ASSAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Soothing beauty, offbeat tourists attractions, spiritual ambiance, the sacred river, humble people, and zealous culture, Assam boasts plenty of fascinating secrets. Being one of the Northeast India’s iconic seven sisters, a holiday in Assam is about witnessing a heady mix of history, culture, and nature at the same time. The state happens to be the land of many wildlife reserves, which are further home to the one-horned rhino, one of Assam’s tourism best-known mascots.

Capital: Dispur Location: North East India

BEST TIME TO VISIT ASSAM:

November to March

WHY VISIT ASSAM:

To be a part of the euphoric festival celebration; check out one of the kind nature phenomena – river island at Majuli; sample scrumptious Machor Tenga and Duck Roast; visit the oldest temple in the history of India; go boat cruising on Brahmaputra river; purchase traditional silk garment and raft over ferocious Jia Bhorali River

Best Time to Visit Assam

Assam is located in the North- East region of India and experiences a tropical monsoon rainforest climate. The regions receive a high rainfall, that’s why it won’t be a good time to visit during the monsoon season. But visiting here during the winter season would be good as option as the weather is pleasant, just the right time to go for sightseeing. For more details, go through the season breakup to plan the trip accordingly.

SUMMERS – APRIL TO JUNE – 32 °C – 38 °C

In summers, Assam is a refreshing retreat; the climate is not too hot and not too cold but it’s humid. Kaziranga National Park, Jatinga, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Majuli, Guwahati, Haflong, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh are some of the places that one should visit in Assam during summers. Moreover, summer happens to be an offseason, and one can get good hotel and travel deals.

MONSOON – JULY TO SEPTEMBER – 26°C – 32°C

Monsoon won’t be a good time to visit Assam as the region experiences heavy rainfalls, which may cause the Brahmaputra River to flood its banks all across the state. Also, one should avoid visiting the hill station as there are chances of landslide.

WINTERS – OCTOBER TO MARCH – 8 °C – 25 °C

The best time to plan a holiday in Assam has to be the winters. Not only the weather is pleasant but also during this time of the year, one can enjoy the phenomenal cultural extravaganza in the form of festivals. Also, during the late spring, one can see orchids in Lakhimpur, and Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park. Even for the adventure buffs, it’s a good time to visit as this is when the maximum number of adventure activities are open.

Popular Travel Destinations in Assam

Assam is a treasure chest, it is filled with gems of gorgeous places, rich culture, savoury cuisine and attractive art and craft. The state is also affluent in wildlife and is in fact home to the largest population of rare one-horned rhinos in India. Assam holiday plans can have several dimension with so much to relish even during short vacations as well. The main attraction of Assam, of course is its rich wildlife that can be best sighted at Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. Home to more than 1000 species of birds and animals, these wildlife reserves have the major contribution in state’s tourism. Other than national parks, what catches the eye of the visitors in Assam is Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati that is known mainly for its Ambubachi Fair and as a Shaktipeetha.

Guwahati, the main city of not only Assam but of the entire Northeast Region, has a number of tourist attractions including that of Umananda Temple and the mighty Brahmaputra River.

Another major tourist destination in Assam is Majuli Islands, which are reckoned to be the largest river islands in the world. Home to the Satras, this pristine and unique place is certainly a must visit. Another travel allurement comes from North Cachar Hills that houses the only hill station in Assam, Haflong. Known for its picturesque landscape and pleasant climate, Haflong is a nature lover’s paradise. Close to it, is located another popular tourist place called Jatinga. This place has gained its popularity due to the infamous incidents of mass suicide of birds. The Barak Valley region also has a lot to contribute to Assam tourism, mostly famous for its offbeat places that are quite scenic, this region open doors for both nature and adventure lovers. Assam is truly blessed with lovely places that can melt hearts of travellers, there is just so much to relish that you can never run out of reasons to plan a visit here.

Tourist Attractions in Assam

Assam is a sheer delight for the travelers and adventurers alike! In fact calling it only just a delight would be an understatement as there is hardly any holiday experience that one just can’t enjoy in this gateway to NorthEast India. Flawless tea gardens, abundant wildlife sanctuaries, uncountable Hindu temples, finger-licking cuisines, riverine island, exotic dance forms, grand festivals, and majestic Brahmaputra river are all that best elucidates Assam. There might be many treasures trove in this gracious land but the fact remains the same that it is barely known and hardly explored by the travelers despite the fact that it is the easiest one to approach amongst the NorthEast states. For holiday, Guwahati, Sualkuchi, Hajo, Tezpur, Majuli, Sivasagar, and Dibrugarh are the popular places that one must visit in Assam. So let’s know a little more about these tourists attractions of Assam and other things that make them stand apart.

Dispur might be the Assam’s capital but it’s Guwahati where the maximum energy of the state is stored. The cosmopolitan city in Assam, Guwahati is one of the most prominent places to visit in NorthEast India, bestowed with the presence of turbulent Brahmaputra River. With Spanish Gardens, Shine Towers, Dona Planet, Noonmati, Kamakhya Temple, Bamuni Lake, Umananda Temple and Sualkuchi, and Pan Bazaar as its prominent tourist attractions, Guwahati has lived up to the literal meaning of its name – City Of Lights.

Amongst all the 29 states of India, what makes Assam one of its kind is the natural phenomena that travelers can experience here. And to experience a whole lot of nature, there’s no better to be then the Majuli, which is India’s largest riverine island, and home to iconic Satras, which were established by Sankardeva and Madhavdev. Though most of the most islands remain drowned, but the big island like Kamalabari, Auniati and Garamur can be good places to go to witness the lifestyle of Majuli people.

To seize the best of nature, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and National Park can be good places to visit too. Assam’s 35% region is covered in forest and is quite known for five national parks including World Heritage site like Kaziranga and Manas, and 20 wildlife sanctuaries.

Along with nature, tea is another thing that is completely synonymous with the image of Assam. In tourists destinations of Assam like Dibrugarh and Jorhat, a visit to the tea gardens are the must things to do. In these two part of Assam, tourists can sample various flavors, which are hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Every nook and cranny of Assam is bright and beautiful; even the hills. Assam features a wealth of hill stations like Haflong, Maibong, Umrangshu, Diphu, and Jatinga that serves as great holiday places for family vacation, and honeymoon. Set against the misty backdrop of azure hills, emerald rivers, and green plantations, these incredible places offers many adventure activities like paragliding, parasailing, climbing, sailing, and trekking. If tourists wants to invade history then they can make their way to attractions like Barak Valley, Sivasagar, Mangaldai, and Tezpur.

No wonder, Assam is one of the most vibrant parts of Northeast India. There’s so much to see and explore that even zillions of words won’t be able to the charm that it posses. For upcoming holiday, if a visit to Assam is all whats on mind then do check out the comprehensive travel guide of Tour My India that will give detailed information about accommodation, wildlife tours, honeymoon destinations, hill stations, best places to visit, and what now. This travel guide is the passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await one.

Things to Do in Assam

A holiday in Assam is quite engaging as the state is a veritable tourist destination with lots of new things to explore and try. The meandering and ferocious River Brahmaputra, which is also an important landmark of Assam, offers a great opportunity of white water rafting. This adventure activity can draw attention of the thrill seekers from far and wide. The state is also blessed with some incredible trails that offer mesmerizing views and a peek inside the humble life of the local people. There are also great opportunities for parasailing, mountaineering as well as camping and boat racing for those visitors looking for some new each day. Quietly seated amidst this gorgeous river is the Umananda Temple on the Peacock Island where Hindu devotees can perform pilgrimage just like in Kamakhya Temple. Assam is dotted with Hindu temples including the Vaishnava Satras in Majuli making it an important pilgrimage destination in India. Another must thing to do in this state is to witness the diverse and of course vibrant culture.

Assam is a host of several festivals like Bihu that are perfect venues to learn more about the rich culture of the state. Along with religious fetsivals, a good way to learn more about the state is by attending the tea festival that is held annually. The wildlife opulence also offers visitors a good opportunity to relish one of the best wildlife tour/safari in India. Home to a large number of one-horned rhinos, the national parks and wildlife reserves in Assam would like to treat your eyes with some exotic and exquisite sites. The state is also an ideal place for recreational activities like fishing and angling.Places like Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas are perfect to take up this interesting activity. Apart from this, visiting Asia’s first oil refinery in Digboi is also something one should not miss and nor should one forget to shop for souvenirs of Muga silk Mekhla Chadar, tea leafs, bamboo and cane furniture and other handmade items before making an exit from this amazing Northeast India destination.

Guidelines for Tourists Visiting Assam

Assam is an intriguing destination filled with many attractions, festivals, cuisines and local people. Hence, when you visit certain destinations it is very important to learn their way of living so we do not hamper or interrupt their peaceful everyday life. After all, the only way you can have a happy holiday is by making the locals happier. So, here are few guidelines to have a responsible tourism when in Assam:

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM:

• If you happen to visit Assam during summers make sure to carry an umbrella, sunscreen lotion, a sipper, and sunglasses.
• For foreigners – Make sure to have enough Indian currency so you won’t have trouble if your cash runs out.
• When in a new city, make sure to keep your money bag safe, perhaps in your front pocket or in a large bag.
• While you travel in a local transport, it is advisable to keep only lose money with you for easy access to buy tickets.
• If an area seems unfamiliar to you, feel free to approach the nearest police station for guidance (You will find Policeman available at the road crossings).
• Keep away from the unauthorized tourist agents; always get a valid tour guide your hotel. If not you can roam by yourself, people in Assam are very humble, they will be happy to guide you.
• For Foreigners: Always carry your passports with you and keep it safe in your inner pocket or in your fanny bag, it will be your identity throughout your journey in Assam, India.
• Assam has lip-smacking cuisines and you can try out some mouth watering dishes. Make sure to only visit well-maintained restaurants unless you are in for an adventure to try street food.
• Assam is a cultural state, though it is blooming with modernism around every corner but if you don’t want eyes following you, female travellers should dress appropriately. This will avoid the unwarranted situations to occur.
• Not everyone in Assam knows English so you can try learning the basic Assamese language before you visit beautiful Assam.
• Some people tend to be camera shy; it is always nice to take permission before you take their photograph.
• Avoid littering waste from your car window or in the streets. It creates a bad impression towards locals and other fellow travellers.
• While shopping, be cautious of touts and agents who are only out there to coat you with fake items.
• Be properly covered while entering a religious place. Be it a church or a temple or a monastery.
• Females travellers should not venture alone at night, but if you do so, consider taking a friend along with you.
• Respect and be polite to the native people of Assam, their habits and lifestyle.
• For a responsible traveller, always preserve energy by minimizing the use of fans, lights and geysers in the hotel or anywhere else.
• It is advisable to avoid buying crafts or merchandises made from protected or endangered animals.
• To avoid last minute glitches, always double check your reservations for accommodation and transportation.
• Do not enter a restricted or prohibited area, however, if you want to visit then always seek guidance and reason your visit in the police station.

Adventure Sports in Assam

The Northeast Indian state of Assam welcomes all adventure enthusiasts to have the best experience of their life. With rapidly flowing rivers, rugged terrains, exotic hill areas, and vast valleys, there are many options available for adventure sports in Assam. Whether you love trekking, cycling, rock climbing, or anything else, you will find a lot of adrenaline-pumping adventure activities that will keep you thrilled throughout your adventure holiday in Assam.

In the past several years, adventure tourism in Assam has gained a pace and is continuing to lure more and more adventurers to the state. Assam is known for a variety of adventure sports and if you want to experience the thrill, then Assam is the perfect place. With our Assam tour packages, you can partake in outdoor activities and enjoy the vacation with your loved ones.

Here are the best adventure sports in Assam for a thrilling experience.

Jeep Safari of Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is known for housing the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. And what better way to explore and witness the extensive flora and fauna than the jeep safari of Kaziranga National Park. On this jeep safari, see tigers, buffaloes, elephants, pythons, a herd of deer, and many other mammals and birds. 

Elephant Safari at Kaziranga & Manas National Park

The national parks in Assam have tropical semi-evergreen and deciduous forests that shelter many animals and birds. To explore all of them, the elephant safari is one of the best adventure activities in Assam. All the wildlife lovers will love the excitement of riding an elephant amidst nature and exploring the wild.

Brahmaputra River Rafting in Assam

River rafting in Assam is one of the most adventurous activities. The tributaries like Manas, Jia Bhorolo, and Kapili are really famous for rafting as the current is so high and perfect for a thrilling ride. There are class 3, class 4, and class 5 rapids available for river rafting.

Parasailing in Assam

With more and more adventure lovers coming to Assam for parasailing, it has become one of the best adventure activities in Assam. Guwahati is the popular parasailing spot in Assam. If you want to fly high and feel the cool breeze past your face, visit Assam.

River Cruise in Assam

River cruise in Assam on one of the greatest rivers in the world, Brahmaputra is an experience in itself. It is offered by Assam Tourism and also by private operators. For wildlife lovers, nature lovers, and avid travellers, it is a great way to explore the best of Assam.

Kayaking in Assam

Kayaking on the azure waters while soaking in the golden rays and admiring nature is the perfect way to spend time in Assam. Kayaking in Assam will make you fall in love with the surroundings as you will witness the stunning scenery around you.

Rock Climbing in Assam

There are many places for rock climbing in Assam as it is one of the most adventurous sports in Assam. In Guwahati, places like Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary and Assam State Zoo have rock climbing opportunities. Rock climbing is amazing for people who want to try something new to add a bit of adventure to the trip.

Fishing in Assam

Fishing is not the preferred adventure sport of many but it is one of the most fun activities. The Jia Bhoroli river is home to the fierce game fish, the Golden Mahseer, and more and attracts a number of fishers from both outside the state and abroad in November or December.

Cycling in Assam

The hilly terrains make cycling in Assam much fun as it challenges mountain bikers. In collaboration with ATDC Ltd. and other adventure organizations, Assam Tourism Department has organized numerous cycling and motorbike rallies in Assam, where foreign nationals and groups have also participated.