Best Places to Visit in Assam | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Assam Travel Guide
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Welcome to Assam, India! Located in the northeastern part of the country, Assam is a state known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. This enchanting destination is home to the mighty Brahmaputra River, which flows through the heart of the state, offering mesmerizing views and opportunities for river cruises. Assam is also famous for its lush tea gardens, producing some of the finest tea in the world. Additionally, the state is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are home to rare and endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. With its vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, Assam promises an unforgettable travel experience.
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Best Places To Visit in Assam
1. Guwahati: Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and serves as its gateway. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient temples, including the famous Kamakhya Temple. Guwahati also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is a great base for exploring the wildlife reserves and national parks in the region.
2. Kaziranga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses and also houses a significant number of tigers, elephants, and various bird species. Visitors can enjoy thrilling jeep safaris and elephant rides to get up close to these magnificent creatures.
3. Majuli: Majuli is the world's largest river island and a unique cultural hub in Assam. It is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional dance forms, and the famous Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries). The island offers a serene and picturesque environment, with lush green paddy fields and the mighty Brahmaputra River flowing alongside.
4. Tezpur: Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra, Tezpur is a historical town with a rich heritage. It is known for its ancient ruins, including the famous Agnigarh Hill, which is associated with a romantic legend from Hindu mythology. Tezpur also offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is a popular spot for adventure activities like river rafting and trekking.
5. Jorhat: Jorhat is often referred to as the "Tea Capital of Assam" due to its numerous tea gardens and tea research institutes. Visitors can explore the lush green estates, learn about the tea-making process, and even indulge in tea tasting sessions. Jorhat is also home to the historic Raja Maidam, a royal burial ground, and the famous Tocklai Tea Research Institute.
6. Sivasagar: Sivasagar, also known as Rangpur, was once the capital of the Ahom Kingdom. The town is dotted with historical monuments, including the iconic Sivasagar Sivadol, which is the tallest Shiva temple in India. Other attractions include the Rang Ghar, a royal sports pavilion, and the Talatal Ghar, a grand palace complex. Sivasagar offers a glimpse into Assam's glorious past and architectural marvels.
7. Dibrugarh: Dibrugarh is a major commercial and industrial hub in Assam, known for its tea and oil industries. The town is surrounded by vast tea estates and offers a serene environment for nature lovers. Visitors can take leisurely walks through the tea gardens, visit the beautiful Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, or take a river cruise on the Brahmaputra River.
8. Haflong: Haflong is the only hill station in Assam and is often referred to as the "Switzerland of the East." Nestled amidst the picturesque Dima Hasao district, Haflong offers breathtaking views of the rolling hills, lush valleys, and pristine lakes. It is a perfect destination for trekking, bird watching, and experiencing the unique culture of the Dimasa tribe.
9. Majgaon: Majgaon is a small town located in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. It is known for its scenic beauty, with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene rivers. The town is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like river rafting, camping, and hiking. Majgaon also provides a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Karbi people.
10. Digboi: Digboi is an important historical town in Assam, known for its rich oil heritage. It is home to the oldest operational oil refinery in Asia and offers insights into the region's oil industry. Visitors can explore the Digboi Oil Museum, visit the iconic Digboi War Cemetery, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding tea gardens and forests.
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Food & Drinks To Try In Assam
1. Assam Tea: Assam is famous for its tea plantations, and Assam tea is known for its strong and malty flavor. Make sure to try a cup of authentic Assam tea while visiting the region.
2. Pitha: Pitha is a traditional Assamese snack made from rice flour and filled with various sweet or savory fillings. It is often steamed or fried and can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or as a snack throughout the day.
3. Masor Tenga: Masor Tenga is a tangy fish curry that is a staple in Assamese cuisine. It is made with fish, tomatoes, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. The sourness of the dish comes from the use of tomatoes or other souring agents like elephant apple or lemon.
4. Khaar: Khaar is a unique dish from Assam made with a combination of different types of vegetables, pulses, and meat. It is cooked with a special ingredient called "khaar" which is made by filtering water through the ashes of dried banana peels. The dish has a smoky flavor and is usually enjoyed with rice.
5. Aloo Pitika: Aloo Pitika is a simple yet delicious mashed potato dish that is popular in Assam. It is made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with mustard oil, onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves. It is often served as a side dish with rice or roti.
6. Bhut Jolokia: Assam is known for its fiery chili peppers, and the Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Pepper, is one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. If you are a fan of spicy food, make sure to try dishes that incorporate Bhut Jolokia for an intense flavor experience.
7. Xajpani: Xajpani is a traditional Assamese sweet made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. It is shaped into small balls and steamed, giving it a soft and chewy texture. Xajpani is often enjoyed as a dessert or as a sweet treat during festivals and special occasions.
8. Assamese Thali: To truly experience the flavors of Assam, try an Assamese Thali, which is a platter consisting of a variety of dishes served in small bowls. It typically includes rice, dal, various vegetable curries, fish or meat curry, pickles, and a sweet dish. This allows you to sample a wide range of Assamese cuisine in one meal.
9. Apong: Apong is a traditional rice beer that is popular in Assam. It is made by fermenting rice or millet and has a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Apong is often consumed during festivals and social gatherings and is considered a significant part of Assamese culture.
10. Tenga Anja: Tenga Anja is a refreshing drink made from elephant apple, which is a sour fruit found in Assam. The fruit is boiled with water and sugar to create a tangy and cooling beverage. It is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day in Assam.
Best Time To Visit Assam
The best time to visit Assam, India is during the winter months of November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is also the ideal time to explore the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Assam, such as Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, as the weather is favorable for wildlife sightings. Additionally, the famous Bihu festival takes place in Assam during January, which is a colorful and vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. However, it is important to note that Assam experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to September, which may hinder outdoor activities and sightseeing. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid visiting Assam during the monsoon season.
Flight Calendar For Assam
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Transportation To Assam
There are several transportation options to Assam, India.
1. By Air: The nearest international airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. It is well-connected to major cities in India and also has international flights to Bhutan, Thailand, and Myanmar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination in Assam.
2. By Train: Assam has a well-developed railway network with several major railway stations. Guwahati Railway Station is the largest and most well-connected railway station in Assam. It is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. There are also other railway stations in Assam like Dibrugarh, Silchar, and Jorhat, which are connected to different parts of the country.
3. By Road: Assam is well-connected by road to neighboring states and major cities in India. National Highways like NH-27, NH-37, and NH-52 pass through Assam, providing easy access by road. You can either drive your own vehicle or take a bus or taxi to reach Assam.
4. By Water: Assam is also connected to neighboring states and countries through waterways. The Brahmaputra River, which flows through Assam, is navigable and provides transportation options for cargo as well as passenger ferries. There are regular ferry services between Assam and neighboring states like Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
Once you reach Assam, you can further explore the state using local transportation options like buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.