Best places to visit in Assam

A“Peerless” land, as that is what Assam means owing its derivation from a Sanskrit word 'ASOMA', is an entryway to the North East India. It is a region where nature herself has painted the vibrant landscape, hillocks, woods , brooks and streams, flora and fauna and above all the affectionate people. Crafted with much special care, the state of Assam India cast a spell on the travelers exploring the treasures of pleasure on Assam tourism. An abode of one horned rhino, blue rivers and red mountains, aromatic tea gardens make Tourism in Assam a special experience. Assam bears a testimony of rich cultural heritage through its temples, monuments, and torrential Brahmaputra River. It is legendary state in terms of traditions and civilization and hence makes for an amzing experience - in short Assam tourism info gives you best of Assams incredible travel experience

1.Jorhat

The Cinnamora Tea Estate is the first tea garden of Assam which is famous for its tea. The Cinnamora tea estate started functioning in the year 1850. The tea estate was set up by Maniram Dewan. Maniram Dewan worked as a sirastadar of an assistant commissioner attached under the British government posted at Jorhat. The Cinnamora tea estate is located within 10 km from the Jorhat city centre. The picturesque tea garden is ravishing green during the peak harvest seasons. It is a treat to walk on the narrow lanes bounded by short tea bushes. If you want to learn how tea is harvested, the Cinnamora Tea Estate is one of the ideal places to learn it. With happy and welcoming tea workers, talking to them and learning more isn’t difficult. To reach the tea garden, tourists can hire cabs from Jorhat city centre or even take the public transport buses available at regular intervals. 

2.Sualkuchi

Sualkuchi is a small sleepy village that displays the culture and traditions of Assam in its best form. The weaving village is however, best known for its skills and craftsmanship for producing one of the best kinds of silk in the state and thus earning its self a nickname of 'Manchester of East'.

One can witness the ethnicity and rustic view of the village in form of the bamboo houses and walls covered with mud in order to maintain cool in summers and warmth in winters. Also rich in flora and fauna, Sualkuchi is an ecologically diverse area inhabiting not only the local exotic animals and birds but also varied species of migratory birds. Dotted with temples, namghars and monasteries at every step, the village is a wholesome package for tourists. Silkwork is yet another feather in Sualkuchi's hat. Some very fascinating and intricate designs are developed on the naturally golden Muga silk in the karkhanas or workshops that can be found beside almost every house. The village of Sualkuchi situated on the northern banks of River Brahmaputra with sprawling green hills all around is a beautiful place to visit, exhibiting a charm that will leave you completely awe-inspired.

3.Tezpur

The legend revolves around Banasura, the great Asura king (devotee of Shiva), his beautiful daughter Usha and her friend Chitralekha. The ancient Sonitpur was the capital of the Asura dynasty. The princess saw a handsome prince in her dreams and fell in love with him. Chitralekha, a talented artist, not only painted his portrait from Usha's description but also recognized him to be Aniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna and ruler of Dwarka. Using her magical powers, Chitralekha spirited Aniruddha away to the princess' boudoir where the two married each other according to Gandharva rites, without the knowledge of the king. When Banasura learnt of the clandestine romance, he imprisoned Aniruddha, which led to the arrival of Lord Krishna to Sonitpur to rescue his grandson. A fierce battle followed and the entire city was drenched in human blood, hence the name Sonitpur. In the battle of Hari (Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva in the form of Banasura), Bana was defeated and the lovers were united forever.

Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, Tezpur town known for its natural beauty and fascinating archaeological ruins, it is the headquarters of district Sonitpur. Undulating green valleys surrounded by the lofty hills and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and lush tea gardens render Tezpur a tourist's delight

4. Sivasagar

An important landmark in Sibsagar town is the 200 old Sibsagar tank. This tank is situated in the center of the town. On its banks are three major temples, namely the Shiva Dol, the Vishnu Dol and the Devi Dol, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, repsectively. Apart from this, the major attractions within the town are Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Tolatol Ghar, Gaurisagar Tank, Gargaon Palace and Charaideo. On a vacation to Assam, do make sure to plan a short trip to the town of Sibsagar as well

5.North Cachar Hills

Also known as Dima Hasao district of Assam, the place inhabits minor and major tribes like Dimasa kachauris, Zeme Nagas, The Hmars and The Kukis with a minimum population in terms of space covered. Anyone who is visiting these hills can experience Nature even with their eyes closed. 

Sipping a cup of tea while watching birds at Jatinga, a district in Dima Hasao; enjoying a long walk in the ‘Scotland of Assam' (Haflong) and shop local handloom at Haflong bazar would combine a trip to North Cachar Hills. With all that, swing in the clouds above your head. One can reach this place from nearest Silchar airport from where a rough 140 km road drive will land you finally on these thrilling hills and you will be in one of the best places to visit in Assam.

6.Majuli

The biggest river island in the world, Majuli is located on the river Brahmaputra in Assam and is formed by Brahmaputra in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the river Subansiri in the north. Making you feel at peace with nature, it is home to many migratory birds. Located 1100 km away from the mouth of the Brahmaputra, Majuli had an area of 1256 sq km in 1991 but due to soil erosion, it has now reduced to 875 sq km.

Majuli has been the cultural capital of the Assamese civilization since the 16th century and its main village, Naghmar, hosts all the important events, festivals and prayers. A good learning center for neo-Vaishnavite philosophy, there are 22 Vaishnava Satras in the city, the first of which was established in the 15th century by Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese culture. These attract a lot of tourists.

7. Umananda Island

Northeast India is a favourite among tourists, with its abundance of natural resources making it a place of immense beauty. Among the Northeast's many beautiful locations is the world's smallest inhabited river island, Umananda Island, in Assam.

Lord Shiva created this island for his wife Parvati’s happiness. Another name given to the island is Bhasmachal and there is an interesting story behind it. Apparently, the God of Love as per Indian mythology, Kamdev, was burnt to ashes here after interrupting Shiva who was in deep meditation.

Also known as Peacock Island due to its resemblance to peacock feathers, one historically prominent place here is Umananda temple. This temple was built in 1964 by Ahom King Gadadhar Singha and attracts thousands of devotees. The devotees come to this sacred shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings from Shiva.

8. Manas National Park

A famous wildlife zone and one of the exhilarating places to visit in Assam can bring you directly to Manas National park. A world heritage site declared by UNESCO, an elephant reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and a Project Tiger reserve is all the highlighted tags that these park posses. This place is known as home for rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog. 

If one wants to achieve golden moments within the thickly dense forests and enjoy the ripples of river water, a combination of tropical, deciduous trees with the flow of Manas river can totally cheer the mood up. Visit here and bring your wild side out in the laps of Natural beauty. Moreover, it is easily connected from the city of Guwahati by road as well as a rail as it lies 137 km Northwest to the city.

9.Guwahati

Guwahati is a sprawling city beside the Brahmaputra River in the northeast Indian state of Assam. It’s known for holy sites like the hilltop Kamakhya Temple, featuring shrines to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu. To the east, 18th-century Navagraha Temple is an astronomical center with planetary shrines. Umananda Temple, dedicated to Shiva and covered with engravings, stands on Peacock Island in the river.

10.Dibrugarh

Another industrial town in North East corner of the state, on the banks of river Brahmaputra, is Dibrugarh and it attracts many people because of its own charm and hence, becomes one of the ultimate tourist places in Assam. The surrounding areas of this town are Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Siva Sagar which have got tea producing estates. So, this region is one of the highest tea producing districts in India and its lush green serene beauty attracts thousands of visitors not just to soothe their eyes but also to satiate their taste of tea. 

The region has amazing wildlife sanctuaries and forests including Jokai Botanical Garden cum Germplasm Center, Jeypore Rainforest, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuaries. It also hosts grand temple of Radha Krishna and a Buddhist vihara. Not only this, Vaishnavite culture speaks boldly in this region with monasteries or ‘satras' like Dehing Namti, Dinjoy, Grapara, Dehing etc. A blend of culture, religious and wildlife for which Assam is happy to welcome people, is seen in Dibrugarh as well.