Assam is a north-eastern territory of India and is a realm that offers exotic wildlife and reserves, countless tea plantations, fascinating preserved archaeological sites and of course endless scenic views. This Northeastern state, aka the gateway to Northeast India has been an intriguing destination to travellers for quite some time now.
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Tourists return with nothing more than admirable memories feeling warm and fuzzy by the incredible hospitality of the locals . In case you’re wondering what makes Assam so special and why you should visit the state, we’d like to steer you to Assam virtually.
Haflong Hill Station
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With clouds always reposed on the top and trees at the bottom,mountains always remind us of something larger than life. However, Haflong hills offer something completely distinctive. These hills are rather made of undulating plains, unlike the rest of the hill stations of India that are typically rocky and elevated. These rolling terrains make Haflong one of its kind.
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Other highlights include the Halfong Lake, the Silchar city, Jatinga (famous for the strange phenomenon of birds committing mass suicide), Maibong art and culture center etc. You can also indulge in some festive activities which include Behdeinkhlam Festival, Laho Dance etc. With breathtaking scenes and sheer serenity, Haflong is definitely worth a spot in your list.
Kamakhya Temple- Guwahati
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The Kamakhya Temple is one of the most sacred temples of India dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya and is the oldest of all the 51 shakti pithas. Nestled on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati city of Assam, this temple is a port of a call for tantric worshipers and definitely the most frequented tourist attraction of the city.
Many spirited rituals are followed during the time of the Ambubachi Festival celebrated during monsoons when you could expect around a lakh travellers from all over the world to be a part of this extravagant fiesta. No kidding!
The Umananda Temple
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Located right in the heart of the Brahmaputra River on the Peacock Island, built by the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha, the Umananda temple sits on the mountain known as Bhasmacala. Legend has it that lord Shiva himself meditated here in the form of Bhayananda.
The magnificent sculptures, the architectural quality and of course the route itself are some of the grounds for visiting this historic temple. You need to traverse in a ferry across the mighty Brahmaputra River in order to reach here that makes for an exciting excursion within the city.
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After an eventful day out, head out to one of the floating restaurants in the city for a gorgeous breezy evening with your friends. These restaurants also arrange sunset and dinner cruises as well as private charters for amazing views of the river. Dine, wine and let loose on the cruise with some amazing music to set your mood on to the far reaches of the horizon. A must do while in the city.
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Kaziranga National Park
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The Kaziranga National Park has almost 2 3rd shares of the world’s only and nearly extinct One-horned Rhinos. Well, not only massive rhinos, if your timing is right, you might come across even some of the big cats like Bengal tigers and leopards.
Mammals like wild boar, Indian gray mongoose, Barasingha deer, large Indian civet, Asian elephants, Bengal fox, golden jackal, and sloth bear are seen strolling around the reserve from time to time. If you are in Guwahati for a couple of days, a night’s stay at one of the nearby resorts to tour the park would be a refreshing getaway!
Manas National Park
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Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Manas National Park is another UNESCO World heritage site besides Kaziranga. Preserving some of the world’s amazing endangered species which includes Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, Golden Langur and pygmy hog (the last of the lot spotted only in Manas ), this is definitely on of the must places to visit in Assam. Take a jungle safari to spot the most prominent animal, the wild water buffalo found in these grasslands .
Sibsagar
The name literally means, the Ocean of Lord Shiva, this town dates back to the Ahom dynasty that simply mesmerizes you with its charm and beauty and of course its culturally rich heritage that is apparent in its amazing forts, temples and incredible underground architecture. An approximately 8 hour drive from Guwahati, if you are in Assam for a while, you would be missing major (photographers especially) if you don’t drop here for a day.
Highlights include- Shivadol, Gaurisagar Tank, Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Charaideo, Ahom Museum, Joysagar Tank and Temples and Gargaon Palace.
Hajo
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24 kms away from Guwahati, this ancient pilgrimage lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, lies. An integrated centre for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, many ancient architectural structures and artefacts enclose this pilgrimage.
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While there are many more temples equally significant but the most acknowledged temple is the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir which lies on the Monikut hill. Hajo will easily make for a day trip, so, you will have your evening free to get back to the city and hang around.
Digboi
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Digboi is home to India’s first ever oil refinery ever and one of the oldest in the world. Digboi comes with well developed infrastructure and tourist apartments and guest houses making this little town quite unique and tourism worthy. Assamese culture and heritage are present in abundance.
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Not only oil wells, but also various tea plantations can be seen in the town. So, if Digboi makes it to your itinerary, then you must not miss – the War Cemetery (200 British soldiers burials of WW II ), Margherita town, Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tilinga Mandir (bell temple displaying 1000s of bells in all sizes).
Diphu
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A 5 hour drive from the main city of Assam, this quaint little town of Assam is visited by many nearby travellers. A culturally rich hill station, Diphu is home to various communities such as the Karbis, Dimasa, Tiwa, Goro, and Boro. Diphu celebrates all major festivals including Christmas, Durga Puja and Diwali followed by some of their traditional festivals like Rongker, Bushu-Dima Wangala, Bihu etc.
Book a flight to Guwahati.
A day trip to Diphu must include the Statue of Rongpharpi Rongbe, Arboretum (a beautiful picnic spot)Botanical Garden, 18th century built District Museum and Recreation Park cum Medicinal Garden etc. All in all, this tiny hill station offers assorted cultural and scenic colors of beauty.
Majuli Island
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Also known as India’s largest and the world’s largest river island, Majuli Island floats over the Brahmaputra River with admiration that reflects the true essence of Assamese Neo-Vashnavite cultural beauty and is home to many colorful events & festivals round the year, Raas Purnima being one of the major crowd pullers.
Brahmaputra River and Kherkutia Xuti form the 400 year old island which elongates about 300-400 kilometers approximately, this picturesque island easily makes you feel at peace with nature as stunning scenery welcomes you from every corner during your ferry ride here.
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Stuffed with wildlife, thick vegetation and a lot of migratory birds, its raw beauty enraptures you completely. Furthermore, the simpler life of the locals here is enough to make you fall in love with this paradise.
Sualkuchi
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Ever heard of the “Silk Village” or “Manchester of the East”? You heard it right. Sualkuchi is the possible silk state of India. Lounging on the banks of Brahmaputra River, Sualkuchi is known for its ravishing Muga silk and Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth.
Not only silk, Sualkuchi is the focal point for industries like pottery, handloom weaving and a handful more. Consequently, the work ethics of this village is otherworldly. Definitely falls on the list of places to visit in Assam if you are seeking a culturally rich experience.
