Top 10 Places to visit in Assam

One of the Seven Sisters, Assam is a state in the northeast section and is the largest producer of tea in India. The name Assam is derived from the word 'asama,' meaning 'peerless' in the now extinct Ahom language. Assam has an abundance of beautiful rivers and hills like the Nilachal Hills, Cachar hills, and Kabri hills. Famed for its lush green tea plantations, rich wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and historical sites, the Northeast is a paradise to adore. Numerous streams and rivulets that flow from the neighboring hills empty into the Brahmaputra. This amount of rivers has resulted in water sports like kayaking, waterfall rappelling, and rafting flourishing, making this place idyllic. Other adventure activities like trekking, and hang gliding are also some of its prominent attractions. Surrounded by hills and rivers, this place is the perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature bums. Assam is also home to the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, along with the wild water buffalo, pygmy hog, tiger, and various species of Asiatic birds. The trip is worth bottling up some of that heavenly aroma of nature. 

Planning a trip to Assam would never be complete without visiting Guwahati. It is located on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra. It is the gateway to the northeast and the largest cosmopolitan city in the region. The place serves as the starting block to getaways like Meghalaya, Kaziranga National Park, Kohima, Imphal, Tawang, Mawlynnong, Bhalukpong, Dirang, Bomdila, Tezpur etc. The place has many ancient temples and is also known as the ‘city of temples’ in Northeast India. The Kamakhya Temple, located at the top of Nilachal Hills, is one of the main attractions of Guwahati. Guwahati is a must-visit destination to quench the thirst of your soul.    

Traveler information: 

• Famous for: Kamakhya temple, situated atop the Nilachal hill.
• Best time to visit: October to April.
• Duration: 4 to 5 days.

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Guwahati:

• Trekking.
• Rock Climbing.
• Parasailing.
• Hang Gliding.
• Rappelling.
• Horse Riding.

Other places to visit in Guwahati:

• Dispur.
• Nameri National Park.
• Navagraha Temple.
• Umananda Temple.
• Assam State Museum. Umananda Island. 
• Guwahati Zoo.
• Guwahati Planetarium.
• Bhuvaneshwari Temple.
• Janardana Temple.

Located in the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is a majestic river island adorned with cultural heritage. It has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the longest time. Surrounded by water from all sides, this place is the epitome of tranquillity. The festivals celebrated here are full of joy and exhilaration. The main festival in the town of Majuli is called Raas which is an exuberant treat to the eyes. Although, regular floods in the Brahmaputra are inundating the island and causing erosion, washing away villages, and displacing residents.

Traveller information:

• Famous for: World’s biggest river island.
• Best time to visit: October to February.
• Duration: 2 to 3 days.

Other places to visit in Majuli:

• Kamalabari Satra.
• Dakhinpat Satra.
• Garmur.
• Auniati Satra. 
• Salmara pottery village.

Located in the Indian state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is an ultimate treat for wildlife enthusiasts all over by dint of its rich biodiversity. The sheer forest comprising tall elephant grass, rugged reeds and marshes is an ideal place for Safaris. It is home to approximately two-thirds of the world population of the rare one-horned rhinoceroses making it preeminent. Besides, the park features a high density of tigers and was declared a tiger reserve in the year 2006. Four rivers along with the Brahmaputra River cross the park. For a thrill-filled holiday experience with jungle adventure, Kaziranga is second to none.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: The Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros.
• Best time to visit: November to April.
• Duration: 2 days.

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Kaziranga National Park:

• Jeep Safari. 
• Elephant Safari.

Other places to visit in Kaziranga National Park:

• Kakochang Waterfall.

Resting peacefully on the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra, Morigaon is a beautiful tourist destination in the heart of Assam. Morigaon boasts rich wildlife sanctuaries, temples, markets and beautiful locales that are praiseworthy. The soul-stirring festival in Morigaon is the Jonbeel Mela, which is held annually during January and February. This mela is considered to enrich the bond between the tribes residing in the plains and the hills. There are several sightseeing places in Morigaon like Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Patek Ibori Than, Kachasila Hill, Deosal Siva Temple, Sitajakhala and Asia's Largest Dry Fish Market. Morigaon is an escape from the mundane life that offers a serene experience.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Sivakunda Waterfall and Mayong.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Duration: 2 days. 

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Morigaon:

• Waterfall Rappelling-Amsoi Hills.
• Kayaking.
• Canoeing.
• Rock Climbing.

Other places to visit in Morigaon:

• Charan Beel.
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Sitajakhala. 
• Sivakund. 
• Kachsila Hill.

Located on the banks of River Barak, Silchar is the headquarters of the Cachar district in Assam and the second-largest city in the state. Silchar attracts tourists in great numbers by dint of its natural beauty, rich and diversified culture and better infrastructure. The town is nestled between places like Manipur, Bangladesh, Mizoram and the Barail hills from the east, west, south, and north respectively. Its propitious location makes it a splendid destination for travelling. Owing to its natural beauty, ancient architectural wonders, and rich cultural heritage, Silchar has numerous tourist attractions located all over the town.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Khaspur.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Duration: 2 to 3 days

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Silchar:

• Trekking.
• Hiking.

Other places to visit in Silchar:

• Maibong.
• Jatinga.
• Maniharan Tunnel.
• Kanch Kanti Kali Mandir.
• Gandhibagh Park.
• Umrangshu.
• Bhuban Mahadev Temple.
• Dolu Lake.
• Salganga.

Located in the Himalayan foothills, Manas National Park in Assam is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a tiger and elephant reserve, and a biosphere reserve. The park is contiguous with the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, and in 2003 it was declared part of the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve that serves as the international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. The park is known for the rare species of animals like the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. It is also home to the largest population of the endangered Bengal florican in the world. Jeep safaris are the best way to enjoy a wildlife sighting tour in Manas National Park.

Traveller information:

• Famous for: The wild water buffalo.
• Best time to visit: November to April. 
• Duration: 2 days.

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Manas National Park:

• Jeep Safari. 
• Elephant Safari. 
• River Rafting.

Other places to visit in Manas National Park:

• Bansbari Tea Plantation. 
• Palace of the King of Bhutan. 
• Mathanguri. 
• Manas River.

Located in the mouth of Barnadi River, near the Indo-Bhutan border, Bogamati belongs to the newly created Baksa district in Assam. Covered with dense forest, this has become a famous picnic spot for locals and travellers alike. The flora and fauna of the Bogamati picnic spot and the soul-stirring activities attract picnickers. Various types of trees and birds are available here. Plum trees found in large numbers make the place an ideal place for a picnic. Wild elephants can be seen taking shelter at Bogamati during the day. River rafting, trekking, and climbing hills are some prominent adventure activities hosted here. The Shikhar Adventure Club of Goreswar arranges all kinds of adventure activities in the Bogamati picnic spot.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Its betel plantations and tea gardens.
• Best time to visit: September to February.
• Duration: 1 to 2 days.

 

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Bogamati:

• White Water Rafting. 
• Ziplining.

Other places to visit in Bogamati:

• Manas Soushi Khongkhor.
• Moina Pukhuri.

Resting royally on the Brahmaputra River, Dibrugarh is home to the famous Radha Krishna Mandir, a Hindu temple constructed of marble. Deriving its name from the word 'Dibrumukha', the name of the river 'Dibru' with the word 'mukh' meaning mouth, Dibrugarh is the headquarters of the Dibrugarh district in the state of Assam in India. This beautiful city is the perfect blend of nature and culture and a great place to unwind. Dibrugarh has rightfully earned its title as the 'Tea City of India' by being the gateway to the major three tea-producing districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar. It is also home to startling shopping centres such as the Vishal Megamart, the Leela Mall, Khusi Megamart.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: The gateway to the three tea-producing districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sibsagar.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Duration: 2 days.

Things to do:         

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Dibrugarh:

• Safari. 
• River Rafting.

Other places to visit in Dibrugarh:

• Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• Joypur Rainforest. 
• Brahmaputra River. 
• Namphake Village. 
• Radha Krishna Temple. 
• Shri Jagannath Temple. 
• Naharkatia.

Located 90 kilometres northwest of Guwahati, Barpeta is one of the major districts in Western Assam. Barpeta is famously known as the "Land of the Satras". Barpeta Satra, one of the holy places to visit in Assam, houses a well-known sanctum and a Kirtanghara, a significant hall in Assam where devotees assemble and pay their homage to the almighty. The walls and ceilings of the sacred shrine have embellishments of the painted wooden boards. The Baghar Hill offers an amusing view of the Brahmaputra river, where you can capture the magnificent beauty of nature. The Manas River poses another idyllic site. Dargah of Syed Shanur Dewan is an exceptionally calm and peaceful place and is prestigious for the followers of Islam.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Its Vaishnavite Thaans and Neo Vaishnavite Satras.
• Best time to visit: Late October to early March.
• Duration: 2 days.

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do in Barpeta:

• Trekking. 
• Paragliding. 
• Waterskiing.
• White water rafting.
• Windsurfing.
• Kayaking.

Other places to visit in Barpeta:

• The Barpeta Satra. 
• Sundaridiya Satra. 
• Dargah of Syed Shahnur Dewan. 
• Beki River.

Sitting on the banks of the river Brahmaputra, 175 kilometres northeast of Guwahati, Tezpur is also known as the "Social Capital of Assam". This place has an abundance of profusely viridescent tea gardens. Furthermore, it has an endless extent of the paddy fields. It is not only a cultural centre but also an educational destination along with a rich history. Tezpur is home to numerous blissful spots like Jyoti-Bishnukhelpathar at Dadhara, which hosts several cultural occasions embellished with dances like Bihu and Bagurumba, Agnigarh that is the most legendary fortresses of Tezpur, The Bamuni Hills that has the touch of Gupta architectural style. There are a few hillocks to sit at and muse on and lakes to appreciate rowing, paddling and other water sports activities.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: Bamuni Hills.
• Best time to visit: September to March.
• Duration: 3 days.

Things to do:

Some of the exhilarating adventure activities to do near Tezpur:

• Trekking.

Other places to visit in Tezpur:

• Chitralekha Udyan.
• Kalia Bhomora Setu. 
• Agnigarh Hill.
• Nag-Sankar Temple.
• Bhairabi Temple. 
• Mahabhairab Temple. 
• Dhekiajuli.

The crucial feature of Assam is the tranquil ambiance that captivates the heart of the travelers. Every nook and corner of the state boasts its beautiful, serene surroundings and culture like Bihu dance. The Rongali Bihu festival is the most famous of all. Irrespective of being on land or on water, Assam is one of the best places to host adventures that make tours thrilling and enjoyable.