Best Picnic Spots in Assam to Head to Next

Home to the densest population of One-horned Rhinos in the world, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam, approximately 30 km away from Guwahati in the Morigaon District. The wildlife sanctuary also sees an astounding diversity of bird species. No wonder then that it is also called 'Bharatpur of the East'. It has gained immense popularity due to its proximity to Guwahati. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often visited as a stopover en route to Kaziranga National Park.

Location: Pobitora Forest Range Office Road, Pabitara, Assam

Highlights: Daytime Forest Safaris, Excellent Green Spaces for Picnics

Located in the Kamrup district of Assam, 18 km southwest of Guwahati city, Dipor Bil (also spelt Deepor Beel) is a freshwater lake in the former channel of the Brahmaputra river. Sprawling over a vast area of 40 sq. km, the lake was declared as a Bird Sanctuary in 1989 owing to its rich biodiversity and heritage. Home to a vast variety of exotic bird species, Dipor Bil is a major tourist attraction of Assam. Well known for its pristine beauty and biodiversity, the area offers a spectacular view of the fascinating wetland and rich forest ecosystem. As many as 19000 different species of rare and endangered birds can be seen every day at the spot, which draws tourists in hordes from far and wide.

Location: Southern Side of Guwahati near Jalukbari

Highlights: Migratory Birds Visit during Winters, Water-based flowers Bloom en masse making for a scenic picnic location.

The landmark of the town, the Sibsagar Lake is also an artificial lake built by Queen Ambika, wife of King Shiva Singha, in the year 1734. The pretty lake is surrounded by parks, gardens, museum, masjid, Buddhist monastery, church and temples.

Location: Sibsagar Town, Assam

Highlights: Pretty parks beside the lake, Historical Monuments near the lake around Sibsagar Town.

Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located at a distance of 15 kilometres north of Shillong which is the capital of the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The scenic Umiam Lake is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers in the country. The sunrise at the lake is a treat to watch and shouldn't be missed. The Umiam Lake has a park adjoining it which is a hotspot for picnics and frequented by locals for a getaway from their busy scheduled.

Location: 9 Km from Shillong or En Route to Shillong from Guwahati along G.S Highway.

Highlights: Fantastic Photograph Points, Boating at the Lake

Known For : Hajo Powa Mecca Hayagriva Madhava Temple Kedareswar Temple

The ancient pilgrim centre of Hajo finds it uniqueness in being an attraction for three religions - Hindu, Muslims and Buddhists. Shrines dedicated to Durga, Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha and major Muslim saints are found all over this place, making it an important pilgrimage centre for people from all these three religions. The most famous temple is the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir which also attracts Buddhists as it is believed to be the site where Buddha attained Nirvana while the Powa Mecca Mosque finds popularity among Muslims.

Location: North of Guwahati at 24 KM

Highlights: Olden Temples of different faiths, Lots of Greenery

Best Time: July to March

5 Hajo Attractions

Chandubi Lake is an earthquake-born natural lake located at the foot of the Garo Hills and surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya. It is an extremely calm and peaceful lake surrounded by tea gardens, deep forests and tiny villages. The lake is free from pollution, owing to the fact that it is out of the reach of modern civilisation. Chandubi Lake also boasts of rich flora and fauna and is spread over 2000 hectares of land. It is a must-visit picnic spot in the lap of nature and is one of the best places for natural sightseeing in this state. The refreshing charm of Chandubi Lake guarantees a relaxing time.

Location: 64 KM south of Guwahati, near the Assam-Meghalaya Border

Highlights: Surrounded by forests and tea gardens, Fishing and Boating at the lake, Camping near the lake

Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The only tiger reserve in Assam and also famous for the rare golden langur and the red panda, Manas is one of the best-kept national parks in India.

Location: 137 Km from Guwahati, near the Bhutan border

Highlights: Jungle Safari, Lush green areas for a splendid picnic

Best Time: October to Apr

Situated in the Himalayan foothills, Sadiya is one of the sub-divisional headquarters of Tinsukia. It sits at the confluence of three major rivers, Dihing (Tsangpo in Tibet), Dibang and Lohit that create the mighty Brahmaputra. It has an elevation of about 400 feet and stands on a grassy plain. Sadiya is a small town but is home to extraordinary scenic beauty and rich historical background. The flower 'satful' is also a major feature of this city.

Location: 20 Km from Jorhat

Highlights: Dhola-Sadiya Bridge (longest bridge in India), Satphul flower

Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur

With a total area of 1250 sq. km, Majuli is the world's largest river island and it attracts tourists from all over the world. Among one of the most surreal places in India, Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Mostly inhabited by Tribals, the culture of Majuli is unique and quite interesting and is one of the key reasons why people love this place so much. It is also called the cultural capital of Assam. The festivals celebrated here are all joyous and vibrant. The main festival in the town of Majuli is called Raas and witnessing it is an interesting spectacle.

Highlights: Numerous Satras, Migratory birds during winter, Majuli Mahotsav, Ras Mahotsav

Best Time: October - April

5 Majuli Attractions

The Na-Pukhuri is the biggest attraction of the town. This is a group of nine ponds on the periphery of the town. It is a historical monument built during the period of King Sarbananda Singha.

Location: Tinsukia Town

Highlights: A Large park with wonderful gardens, Boating at the lake

Newly discovered Bogamati is a picturesque spot perfect for picnics that lies at the mouth of river ‘Barnadi’ on the foothills on Indo-Bhutan border, in the Baksa district, Assam. Inaugurated by Emanuel Muchahary, MLA of Tumulpur, about six years ago, the unexplored, panoramic view of the mountains creates a serene getaway for travellers, couples and family alike.

Location: At Baksa District, 92 Km from Guwahati

Highlights: Panoramic views of the Mountain ranges, Rafting ar Bornadi river

With one of the oldest game reserves of the state, The Orang National park located on the shores of river Brahmaputra, can be an exciting little bit of Assam with a huge variety of fauna finding its habitat here.

Location: Singari Bangali Gaon, Assam 784110

Highlights: Day Safaris

Best Time: November to April

Maniram Dewan, a sirastadar of an assistant commissioner had established this tea estate in 1850. At that time, he worked under the British administration at Jorhat. The Cinnamora Tea Estate is the first tea estate of Assam!

Highlights: Lush Tea Gardens, Walkthrough - tea planting and plucking by the locals

Nameri national park is famous for its elephants and other animals including tigers, leopards, gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, etc. and also for being a bird watchers paradise.

Highlights: Rafting at Jia Bhoroli, riverside picnic sites.

Best Time: November to April

One of the most beautiful lake in Silchar and a photographer's delight, this lake is a peaceful spot to spend some quality time alone or with your loved ones.

Location: Silchar Town

Highlights: The Small Waterfall at the steps, A serene environment

Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of those places which boast of a rich collection of flora and fauna, many of them endangered. It is one of the few remaining protected sites in the Endemic Bird Area of the Assamese Plains.

Location: 40 Km from Dibrugarh Town

Highlights: Sightings of White-winged doves, White feral horses

Best Time: November to April

Known For : Adventure sports Golf

Lilabari is a small town located in North Lakhimpur in Assam. The town is famous for its waterfront, as it is situated on the left bank of Brahmaputra river and beautified with the breathtaking Dirang valley and Sela pass. Lilabari also has an airport which serves Arunachal Pradesh as well.

Location: North Lakhimpur District

Best Time: October to March

2 Lilabari Attractions

Known For : Shopping in Sualkuchi Hatisatra Sidheswar Devalaya

Sualkuchi is a small sleepy village that displays the culture and traditions of Assam in its best form. The weaving village is however, best known for its skills and craftsmanship for producing one of the best kinds of silk in the state and thus earning its self a nickname of 'Manchester of East'.

Location: 35 KM North-west of Guwahati

Highlights: Silk Village of Assam

Best Time: November to March

8 Sualkuchi Attractions