Assam Tour Places & Tourism(2020)| A paradise for the Nature lover

Assam is a north-eastern state of India.  is famous for its tea, silk, one-horned Rhinoceros, wild Asian elephants, and the first oil drilling site in Asia. The state has abundant dolerite basalt rocks, which is one of the reasons why evidence of human settlements from the stone-age could be found. Guwahati, the largest city of Assam is famous for the discovery of artifacts from 2000-year age. Three of the physiographical divisions, The Northern Himalaya, The Northern plans and Deccan Plateau, are present in the state.

Temperature in Assam

The state has a Tropical monsoon climate, with temperatures in summers ranging from 35^oC – 38^o C and winters from 6^oC – 10^o C and heavy rainfall. Due to heavy rainfall and high humidity, the state experienced flooding every year. Thus, it is recommended to check for the flooding predictions while booking a trip to Assam. one can have the best tour of Assam after the monsoon months.

Culture and festival :

With a mixed racial background of Mongoloids, Indo-Burmese, Aryan and Iranian, the state have a tapestry of rich culture. The natives of the state are known as Asomiya or Assamese, which is also the state language. Assamese culture is influenced a lot by the tribal culture due to a large number of tribes present in the state.

To experience their rich culture in full glory one must visit the state during their festivals.

One of the main festivals of Assam is Bihu. This is the most significant, important and vibrant festival, celebrate to mark the beginning of the agricultural season. People offer their first crop to, Brai Shibrai also known as Father Shibari. You can find people dancing, singing and making bonfires during this time of the year.

The other main festival is held at Kamakhya Temple, is Ambubachi. This is celebrated during the monsoon and it is believed that Goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle during the first 3 days of this festival. During these three days, the Goddess is not worshipped. Only on the fourth day is the Goddess washed in water and milk follower by a grand ceremony.

Apart from these two main festivals, Assam is also famous for the Majuli festival, which is held at Majuli, the largest river island. The state also has its own Tea festival, which glorifies the high-quality tea rich with flavors and authenticity.

Assamese Food :

Being an agricultural state, the staple diet of Assam is rice. A portion of rice has eaten during every meal. The most famous Dishes are, Khaar, which is a meat curry with raw papaya and pulses. The main ingredient of this curry is red meat. There is a tangy fish curry which is quite famous, even though the fish is cooked with tomato and lemon, the curry is pure awesome and extremely refreshing.  All foods are cooked in a traditional manner in the state. One such food which is a definition of tradition is Pigeon meat and Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura, which is chicken with Bamboo shoot.

12 Best Places to visit in Assam:

Assam is rich in flora and fauna, it is home to many national parks and sanctuary. Along with it, the state also hosts one of the smallest islands of the world and the largest riverine island of Asia. While visiting Assam, one simply cannot miss the below-listed destination! Below mentioned are the tourist places of Assam.

Kaziranga National Park:

At 194 Km from Guwahati is the World Heritage site, with two-third of the world’s one-horned rhino population. It is well-preserved and species like Pangolins, foxes, sloth bear, deer, elephants, royal Bengal tiger are found here and has wide biodiversity. You can enjoy a wildlife tour in the National part or opt for the elephant or jeep safari. I would suggest, taking a jeep safari is the best option. Bonhabi Resort is a good option to stay while visiting the national park as it is just a minute away from the gate.

Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary:

Surrounded by the Brahmaputra river and tea gardens Hoollangapar is a paradise for the Hoolock Gibbon population. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during winter.

Majuli Island:

Spread over an area of 452 sq. Km is the largest riverine island in the world. Due to a rise in the water level during monsoon months, most of the Island remains underwater. It is best to visit the island during the summer months. With its undoubted beauty and a haven for bird watchers, it is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Assam. Villa Shivalaya is a good option to stay when in Majuli.

“If you know more about Majuli Island visit lifetimetraveller blog”

Umananda Island:

Known as the peacock island during the British era, Umananda is one of the smallest islands of the world. It is also famous for its Umananda Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This should be in your bucket list if you are visiting Assam.

Kamakhya Temple:

It situated atop Nilachal hill in Guwahati and one of the oldest among the 51 Shakti Pithas. Kamakhya Temple known as Kamrup-Kamakhya Temple. This temple dedicated to the Tantrik Hindu Goddess Kamakhya. The Goddess of fertility is believed to be protecting the devotees from evil eyes.  The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva and Daksha Yagna. The best time to visit Kamakhya is during the Ambubachi Festival.

Kakochang Waterfall:

Between the rubber and coffee plantation of Jorhat, Kakochang waterfall is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Also, this magnificent wonder of nature while visiting Assam. In order to, experience the waterfall in its full glory the best time to visit is post-monsoon.

Dipor Bil:

At 13Km from Guwahati, this lake is the perfect place for bird watching. The lake hosts a wide range of aquatic flora like water lilies, hyacinth, aquatic graces, and many more rare species. The best time to visit the lake is from October to April.

Hajo:

Just 24 Km from Guwahati lies the ancient pilgrimage site of Hajo. This is the place where you can find the confluence of three religions, Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhists. October through March is the most recommended time to visit.

Haflong lake and hills:

Often referred to as the “Scotland of Assam” Haflong is a beautiful place with hills, lakes, and lofty terrains. If you are looking for camping sites, Haflong is the perfect destination. There are trekking and hiking trails in the area too for adventure enthusiasts.

Sivasagar:

Believed to be the home of century-old civilization. This ancient city is the perfect place to get to know about the royal splendor the architecture and the temples showcase.

Tocklai Tea Research Centre:

One of the largest and oldest tea research centers in the world. The research center offers regular tea processing and tasting tours for tourists.

Dima Hasao:

Home to the Assamese tribe like Dimasa Kachauris, Hmars, Kukis. Dima Hasao is the perfect place to experience the tribe’s life and culture.

Where to Stay:

• Homestays: If you want to enjoy the culture, food, and people of Assam. Homestay is the perfect option. There are multiple homestays available in Assam which provide all basic modern facilities.
• Hostel: If you only require a place to sleep and make new friends. The hostel is the option for you. There are a good number of Hostel in Assam and are quite budget-friendly too.
• Hotels: The most common option for every tourist is a hotel. The state has many hotels which matched to everyone’s need.

 How To reach:

• By Air: The fastest way to reach is through a flight till Guwahati. Guwahati is well connected to all major airports in India.
• By Rail: To Reach Assam by rail one needs to book a train till Guwahati and then take a cab till the desired location.
• By Road: It is not a recommended option as during the monsoon there is a high chance of flooding. But during the other seasons, the condition of the roads is excellent. The major highways present in the state connect to the major nearby cities by government and private busses.

Assam tourism office in Kolkata can help you book a tour plan,

Thus, we can say, Assam have something in scope for every kind of tourists. Be it a divine destination seeker or the adventure enthusiast or the nature lover. once at Assam one can not only experience a different culture but also a world of its own.

written by: Payel Mukherjee (Travelofina travel stories.)