26 Assam Tourists Places – Festivals, Natural Wonders, Best Time
Top Assam Tourists Places: Assam, a jewel of Northeast India, offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences that attract tourists from all over the world. From lush green tea gardens to majestic national parks, and from ancient temples to bustling cities, Assam is a diverse destination that caters to every type of traveler. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, Assam has something for everyone. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the captivating tourist spots in Assam.
Natural Wonders – Assam Tourists Places
1. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. This sprawling sanctuary is also home to tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. The park’s unique landscape of grasslands and wetlands makes it an ideal habitat for these majestic animals. The best time to visit Kaziranga is from November to April when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are at their peak.
2. Manas National Park
Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Manas National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts an incredible range of biodiversity. It is known for its conservation efforts, particularly for the endangered Assam roofed turtle and the golden langur. The park offers opportunities for adventure with activities like river rafting and trekking, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
3. Majuli Island
Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is a cultural haven located on the Brahmaputra River. This island is famous for its satras (monasteries) which are centers of Assamese culture and religious life. Visitors can experience the vibrant festivals, traditional dance forms like Bihu, and the serene landscape that includes lush paddy fields and wetlands. Majuli is accessible by ferry, adding to its charm as a tranquil getaway.
Also Read: Jorhat to Majuli
4. Nameri National Park
For those seeking adventure, Nameri National Park provides opportunities for river rafting, trekking, and bird-watching. The park’s diverse landscape, ranging from thick forests to rivers, supports a variety of wildlife including the elusive tiger and the rare white-winged wood duck.
5. Dima Hasao
Dima Hasao, a lesser-known gem, is perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Its rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls offer numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities. The region’s rich cultural heritage adds to its allure, providing visitors with a blend of natural beauty and local traditions.
Historical and Cultural Sites
6. Sivasagar
Sivasagar, once the capital of the Ahom kingdom, is rich in historical significance. The town is dotted with architectural marvels like Rang Ghar, a historic amphitheater, and Talatal Ghar, a royal palace with a fascinating underground complex. These sites offer a glimpse into Assam’s royal past and are essential stops for history buffs.
7. Hajo
Hajo is a unique destination that holds religious importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims alike. The Hajo Pukhuri, a large water tank, and the Hayagriva Madhava Temple are significant attractions. Visitors can explore the cultural and spiritual harmony that defines Hajo, making it a thought-provoking and enriching experience.
8. Tezpur
Tezpur, known as the ‘City of Eternal Romance,’ features ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Agnigarh Fort, with its picturesque views of the Brahmaputra River, and Bamuni Hills, with its historical temples, are highlights of Tezpur. The town’s blend of historical relics and natural beauty offers a unique travel experience.
9. Jorhat
Jorhat, often referred to as the ‘Tea Capital of Assam,’ is a hub for tea enthusiasts. The town is home to several tea estates that offer guided tours and tastings. Jorhat is also known for its historical sites such as the Raja Maidam and the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, which provides insights into Assam’s tea industry.
10. Haflong
Haflong, the only hill station in Assam, is renowned for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Surrounded by hills and lush forests, Haflong offers a peaceful retreat with attractions like the Haflong Lake and the Maibong ruins. The town’s serene environment makes it a perfect destination for relaxation and nature walks.
Urban Attractions
11. Guwahati
As Assam’s largest city, Guwahati is the gateway to the state’s tourist attractions. The Kamakhya Temple, an important pilgrimage site, and the Umananda Temple on Peacock Island are major highlights. Guwahati also offers a vibrant shopping scene and diverse dining options, making it a bustling hub for travelers.
12. Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh, known as the ‘Tea City of India,’ is famous for its tea gardens and lush landscapes. The Jokai Botanical Garden is a serene spot to explore local flora, while the city’s tea estates offer a glimpse into Assam’s tea culture. Dibrugarh’s peaceful ambiance makes it a great destination for relaxation and exploration.
13. Silchar
Silchar, located in the southern part of Assam, is known for its picturesque surroundings and cultural heritage. The town offers attractions like the Khaspur ruins, a historical site of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom, and the beautiful Silchar Lake. The vibrant market areas and local cuisine add to the town’s charm.
14. The River Brahmaputra
The River Brahmaputra flows into Assam from Tibet and divides the state of Assam into two parts. The Brahmaputra is known as the Lord of Rivers and there are excellent reasons for it. In sheer splendor and majesty, no river comes close to the Brahmaputra. It would be a great idea for tourists to go on a cruise trip through the Brahmaputra and watch the rich and diverse land on either side, as they cruise through the middle of Assam. Get your best camera and start clicking away at the wildlife you see on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
15. Zoological Gardens
The Zoological Gardens is located in Guwahati, the biggest city in Assam and is spread across an area of 135 hectares. It is actually a natural forest which is classified officially as a zoo. It has a beautiful botanical garden. In the Zoological Garden, the animals are not trapped in small cages, but have much greater freedom of movement, and are kept as close to their natural habitat as possible, without it being risky for visitors. Your kids will have a field day here identifying all the animals and birds.
16. ISKON Temple, Guwahati
The ISKCON temple in Guwahati is considered to be a must visit for anybody visiting the city. It has pure white architecture and is built completely of marble. The idols of Lord Krishna and his consort Rukmani are the main attractions of the temple. It is also a very family friendly temple and a great place for children to have fun while parents pray to Lord Krishna.
17. Dibru Saikhowa National Park
This is another of Assam’s rich national parks, famous as one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots on the planet. The Dibru Saikowa National Park is located at Tinsukia. It is covered by thick deciduous forests and by a vast swampy region. It has very rare wildlife species such as the feral horse.
18. Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra or just Kalakshetra, is to be found at Juripar on Punjabari Road. It is a lovely campus built in the honor of Bhupen Hazarika, one of the greatest singers in Indian history and a legend in Assam. The Kalashetra holds several cultural gatherings, classical singing and dancing competitions in its open air theatre. Many great artists in the North-East as well as from the rest of India has performed here. It also has lovely water pools, is covered with greenery and is located on a hill, in a scenic location. There is also a nice museum here, where various items from Bhupen Hazarika’s life are showcased.
19. Shilpgram
The Shilpgram is very close to the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra on the Punjabari Road in Juripur. It has several stalls where lovely arts and handicrafts are sold from various North Eastern states. There is also a grand exhibition hall and vast auditorium where several cultural events are held throughout the year. Tourists should only visit the Shilpgram when a cultural event is held there, otherwise there is no point in going there. During cultural events, the Shilpgram is packed with large crowds and is a beehive of activity.
20. Orang National Park
The Orang National Park is the site of the Royal Bengal tiger, the rare one horned rhinoceros, as well as many elephants, leopards and so on. Although not as vast as the Kaziranga National Park – it has a size of only 78 sq kms – it is quite rich in its biodiversity. It is also a place where a plenty of rare migratory birds have their habitat.
21. Diphu
Diphu is an interesting town that is famous for being at the center of several surrounding tourist attractions. Such as the Arnoretum, which is a large lush green location close by where one may have a great picnic with the family. Or the Botanical Gardens, which has a rich collection of plants and trees, and has a large lake where boating may be done. For the intelligent tourist, a trip to the 150-year old District Museum in Diphu is a must, where several North Eastern tribal artifacts are displayed.
22. Umrangshu
Umrangshu is a thickly forested hilly region in Assam, which is as yet unspoilt and has nature at its purest. It is a great place to do some adventurous trekking amid nature. Umrangshu is also the site of a natural hot string called Garampani. This hot spring is very popular as its water is said to have medicinal value. There is also the Kapili Hydel Power Plant close by.
23. Saraighat Bridge
The Saraighat Bridge is very important as it is the link between the entire North-East of India and the rest of India. It was built in 1964, a couple of years after the India-China war and is considered very important for India’s national integrity. It has a railway line as well as a road. It would be a good idea to take your camera along and capture the Saraighat Bridge on it – the bridge that holds India together.
24. Vashishtha Ashram
Built by the Ahom king Raja Rajeshwar, the Vashistha Ashra is considered important for Hindu devotees. It is situated on the Sandhychal hills in a very scenic spot. It is an ideal spot to do some meditation or Yoga. Also, if you need to get away from the maddening rush of city life, the Vashishtha Ashram offers an ideal escape route.
25. North Cachar Hills
The North Cachar Hills is a great get-a-way to take a girlfriend or boyfriend for a a bit if solitude and peace, and freedom from prying eyes! It is said to be the abode of lovers, and it is quite a lovely sight, with the enchanting waterfalls, onrushing streams and crisscrossing rivulets. It may be compared to the famous hill station Ooty in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. Some of the loveliest lush green valleys are to be found at the North Cachar Hills. Its most noted attractions are the Jatinga, Haflong, Maibang, Umrangso and Panimoor.
26. Digboi
Digboi is a beautiful little town that is famous for being the site of Asia’s very first oil refinery, which is over hundred years old. But that’s not it. You can watch the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas from a vantage point in Digboi. Digboi is also the site of lovely tea gardens. As a knowledgeable tourist, you may also want to visit the Digboi Centenary Museum to get a glimpse into the history of not just of Assam, but of the whole of North-East, and of Digboi’s relevance to this great mosaic.
Festivals and Events
Bihu Festival
Bihu is Assam’s most celebrated festival, marking the Assamese New Year and the harvest season. The festival is characterized by traditional dance performances, music, and feasts. Participating in Bihu celebrations offers a deep insight into Assamese culture and is an experience not to be missed.
Rath Yatra in Assam
The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is a significant event in Assam’s cultural calendar. Held in various locations, including Guwahati, this festival features grand processions and vibrant celebrations. Observing the Rath Yatra provides a unique opportunity to witness the religious fervor and community spirit of Assam.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Assam
The ideal time to explore Assam is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and suitable for travel. The monsoon season (June to September) can be challenging due to heavy rains, but it also offers a lush, green landscape for those who enjoy the rain-soaked beauty.
Travel Safety and Health Tips
When traveling in Assam, it’s advisable to carry mosquito repellent, stay hydrated, and be cautious of local wildlife. Ensure that you have necessary vaccinations and check local travel advisories before your trip.
Local Cuisine and Food Recommendations
Assamese cuisine is rich and diverse, with dishes like Assam Laksa, Khar, and Pitha. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local delicacies and experience the unique flavors of Assamese food.
Conclusion
Assam is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical marvels, and cultural richness. From its stunning national parks and serene river islands to its vibrant cities and ancient sites, Assam offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore its wild landscapes, immerse yourself in its cultural festivals, or simply enjoy its scenic beauty, Assam promises an unforgettable adventure.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Assam?
- The best time to visit Assam is from November to April when the weather is pleasant and suitable for travel.
- Can I visit national parks without a special permit?
- Visits to national parks such as Kaziranga and Manas may require special permits. It’s best to check with local authorities or tour operators beforehand.
- What local dishes should I try in Assam?
- You should try dishes like Assam Laksa, Khar, Pitha, and various local fish preparations.
- How can I travel around Assam efficiently?
- Hiring a local guide or using reliable transportation services can help you navigate Assam efficiently. Public transport, taxis, and rental cars are available options.
- Are there any cultural festivals in Assam that tourists should not miss?
- The Bihu Festival and Rath Yatra are significant cultural events that offer a rich experience of Assamese traditions and celebrations.
