Assam, the gateway to Northeast India, is a land of lush green tea gardens, the mighty Brahmaputra river, rich wildlife, ancient temples, and vibrant cultures.
Here are some of the top tourist places to see in Assam:
1. Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks:
* Kaziranga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
* Why: Famous for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Also home to tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and a huge variety of birds.
* Activities: Jeep safaris, elephant safaris.
* Manas National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
* Why: A Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. Known for its rare and endangered wildlife like the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog.
* Activities: Jeep safaris, river rafting (seasonal).
* Nameri National Park & Tiger Reserve:
* Why: Excellent for birdwatching (over 300 species), angling (golden mahseer), and river rafting on the Jia Bhoroli river. Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and more.
* Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:
* Why: A biosphere reserve known for its pristine scenic beauty, wild horses (feral horses), and rich birdlife.
* Activities: Boat safaris, trekking.
* Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:
* Why: Has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world, making sightings almost guaranteed. It's relatively small and close to Guwahati.
* Activities: Jeep safaris, elephant safaris.
* Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary (Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary):
* Why: Home to India's only apes – the Hoolock Gibbons, and also the Bengal slow loris and other primates. Located near Jorhat.
2. Religious & Spiritual Sites:
* Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati):
* Why: One of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India, located atop Nilachal Hill. Famous for the Ambubachi Mela.
* Umananda Temple (Guwahati):
* Why: Situated on Peacock Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Reachable by ferry.
* Navagraha Temple (Guwahati):
* Why: "Temple of Nine Planets," an ancient center for astrology and astronomy.
* Basistha Ashram (Guwahati):
* Why: A picturesque ashram with temples, believed to be the meditation site of Sage Vasistha.
* Sivadol, Vishnudol, Devidol (Sivasagar):
* Why: Tall, ancient temples built by the Ahom kings on the banks of the Sivasagar tank (Joysagar). Sivadol is one of the tallest Shiva temples in India.
* Hayagriva Madhava Temple (Hajo):
* Why: An important pilgrimage site for both Hindus (as a Vishnu temple) and Buddhists (who believe Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana here).
* Poa Mecca (Hajo):
* Why: A significant Muslim shrine, believed to have been built with soil from Mecca.
3. Cultural & Historical Sites:
* Majuli Island:
* Why: One of the world's largest river islands (though shrinking). It's the cradle of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavite culture, with numerous Satras (monasteries) where you can witness traditional art forms like mask-making, pottery, and Sattriya dance.
* Activities: Visit Satras, explore villages, birdwatching, enjoy sunsets over the Brahmaputra.
* Sivasagar (Sibsagar):
* Why: The historical capital of the Ahom Kingdom.
* Sites: Rang Ghar (an ancient amphitheater, often called the "Colosseum of the East"), Talatal Ghar (Ahom palace with underground levels), Kareng Ghar (Gargaon Palace), Charaideo Maidams (burial mounds of Ahom royalty).
* Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (Guwahati):
* Why: A cultural institution showcasing the art, culture, and traditions of Assam and Northeast India. Has a museum, open-air theatre, and art gallery.
* Tezpur:
* Why: A city steeped in mythology and history, known for its ancient ruins and scenic beauty.
* Sites: Agnigarh (a hillock with a circular staircase, offering panoramic views, linked to a mythological love story), Mahabhairav Temple, Cole Park (Chitralekha Udyan).
* Sualkuchi:
* Why: Known as the "Manchester of Assam," this is a silk weaving village famous for its Muga silk, Eri silk, and Pat silk. You can see weavers at work on their traditional looms.
4. Natural Beauty & Scenic Spots:
* Brahmaputra River:
* Why: The lifeline of Assam. Enjoy river cruises (short rides to multi-day luxury cruises), witness stunning sunsets, and observe riverine life.
* Tea Gardens (Upper Assam - Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia):
* Why: Assam is world-famous for its tea. Drive through endless stretches of manicured tea estates, visit a tea factory to see the processing, and stay in heritage tea bungalows.
* Haflong:
* Why: Assam's only hill station, offering beautiful landscapes, Haflong Lake, and a glimpse into the culture of the Dimasa people. Jatinga nearby is famous (or infamous) for the mysterious bird suicide phenomenon (occurs specific times of year).
* Chandubi Lake:
* Why: A natural lake formed during an earthquake, a popular picnic spot offering boating and serene surroundings.
Best Time to Visit:
October to April: The weather is pleasant, ideal for wildlife safaris, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. Winters (December-February) can be cool.
Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to floods and park closures.
How to Reach:
By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati is the main gateway. Other airports include Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur, and Lilabari.
By Rail: Guwahati is a major railway hub, well-connected to the rest of India.
By Road: A good network of national and state highways connects Assam to neighboring states.
Assam offers a diverse range of experiences for every kind of traveler!
