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. Deoparbat If archeological excavations have always captivated your interest, you would not mind trekking to Deoparbat. Located 5 km from Numaligarh, the Deoparbat Hill has drawn nature and history lovers with its ancient ruins that date back to the 8th and 9th centuries. According to legend, the hilltop used to be home to a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that was left completely damaged after a major earthquake. Apart from numerous ancient relics and monuments, Deoparbat also offers majestic views of the nearby Kabi Anglong Hills and the lush green Numaligarh tea estate. Tourists can easily book taxis from the Kaziranga National Park, which lies 64 km away, to reach Deoparbat ruins, which are a treat for travellers from all walks of life. Gohpur There's something special about the air of this tiny town, lying 7.5 km from the Kaziranga National Park, in Sonitpur district. Its natural beauty blends seamlessly with its old world charm. Gohpur has immense historical significance for the people of Assam. The town is famous for being the birthplace of legendary freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua, who was shot during the Quit India Movement. Barua's statue still stands as a testament to Assam's role in India's freedom struggle. One of the most peaceful spots of Gohpur is a historical pond known as Bor Pukhuri. Situated in front of the Gohpur Police station, the pond is an ideal spot to witness beautiful shades of the sky during sunset. A trip to Gohpur is incomplete without visiting Dhandi Devalay and the beautiful Gohpur Forest Reserve. Taxis to Gohpur are easily available at the Kaziranga National Park. Hathikuli Tea Estate Indians have a special relationship with tea and if you are a connoisseur of the beverage, then visiting the Hathikuli Tea Estate during your Kaziranga trip must be on your to-do list. The estate was initially owned by James Finlay and Company, which came to Assam from Scotland. Visiting the estate will give you a chance to try various kinds of tea like orthodox tea, black pepper tea and organic green tea, which are all produced here. The present-day plantation has been turned completely organic since it falls under the same ecological zone as the Kaziranga National Park. The name 'Hathikuli' is taken from Assamese words, 'hathi' meaning elephant and 'kuli' meaning frequently. Together, it means a place visited frequently by elephants. The tea gardens stretch for 15 km along the NH37 highway. The tea estate falls in two districts- Golaghat and Karbi-Anglong. Hathikuli is often visited by wild animals and birds. Kakochang Waterfall Kakochang Waterfall is one of those happy picnic spots where you and your family members can forget the hassles of daily life and simply have an amazing time. The enchanting waterfall is located 13 km from Bokakhat. A visit to Kakochang Waterfall is truly a rejuvenating experience for everyone. From getting drenched in refreshing water to witnessing splendid coffee and rubber plantations from a distance, the waterfall has a lot to offer to its visitors. It can be easily reached from Bokakhat and an easy trek 4 km trek would take you to its base. The waterfall looks exceptionally beautiful during the monsoon season when it plummets from a steep height. Spending time at the waterfall is a blissful experience that you will always cherish. Kaziranga National Park 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. One of the key attractions of the park are the 4WD safaris that help you explore the park better. Located in the heart of Assam, the park was formed in 1908 on the recommendation of Mary Curzon, the wife of the then viceroy of India, Lord Curzon of Kedleston. It is an important area for migratory birds and also houses the endangered Ganges river dolphin. If you wish to take the safari on an elephant back, make sure you make advance bookings as this is the most popular way to explore the hidden gems of the national park. The park was declared as a tiger reserve in 2006, and is divided into five different ranges. The central Kohora range and western Bagori range offer the most amazing wildlife sightings. The park is surrounded by ancient temples, pristine waterfalls and lush tea estates Majuli Undoubtedly one of Assam's best treasures, the pristine Majuli island is the proud holder of a Guinness World Record for being the largest river island in the world. Flaunting a vibrant culture and unmatched scenic beauty, the island is known as the cultural capital of Assam. Home to a mix of communities like the Mishing tribe, the Deoris, the Sonowal Kacharis and the Ahoms, Majuli is a wonderful concoction of nature and culture. From catching ethereal pink sunsets to being invited by locals for a fresh bowl of rice beer, Majuli knows how to offer you the time of your life. While spring season in Majuli witnesses the Ali-ai-Ligang festival (that marks the onset of sowing seeds), autumn is dedicated to the Raas Mahotsav (a four-day festival to honour Lord Krishna). The festivals of Majuli provide glimpses of Assamese culture with various dances performed by young men and women. The island is also home to several species of endemic and migratory birds. Birdwatchers and nature-lovers can take special guided tours to various lakes on and around the island and spot fascinating species. What makes Majuli even more special is the fact that it has been a seat of neo-Vaishanavism in Assam for years. Majuli's rich culture is reflected in the 25 satras or monasteries that stand here. The most influential is the Kamalabari Satra. Majuli is a shopping paradise and visitors can buy exquisite Mishing shawls and blankets, which are made by tribal communities living in the island. The people of Majuli use bamboo to make a variety of items ranging from musical instruments and fishing equipments to even their houses. Visitors can also buy handwoven gamusa, a multi-purpose cloth used in Assam.
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