Guwahati



The bustling metropolis of Guwahati is a gateway to the beautiful region of Northeast India. Located in Assam, it is the largest city in the region and one of the fastest growing cities in India. The locality of Dispur serves as the state capital. It is blessed with a vast history and has a number of ancient temples, which led to it being called as ‘City of Temples’. The revered Kamakhya Temple attracts devotees from across the country. Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island, which stands out as the world’s smallest inhabited riverine island. Guwahati is situated between the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and the lush foothills of Shillong plateau, which serve as an amazing backdrop. Guwahati is a major center of business, shopping, and economics and is home to prestigious educational institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Gauhati University. The region is blessed with diverse and rare animal species such as Asian elephants, tigers, pythons, rhinoceros and many more. Guwahati is a culturally rich city and the people revere their traditions, accommodating rapid industrial growth, modernization and urbanisation at the same time. Visitors to Guwahati are awed by the vibrant culture, bounteous natural beauty and buzzing markets

Kaziranga National Park in Assam



Kaziranga National Park in Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is famous worldwide for achieving success in the conservation of the one horned Indian Rhinoceros. Besides, it also provides habitat for a number of threatened species and migratory birds. The sanctuary is one of the few known habitats of one horned rhinoceros. Spread over 430sq. km, this national park is gifted with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some of the fauna found here includes great Indian one horned rhino, pigmy hog, royal Bengal tiger, elephant, swamp deer, gangetic dolphin, wild buffalo and golden langur, besides others. The forests of Kaziranga can be broadly divided into three major types – Riparian Fringing Forest, Dillenia Swamp Forest and Assam Alluvial Plains Semi-evergreen Forest. Wildlife safari in the national park brings visitors’ close to wild beasts, birds and rare flora and fauna. The wilderness is perfect for thrilling adventures. Embark on wildlife spotting on elephant’s back. There are numerous forest lodges and resorts that offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventures. The best time to visit the park is between November to April. The week-long Kaziranga Elephant Festival held in December is also ideal for visit.

Tea Gardens in Assam



Famed worldwide for the captive taste of its tea, Assam is world’s largest tea-plantation area (sprawling over an area of 216200 hectares). The tea gardens add further charm to Assam’s already picturesque panorama. More than 100 tea estates have their gardens here in Assam; like Tata Group of Companies, Williamson Tea Estates, Ambika and Jamirah. With the beginning of March, the cropping season starts and lasts till December. Topping the charts in tea-garden tourism, the plantation is spread on the banks of Brahmaputra River. And with all of this, Assam has become a popular tourist destination. Tourists love to take a stroll in and around the tea-plantation gardens. Witnessing the workers picking the leaves with their pinky finger gets you closer to knowing the process. You can also catch up with them over a sizzling cup of Assam tea. Larger number of tourists flocks to this region especially during Assam Tea Festival, held in November. Tourist can also enjoy river cruises here and visit Guwahati Tea Auction, the largest of its kind in India.

Majuli in Assam



The star attraction of Assam, Majuli is a beautiful river island in the Brahmaputra River. The island holds an area of around 421.65 square kilometers (163 sq mi). The place offers a great blend of culture and history which allures people from all across the globe. Majuli is located at a distance of around 20 km from Jorhat town. The island of Majuli is accessible via ferries which can be taken from Jorhat. Earlier, the island of Majuli was a long piece of land which was known as ‘Majoli’ which meant the land in the middle of two parallel rivers. The island has River Brahmaputra flowing in its North and River Burhidihing flowing in its South. The island of Majuli is well known as the cultural capital of Assam. Also, the place holds Assamese civilization for more than 500 years. Majuli preserves antique items from the ancient civilizations such as weapons, jewellery and utensils in the Satras. Majuli is also very popular for its pottery. Beaten clay, which is burnt in ovens and fired with driftwood, is used for pottery. The art matches the techniques from the ancient Harrappan Civilization. The best time to visit Majuli is during the winter season when the weather remains cool and pleasant

River Rafting in Assam



River Rafting in Assam is one of the most adventurous sport activities. Assam is home to some of the most challenging rivers in the world. The mighty Brahmaputra River, the fourth largest river in the world covers most of the state, offering memorable river rafting experiences. River Brahmaputra’s turbulent tributaries like Manas, Jia Bhoroli and Kapili are the popular sites for rafting. The current of these rivers are so high that it is perfect for a thrilling adventure and thus visited by river rafting enthusiasts from all over the world. Over the years, Assam has made a name for itself in the arena of river rafting. There are numerous class 3, class 4 and class 5 rapids which provides a thrilling experience while river rafting. There are many camps and tour operators in the state which organize river rafting expeditions. This activity can be had anytime except the monsoons. River rafting not only involves experiencing the river but also the surrounding ecosystem and cultural life. River rafting is combined with camping. The river banks are ideal for halts. Most of the time there will be halts where you will get to experience the natural life. Wildlife safaris add to the thrill. Manas National Park, Nameri National Park are the two popular places where river rafting is possible. Make stopover at the sanctuary, spot Tigers, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog and other inhabitants found only in Assam. Other rare species of avians can also be spotted. Do not miss to try out fishing. The evenings will be complete with bonfire, cultural entertainment and mouth-watering local delicacies. November to May is the best time to plan river rafting in Assam. The weather is at its best and so is the level of water in the rivers. Follow safety instructors of your guide. River rafting in Assam is surely to feature in cherished memories.

kamakhya Temple



One of the most ancient temples in Guwahati, The Kamakhya Temple is set on the Nilachal Hill. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya who is considered the core of female energy. The temple is one among the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. The Kamakhya Temple is considered one of the holiest shrines in the entire country. The temple is a natural cave with a spring. There is a dark cave where Kamakhya Devi is present in a beautiful form. As per the stories, it is believed that Lord Shiva carried the burnt corpse of his wife Sati and her "yoni" (female genitalia) fell on the ground. The place where it fell is the same spot the temple stands today. Goddess Sati is present in the form of Kamakhya Devi in the temple. Durga Puja is a festival which adds more colors to the temple. Durga Puja is celebrated on a large scale in the temple. The festival falls between the months of September and October. It is a three day celebrations which is attended by a number of people who visit the temple from different parts of the world.

Halflong



Dima Hasao is adoringly called “Switzerland of the East” where oscillating hills and valleys are garlanded the entire area. Halflong is an important town of this dreamland named as “White Ant Hillock.” This “Scotland of Assam” is enriched with stunning Halflong hills, vista of terrains, variety of vales and mountaintops. As one of the best tourist places of Assam campers and nature lovers can catch the clouds on the lively hills and massive mountains. This is an incredible sight that is difficult to be erased from memory. The green lush surrounding the hills and town will engage the globetrotters in such a way that they crave for more. There is a must visit natural lake which is one of the largest water bodies in Assam. Even Jatinga in Halflong is popular site due to phenomenon of bird suicides. Apart from these, tourists may experience orchid garden, Maibong, Borail Range while in this only hill station of Assam.

Sualkuchi



What do term a somnolent hamlet in Assam where the whole villagers entwine witchcrafts with silk? From “Silk Village” to “Silk Heaven”, from “Manchester of the East” to “Manchester of Assam”, Sualkuchi has few nicknames due to a wide existence of textile industries. This is a portrait like village located on the bank of manful Brahmaputra River. The Golden Muga to Ivory White Pat and light brownish Eri this panoramic village is the perfect source of silk fabric. Among which Ahimsa Silk is world famous for Muga and Eri which are totally unique. In a single word, Sualkuchi is the “Craft Village” because the pottery industry, gold making, handloom weaving, oil processing and many more handiworks are the chief occupation of the natives of Sualkuchi instead of fabric works. Numerous tourists from different parts of India or outside of this country visit to listen to the rhythmic sounds of looms and shuttles.

Silchar



Located in Cachar district of Assam, Silchar serves as a gateway to other Northeastern states such as Mizoram and Manipur. The city is full of tourist spots such as Maniharan tunnel, Gandhibag Park, Maibong, Hazo, and Bhubaneswar Temple, which speaks highly of Silchar’s cultural past. Bhubaneshwar temple located atop Bhuvan Hill is located at a distance of 50 km from Silchar. This famous temple is host to Lord Shiva and people from far come to offer prayers. The Maniharan tunnel which is believed to have been used by Lord Krishna, now hosts several temples of Garuha, Lakshmana, Lord Rama, and Hanuman. About 202 km away from the city is the historical town of Hajo which serves as a major pilgrim attraction due to the presence of Powa Mecca (a mosque) and Hayagriva Madhava Temple (a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva). There are several hotels in Silchar suiting all budget brackets. So, accommodation will not be a problem. However, it is advisable to book a place well in advance