landscapes and endless paddy fields framed by the snow-clad Himalayas, all come together to make the beautiful city of Tezpur one of the most explored tourist destinations in Assam. Fringed by the feisty Brahmaputra river, Tezpur, in Sonitpur district, is considered to be Assam's oldest city. Straddling the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Tezpur is surrounded by some of the most exquisite scenic sites in India.

There are many legends associated with this slow-paced quaint city and it is said that it was the battleground of a war between Hari (Lord Krishna) and king Banasura (a devotee of Lord Shiva). Local lore recounts that the nephew of Lord Krishna, Aniruddha, fell in love with Usha, the daughter of the king, who disapproved of their match. The king put the young prince into jail and when Lord Krishna found out about this, he attacked him with full force. Banasura lost the war and requested Krishna not to kill him, after which he presented the couple, seated in a regal chariot, to the lord.

Originally, Tezpur is said to have been known as Haruppesvera, during the reign of the Mlechchha dynasty (650 - 900 AD). The rock inscriptions of Harjar Varma point to the fact that the city was in existence from 829-30 AD. Modern-day Tezpur was founded in 1835 by the British colonial administration. In fact, the city was an important centre of trade that was used as a river port. After independence, the city continued to maintain its significant streak and was the site of the establishment of the first electric power station in this part of the country.

Bomdila

Lying about 153 km away from Tezpur, the remote town of Bomdila is one of the best tourist sites in Arunachal Pradesh. The snow-clad Himalayas, lush green landscapes and a rich culture make Bomdila a popular stopover for those exploring the natural beauty of the Northeast. The Bomdila View Point is a prominent site to view the spectacular West Kameng valley and the cloud-covered Nechipu Pass.