Assam

Assam, the land of “Blue Hills and Red River

Assam, situated in the north-eastern part of India, is a state known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and exotic wildlife. From the mighty Brahmaputra River to the lush tea gardens and the one-horned rhinoceros, Assam offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists. In this article, we will take a look at some of the must-visit destinations in Assam.

Explore the Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world. The park is also home to other endangered species like tigers, elephants, and wild water buffaloes. A safari ride in Kaziranga is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts, as it gives you a chance to spot these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The park is open from November to April and is closed during the monsoon season.

Visit the Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. The temple is located on a hill in Guwahati and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is believed to have been built in the 10th century. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the Ambubachi Mela, which is held annually in June.

Discover the Majuli Island

Majuli Island is the largest river island in the world and is located on the Brahmaputra River. The island is known for its rich culture and heritage and is home to several Vaishnavite monasteries or satras. The satras are famous for their traditional dance forms, music, and handloom weaving. Visitors can also take a tour of the island to explore the local way of life and the beautiful landscape.

Experience the Tea Gardens

Assam is known for its lush tea gardens, which produce some of the finest tea in the world. A visit to one of these tea gardens is a must-do when in Assam. The tea gardens are located in the hills and offer a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a tour of the gardens to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the tea.

Explore the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a small sanctuary located in the Morigaon district of Assam. The sanctuary is home to the highest population of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world, after Kaziranga National Park. Visitors can take a jeep safari ride in the sanctuary to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is open from November to April.

Discover the Umananda Island

Umananda Island is a small island located on the Brahmaputra River, just a few kilometers from Guwahati. The island is home to the Umananda Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors can take a ferry ride to the island and explore the temple and the surrounding landscape. The island is also a great spot for birdwatching, with several species of birds found in the area.

Experience the Bihu Festival

The Bihu Festival is the most important festival in Assam and is celebrated with great pomp and show. The festival is held three times a year, with each festival corresponding to a different season. The festivals are known as Rongali Bihu (spring), Kongali Bihu (autumn), and Bhogali Bihu (winter). The festivals are celebrated with dance performances, music, and traditional food.

Visit the Sivasagar Temples

Sivasagar is a historical town located in the eastern part of Assam that served as the capital of the Ahom Kingdom for six centuries. The town is dotted with several ancient temples and monuments, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

The Sivasagar temples, also known as the Sivadol, are a group of three Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are located on the banks of the Sivasagar tank and are considered to be one of the finest examples of Ahom architecture. The temples were built in the 18th century by King Siva Singha and are known for their exquisite carvings and intricate designs.

The main temple, also known as the Shivadol, is the tallest of the three and stands at a height of 32 meters. The temple is built in a unique octagonal shape and has four entrances that lead to the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.

The other two temples, the Vishnudol and the Devidol, are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, respectively. Both temples are smaller in size but are equally impressive in terms of their architectural beauty and intricate carvings.

Apart from the Sivasagar temples, the town is also home to several other ancient monuments and temples that are worth visiting. The Rang Ghar, a two-storied amphitheater that was used for cultural events during the Ahom rule, is a popular tourist attraction. The Joysagar tank, which was built by King Rudra Singha in the 18th century, is also a must-visit destination.

Experience the Tea Gardens

Assam is known for its tea plantations, and a visit to the tea gardens is a must-do when in the state. The tea gardens in Assam are spread over vast areas and offer a scenic view of the rolling hills and the lush greenery.

The tea gardens are also a great place to learn about the tea-making process and the history of tea in Assam. You can take a guided tour of the tea factories and see how tea leaves are processed to make the famous Assam tea.

Some of the popular tea gardens in Assam include the Jalinga Tea Estate, the Dikom Tea Estate, and the Halmari Tea Estate. You can also stay in one of the tea garden bungalows to experience the tea garden life.

Explore Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Assam. The park is known for its one-horned rhinoceroses and is home to several other species of animals and birds.

The park is spread over an area of 430 square kilometers and is divided into four zones – the Central Range, the Western Range, the Eastern Range, and the Burapahar Range. The Central Range is the most popular range and is home to the majority of the one-horned rhinoceroses.

Apart from the one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga National Park is also home to tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and several species of deer. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and is home to over 400 species of birds.

You can take a jeep safari or an elephant safari to explore the park and see the animals in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is between November and April, when the park is open to visitors.

Experience the Bihu Festival

The Bihu Festival is the most important festival in Assam and is celebrated three times a year – in January, April, and October. The festival is a celebration of the agricultural cycle and is marked by dance, music, and feasting.

The Bihu Festival is one of the most significant and popular cultural festivals in Assam, celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The festival marks the beginning of the agricultural season and is celebrated three times a year, each corresponding to a different phase of the farming cycle.

The three Bihus are known as Magh Bihu, Rongali Bihu, and Kati Bihu. Magh Bihu is celebrated in the month of January, Rongali Bihu in April, and Kati Bihu in October. Each Bihu has its unique traditions, customs, and rituals.

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the most popular and grandest of the three Bihus. It is celebrated in mid-April when the winter crops are harvested, and the fields are ready for planting the next crop. The festival lasts for seven days and is marked by dance, music, feasting, and merrymaking.

During the Rongali Bihu, the people of Assam wear traditional attire and gather in open spaces to perform the Bihu dance. The Bihu dance is a traditional folk dance that is performed to the beat of the dhol, pepa, and taal. The dance is performed by both men and women and involves intricate footwork, hand gestures, and body movements.

Apart from the Bihu dance, the festival is also marked by the exchange of gifts, feasting, and community activities. Traditional Assamese delicacies such as pitha, laru, and jolpan are prepared and served during the festival.

Magh Bihu is celebrated in mid-January, during the harvesting of the winter crops. The festival is also known as Bhogali Bihu and is marked by community feasting and bonfires. The traditional Assamese delicacy during Magh Bihu is the pitha, a sweet or savory rice cake that is cooked on an open fire.

Kati Bihu is celebrated in October when the paddy fields are ready for transplantation. It is also known as Kangali Bihu or the poor man’s Bihu, as it is a low-key celebration compared to the other two Bihus. During Kati Bihu, the people of Assam offer prayers and perform rituals to ensure a good harvest for the coming year.

Apart from the Bihu Festival, Assam is also home to several other cultural festivals, such as the Ambubachi Mela, Brahmaputra Beach Festival, and Jonbeel Mela. The Ambubachi Mela is a unique festival celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, where thousands of devotees gather to witness the annual menstruation of the goddess.

The Brahmaputra Beach Festival is a three-day event that takes place in Guwahati and showcases the cultural heritage of Assam. The festival features music, dance, art, and craft exhibitions, along with adventure sports and a food festival.

The Jonbeel Mela is a tribal fair that takes place in the Morigaon district of Assam. The fair is a unique event where different tribes come together to barter goods and socialize. It is a celebration of the unity and diversity of the various tribes of Assam.

In conclusion, Assam is a land of vibrant culture, traditions, and festivals. The Bihu Festival is one of the most significant cultural events in Assam and is a must-see for anyone visiting the state. Apart from the Bihu Festival, Assam is also home to several other cultural festivals that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the state.

Best Time to Visit Assam:

November to March

Why Visit Assam:

To be a part of the euphoric festival celebration; check out one of the kind nature phenomena – river island at Majuli; sample scrumptious Machor Tenga and Duck Roast; visit the oldest temple in the history of India; go boat cruising on Brahmaputra river; purchase traditional silk garment and raft over ferocious Jia Bhorali River