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| Majuli: image from Wikipedia |
Assam, the gateway to Northeast India, is a land of rolling tea gardens, mighty rivers, and vibrant cultures. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Assam has something for everyone. From the lush green forests of Kaziranga to the serene river island of Majuli, here are the top 10 must-visit places in Assam.
π‘Pro Tip (From a native!) :Best time to visit Assam is from October to November.
1. Kaziranga National Park – Home to the One-Horned Rhino
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is Assam’s crown jewel. This vast grassland is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinos in the world, along with tigers, elephants, and exotic birds. Take an early morning jeep safari or go on an elephant ride for the best wildlife sightings. Kaziranga's history traces back to 1904 when Mary Curzon visited Assam. In 1974 Kaziranga was declared a national park and in 1985 a UNESCO world heritage site. This place is a must for nature lovers.
Kaziranga National Park is home to over 70% of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros, making it one of the best places to see these majestic creatures in the wild. It also boasts the highest density of tiger prey in India, with a rich population of large herbivores that sustain the park’s tiger population.
The park shelters more than 60% of India’s wild buffalo population and is the only place where you’ll find the Eastern Swamp Deer. It’s also a haven for reptile lovers, with seven species of turtles and tortoises.
Kaziranga’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, fishing cats, civets (both large and small Indian civets), sambar deer, barking deer, hog deer, gaur, and hog badgers. Primates like the Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Assamese Macaque, and Rhesus Macaque also thrive here. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sloth bear, Gangetic dolphin, or an otter in the park’s wetlands.
Simply put, Kaziranga is a wildlife lover’s heaven π
✅ Official site: http://kaziranga.assam.gov.in/wp/
πΊ Things to Do: Jeep safari, Elephant safari, Birdwatching etc.
π Best Time to Visit: November to April
π How to Reach: 203 km from Guwahati (5-6 hour drive)
2. Majuli – The World’s Largest River Island
Situated in the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is a paradise for culture and nature lovers. This river island is famous for its Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras / সঀ্ΰ§°), traditional Mishing tribe villages, amazing view of the mighty Brahmaputra river and scenic landscapes. It’s also the best place to experience Raas Mahotsav, a festival about Sri Krishna's leela, that showcases Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
πΆ Things to Do: Visit Kamalabari, Auniati and more satras, Explore Mishing tribal villages, Enjoy a boat ride in on the mighty Brahmaputra river.
π Best Time to Visit: October to March
π’ How to Reach: Ferry from Jorhat (20 km away)
3. Guwahati - The Gateway to Northeast India
Assam’s largest city, Guwahati, is a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. You can visit the famous Kamakhya Temple, take a cruise on the Brahmaputra River, and explore the vibrant local markets of the Guwahati. The city is also a great starting point for trips to nearby attractions. It also has an international airport: "Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport."
π― Things to Do: Visit Kamakhya Temple, Take a sunset cruise, Shop at Fancy Bazaar, Visit nearby deepor beel lake etc.
π Best Time to Visit: October to April (or whenever you wish :)
✈️ How to Reach: Well-connected by flights, trains, and roads.
4. Sivasagar – The Historical Capital of Assam
Once the capital of the Ahom Kingdom (1699-1788), Sivasagar is a history lover’s delight. The city is dotted with ancient temples, palaces, and tanks built by the Ahom rulers. The Rang Ghar is one of the oldest amphitheaters in Asia. Sivasagar's former name was 'Rangpur'.
π️ Things to Do: Explore Rang Ghar, Sivadol Temple, Talatal Ghar, Sivasagar Tank, Kareng Ghar, Rudrasagar Tank etc.
π Best Time to Visit: October to March
π How to Reach: 360 km from Guwahati (7-8 hour drive)
5. Jorhat – The Tea Capital of Assam
Jorhat is a tea lover’s paradise with vast tea gardens, colonial-era bungalows, and cultural sites. Take a tour of the famous Tocklai Tea Research Centre to learn about Assam Tea and its history. Jorhat was once a capital of the Ahom Dynasty. This City has a lots of significance.
☕ Things to Do: Visit tea estates, Explore Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Tour Tocklai Tea Research Institute
π Best Time to Visit: October to March
π How to Reach: 300 km from Guwahati (6-hour drive)
6. Manas National Park – A UNESCO Natural Heritage Site
For wildlife enthusiasts, Manas National Park offers a thrilling jungle experience. Home to rare species like the golden langur and pygmy hog, this park is a hidden gem compared to Kaziranga.
π
Things to Do: Jeep Safari, River Rafting on Manas River, Birdwatching
π Best Time to Visit: October to May
π How to Reach: 140 km from Guwahati (4-hour drive)
7. The Only Hill Station in Assam: Halflong
If you love mountains, then Haflong, also known as the Switzerland of Assam, is the perfect destination. This peaceful hill town offers stunning views of mountains, trekking trails, and serene lakes. In Halflong there is a place called Jatinga, where birds mysteriously suicide. Halflong is the only hill station in Assam. So, visit Halflong!
⛰️ Things to Do: Trek to Borail Hills, Visit Haflong Lake, Explore Jatinga (famous for bird suicide mysteries)
π Best Time to Visit: October to February
π How to Reach: 330 km from Guwahati (8-hour drive)
8. Hajo – The Land of Spiritual Harmony
Hajo is a unique pilgrimage site where Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists come together. The Hayagriva Madhava Temple and Poa Mecca are major attractions here.
π Things to Do: Visit Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Explore Poa Mecca, Walk around the old town
π Best Time to Visit: November to February
π How to Reach: 24 km from Guwahati
9. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – The Mini Kaziranga
For those short on time, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary offers a quick rhino safari experience just an hour’s drive from Guwahati. It has one of the highest densities of one-horned rhinos in India.
π¦ Things to Do: Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Birdwatching
π Best Time to Visit: October to April
π How to Reach: 50 km from Guwahati (1.5-hour drive)
10. Digboi - The Oldest Oil Refinery in Asia
Famous for having the first oil refinery in Asia, Digboi is a mix of industrial history and natural beauty. The town has a colonial charm, with lush green tea gardens surrounding it. It was built by Britishers, after finding that Assam has millions of barrels petrolium.
⛽ Things to Do: Visit Digboi Oil Museum, Explore War Cemetery etc.
π Best Time to Visit: October to March
π How to Reach: 500 km from Guwahati (10-11 hour drive)
Conclusion:
Assam is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you're looking for rhinos in Kaziranga, sipping tea in Jorhat, or soaking in the spiritual vibes of Majuli, there’s something for every traveler. Assam Is Awesome! π
If you’re planning a trip to Assam, which place do you want to go to? Tell me in the comments!
Tell me which place do you like the most in Assam?
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