Things to do in Assam for a Perfect Vacay Amidst Hills

Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur

Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, pristine and pollution free fresh water island in the river Brahmaputra, just 20 km from the Jorhat city. 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. Be sure to include visiting here in your topmost things to do in Assam.

Best Time: October - April

5 Majuli Attractions

Located on the Nilanchal Hill in the western part of Guwahati in Assam, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Goddess Shakti in India. According to the Hindu scriptures, there are four important Shakti Peethas (Temples with highest powers of divinity) in the country and Kamakhya Temple is one of them. Kamakhya Temple celebrates the power of the woman to give birth and is regarded as extremely auspicious among the followers of the Tantrik sect of Hinduism. It was built and reconstructed multiple times between the 8th and 17th Centuries and is a spectacle in itself.

Home to two-thirds of the world's one horned rhinoceros population, this national park has been declared as a World Heritage Site. Sitting in the laps of Mother Nature, this park has a very versatile bio diversity which makes Kaziranga National Park a very important and popular tourist destination. Situated around 193 kms from Guwahati, the national park boasts of a rich wildlife including Swamp deer, elephants, wild buffalos, Chinese pangolins, Bengal foxes, gibbons, civets, sloth bears, leopards and flying squirrels etc.

Best Time: October to June

Known For : Hajo Powa Mecca Hayagriva Madhava Temple Kedareswar Temple

The ancient pilgrim centre of Haajo, is 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 center for people from all these three religions. It lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, 24 km from the city of Guwahati in the Kamrup district of Assam, India. Temples and other sacred artifacts can be seen spread across the region.

Best Time: July to March

5 Hajo Attractions

Known For : Talatal Ghar Rang Ghar Ahom Museum

Dating back to the Ahom dynasty, this cultural town is full of historic tourist attractions from forts with underground architecture to numerous temples. Sibsagar is a state 'Assam' that provides various tourist attractions related to architectural marvels, history and culture. Some of the most popular places here include a water tank called Bhorpukhuri along with Joysagar, a man-made lake, Ahom Museum, Rudrasagar tank and temples, Gaurisagar tank and temples. One can also visit the Kareng Ghar and the Rang Ghar.

Best Time: October to March

9 Sibsagar Attractions

This park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nestled in the foot hills of the Himalayas, around 136 kms from Guwahati, and is home to a number of animal species including the lispid hares, pygmy dogs, etc. The Manas river runs within the complex and tourists can opt for a raft ride for a view of the jungle and it's animals. Forest safaris and elephant rides can also be arranged to move around the sanctuary. Birdwatching is another interesting activity at the park. Visiting here is one of the top things to do in Assam.

Best Time: October to Apr

One of the prime things to do in Assam is River Rafting in the Jia Bhoreli River. Amid the rich tribal culture, glory of Mother Nature, thick forests, luxurious riverine system and amazing bio diversity, raft along the strong currents of Jia Bhoreli River for a pumped up experience. Enliven the experience of thrill and rush of rafting on Jia Bhoreli River surrounded by a serene habitat of North-East. The remotest of the areas packed with the bundles of wilderness offers the white river rafting, a lifetime experience that will leave you completely awe inspired. So, pack your bag and get ready for a most enthralling experience of your life.

The cuisine of Assam is a simple one in its styles and ingredients. In spite of little art in the style of cooking and minimal use of colourful and teasing spices or oil, the food here is rich given the exotic flavors and freshest and natural ingredients. Assam's Laksa (a spicy-sour fish base noodle soup) is almost as staple and popular as rice. Preparations of exotic fruits and vegetables as well as fish, duck and squab are also popular. Khar ,Tenga, Pura, Poitbhat, Pitika, Paan are what Assamese Cuisine is known for and identified with.

The smallest river island in the world, Umananda Island is a place with legends aplenty, a place where man and the wilderness co-habit in peace and serenity. Umananda Island lies at the heart of the Mighty Brahmaputra River which flows through the middle of the city of Guwahati. An island with many legends associated with it, it's pristine and calm environ has not been destroyed by the presence of human beings as yet. It was known as Peacock Island among the British Colonists who named it so based on its shape. Visiting the island is one of the topmost things to do in Assam.

Assam is popular for its resplendent tea gardens spanning over acres and acres of land. When in Dibrugarh, you should definitely take a tour of one. Boasting of scintillating greenery, you can watch the tea pickers at work, and gain an insight into the tea making process. You can also taste premium quality tea here and take back some with you.

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.

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. Visiting here is one of the prime things to do in Assam and the place attracts tourist in hordes.

One of the prime things to do in Guwahati is experience a cruise ride in the Brahmaputra. Considered to be one of the most romantic experiences in the city, you can opt for a romantic candle lit dinner or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your significant other. You can also enjoy mouth watering cuisine and live music.

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. Safaris are available and are the most popular way to create a trip full of excitement, into the national park. Also, along with the rich fauna of the place, the lush and evergreen flora too, tends to enchant the visitors. Facilities for activities such as water rafting, fishing, swimming are available though permission from the forest department. The park is essential for fishing and angling.

Best Time: November to April

Located 28 km away from Sibsagar, this was the capital of Ahom dynasty. This was built by Sukhapa, the founder of the Ahom dynasty. The main attraction of Charaideo is its burial vaults (or maidans) of the king and members of the Ahom dynasty. These vaults built of stones and bricks, are in ruins today.

The Cinnamora Tea Estate is the first tea estate of Assam. 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 tea garden is a resplendent green in colour and walking down the estate is an experience in it itself. Walking down the estate is one of the best things to do in Jorhat.

Karimganj is a beautiful place flanked by two rivers and beautiful meadows, and a haven for bird watchers. Different kinds of birds are spotted around the scenic beauty of Karimganj, rendering it as Elysium for photography and bird watching enthusiasts.

A lifetime expedition into the country’s north-east on one of the world’s longest river Brahmaputra. The rafting in the remote area is a breath taking experience. Visit this offbeat destination Tuting where the real adventure begins upon the waves of one of the world’s great river, Brahmaputra. The main journey starts from the upper Brahmaputra (Siang) river in Tuting. The rafting ride covers about 180 kms of the river from Tuting to Pasighat, gurgling and negotiating the turbulence, fleeting through secluded remote gorges and unfathomable thick tropical rain forests.

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. Orang will pleasantly surprise you with its rich variety of animals, birds and fishes and a similar abundance in flora. The park is known for its rhinoceros conservation has The Great Indian Rhinoceros and the famous Bengal Tiger. Apart from rhinos, one will find here the Great Indian Rhinoceros, porcupines, Bengal tigers, civets, water buffaloes, leopards and many more.

Best Time: November to April

Mayong, also known as 'the land of black magic' is a cluster of villages which is situated at a distance of 40kilometress from Guwahati. The village lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in the district of Morigaon. Mayong is a famous tourist spot and the famous stories of black magic and the magicians of the land make the place all the more attractive to the tourists. The ones who have been to the place say that there is a peculiar silence surrounding the place which is completely opposite to the chaotic history associated with it.

This National park is located just 13 km from Tinsukia. Brahmaputra, Lohit and Dibru rivers are surrounding this National Park. Various animals including aquatic animals are found in this National Park including White-winged wood ducks, water buffaloes, wild horses, tigers and Capped Langurs. You can also experience a wildlife safari here for an exotic experience.

Famous as the Oil City of Assam, this town houses the oldest refinery of India. Crude oil was discovered here in the late 19th century. It is a primary source for raising the economic status of Tinsukia district. However, the city is more than just oil. It is also known for its golf courses which are traces left by British colonialism. Dolls made of wax and traditional textiles are also found. Tourists can find accommodation in Italian-style architecture apartments and guest houses.

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. Besides the beauty and serenity, this lovely town also offers best opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. People here get enthralled by indulging into trekking, hiking, mountaineering, angling, rafting, camping, boating and fishing. Lilabari is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and lover of nature and serenity.

Best Time: October to March

2 Lilabari Attractions

Adamail Range forming a border with Bangladesh is also referred to as the Patharia Range. Marking the western border of the district, the range is spread over a length of 45 km, with its highest peak elevated at about 800 ft above the sea level. You can trek up the hills to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the hills and valleys below.

These Caves are situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, they don't have any sculptural design. Just a platform of mud and brick. The five caves on the riverbanks belong to Salasthambha period. This is lately turning out to be a popular tourist spot in the city.

Filled with a number of places where you can spend your time in leisure, Assam is packed with the immense natural beauty of both wildlife and scenic landscapes. Koya-Kujia Bill is one of the attractions for the nature lovers in Assam. Koya Bijli is an ecological park located in the Bongaigaon district of Assam. It is a famous picnic spot and a perfect place for a day out for children and adults alike.

This lake is bird watcher's paradise. A wide range of migratory birds come here during winters. Locally this lake is known as the Tamranga Beel. Source of water for the lake is the flood water of River Brahmaputra. It is a haven for photographers and nature lovers.

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'. One can witness the ethnicity and rustic view of the village in form of the bamboo houses and walls covered with mud in order to maintain cool in summers and warmth in winters. Also rich in flora and fauna, Sualkuchi is an ecologically diverse area inhabiting not only the local exotic animals and birds but also varied species of migratory birds.

Best Time: November to March

8 Sualkuchi Attractions