Places To Visit in Assam

From the wildernesses of national parks to the stillness of temple sanctuaries, Assam provides various experiences that arrest our senses and feed our spirits. Here are the top and best places to visit in Assam:

Kaziranga National Park: The serene Kaziranga National Park is a well-acclaimed national park placed at the core of Assam and holds the prestigious title of being a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located in the lush landscapes of two districts. This calm sanctuary covers 430 sq km. It provides shelter for the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses and many endangered species such as tigers, elephants or wild water buffaloes.

The Wildlife of Kaziranga: An incredible amount of wildlife lives within the flourishing ecosystem of the National Park. It is most famous for being home to such animals as the majestic one-horned rhinoceroses, wild buffalo, and also royal Bengal tigers. Nonetheless, this National park has other larger mammals, too, like Indian elephants along with some others, including but not limited to wild boar, swamp deer or Barasingha (Rucervusduvaucelii), and Indian bison (Bos gaurus). The reptile population in this park is also diverse. It boasts many types of snakes, e.g., king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) Russel vipers (Daboia russelii), among others while there are lizards such as common Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor lizard and Indian water monitors too.

Furthermore there exist abundant fish species in waters while marshy areas along river banks harbor turtles such as Gangetic Softshell Turtle as well as Indian Roofed Turtle. Smaller mammals also contribute to Kaziranga’s rich biodiversity apart from numerous bird varieties making it an important conservation area besides being an attractive place for wildlife lovers.

The Kaziranga National Park Tour Package offers a jeep safari that takes place at the following locations, which are some of the pre-defined tourist circuits:

Mihimukhis located in the central range at Kohora.

Bagoriis located in the western range.

Agaratoliis located in the eastern range at Agaratoli.

Ghorakatiis located in the Burapahar range at Ghorakhati.

Optimal Time for Your Visit:

Because of its tropical climate, The best time for the Kaziranga National Park tours is between the months of November and April because it is then that the sunshine is mild enough to create wonderful conditions for game-viewing activities.  Also, the Park remains closed for visitors between May 1 and October 31.

Dress Appropriately: Don’t wear anything too bright, like reds, whites, or blacks, that might attract the attention of animals. Instead try colours such as, try olive greens, khaki browns and greys.

Noise and Proximity: Silence should be maintained around animals so that they are not disturbed while keeping a safe distance from them also increases the possibility of watching them behave naturally.

Permits and Receipts: All tourists need to hold their national park entry permit and camera fee receipt carefully in hand or pocket throughout the visit until leaving the place.

Stay on Vehicle: Visitors should stay inside the jeep during the safari unless allowed by naturalists or experienced jeep drivers.

Things that should not be carried: Inside the park, carrying arms, ammunition, fireworks, etcetera is strictly prohibited by law as well as sharp tools.

Do not throw Garbadges: Littering non-biodegradable waste materials like plastics, tins and bottles is strictly prohibited within the parking area. Alcohol consumption, as well as non-vegetarian food is also not allowed here.

Regulations on Photography: Once you have purchased the camera fee receipt, then feel free to take photographs, but remember do not use flash, which can disturb animals while snapping them.

Costs for a Safe and Memorable Adventure: Visiting Kaziranga is a delightful experience, though it involves several fees. The costs include park admission, a vehicle entry permit, jeep rental, and camera fees. Additionally, an armed guard must accompany all jeep safaris for safety, adding another layer to the adventure. These fees help make sure that your journey through this stunning park is both enjoyable as well as secure.

By Air: The International Airport in Guwahati is the closest. It is well-connected to all major cities in India. Jorhat town has the nearest domestic airport, around 96 Kilometers  from the park.

By Train: The national park may be reached by car in four and a half hours from Guwahati Railway Station. It is a major railway junction in the North-East India, connected to all of the main cities in India by superfast trains. You will find the nearest railway station, Furcating Junction, in the Golaghat district.

By Road: One has to cover over 200 Km from Guwahati and about the same from Lokpriya the International Airport in the city to reach the National Park by road. From there, one can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach the Park gate entrance.

Dibrugarh Tea Estate: Dibrugarh has many sprawling tea gardens. It happens to be an industrial town located in the Upper Assam. Known as the “Tea City of India”, Dibrugarh is placed at the top of the list when it comes to recording the famous tea estates in Assam. The British East India Company made this place a paradise for tea lovers during the 19th century by converting it into beautiful green gardens. Today, Dibrugarh has many different tea estates, such as Manohari, Halmari, Chabua and Mancotta, which are among the most famous names worldwide. These are the places in the area where one can get deep into all those complications involved with making tea, from plucking leaves to brewing them finally. If anyone wants a cultural past mixed with peace, then they must visit any tea estate or its neighbouring areas. 

Majuli Island: Majuli happens to be the largest riverine island in the world. It is a dynamic emblem of Assam’s wealth, be it cultural or spiritual. This serene island can be reached by one, via boat or ferry from Jorhat and serves as a melting pot for the cultural aspect of the region. From different forms of art, and religious zeal to traditional crafts. The Satras in Majuli Island are monastic centres that serve as the home of neo-Vaishnavite culture through classical dance, Bhaona - a traditional performance art form and folk drama and music while serving as places for worship, too. Festivals like Raas Purnima on this island mirror the vibrant cultural diversity of Assam that pulls crowds from around the world.

By Air: Rowriah Airport is the closest to the location. Regular flights connect Jorhat with Guwahati and other significant cities in the northeast. From there, you can easily hire a taxi to Neemati Ghat.

By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Guwahati for Jorhat which takes a few hours.

By Ferry: From Neemati Ghat in Jorhat, you can take a ferry to Majuli. 

There are many options for accommodation ranging from budget homestays to more comfortable resorts on this unique island, but bamboo huts reflect authenticity for many tourists visiting this place for obvious reasons such as low cost or sustainability, so they should not be overlooked as potential choices either:

La Maison de Ananda: Known for its rustic appeal and traditional Mishing architecture.

Risong Family Guest House: Provides a homey atmosphere along with local cuisine.

Prashanti Cottages: These are slightly upscale and run by Assam Tourism located near Kamalabari.

Majuli has several Satras (monastic centres) where Assamese culture and spirituality flourish. Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, and Dakhinpat Satra are the most prominent ones where you can witness Sattriya dance – a classical dance from Assam.

Adventure and Nature: Things to do in Majuli:

Cycling Tour: You can rent a bike and explore the island that you are own pace.

Boat Ride on the river: A boat ride across the river is one of the best ways to see How beautiful the island is.

Workshops: You can learn how to make masks as well as pottery in the local workshops. Their skilled craftsmen are always ready to share their knowledge with you.

Explore Nature: Explore the natural side of Majuli Island by walking through green fields full of rice, watching different kinds of birds, or discovering plants which grow there but nowhere else in India.

The best period for visiting Majuli falls between November to February because this duration avoids heavy monsoons as well as summer, which could otherwise spoil your outdoor plans or make them unbearable due to high humidity levels all around you.

Positioned in the Eastern Himalayas at six districts of Assam is the Manas National Park. This place is a paradise for many that admire nature. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site bordering Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park.

Different types of Species: Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Assam is home to some of the rarest animals on earth. It gives visitors an opportunity for close encounters with vibrant Indian wildlife like nowhere else can do.

By Air: The nearest airport to Manas National Park is the International Airport in Guwahati. It is a 3-5 hours drive depending on the traffic conditions. The airport has good connectivity with all major cities of India and international destinations like Bangkok and Paro (Bhutan) through airlines.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Barpeta Road Railway Station. It serves as a major railhead linked with the rest part of the country. 

By Road: Manas National Park has good road connectivity with various nearby cities & towns. It takes around 5 hours to reach by road. Barpeta Road is connected with Guwahati through National Highway 427.

Manas National Park is divided into different safari zones. Each safari zone here has its own significance and offers  a unique experience of exploring the wildlife:

Bhuyanpara Range: It is located in the eastern part of Manas National Park. The most important feature of this zone is that it creates a good habitat for grassland, which acts as a safe place for tigers to breed, especially around the Makibana area. Bhuyanpara itself showcases rich biodiversity harbouring rare and endangered species like the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, Greater One-horned Rhino, Swamp Deer, Bengal Florican and Pygmy Hog.

Bansbari Range: Another notable section of the Manas National Park is known as Bansbari Range or central range which boasts high levels of biodiversity as well as scenic beauty. It has jeep safaris where visitors can have an opportunity to see various types of animals living in the jungle, such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, etc. because they are found abundant around this area during their migration season from one place to another across these forests.

Panbari Range: The third major safari zone at Manas National Park is called Panbari Range. It may not be mentioned much often when talking about its specific details on game drives or sightings but it still acts as one among many options offered by the park for those willing to explore wider areas covered under this sanctuary, thus boosting the overall diversity richness encountered throughout the safari experience in Manas National Park.

The ideal time for visiting this park starts from November till April when the weather remains pleasant enough throughout the days, facilitating the maximum possible chances for sighting various animals in their natural surroundings by going on jeep safaris, river rafting, or nature walks organised within its premises.

It is good to book your transportation and accommodation well in advance.

Make sure you have all the necessary permits and passes for entry into the park.

Kamakhya Temple: This divine shrine is placed atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati. The Kamakhya Temple is a sought-after place of worship, especially for devotees who follow Tantric traditions. It is also counted to be one of the oldest among 51 Shakti Peethas across the world. Many people from different countries visit this temple, seeking blessings and spiritual peace. This holy shrine worships ‘yoni’, or female genitalia, representing divine feminine power as well as fertility.

The overall design of the temple, with its bee-hive-shaped shikhara and intricately carved interiors, reflects the architectural brilliance achieved during the medieval Assam period. The most suitable time to visit is when the Ambubachi Mela happens. It is an event organised every year celebrating goddess menstruation on earth, which draws millions of followers from all corners of India as well as abroad.

Hajo Powa Mecca: Located in the town of Hajo on the top of Garurachal Hill, Hajo Powa Mecca is a holy site revered by both Muslims and Hindus not because it is spiritual but also because it unites them. It is said that this mosque has earth from Mecca which makes it famous with many people who come there searching for blessings as well as spiritual satisfaction. Assam’s inclusivity and diversity are represented by its syncretic culture, which makes the site an important symbol for interfaith dialogue and understanding. Hajo reveals Assamese cultural heritage, where one can see different religious practices blended together into one system based on faith and devotion.

Umananda Temple: Located on Peacock Island in the middle of the River Brahmaputra, Umananda Temple is a calm place for worship which was built to praise Lord Shiva and demonstrate architectural excellence as well as spiritual dedication. The temple can be approached by going on a beautiful ferry ride from Guwahati where it gives a serene break from the hustle-bustle of city life around. With all its historical importance and mythological tales, this temple has an air of mystery that makes people who are looking for peace or revival want to visit here more often than not.