15 Things To Do in Assam
Assam, the land of greens and hills has its own majestic aura which has been drawing people close to it from places since years. The beauty of the state lies in the fact that it is much abound with flora and fauna and scenic places. Assam is one of those very few places in India which remained undefeated by Mughal Emperor hence unscathed by Mughal reign. The state is filled with different cultures, ethnic tribes and its vibrant people. Divided into two parts by the mighty river Brahmaputra, Upper and Lower Assam, it is slowing turning into a favourite tourist destination. Let us explore what are the 15 things you absolutely must do in Assam.
Visit Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary
Known to be famous for the one-horned rhinoceros,
Kaziranga Wildlife sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries in India. It is not only home to the rhinoceros but many other wild animals such as elephant, tiger, deer and wild buffaloes amongst others. One must never miss the elephant and jeep safari in the sanctuary. It is an experience worth remembering.
Trip to Upper Assam for its Tea Gardens
Assam is also known for its
tea production as it imports a major part
of its production outside India. In towns like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, you
will pass through such wonderful tea gardens that you would see nothing
but green. Not only in terms of its quantity but quality of tea here
stands at top class.
Visit Majuli island
The largest river island in the world, Majuli is another treasure of
Assam one cannot afford to miss. The seat of neo-Vaishnavite Bhakti renaissance, it was declared India's first island district on Sep 8, 2016 by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. It forms as the 35th district of Assam. Majuli is spread across an area of around
1250 sq. kms. and is surrounded by Brahmaputra all around. It is
home to the ‘Mishing’ tribe and is a highly cultured place. However, the
existence of the island has been endangered due to erosion taking place
due to global warming.
Pious tour of the Kamakhya Temple
A temple in honor of Mother Goddess
Kamakhya, it is a 6th century temple
which is visited by myriads of visitors every year. The
Ambubachi Mela,
one of the major festivals of India draws lakhs of devotees to the
Kamakhya temple. The temple is located atop the Nilachal hill in
Guwahati and the view of entire Guwahati is amazing from here.
River Cruise in Brahmaputra
River Brahmaputra offers great cruise to its tourists and others
too. Alfresco Grand provides cruise rides in the evening and this ride
offers one which soothes and relaxes the mind and body. One can taste its amazing food
and breathe in the fresh air of the river during the trip.
Savor the ethnic Assamese food
The Assamese people love to eat and so one must never miss out on
its
ethnic cuisines. Some of the special ingredients the people in Assam
use in their food preparations are ‘khaar’ which is prepared from
papaya or burnt banana peel, ‘bhoot jolokia’ (ghost chilly), bamboo
shoot amongst others. The people of Assam do not use much masalas but
prefer local spices. The people love to have meat and fish and so
non-vegetarians would love to chomp on the food here.
Witness the black magic in Mayong
Considered the ‘Land of black magic’, Mayong is a small town located
around 40 kms. from the city of Guwahati. Since the times of the Ahom
rule, residents of this place are believed to practise black magic and
the culture still continues. Mystery and weird practices can be
witnessed in this town of sorcery.
Taste of Assamese Culture in Sivasagar
Sivasagar, also known as Sibsagar, means ‘Lord Shiva’s Ocean’. It is a
historical town of Assam which has witnessed the reign of the brave Ahom
rulers years back and which has successfully treasured the wonderful
Assamese culture through its dance, songs and rituals. Some of the epic
monuments in Sibasagar are Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar and Kareng Ghar
amongst others. These monuments tell stories that had happened years
back and have become legendary ones.
Explore the sacred Hajo town
Located around 24 kms. away from Guwahati, Hajo is one of those rare
sacred towns which draws pilgrims of more than one religion including
Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. Amongst the holy places that stand in this
town are Kedareswara and Madan Kamdev temples, Hayagriva Madhava
Tample, Powa Mecca. Not only is the town a sacred one, but also the trip
to the town is worthy owing to the beautiful scenery and nature.
Visit to the Silk town – Sualkuchi
Assam is famous for its silk made out of quality silk worms. ‘Pat’ and
‘Muga’ are the two unique and rare products found in only this part of
the world. Beautiful colourful mekhela chador which is the traditional
attire of the Assamese, is produced in Sualkuchi in its traditional
weaving machines. To get the best ‘Mekhela Sadors’ one can never miss
out on Sualkuchi.
A day in Peacock Island
There is a peacock shaped island in the midst of Brahmaputra, wherein
stands the Umananda Temple. The journey to this island via the ferry
boats is amazing with the breeze of the mighty Brahmaputra
blowing. One can have a leisure day in the island or other activities
like angling, beach games, boat rides amongst others.
A visit to Agni Garh in Tezpur
Tezpur is a town located around 190 kms away from Guwahati. It is a
beautiful and clean town wherein is located ‘
Agni Garh’, an ancient
monument. History says that this monument was built to keep princess
Usha captive for she belonged to demon clan and fell in love with
Anirudha who was the grandson of Lord Krishna. Not approving the
relationship this fort was made to guard her. It is wonderfully
maintained even today.
Visit to the hill station – Haflong
The only hill station in the state of Assam, Haflong is known as the
Switzerland of the north-east. Located in the Dima Hasao district, the
town is very non-commercialised and never fails to impress the tourists
by its humbleness and simplicity. A walk through the town is enough to
tell you what is so mesmerizing about this place.
Trip to Barpeta – Land of the Satras
Barpeta is the foundation root of Vaishnavism. It was the place where
the renowned scholar, saint, preacher Srimanta Sankardeva along with his
loyal disciple Sri Sri Madhavdeva planted the roots of Vaishnavite
culture. Barpeta district is filled with ‘Satras’ which are the prayer
halls where the prayer services take place. Of all of them Barpeta satra
is the biggest and oldest.
Rendezvous with Assamese Culture
Located in the city of Guwahati,
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra is a
cultural establishment which showcases the entire history of Assam
through its paintings and statues and crafts work amongst others. A tour
through the place would give you the idea of what is
Assam and Assamese
is all about!