What to explore in Assam
My friends in Delhi
often ask me which places in Assam they should visit to have a best feel of the
state and its culture. To cater to their wishes, and many such other people who
would want to visit the Northeast but stop short because of lack of information,
I thought of writing on the major attractions of Assam.
Guwahati, the capital
city of Assam, is the gateway to the north-east. In Guwahati itself—which is
surrounded by hills on three sides and the might Brahmaputra river flowing by—you
have lots to see. Even if you are on an official tour to the city, you can find
some time and do a quick explore.
First let’s talk
about the capital city. You can reach Guwahati by train from any state capital
and other major cities, or you can take a flight.
*The famous Kamakhya
temple, a Shaktipeeth dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, is located
on the Nilachal hills, which overlook Guwahati and the river Brahmaputra. It’s
a breath-taking sight which you will remember for your life.
*Umananda, the smallest
inhabited river islet in the middle of Brahmaputra, is a must visit. You can
reach there by boat or a state-run ferry. The 15-minute ride through the
rocking waters of the mighty Brahmaputra is just incredible. The green and
quiet surroundings of the temple are a haven for nature lovers and music to the
ears.
*If you are a water lover, then you should visit Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site located to the south-west of Guwahati. It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra, to the south of the main river, a fresh water wetland and home to migratory birds. The state government has plans to develop boat houses to attract more tourists.
*The next spot is
India’s longest ropeway built over the Brahmaputra. It provides a
spectacular view of the river. From Kachari Ghat on the south banks, you can
take the ropeway to North Guwahati and spend quality time on the other side of
the river. You can visit the Doul Govinda Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna on
the northern banks, on the foothills of Chandra Bharati hill at Rajaduar.
*There are a few river
cruises on the river from where you can enjoy the sunset or have dinner,
enjoying the ride that will make you forget all your stress and worries.
If you have more time,
you can visit the Assam State Museum, Guwahati Zoo, Guwahati Planetarium,
ISKCON temple, Nabagraha temple, Srimanta Shankardeva Kalashetra, Guwahati War
Memorial, Sukreshwar temple, again on the banks of the Brahmaputra, and the Basistha
Ashram on the city outskirts, bordering Meghalaya, where there is a beautiful
waterfall and a stream.
*You can visit the Chandubi
Lake, a sprawling natural lake located in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council,
Kamrup district, at a distance of 64 kilometres from Guwahati. Cabs are
available from Guwahati to the lake that was formed after an earthquake.
You can enjoy the
beautiful tea gardens and the raw jungles on the way and the culture and life of
the villagers. There are resorts on the other side of the lake. Visitors can
opt for fishing in the lake. The lake administrators also offer provisions to
go rowing in the calm waters.
*Haflong: To
explore Haflong, you can take Vistadome train from Guwahati to Haflong. You can
stay for a few hours and return on the same evening by the same train. If you
stay there, you can visit the Haflong Lake, where you can enjoy boating and the
picturesque surroundings. You can also visit Maibang and Jatinga, the valley of
birds.
*Kaziranga: You can take a bus
or book a cab from Guwahati to reach the Kaziranga National Park. Spread across
the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, its forests, wetlands and grasslands are
home to one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants and tigers. Ganges river dolphins
are also found in the park’s waters. It is visited by many rare migratory birds
and gray pelicans roost. You can try elephant safari or jeep safari. One night
is enough to explore the national park if you are short on time. You can also
try the Brahmaputra cruise for a different perspective of the Kaziranga.
*Manas National Park:
This UNESCO heritage site is a tiger and elephant reserve, where you can go for
a safari and enjoy on the banks of the Manas River. You can also visit Bogamati
near the river Barnadi.
*Sualkuchi: Also called
'Manchester of East' it is a small village that displays the culture and
traditions of Assam. The weaving village is known for its skills and
craftsmanship for producing one of the best kinds of silk, and you can buy the
fabric at a much lesser price than cities. Don’t forget to visit the nearby banks
of Brahmaputra in the evening to calm your mind. If you love spiritual places,
you can visit Hatisatra, a monastery dedicated to Lord Krishna, Sidheswar
Devalaya, Ganesh Bigrah temple, Hayagriva Madhava Temple at Hajo.
*Majuli: It is the largest
riverine island in the world. Enjoy the unspoilt water bodies and village life
in Majuli, visit different satras (monasteries). Do visit Tengapania, located
on the banks of the Brahmaputra, a popular picnic spot of the region and a
major attraction for tourists. Do visit the Thengal manor—a lovely Assamese
bungalow with a vintage charm— in nearby Jorhat. And the tea belt in upper
Assam, which offers a lush green landscape.
*Dhola Sadiya bridge: Have a spectacular
view of the Brahmaputra river from the Dhola Sadiya Bridge or the Bhupen
Hazarika Setu, the longest river bridge in India that serves as a major link
between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The Dibru Saikhowa national park,
home to wild horses, is not far off.
All the places have
connectivity from Guwahati through buses and cabs. It’s better to visit the
state from September to March. You can also visit other state capitals of
the north-east from Guwahati and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of
the people.
Top tourist destinations to explore in Assam
