The splendid Gateway to North-East India, Assam is one of the most visited Indian states known for its immaculate charms. The state has been adorned with rolling fields of tea plantation, boats sailing down the beautiful Brahmaputra River and dense jungles with unseen wildlife. This North Eastern Indian state overwhelms travelers with its exquisiteness and serenity. Cultures of Assam are as astonishing as the nature sprawling here. Locals here are deeply rooted to their history and traditions and follow them by heart. �
Once the capital city of the tea state of Assam, Guwahati is a land of cultures and natural wealth. The city is blessed with lush green hills, never-ending stretches of tea plantations and pristine winding Brahmaputra River. The Kaziranga National Park and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary here are known across the world for being home to the rare one-horned-rhinoceros. In Kaziranga, you can spot the majestic tigers while riding an elephant. Guwahati proudly owns some of the most sacred and ancient temples of Assam. The tiny village of Hajo is dotted with many significant temples some of which include Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Madan Kamdev Temple and the Kedareswara Temple.
Dispur is the capital city of Assam known for the largest tea production. Here you can find numerous sites to explore. Start with the Assam State Museum showcasing the rich cultural past through sculptures, woodwork, paintings, royal garments, weapons, etc.� Assam State Zoo and Botanical Gardens, established in 1957, lures travelers of all age groups with sights of white tiger, rhinoceros, leopard and Himalayan black bear. �The Park also has Children’s park, forest museum and joy rides which keep little angels engaged. Sualkuchi in Dispur is renowned for high quality silk production. Other popular places to visit in Dispur include Uma Nanda Temple, Srimanta Shakardeva Kalashetra, Regional Science Centre and Museum, Janardana Temple and Navagraha Temple to name a few. ��
An ideal blend of history, culture and nature, Jorhat is rightly called as the Cultural Capital of Assam. Jorhat has the largest Tea research station in India and thus, it remains on the bucket list of every tea devotee. Majuli Island in Jorhat is the largest riverine island on the planet. This world natural heritage site by UNESCO is a dream of every cameraman. It has an affluent cultural and religious association apart from being a delight for birdwatchers. Also, spend some time close to the Kakochang Waterfalls flowing amidst rubber and coffee plantations. The waterfalls are beautifully nestling with lush green plantations and from here you can spot ruins of Numaligarh.
If you are looking for a place to ditch the hectic world, then Tezpur is an ideal place for you. Tezpur is Assam’s oldest inhabited city. Nameri National Park, lying on the Himalayan foothills, is great to savor the rarest forms of nature. The park houses dense elephant population apart from tiger, sambar, leopard, Bengal fox, mouse deer, etc. Also visit Bamuni Hills inspired from Gupta style of architecture. Capture the ancient architectural brilliance showcasing in the stone carvings on the walls. Wildlife lovers must explore the Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary spreading over an area of 44.06 sq.km. The sanctuary acts home to diverse wildlife, including wild pig, one horned rhino, elephants, etc. Other places to visit in Tezpur include Chitralekha Udyan, Da-Parbatia, District Museum, Ouguri Hill, etc. �
Digboi is often referred as the ‘Oil City’ as India’s first ever oil refinery was set up here. It belongs to the 18th century and is also renowned for the manufacturing of traditional textiles. Do visit Digboi Oil Refinery which is counted among the world’s oldest oil refineries. The oil refinery is still in working condition and produces a wide range of petroleum products. If you are a devoted tea drinker, then visit Margherita unfolding lush tea gardens. Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary of Digboi is counted amongst the 19 biodiversity hot spots on the planet. Travelers visiting here can spot royal Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, leopard and wild buffalo apart from over 300 species of birds.
Diphu in Assam is a solitary natural wonder. The Botanical Garden here is great for leisurely walks amidst medicinal plants, herbs and flowers. The garden enthralls nature lovers with a perfect picnic location where boating facilities are also available. The District Museum of Diphu tells a lot about the cultures of Assam through ancient ornaments, musical instruments, hunting tools, etc. To indulge in tribal cultures, there cannot be a better place than the Taralangso Cultural Centre showcasing diverse tribal dances performed by various tribal communities here.
By Air: Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport links the state with all other major Indian cities.
By Train: Assam enjoys direct rail services from cities like Calcutta, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc.
By Road: Traveling to Assam by road is a great experience.