Assam is a magnificent state that is famous for plenty of things. The state is known for its fine tea plantations, production of silk and preservation of the majestic one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga. In fact, it accounts for the world's largest number of rhinoceroses.
It is bounded by the two countries of India (West Bengal) and Bhutan. The abundance of natural beauty that fills the landscapes of Assam makes it a fantastic destination for a vacation.
Here are some of the things that you must do on a visit to this beautiful state.
Visit The Switzerland Of East, Haflong
Haflong is a picturesque hill station, located about 310 km from Guwahati. With rolling meadows of the hill slopes, undulating landscapes, valleys and mountains, Haflong is definitely a must visit especially for nature lovers.
Haflong Lake, Maibong, Borail Range are some of the places that must be visited in Haflong. Maibong used to be the capital of Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, and the remnants of this dynasty can be seen in the form of stone houses and temples in the region.
PC: PhBasumata
Observe One-horned Rhinoceros At Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park is home to the largest number of one-horned rhinoceros, living in their natural habitat, in the world. Which is why it has been declared as a World Heritage Site.
The National Park is located in Golaghat district of Assam, and a visit to Assam is incomplete without witnessing these beautiful creatures. Apart from rhinoceroses, the park is home to many other animals like Bengal fox, Indian civet, Chinese pangolin, to name a few.
PC: Neha iitb
Celebrate Tea Festival At Jorhat
Assam is known worldwide for producing the finest tea leaves. In fact, tea leaves make a lot of Assam's greenery. The tea festival held in Jorhat during the months of November to January, is a boisterous celebration of tea, accompanied by music and other cultural entertainment.
You will find the best of Assam's tea along with the tasty cuisine of Assam. Golfing, jungle safaris and sometimes adventure activites like angling in the river are some of the activities that take place during this festival.
PC: Bidyut Gogoi
Witness Majuli, The World's Largest River Island
Recognized as the world's largest river island by the Guinness Book of World Records, Majuli is a serene river island that is settled in the river Brahmaputra. The beautiful island is surrounded by lush greenery and pollutant-free water of the holy river.
You may relax in the two villages of Majuli, Kamalabari and Garamur. Here you can do some birdwatching while relaxing in the scenic beauty of Majuli.
PC: Dhrubazaan Photography
Cruise Through The River Brahmaputra
The holy river Brahmaputra flows through the south-west valley in Assam. Here, you get the opportunity to cruise in river boats through the tranquil and beautiful river. Cruising through the river will take you to some of the most stunning and scenic spots in Assam.
Sometimes, the river also offers adventurous activities like white water river rafting. You can reach places like Tawang, Guwahati, Bogamati, etc. via a cruise.
Pc: Hasan Iqbal
Revel In The Festival Of Bihu
Bihu, the festival that marks the brotherhood and unity of all the people of Assam, takes place thrice a year. It is celebrated at the beginning of every season as a symbol of gratitude to the harvest for the year.
Bihu dance is a beautiful dance form that the locals perform during the festival. Traditional music, authentic food, music and dance performances, that showcase the Assamese culture, together make for a beautiful celebration.
PC: Subharnab Majumdar
River Rafting in Nameri National Park
Settled on the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, the breathtaking Nameri National Park is filled with thickets of forest, bamboo trees and an open grassland alongside the river Jia Bhorali. Animals such as barking deer, sambhar, wild boar, etc. can be seen in the park.
River rafting, however, takes place in the river Jia Bhorali, a popular adventure destination amongst tourists. Birdwatching and fishing for golden mahsheer are some of the other activities that can be done in the national park.
PC: Balaji Photography
Visit The Beautiful Kamakhya Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the temple is an ancient site, one among the 51 Shakti Peethas. It has a complex that consists of individual temples dedicated to all the 10 Mahavidyas.
This ancient temple is one of the most important sites of pilgrimage for Hindus. The Garbhagriha or middle chamber of the temple is in the form of a cave, which represents the yoni of Goddess Kamakhya.
PC: Kunal Dalui
Taste The Assamese Cuisine
Assamese cuisine is a blend of the hilly region's cooking style of fermenting and drying food, along with the style of cooking fresh products like vegetables and fish from the plains. They have a distinguished way of cooking with little use of spices but strong flavours of fermented fruits or vegetables.
Duck Roast and Masor Tenga are the two authentic dishes of Assam that simply cannot be missed while visiting the state.
PC: Alpha
Pilgrimage at Hajo
If you're at Assam, make sure to not miss out on Hajo, the pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. Settled on the banks of river Brahmaputra, Hajo is dotted with quite a few places of religious signficance.
Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Hajo Powa Mecca, Madan Kamdev Temple and Kedareswara Temple are the four main places that have to be visited at Hajo.
PC: Angel Lahoz