Things to do in Assam

Basic info

Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage center that lies on the banks of the River Brahmaputra. It is located about 24 km from the main city of Guwahati. The area is dotted with several temples and sacred artifacts displaying three religions – Hinduism, Islamic and Buddhism. The most famous temple of Hajo is the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir, and the lesser known temples of Hajo are those of Ganesha, Shiva and others that were established in 1744 AD during the reign of Ahom King Pramatta

Singha.
The Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is situated on the Monikut hill. King Raghudeva Narayan constructed the present temple structure in 1583. The ancient temple was constructed by the King of pala dynasty in the 6th century. It is a stone temple that is dedicated to Hayagriva Madhava and enshrines an image of him. The Buddhists believe that the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is the place where the Buddha attained Nirvana. The presiding deity is the Man Lion incarnation of Vishnu by the Hindus.

Tourist attractions

Hajo is also famous for Powa Mecca - the holy destination of the Islamic community and a famous pilgrimage center for the Muslims. It is also known as also known as Barmagam. The other temples are Madan

Kamdev Temple and Kedareswara Temple, apart from the main temple Hayagriva Madhava Mandir. In North East India, Hajo is probably the only places that houses shrines of three prominent religions in India.

Things to do

Apart from the religious importance of Hajo, one can take short trips to nearby places like Kedareswara Temple or the bell metal making spots. Another

Apart from the religious importance of Hajo, one can take short trips to nearby places like Kedareswara Temple or the bell metal making spots. Another

Basic info

Halflong is the only hill station in Assam located in the headquarters of Dima Hasao district. Known for its lush green picturesque beauty and rich cultural legacy, it is one of

the most popular tourist spots in the state. The mesmerizing natural beauty of the place gets perfectly balance with the adventurous flora and breathtaking weather throughout the year.

Tourist attractions

One of the major attractions of the place is that it gets swarmed with thousands of migratory birds in the winter. Along with the residential species, these migratory

species make it a colorful ambiance. It is exceptionally a thing of delight for the birdlovers, photographer and for all those who want a pump up to their adrenalin level.

Things to do

Halflong Lake is a must visit - which is vast expanse of clear water. Seems like an oasis in the middle of the hills, Halflong Lake is guaranteed to soothe your eyes and soul. Maibong - an ancient center for art and culture is another place of visit while traveling to Halflong. Located about 47 km from Halflong, Maibong is also famous for the

Halflong Lake is a must visit - which is vast expanse of clear water. Seems like an oasis in the middle of the hills, Halflong Lake is guaranteed to soothe your eyes and soul. Maibong - an ancient center for art and culture is another place of visit while traveling to Halflong. Located about 47 km from Halflong, Maibong is also famous for the

Basic info

Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected reserve in 1997. It derives its name partially from the dominant species of trees in the region named Hollong, and partially from Hoolock Gibbon which is found in the forest. The uniqueness of the reserve lies in the fact that it is the home to India’s only nocturnal primate – the Hoolock Gibbon which is found in groups of two – one

male and one female – throughout the forest reserve.
One must carry a guide and a forest guard along with each group while entering the forest. No vehicles are allowed inside the sanctuary. It is best to explore the sanctuary in the early morning to sight the wildlife best possible way. It is better to wear leech socks if you are traveling during monsoons, as during this time the forest gets swarmed with leeches.

Tourist attractions

Though the reserve covers only 8 sq km, it is rich in flora and fauna with their uniqueness. The forest is so dense that one can travel around only by walking down the dense vegetation formed by - the tall hollong trees (90 ft) that form the upper canopy, the Nahar trees (30 ft)

that form the middle canopy and the shrubs form the lower canopy. Spot Hoolock Gibbons coupled in two – the male being black in color, while the brown ones are female. These inmates can move at a speed of 55 km per hour and can cover upto 6 meters in one single swing or jump.

Things to do

There are lots to do in the sanctuary if you are guided well about the 7 out of 9 non-human primates that are inhabitants of the sanctuary including mammals, birds and reptiles. Go for forest hiking and spotting wildlife in the dense

There are lots to do in the sanctuary if you are guided well about the 7 out of 9 non-human primates that are inhabitants of the sanctuary including mammals, birds and reptiles. Go for forest hiking and spotting wildlife in the dense

Basic info

Kakochang Waterfalls near Kaziranga National Park is a well-known tourist attraction. Located about 13 km from the Bokakhat, one can view the remains of historical Numaligarh from this place. Ruins of Deoparbat, landscapes of tea, coffee, and rubber farms are among the other attractions that make the spot popular. It takes a trekking route of approximately 4 km from

Bokakhat to reach the waterfalls base. Interestingly, one can team up the visit to Kakochang Waterfalls while going for the exploration of Kaziranga National Forest, which is a World Heritage Site. But it is not advisable to visit both Kakochang and Kaziranga on the same day, as the Kakochang trek would take the whole day to make the most of it, and so would the national forest.

Tourist attractions

Get ready with the proper footwear and trekking accessories because you would need to cross at least six streams to reach the waterfalls. It will take around half an hour, and you will be

greeted with cool breeze and lush greenery as you reach the spot. The views of the waterfall and the backdrop of leaves against the rocks and the cascading water complement the sight perfectly.

Things to do

While there is nothing more to do than trekking and treating your eyes with the natural beauty, trust us, you won’t need anything else than

While there is nothing more to do than trekking and treating your eyes with the natural beauty, trust us, you won’t need anything else than

Basic info

The famous Kamakhya Temple, in western part of Guwahati, Assam, is dedicated to mother goddess Kamakhya and is considered as one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas and one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus and Tantric worshippers. The temple is devoted to “Shakti” as a celebration of womanhood.
The temple holds its uniqueness in the fact that the deity here is considered as “the bleeding goddess”, and the sanctum

sanctorum of the temple houses the mythical womb and vagina of the goddess “Shakti”. Strangely, and curiously enough the water of the River Brahmaputra turns red during the month of June, and mythology believes the phenomenon as the goddess “menstruating”. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims, sages and common people from all over the country as well as from abroad travel down to Guwahati to witness the Ambubachi Mela and to pay their homage to the goddess.

Basic info

Among the most popular national parks of the country is Kaziranga National Park, located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India. The sanctuary proudly stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the home to the world’s two-third population of one-horned rhinoceros. The park is unique for its distinct and well-preserved ecology that accounts for its versatile bio-diversity.
The Wildlife wing of the forest department of the Government of Assam is responsible for

the management of the national park which has been granted the maximum protection under the Indian law for wildlife conservation. There are authorized guards to accompany the travelers inside the park, and options of mahout-guided elephant rides and open jeep safaris to explore the reserve. The park has a total economic valuation of its annual flow benefits of 9.8 billion in Indian currency. Visit the park during October to June to make the most of your vacation by spotting the maximum number of inhabitants.

Tourist attractions

The main tourist attraction includes the animals – one-horned rhinoceros being the prime appeal. Kaziranga is one of the last strongholds for the endangered wild water

buffalo. Golden langur, Barasingha deer, Asian elephants, red junglefowl, wild boar and rose-ring parakeets are among the other major fauna and avifauna that pulls crowd to the national park.

Things to do

While visiting the Kaziranga National Park, it is a must to try the exciting jungle safaris. There are safari options of elephant rides guided by the mahouts or to opt for jeep or other 4WD vehicles. These

While visiting the Kaziranga National Park, it is a must to try the exciting jungle safaris. There are safari options of elephant rides guided by the mahouts or to opt for jeep or other 4WD vehicles. These

Basic info

Majuli is a river island located in the River Brahmaputra, and is the first ever island in India to be declared a district in 2016. Covering an area of 880 sq km, the island is listed as world’s largest river island in Guinness Book of World’s Records. However, the island is threatened naturally due to extensive soil erosion on its bank and has shrunk

to 352 sq km, as recorded in 2014. Majuli is a wetland, and a hotspot for flora and fauna. There are many rare and endangered avifauna harbored in the island, especially during the winter season. Located around 20 km from Jorhat, Majuli can be reached by a bus or a hired taxi from Jorhat to the Nimati Steamer Ghat. A total of 3 hours is required o cover the distance.

Tourist attractions

There are different Satras in the island - Kamalabari Satra, Dakshinpat Satra,Garmur,Tengapania and Auniati Satra. Kamalabari Satra is a religious site that houses significant articles related to art, culture, literature and classical studies. Dakshinpat Satra was the chief one patronized by the Ahom Ruler where

Rasotsava is celebrated as a prime festival of Assam. Garmur is one of the holy seats that preserves ancient artifacts and articles. Tengapania is a popular spot for picnic in Majuli. Apsara and Paalnaam dance, and a wide collection of traditional Assamese utensils, jewellery and handicrafts make Auniati Satra famous.

Things to do

It is best to hire a motorbike or a cycle to explore the island. One whole day can be spent visiting the different

It is best to hire a motorbike or a cycle to explore the island. One whole day can be spent visiting the different

Basic info

Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam located in the Himalayan foothills covering an area of 950 sq km. The national park is declared as a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve and is a popular hotspot for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife. Manas National Park is exclusively famous for the population of the wild water buffalo.
The national park derives its name

from the Manas River, which passes through the heart of the national park. The park covers two districts – Chirag and Baksa both in Assam. The region can be divided into three ranges – Panbari at the west, Bansbari at the center near Barpeta Road, and Bhuiyapara near Pathsala in the east. The vegetation is densely forested with two major biomes present in Manas – the grassland biomes and the forest biomes.

Tourist attractions

The main attraction of the sanctuary is its rare and endangered wildlife that is not available anywhere else in the world. Some of the major attraction of fauna includes the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. There

are more than 450 species of birds and has the largest population of the endangered Bengal florican not to be found anywhere else. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List with a number of less than 1000 estimated to be alive.

Things to do

The jeep safari is an enthralling experience to make you feel hooked to the beautiful raw surroundings. Explore the home to more than 20 endangered species of fauna and avifauna while traveling in an open jeep which you need to hire at Field’s Director Office on Barpeta Road. If you don’t want to travel by jeep, elephant safari is yet another option,

The jeep safari is an enthralling experience to make you feel hooked to the beautiful raw surroundings. Explore the home to more than 20 endangered species of fauna and avifauna while traveling in an open jeep which you need to hire at Field’s Director Office on Barpeta Road. If you don’t want to travel by jeep, elephant safari is yet another option,

Basic info

Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam, Nameri National Park is the third national park in Assam adjoined by the Pakhui Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh on its North-Eastern point. It covers an area of over 1000 sq km of semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forest where the vegetation rules with cane and bamboo

brakes, and with narrow strips of open grassland along rivers.
The sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise where over 300 species of birds flock during season, especially near the waterpots that dot the area during the rainy seasons. The area is interlaced by the river Jia-Bhoroli and its tributaries - Diji, Dinai, Doigurung, Nameri, Dikorai, Khari.

Tourist attractions

Nameri attracts tourists mainly for its heavenly abode for over 300 species of birds. The white winged wood duck, black stork, ibisbill, blue-bearded bee-eaters, great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, rufous necked hornbill,nbabblers, plovers and several other make for the vibrant hues throughout the region.
Apart from

birds, Nameri is considered to be an elephant reserve, and a resident to several other animals like tiger, leopard, sambar, dhole (the Asiatic wild dog), muntjac, gaur, wild boar, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, pygmy hog, Indian wild bison, clouded leopard, leopard cat, capped langur and Indian giant squirrel to name a few.

Things to do

Walk through the forest and keep exploring the 5 km stretch to catch glimpse of birds in abundance. Do make sure to carry your binoculars and camera to make the most of it.

Walk through the forest and keep exploring the 5 km stretch to catch glimpse of birds in abundance. Do make sure to carry your binoculars and camera to make the most of it.

Basic info

The Orang National Park covers an area of 79 sq km and is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam. The sanctuary was established in 1985 and was declared a national park in 1999. The park experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with an

annual rainfall of 3000 mm and the maximum rainfall during May to September.
The reserve is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park for its similarity in landscape the includes marshes, streams and grasslands, and also the main attraction of fauna - the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

Tourist attractions

The Orang National Park in the home to a significant number of breeding population of different species, where the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros is the dominant species. The other species include royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), Asiatic elephant, pygmy

hog, hog deer and wild boar, apart from some endangered species like pygmy hog, blind Gangetic dolphin, Indian pangolin, small Indian civet, otter, leopard cat, fishing cat, hog deer, rhesus macaque, Bengal porcupine, Indian fox, and jungle cat among several others.

Things to do

Explore the national park to its best possibility. But before that it is

Explore the national park to its best possibility. But before that it is

Basic info

Live the ultimate wilderness in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary nestled in the grasslands of Assam in the Morigaon district. Located at about 30 km east of Guwahati, it is a beautiful drive route by the river Brahmaputra. The sanctuary is most famous for the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros as the main attraction of wildlife. Other than rhinoceros, there

are other animals like leopard, wild boar, barking deer, wild buffalo etc and over 2000 migratory birds reside in the sanctuary.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of 38 sq km. The area was declared a reserve forest in 1971 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. Flat flood plains and the Raja Mayong hillock mainly account for its landscape.

Tourist attractions

The main attraction of the sanctuary is the wildlife which is ruled mainly by the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Over 375 species of birds make it a colorful region. There are at present reportedly around 93 rhinos thriving in the sanctuary. Pobitora is proudly at the highest of State’s top

wildlife destinations attracting hundreds of tourists every year from all over the country as well as from abroad. Major activities include elephant rides and jeep safaris conducted by the Forest Department, Government of Assam in addition to bird watching trek and boating for sighting of river dolphins.

Things to do

Tourists are encouraged to take a trip to the sanctuary to explore the dense vegetation as well as to dive into the exotic wildlife. It is a paradise for the bird-lovers to spot many endangered species of birds like the

Tourists are encouraged to take a trip to the sanctuary to explore the dense vegetation as well as to dive into the exotic wildlife. It is a paradise for the bird-lovers to spot many endangered species of birds like the

Basic info

Considered among the most magnificent temple of Guwahati dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, it is considered to be among Hindu pilgrimages. The first glimpse of the temple would remind you of the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple of Andhra Pradesh. The temple was built in 1998 at around 10 km from the city centre and is famous for its architectural marvel.
Spread over an area of over two

acres of land, the complex includes several other adjacent temples. The Ganesha temple welcomes the devotees at the entrance of the temple complex, while the main temple at the centre is dedicated to Lord Balaji – who deity is carved out of a single stone weighing around 4 tones. The scenic beauty around the temple is praiseworthy which adds to the charm of the milk white temple.

Basic info

Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island on the Brahmaputra River. The peaceful temple is named and devoted to the Lord Shiva. The name is derived from two words – Uma which is Goddess Durga’s name and Ananda which means happiness. The island is one of the smallest inhabited islands of the country, and speaks for its serene natural beauty. Be it the peaceful ambiance inside the temple, or the outstanding natural beauty of the island

– the temple is a must visit for devotees and nature lovers alike.
The temple was built in 1694 by Bar Phukan Gadadhar Singha in the reign of King Gadadhar Singha, one of the mightiest kings of the Ahom Kingdom. During the Mughal rule in Kamrupa, the Umananda temple received donations from the Mughal emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb. The earthquake in 1897 damaged the temple badly, though it was rebuilt by a merchant who was a devotee of Lord Shiva.

Basic info

Tourist attractions

Things to do