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!