Assam tourist places

Assam (Asom, Axom) is a beautiful and diverse state with an incredible range of cultures and landscapes located in the northeast of India. It shares it’s borders in the North and East with the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the south lies Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Meghalaya lies to her South-West, Bengal and Bangladesh to her West.

 

 

Assam  is a northeastern state of India. Its capital is Dispur, located within the municipal area of Guwahati city. Located south of the eastern Himalayas, Assam comprises the Brahmaputra and the Barak river valleys along with the Karbi Anglong and the North Cachar Hills with an area of 30,285 square miles (78,438 km²). Assam is surrounded by six of the other Seven Sister States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. Geographically Assam and these states are connected to the rest of India via a narrow strip of land in West Bengal called the Siliguri Corridor or "Chicken's Neck".

Assam shares international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh; and cultures, peoples and climate with South-East Asia – important elements in India’s Look East policy. Assam became a part of the British India after the British occupied the region following the First Anglo-Burmese War of 1824–1826.

Assam is rich in culture, ethnic groups, languages/dialacts spoken and literature. It is known for Assam tea, large and old petroleum resources (the first oil reserves of India were discovered in Assam in the late 19th century), Assam silk and for its rich biodiversity. Assam has successfully conserved the one-horned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the tiger and numerous species of birds, and it provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. It is becoming an increasingly popular destination for wildlife tourism, and Kaziranga and Manas are both World Heritage Sites. Assam was also known for its Sal tree forests and forest products, much depleted now. A land of high rainfall, Assam is endowed with lush greenery and the mighty river Brahmaputra, whose tributaries and oxbow lakes provide the region with a unique hydro-geomorphic and aesthetic environment

About the Assam

 

 

Brief History of Assam The region of Assam was mentioned by the Chinese explorer Chang Kien of having trade links with China in 100 B.C. The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea and Ptolemy’s Geography also acknowledge the existence of this state before Christ. The Australoids or the pre-Dravidians were the earliest inhabitants of this state. But, it were the Mongoloids who entered the land through the eastern mountainous passes and overrun the land long before the time of the compilation of the Hindu religious literature known as the Vedas. In the Vedic literature, the state has been mentioned as the land of Kirats with Pragjyotishpur as the capital. In the epic Mahabharata, it is mentioned that the Kirats fought against the Pandavas. Huen Tsang, the great Chinese traveler, visited this region in the 7th century. At that point of time, Pragjyotishpur was known as Kamrup, which was then a strong kingdom under King Bhaskaravarman. However, after this there was a gradual decline of this region and subsequent centuries were witness to repeated onslaughts by aboriginals that reduced the power of the kingdom and led to its fragmentation. It was a time when no single power could hold sway in Assam.

When the Ahoms entered Assam crossing the eastern hills in 1228, they chanced upon a period in its history when it was at its most susceptible. Among the local tribes, the Chutias and the Kacharis could offer only a semblance of resistance. The entry of Ahoms in Assam started a new beginning, and many scholars opine that the state was named after this dynasty that ruled it for six centuries. With the advent of the Ahoms, the center of power shifted from Kamrup in Lower Assam to Sibsagar in Upper Assam.
The importance of Lower Assam declined sharply, except for a short period in the early 16th century when the Koch dynasty extended their western limits considerably under their illustrious king Naranarayana.
The Mughal Empire was at its zenith during this time and they took it as a challenge to crush the Ahoms. They attacked the state 17 times. The last of the wars was fought near the present-day Saraighat Bridge over the river Brahmaputra in Guwahati. In this war, the Ahoms gave the Mughals a crushing defeat under the leadership of the able general Lachit Barphukan. Lachit Barphukan achieved immortality for his heroism and many anecdotes are now an integral part of the folklores of Assam. The next centuries spelled troubles for this kingdom and save for a brief intervention during the reign of king Rudrasingha, the state went on a gradual decline in the 18th century. This was the time when the Burmese attacked this state and annexed them into their empire. However, they could not hold sway on the region for long and in 1826, the British forced them to cede Assam by the Treaty of Yandaboo.

With the rest of India, Assam also played an important role in the war of independence. It was declared a state under the Union of India after it achieved independence in 1947. At that time, except Manipur and Tripura, the whole of the Northeast region was called Assam. However, due to strong regional distinctions, all of them have to be carved out as separate states, starting with Nagaland in 1963 and ending with Arunachal Pradesh in 1972.

Geography of Assam

Assam is located at the gateway of Northeast India, Assam is separated by Bangladesh from mainstream India.

The state is bounded in the north by Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan; in the east by Nagaland, Manipur, and Burma; in the south by Bangladesh, Tripura, Mizoram, and Bangladesh; and in the west by West Bengal.

Assam can be broadly divided into three distinct physical units, the Brahmaputra Valley in the north, the Barak Valley in the narrow protruding south, and the state’s hilly region separating the two valleys. Rivers of Assam Assam has extensive river system consisting of the Brahmaputra, the Kusiyara and the Barak and their tributaries. All the rivers in Assam are liable to floods, mainly because they receive heavy rainfall within a short time. These rivers are in their early stage of maturity and are very active agents of erosion. The river waters collect a tremendous amount of silt and other debris and raise the level of the river beds. Therefore, it becomes impossible for the main channel to cope with the vast volume of water received during the rains.

Districts of Assam

Assam is divided into 23 districts: Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Marigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Cachar Hills, Sibsagar, Sonitpur, and Tinsukia.

Assam Travel Information

Guwahati derives its name from two words, guwa (meaning betel nut) and hati (meaning little market). It is customary for anyone on his first visit to this city to visit the Kamakhya temple, dedicated to the Mother Goddess.

The importance of the temple is second only to the mighty Brahmaputra, the river with an undeniable presence in the town. In the center of the city, with the magnificent backdrop of the Brahmaputra and atop Sukleshwar Hill stands the Janardan temple. West of Chitrachal Hill is the unique temple of Navagraha dedicated to the nine planets. Once a renowned seat of astronomy and astrology, it is possibly the reason for Guwahati’s earlier name of Pragjyotishpur.

The Assam State Zoo is not very far from the heart of the city. The undulating topography and the three-side open enclosures make the zoo almost like a natural habitat for the animals.

Guwahati has several museums, repositories of this state’s ancient culture and tradition. The Assam State Museum is the largest amongst them and has sections on epigraphy, sculpture, natural history, crafts, ethnography, and arms.

The mighty Ahoms reigned supreme for 600 years at Sibsagar, at a distance of 369 km from Guwahati, where the ruins of their temples and palaces still exist.

Resurrected by the Archeological Survey of India, these ruins provide an interesting insight into the past glory and splendor of Assam.

Other destinations are Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Pabitora, a small wildlife sanctuary and Hajo.

Economy of Assam

 Tea-based industry occupies an important place in Assam’s economy. The 850-odd tea gardens in the state occupy an area of about 2.31 lakh hectare.

Assam is known for its rich forest wealth with varieties of flora and fauna.

Coal, petroleum and natural gas, limestone and minor minerals are produced in the state. Coal occurs in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, North Cachar Hills, Sibsagar, and Lakhimpur districts.

Assam is primarily an agriculture state, which accounts for the livelihood of about four-fifths of the state’s population. More than 70 percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Rice is the primary food crop; cash crops like jute, tea, cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane, potato, etc., are also grown in the state. Also grown on a small scale are horticulture crops like orange, banana, pineapple, areca nut, coconut, guava, mango, jackfruit, etc.
Education in Assam

Assam has an overall literacy rate of 64.28%. While male literacy rate is at 71.93%, the female literacy rate however is only at 56.03%, a cause for concern. The demand of education in the state has been well understood by the government, hence due attention is being paid towards the development of this field.

The state has recently made strides in setting up several institutes of high quality in the field of engineering and management. Assam has one of the largest networks of higher education in the entire North East.

The largest city Guwahati is a major destination for education for the people of the entire north eastern states. The institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, National Institute of Technology, Silchar and Guwahati University are among the top institutes of the country that provide quality education to the students.

The state has five universities; one deemed university, one institute of national importance and a good many number of professional colleges.

There are many schools in the state ,which are either run by the state government or privately by trusts and individuals. The medium of instruction at the school level is Assamese; however, some schools use English as their medium of study.

The Assam Government has introduced the policy of free and compulsory education for its children up to the age of 14.

Food of Assam

Fish is a major delicacy in Assam. One can savor the fish curries in and around Guwahati at cheap rates. A wide range of delicacies—from the rice-flour pastries stuffed with coconut and til, named as til pitha and narikal pitha, respectively, to the sweet balls of coconut and til called larus—are prepared with great care in every home. Seera (flaked rice) and doi (curd and yogurt) are also quite popular.

There is a special loveliness about bunches of the green coconuts hanging from bicycles.

They have a special taste here since they are grown on the banks of freshwater sources.

Guwahati is the ideal place to savor the special thali of Assam. The Assamese thali is a real treat with its chutneys made from pudina and mustard seed.

Among the sweets, channa (cottage cheese) sweets like spongy rosogolla, sandesh, and kalakand have a delectable taste.

Arts & Culture of Assam

There are at least three races in Assam: the Australoids (the first race that occupied this region), the Caucasoids (who came from the west to settle in the valley formed by the Ganges and the Brahmaputra), and the Mongoloids (who came to the Northeast in a series of migrations from Southeast Asia). This regular migration of different races created two distinct ethnic groups in the state, the non-tribals or plains people who generally live in the plains, and the tribals who have mainly live in the hills. However, there is a substantial tribal population in the plains too.

The major handicrafts of the state include making furniture from cane and bamboo, handloom weaving, jewelry making, sitalpati (or mat making), brass and bell-metal products, pottery, woodwork, and kuhila koth (or fiber weaving).

People of Assam use a vast range of hand-woven fabrics with intricate designs. Local silk occupies a prominent place in the Assamese society. Traditional garments (Churia for men and Mekhela-Chador for women) are used for social and religious events. With growing impact of western culture, traditional attires have given way to western clothes and majority of the people can be seen in these clothes only.

The daughter of King Banasura, Usha, was the first lasya (classic) dancer of the earth, according to Abhinaya Darpan, a Sanskrit treatise written in the second century AD. King Bana ruled Sonitpur (now Tezpur) around the time of Mahabharata. Bhomoraguri Hill near Tezpur is said to be the Natakasailya where Usha first practiced the lasya dance. Usha is also a household name in Assam because of her love affair with Lord Krishna’s grandson Anirudha.

Festivals of Assam

Rongali or Bohag Bihu is the main festival of Assam. It derives its name from the Sanskrit Vishuvam when day and night are rendered equal through the vernal equinox. People welcome the spring season and pray for a bountiful and rich harvest. This festival is celebrated in the month of Bohag (mid-April), the first month of the Assamese calendar. The exact date in the English calendar varies, but the festival normally starts from the 13th day of the month of April. Other Bihus are Bhugali Bihu (also Magh Bihu) and Kangali Bihu (also Kati Bihu).  

 

What To Do

 

Sight Seeing

 

 

 

 

• Assam Tourism
  Dominated by the mighty Brahmaputra River, the state of Assam is the gateway to the northeastern part of India. This beautiful land finds its reference in the great Hindu epic Mahabharata as "Pragiyotisha" and "Kamarupa" in the first millennium. Assam gets its name from the Ahom kingdom, which flourished from 1228 to 1826. It became a British province after 1838 and the Indian state after 1947 which came to be known as Assam. Endowed with lush greenery, Assam India is renowned for Assam tea, silk, petroleum resources and rich flora and fauna, the world famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of wildlife on the verge of extinction. The dense forests of Assam are home to numerous animals and birds and one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephants.
  Tourism in Assam
  Tourism in Assam is essentially nature based; therefore, national parks, wild life sanctuaries, rivers, lakes, hot water springs and thick wooded forest and wildlife are the major components of tourist attractions in Assam. It is counted as one of the prime Eco tourism destinations in India. Eco tourism in Assam attracts a large number of nature lovers and animal lovers who love to see colourful wildlife in their natural habitat. There are five National Parks and eleven wildlife and bird sanctuaries for protection and preservation of wildlife in the state.
  One of the world's largest rivers Brahmaputra and other turbulent rivers of Assam offer immense opportunities for adventure tourism in Assam. Tourists can indulge in many exciting water sports like swimming, diving, angling and fishing. More information regarding eco tourism, heritage tourism, tea tourism and adventure tourism in Assam can be obtained from the Assam tourism offices, which provide information booklet and Assam Tourism Guide at reasonable prices. Assam tourism Department also conducts numerous Assam sightseeing tours, and treks through out the year.
  Best time to visit Assam
  October to April is considered the best time to visit Assam as these winter months are quite pleasant and sunny.
  
  All the cities and towns of Assam are well connected by the Assam State Transport Corporation and other tourist bus services run by private operators. These buses also ply to the capital cities of the neighboring states. Assam tourism department has a fleet of deluxe and luxury buses and jeeps, which are available for, hire at reasonable prices. Private taxis and auto rickshaws are perfect for moving over short distance with in the cities

Nature And Wild life

The wildlife sanctuaries in Assam are a heterogeneous mixture of a variety of landscapes, plants, birds and animals. The suitable climatic conditions, geographical location and vast forest reserves have made Assam a favorable destination for birds, animals and natural vegetation.

 

Assam is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that are the breeding ground for some of the rarest global species. The many wildlife sanctuaries in Assam provide shelter to large number of wildlife right from the Golden Langur to the horned rhinoceros.

 

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife dens in Assam. Situated in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam, this wildlife sanctuary spreads over an area of 45.568 km2 on the Chakrashila Hills. The sanctuary was declared as a reserve forest in 1966 and in 1994 it was recognized by the state government as a wildlife sanctuary. Encompassing the Beel and Diplai Beel Lakes this wildlife sanctuary offers a host of wildlife attractions like Golden Langur, Indian Flying Fox, Indian False Vampire, Indian Pipistrelle, Rhesus Macaque, Short-tailed Mole, Chinese Pangolin, Short Nosed Fruit Bat, Asiatic Jackal and Bengal Fox and Hornbills. Also the sanctuary happens to be the second protected home of the endangered Golden Langur.

 

Kaziranga National Park

It is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. This wildlife sanctuary in Assam spreads over 800 sq km of vast green vegetations. The backdrop of Kaziranga National Park Assam includes dry deciduous forests, rocky landscapes and tall thickets. The vast tracts of grasslands make bird and wild life watching extremely pleasurable. The major attractions in this sanctuary apart from the abounding natural beauty are the rhinos. The entire park can be visited in a jeep and you can actually see the animals from just a few centimeters away.

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

It was constituted in 1997. This wildlife sanctuary is in an isolated region in Assam and is sure to give you goose bumps. Surrounded by tea gardens and long stretches of grasslands this wildlife sanctuary in Assam is reputed throughout the country for its rich biodiversity. If you are a true animal lover then this is just the right place for you. The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is home to the only gibbons in India; the hoolock gibbons, and Bengal Slow Loris, Northeastern India's only nocturnal monkey.

Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

It is popular all over the country for its collection of wild horses known as Feral Horses. This sanctuary is home to some of the rarest white winged species. The sanctuary houses a number of unique and beautiful migratory birds.

Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary

The colorful and exuberant state of Assam abounds in tradition, history, folklore, grandeur, architectural splendor as well as panoramic natural beauty.Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is set in a breathtaking locale that covers a moderate expanse of 44.06 sq. km. The wildlife reserve lies on the northern bank of the turbulent Brahmaputra River in Sonitpur District.

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam is blessed with abundant scenic magnificence. It has a wealth of rarest and highly endangered species of wildlife including Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, White-Winged Woodduck, Tiger, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer, etc. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is considered as one of the important protected areas in Assam for the protection of primate diversity. You will be stunned by the idyllic beauty of the Sanctuary with the majestic Himalayas on one side and the Bhutan on the other.

East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary

The treasure trove of Assam's natural heritage is housed in Karbi Anglong District' Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary encompasses a net area of 221.81 sq. km and is strategically located to facilitate tourism and accessibility to the state. 

East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary houses a plethora of exotic flora as well as rare species of wild animals and birds. The reserve is use to protect and preserve variegated species of resident and migratory birds. A sylvan lake of captivating beauty surrounds the reserve.

Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary

It is a proposed sanctuary in Assam that is supposed to be situated amidst a zone of idyllic bliss with its lush greenery sprinkled with sparkling water bodies. The sanctuary's premises exude an aura of tranquility and the melodious twitters of birds are a welcome break that occasionally disturbs the quietude.

As the name signifies Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati is being constructed to shelter abundant species of birds dappled in vibrant hues. The Department of Forests, Assam has listed over 120 species of birds to be housed in the sanctuary. They include numerous kingfishers, fishing eagles, adjutant storks and a plethora of ducks.

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

The state of Assam is gifted with wide range of flora and fauna. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries in Assam. If you want to enjoy the wildlife diversity of the state you can visit the wildlife sanctuaries like Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park, Sonai rupai wildlife sanctuary, Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary, Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, Bura-chapori wildlife sanctuary, Gibbon wildlife sanctuary, East karbi anglong wildlife sanctuary, Bornadi wildlife sanctuary, Pobha or milroy sanctuary, Gorampani wildlife sanctuary, Nambor wildlife sanctuary.

Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

It derived its name from the Gibbons (Bunopithecus hoolock), which are one of the rarely found primate species in India. After relentless demand by the locals and various NGOs, the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1997. The sanctuary was originally a part of Hollongapar Reserve Forest rich in various plant species. The Forest has been named after the species of trees: Holong (Diperocarpus Macrocarpus) and Agar (Aquilaria agallocha). Apart from these, the other plant species found in the sanctuary are Garcinia spp., Terminalia mycocarpe, Artocarpus chaplasha, Mesua ferra, Lagerstromia speciasa, and several species of bamboo, Michelia champaca, ferns and orchids.

Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary

It is an imminent sanctuary shared between the districts of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji of Assam. Nature lovers can get a glimpse of the state's diverse natural heritage on a visit to the proposed picturesque site of the Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji.

The sanctuary's site is located at a magnificent locale that overlooks a breathtaking fresh green backdrop. The idyllic green paradise is dotted by sylvan lakes and sparkling water bodies that accentuate the scenic rhapsodies of the surroundings.

Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary

The land of mystic hills, Assam is the perfect stopover for tourists on a Northeast Indian sojourn. The jungle-clad hills and valleys are the homes of several species of wild animals that provide a glimpse of the state's diverse natural heritage. Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary is an eminent sanctuary of Assam.

Situated amidst an oasis of idyllic green and dotted by sylvan water bodies that glitter like a mirage of quicksilver, Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary is a moderately sized sanctuary that stretches across an expanse of 37 sq. km. The sanctuary is a haven for wild animals like the regal elephants and the majestic predatory Royal Bengal Tigers, the country's national animal.

wildlife/ birding itinerary

Assam wildlife/ birding itinerary is a very talked about topic with tourists and sightseers alike. The gateway to the mystic northeastern frontiers abounds in dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Quite naturally, these wildlife tours are a rage with tourists.

Assam wildlife's claims to fame lie in the two legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga National Park and the Manas National Park. Kaziranga is the natural habitat of the near extinction Great Indian one horned rhino. Manas National Park, on the other hand is a picturesque reserve lying a the junction of the jungle-clad Himalayan foothills and the Manas River is one of the nine elite Tiger Reserve Projects in the country that are committed to protecting the endangered national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Religious places

 

Assam is a hilly state situated in the north eastern part of India. There are a number of tour places in Assam. Among them Assam holy places are most commonly visited by the tourists. The devotees also come to these places. During any festivals, the temples of Assam are crowded with devotees. The holy places of Assam includes religious centers built by people of every religion. The population of Assam is very heterogeneous as people from every part of the country come to settle in this part.

The architectural work of the Assam holy places should not be missed out. Most of the sites have become important tourist centers of Assam. These religious places in Assam are associated with ancient legends and myths. Many of the structures are very old and have historical significance. Many of them are built by the kings and rulers of Assam.

Some of the religious sites have become pilgrim centers in Assam. Every year the devotees visit these places and they pay homage to the respective gods and goddess of the temple. Many of the Hindu temples are built in honor of a particular god or goddess. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the holy places in Assam purifies the soul and mind of the visitors. The holy places of Assam are a meeting ground of all the religion and cultures of India. These religious places can be accessed by reaching Assam by rail, road or air. The tourists can avail bus services or rent cars to visit these places in Assam.

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is one of the very popular temple of India. The temple of Kamakhya is situated on the hills of Neelachala Parvat near Guwahati in the north eastern state of Assam. The Neelachala Parvat is also known as the Kamagiri hill and thus the goddess residing on this hill is known as the Kamakhya. She is known to grant the wishes of her devotees. The traditional name of Assam had been Kamarupa and this region is known for worship of Shakti. The Kamakhya Temple is considered to be one of the Shakti peeths in India. According to the Hindu mythologies, Sati to avenge the humiliation of her husband, Lord Shiva, she sacrificed her life in the fire of a yagna. Hearing the news of the death of his wife Sati, he started the Tandava dance to destroy the earth. To pacify the anger Lord Shiva, many of the gods tried to console him. In the mean time, Lord Vishnu cut the corpse of Sati into fifty one pieces. Wherever the pieces of her body fell on earth came to be known as one of the Shakti peeths. It is said that Sati's reproductive organ fell in this place, where the Kamakhya Temple is been temple.

In sixteen century, the temple of Kamakhya was destroyed by invaders but it was rebuilt by King Nara Narayan in the seventeenth century. The sculptures in the Kamakhya Temple are worth seeing. The images of Hindu gods and goddesses are etched out inside the temple. The atmosphere in the temple is very peaceful and serene.

Nabagraha Temple

Assam is a north eastern state of India. Besides the scenic beauty of the hilly region and the lush green landscape, there are a number of tourist destinations in the state. The temples in Assam are occasionally visited by the devotees. These temples in Assam are also important as tourist spots. Nabagraha Temple is a popular temple in Assam. Among the temples in India, the Nabagraha Temple is an important one, as it is associated with the ancient studies in India. The Nabagraha Temple is built near the capital city of Assam, Guwahati. The distance of the temple from the railway station is only three kilometers. The temple is located on the Chitrachal hills in Assam.

The word Nabagraha refers to the nine planets of the solar system. There are nine lingas inside the Nabagraha Temple that represent the nine planets or grahas of Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and other planets. The two other planets of Ketu and Rahu were added later to this group of planet. The temple is thus also known as a temple of the nine planets. In ancient India Astronomy and Astrology was studied in this center. The city of Guwahati is often called by the name of Pragjyotishpur. The name means a city that is associated with Astrology. The Nabagraha Temple in Assam, can be reached by road, rail and air. The tourists coming to this part of the state, never miss to pay a visit to this ancient temple

Umananda Temple

The Umananda Temple is built in Guwahati in 1594, by the Ahom King of Assam. Among the temples in Assam, this temple is one of the mostly visited one. The devotees as well as the tourists coming to Assam, takes a visit to this temple. Umananda Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Umananda Temple is built on a riverine island called Peacock island. It is an island of River Brahmaputra. To reach the temple, one has to cross the river in a boat. These boat service is available from the Kachari ghat. There is also a ferry service that is available from 7 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. During the Hindu festival of Shivaratri, every year the devotees from all parts of Assam and other parts of India come to this place to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

The temple of Shiva in Guwahati can be visited to pay homage to the god or to see the splendid sculpture on the walls of the temple. The figures of Hindu gods and goddesses are engraved on the rock walls. These sculptures represent the craftsmanship of the Assamese artisans. There are numerous other temples built in Assam which are located near the famous Umananda Temple. These include Kamakhya Temple, Bhubaneshwari Temple, Shiva Temple, Navagraha Temple (the Temple of nine planets) among others. Tourists from different parts of India or abroad visit these temples to have a deep spiritual experience.

Hajo

A tour to Assam will be incomplete without a visit to the beautiful city of Hajo. The city is located at a distance of Twenty-eight Kilometers from Guwahati and spread across the banks of the River Brahmaputra. Hajo in Assam is seen as a religious city with a secular outlook. One can find religious places of Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists in the city nestled beside each other for years. The Hajo City has mythological importance attached to it. It is said that the Pandavas were in this city during their Agyatvas. Hajo is very well connected through all means of transportation. The Guwahati Airport is the nearest one with regular bus services from there. In fact the nearest railway station is also Guwahati and frequent bus services and other road transports to and fro Hajo keep the city well connected.

Lankeshwar Temple

Very near the Guwahati University Campus stands the imposing Lankeshwar Temple. Located in the western part of the vibrant city of Guwahati, the Lankeshwar Temple of Assam is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is placed atop a hill amidst a picturesque location. Lankeshwar is one of the many forms of Lord Shiva. The followers of Lord Shiva considered the temple as one of the most sacred one. Devotees all around the year visit this temple and seek divine blessings. The Lankeshwar Temple in Guwahati is not only popular with the religiously inclined people but with the general tourists also. The wonderful location of the temple is a major reason for this. Since it is situated in a convenient location in the city, it is very easily accessible. This is an added advantage for the place and one of the reasons behind its popularity.

Ugra Tara

Ugra Tara Temple is a famous temple in Uzan Bazaar, a place in the eastern zone of Guwahati, Assam. It forms a great landmark in the state of Assam. The temple attracts many tourists and of course a large number of pilgrims. The Ugra Tara temple is considered to be a very sacred place. The temple of Ugra Tara in the state of Assam dates back to the eighteenth century. It falls in the long list of ancient temples in India. Built about in the year seventeen hundred and twenty-five, the Assam Ugra Tara temple was established by King Siva Singh, the ruler of that region. Goddess Ugra Tara is the deity to whom the temple of Ugra Tara is dedicated. Ugra Tara is another form of Goddess Parvati. Ugra Tara is connected to Buddhism. It is also well known as a Sakta shrine and the deity is associated with Eka-Jata and Tiksna-Kanta. There is a tank that is positioned to the eastern part of the Ugra Tara temple in the state of Assam. It is a famous tank and it is known as Jorepukhuri. The temple was built by the king of the region.

The temple of Ugra Tara at Guwahati in Assam has gone through some renovation and redecoration in the recent years because the old temple had been a victim of a destroying and destructive earthquake. In the Indian festival of Navaratri, the temple of Ugra Tara is specially adorned and bedecked, as it is the most important festival that is celebrated in the temple. On Fridays the crowd of devotees are more in the Ugra Tara temple as there are held special prayers.

Doul Govinda Mandir

Assam is blessed with numerous wonderful religious sites. These temples are not only religiously significant but they also have immense historical value. Every year thousand of pilgrims visit these temples and seek blessings. Located amidst a picturesque natural backdrop, the temples are very popular among the tourists also. One such popular temple is the Doul Govinda Temple. The Doul Govinda Mandir in Assam is famous for its Holi celebrations in the month of February - March. The daily activities of the Doul Govinda Temple start early, with the opening of the doors at seven in the morning. The priest bathes the idol and then performs the Archana. The worshipers start coming in from an hour after this, which continues till the end of the day. In between that, the temple remains closed during the afternoon. In the evening the Arati is performed by singing devotional songs.

Situated at the Rajaduar area of North Guwahati, the Doul Govinda Temple is flocked by thousands of people everyday and the crowd reaches its maximum during the Holi. Lord Krishna is the main deity in the Doul Govinda Temple. There are a lot of legendary stories surrounding the Assam's Doul Govinda Temple. It is said that Ganga Ram Barua brought the idol from Sandhyasar - a secluded place near Nalbari. The first structure of Doul Govinda Temple was erected more than one hundred and fifty years ago but it was again renovated in 1966. The Doul Govinda Temple we see today is an excellent example of fantastic architectural brilliance.

Poa-Mecca

Poa - Mecca stands witness to the religious harmony that exists between the people of various religions in the state of Assam. It is located in Hajo that has shrines of Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, all in one place near each other. The Muslim shrine was built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia and is known as Poa - Mecca because it is supposed to be one fourth in sanctity to Mecca. Such interesting name of Poa - Mecca comes from the popular belief that visiting this shrine brings one fourth of the spiritual enhancement and blessings that one might have been bestowed with on a single visit to Mecca. The word 'Poa' literally translates to one fourth. The shrine of Poa - Mecca is looked upon as a holy pilgrimage for the people following Islam. It is located at a distance of 32 kms from Guwahati on the northern bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra. 

Sukreswar Temple

Sukreswar Temple is perched on top of the Itakhuri hills at Guwahati in the state of Assam. Legend has it that, that Sage Sukra had his hermitage on this hillock and he used to worship his Lord Shiva in this temple. Originally dating back to the 18th century, the temple is believed to have the largest Shiva lingam or phallic emblem in India. The Kalika Purana identifies the hillock as Hastigiri hills due to its shape like the hump of an elephant. Constructed by the Ahom ruler Pramatta Singha in 1744 AD, the Sukreswar temple is located on the southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra. The adjacent embankment is used for holy bathing and performing rituals. It is believed that the dead gain peaces if the post - death rituals are performed here. A flight of steps lead down from the temple complex to the river. Saraighat Bridge forms the backdrop and the river provides a magnificent view of sun set.

Basisthashram

Situated in the southern-most rim of Guwahati city on the Sandhyachal hill is a well known holy cum picnic spot, called Basisthashram, after the great vedic Sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived here. Three rivulets named Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta meet here and flow perenially adding scenic grandeur to the place. It is 12 Kms. from the Guwahati Railway Station. City buses ply regularly to the Ashram.

Mahabhairab Temple

An ancient temple where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. A place of pilgrimage.

 

Madan Kamdev

Barely 40 kms. away from the sprawling metropolis Guwahati, on N.H. 52 Madan Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel and in the words of Omar Khayam, "a veil past which I could not see". Very little is known about the origin of this magnificient archaeological ruins.Written history is almost silent on it, leaving wide room for conjectures and hypothesis.

Kamrupa - the ancient name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from the legend that love God Kama or Madan, after being turned into ashes by an angry Shiva, was reborn here. One school believes that Madan was reborn and united to Rati on this tiny hillock. The season to visit is from October to May.

 

Da-Parbatia

The ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia Temple a few kms. from Tezpur town, is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam. It's carving has the characteristics of the style of early Gupta School of sculpture. The door-jambs having two goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, standing below with garlands in their hands in artistic pose and elegance are decorated with beautiful ornamental foliage.

Agnigarh

"Preserving the sweet memory of young lovers", Agnigarh or the rampart, surrounded by fire, is perhaps the most beautiful tourist spots in Tezpur. According to legend, Princess Usha, the only daughter of King Bana, was kept inside the palace which was surrounded by rampart of fire. The present Agnigarh, now only a hillock facing the mighty Brahmaputra, provides the tourist a soul touching panoramic view of both the river and Tezpur town.

Museums and monuments

 

 

The Assam Museum is the state museum in Assam . The collections here display the rich cultural heritage of the state of Assam. It is the place where you can realize the diversity of the Assamese culture. This museum of Assam is located in the city of Guwahati.

 

This wonderful museum is a result of the efforts of a group of researchers who wanted to study the development of the cultural patterns in Assam. Their several collections formed the basic nucleus of this museum. Some of the rarest examples of the Assamese sculptures, paintings and other handicrafts are displayed in this museum in Assam.This museum came into existence in the 20th century. Some of the finest metal works of the earlier days are stored in this place. Apart from these there is also a fantastic collection of the ancient coins, objects made of terracotta and wood, textiles and some fascinating examples of tribal art.

Statues of the historically famous Kamarupas form a major attraction of this museum. The Kamarupas were the legendary kings who ruled this land during the 13th century.There are also some bronze items in the museum that attract much attention. The bells and the mukhalinga are the most popular among them.You can visit the Assam State Museum between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm during the summer months. During the winters the museum remains open for visitors from 9:30 am to 4 pm.The Assam Museum remains closed on all the Mondays, the second Saturday of every month and on other government holidays.

Rang Ghar

The Rang Ghar of Assam is an entertainment house. It is situated very close to the Gargaon Palace. It has a royal origin. It is said that the kings of the Ahom dynasty used to watch different sports from here. It is a two-story structure. This pavilion is oval in shape. The Rang Ghar in Assam is known to be one of the earliest such pavilions of India. This outdoor stadium was constructed between the years of 1744-1751. It was built by the king Pramatta Singha. This a fascinating structure. During the early days the Rang Ghar of Assam was mainly used for watching elephant fights.

The pavilion is 10 meter in height. Its length and width are 27 meter and 11 meter respectively. There is a wonderful ground just in front of the Rang Ghar. Probably it was the venue for the different sports that the royal personalities used to watch from the pavilion. A very steep flight of steps will reach you to the higher points of the pavilion. These were supposedly the places from where the kings and other royal dignitaries used to enjoy the sports competitions. The Rang Ghar of the Ahom kings is famous for its rich architectural beauty. It is constructed of specially made slim baked bricks. They were not aware of the use of cement. As a mortar for this construction a paste of rice and eggs was used. This is one of the unique features of the buildings established by the Ahom kings. There is a meadow of considerably large width around the Rang Ghar. Most probably it was meant for the use of the common people.

The planetarium

It is an important center for scientific and astronomical studies. There are also several educational courses on astronomy offered in this place. They also arrange for lectures and discussion sessions to encourage the students.

There are regular shows depicting the planetary movements and other astronomical details that attract visitors of all age groups. These shows are held regularly and are very enriching as well.

Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar

Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar are historical monuments that once served as the military station of the Ahom kings. The structures were built during 1696 to 1714 by the famous king Rudra Singha. The architectural magnificence of the structure attracts many tourists and researchers every year. This is a seven-story structure. While the three floors that are under the ground are called the Talatal Ghar, the rest of the floors above the ground level are referred to as the Kareng Ghar. There are two secret tunnels in the Talatal Ghar. The Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar of Assam is located very close to the Sibasagar town. This historical town was the capital of the powerful rulers of the famous Ahom dynasty. They ruled this region from here for a span of about six hundred years. Their rule came to an end after the advent of the British in India. There is a 200-year-old tank here, known as the Sibsagar Tank that attracts many tourists to this place. The town is also a home to some of the very ancient temples of Assam.

This historical monument of Assam is about 6 km away from the main town. It was built here to ensure safety to the Gargaon Palace, the residence of the Ahom rulers. The successors of the king Rudra Singha made much alterations and additions to the original structure of the Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar. In order to know more of the rich historical background of the land of Assam a visit to the Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar on your trip is a must.

Gargaon Palace

The Gargaon Palace in Assam is an exquisite structure built in the year of 1540 by the fifteenth Ahom king. His name was king Sukhlenmung. This sixteenth century palace is situated very near the town of Sibsagar. Gargaon was the capital town of the Ahoms. The old structure of the palace was destroyed sometime in the 18th century. After that the present seven-story structure of palace was rebuilt in the year 1762. The patron of this structure was the renowned king Rajeswar Singha. The Palace of Gargaon is famous for its beautiful architecture. The structure is mainly built of wood and stones. This combination gives the palace an elegant appeal. The rest is built of slim baked bricks. This was the specialty of the Ahoms. The Ahoms were not aware of the use of cement. Thus they used a paste of rice and eggs as the mortar while constructing buildings.

The Gargaon Palace is surrounded by a huge wall made of baked bricks. The length of this wall is about five kilometers. It was built by Swargadeo Parmatta Singha in the year of 1747. During the same year the masonry gate was also built. This palace is located about 14 km east of the Sibsagar town. The Gargaon Palace of Assam is only 3 km away from the Simaluguri railway station near Nazira. Thus it is a very short journey from this place. You can also visit the Rang Ghar, which was built by the same patrons. In order to discover the rich cultural heritage of the Assamese tradition the Gargaon Palace is a must visit.

Charaideo

Charaideo was established by the Ahom kings who ruled the land of Assam for over six hundred years. This was the first capital of the Ahom kingdom. The famous Swargadeo Supakha is known as the patron of this historical palce. The hillock of Charaideo was considered to be sacred by the people of the Ahom dynasty. They believed this place to be the home to their ancestral gods. This place served as their holy burial ground. This place is located at the foothills of Nagaland. Its distance from the historical town of Sibsagar is about 30 km. It is situated towards the east of this town. The landscape here is fascinating. There are many tombs of Ahom kings and queens in this place. The architectural splendor of these burial places is worth noticing. Some historians even compared these structures with the magnificence of the pyramids of Egypt. They well exemplify the uniqueness of architectural skills of the Assamese people in the ancient past. The technically developed skills of the sculptors of then contemporary Assam are well displayed by these fascinating objects. 

The Sibsagar tank was built in this region by was built in the year 1734. It was according to the wish of the second queen of the Ahom ruler Siva Singha that this tank was dug. The Sibsagar tank was constructed to celebrate the victory Siva Singha in a war. So the tank was named after him. Many researchers and students of history visit the Charaideo to study the golden past of the land of Assam.

Namdang Stone Bridge

Namdang Stone Bridge was constructed over the Namdang River in Assam. The uniqueness of the bridge lies in the fact that it was cut out from a single piece of rock. It is located only a few kilometers away from the town of Sibsagar. This was built in the year 1703. The land was then under the ruled of king Rudra Singha of Ahom dynasty. This stone bridge on Namdang River was constructed by the craftsmen of Bengal. Later it was brought from there. This bridge is one of the magnificent structures built under the patronage of the Ahom kings. This bridge is thus also famous for its historical importance. Some of the other famous structures built by the Ahom kings are the Gargaon Palace, Joysagar Tank, Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar and Talatal Ghar, Rudrasagar Tank, Charaideo, etc.

This bridge is worth visiting for its architectural splendor. You can visit this place on a trip to the Indian state of Assam. Presently the National Highway 37 passes over the Namdang Stone Bridge of Assam.

Da-Parbatia

The ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia Temple a few kms. from Tezpur town, is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam. It's carving has the characteristics of the style of early Gupta School of sculpture. The door-jambs having two goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, standing below with garlands in their hands in artistic pose and elegance are decorated with beautiful ornamental foliage.

Other Activities in Assam

Adventure and Assam are two terms that definitely go hand in hand. There are plenty of romantic and scintillating options for adventure in Assam. The divergent topography of blue hills and sweeping valleys laced by the rippling cascades of turbulent rivers has much to offer to tourists and adventure enthusiasts.

The rugged mountainous terrains have an unmistakable charm of their own that spellbinds tourists like a magnet is to iron. Adventure freaks, mountaineers, rock climbers and trekkers frequent the trekking routes of the Karbi and North Cacher Hills to spend a fruitful trip exploring the wilderness.

For the more adventurous spirits who wants to spice up their lives with a dash of thrill, mountain biking is the ultimate choice. The romance and passion involved in this exciting and challenging sojourn cannot be expounded by mere words. The state's tourism department organizes several bicycle and motorcycle rallies to promote the same. 

Boating sprees that take tourists all across the lakes and rivers to the neighboring islands have always been a rage with tourists and families. The bold and exploratory can always participate in the boat races that are a part of Assam's festive celebrations and feel the adrenalins coursing down their veins.

Nothing is of course better than spending a night camping out in the woods and glades enveloped by the whitewashed and starry skies. Tourists are transported back into a dreamy and idyllic world as they sit in the open beside a warm crackling fire and cook simple meals, sing gay songs and feel at harmony with nature as their free spirited souls exult in bliss.

Adventure activities

 

Trekking

Assam, the gateway to the northeast has plenty to offer to tourists. Adventure enthusiasts can have a thrilling holiday trekking amidst the divergent topography of rugged hills and vast rolling river valleys. Trekking in Assam is no doubt a scintillating and romantic way to spend the vacation. Assam is a paradise not only for tourists on a sojourn to feel the pulse and absorb the essence of the eastern and northeastern frontier of India; adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, sports freaks, mountaineers, trekkers and rock climbers all have a rollicking time in the mystic state. There is an unmistakable hypnotic charm and romantic appeal that draws tourists and adventure lovers to the hilly terrains of Assam. The hills and knolls of the famed Karbi Hills and North Cachar Hills are a trekker's paradise. Trekking and rock climbing in Assam opens up a treasure trove of sheer delights as majority of the trekking routes lie in the isolated countryside. Thus this is the ideal retreat for all those tourists who have the unquenchable wanderlust to explore the wilderness and whose itchy feet takes them to faraway lands away from the chaotic hustle and bustle and the raucous maddening crowds.

The rough and craggy mountainous landscapes make the rock hills of Morigaon District a hitchhiker's dream come true. Popularly known as the "Elephant Rocks", they provide ample opportunities for rock climbing. Apart from the picturesque "Elephant Rocks", the Simhasana Hill that dominates Karbi Anglong District's skyline is also another noted rock climbing spot. Assam's premier and busiest city, Guwahati, situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river is ironically encircled by stunning, lofty hills on three sides that offer an excellent scope for trekking in Assam.

Boating

Assam, the gateway to picturesque and romantic locales of northeast India is a hub of exciting adventure sports. Tourists on an east and northeast Indian sojourn have a wonderful time as they make a stopover in Assam. Boating in Assam is indeed a rather pleasurable and exciting enjoyment option for tourists. For tourists and families who would rather spend a relaxing vacation, nothing is better than lounging in the waters and feeling at one with nature. The sparkling waters of the lakes and water bodies that gleam like a mirage of quicksilver are the perfect evening hangout for tourists. They can hire a boat that takes them across the sylvan lakes and provides an opportunity to explore the open countryside on congenial spring evening as a balmy zephyr blows wisps of water that sting their face.

Dighalipukhuri, an eminent water body located in the epicenter of the bustling and chaotic Guwahati city provides the much-needed freshness to the raucous concrete jungle. Tourists visiting Assam go for a boating spree that takes them for a cruise across the turbulent waters of the Brahmaputra to the Balaji Temple at Jolporee , and the other noted parks, universities, oil refineries and planetariums in the vicinity. Boating in Assam can also be made more enjoyable by taking a trip across the river to Majuli, the world's largest river island. The adventure enthusiasts seeking a bit of thrill and race of the adrenaline during every moment of life can participate in the festive boat races that take place at Barpeta, Guwahati, Hajo and Saulkuchi and equal the legendary boat races of Kerala in popularity as well as splendor.

Camping

Assam is truly a hitchhiker and adventure enthusiast's paradise with its lofty hills and vast undulating valleys. A night is truly well spent when tourists spend it camping in Assam, out in open wilderness, enveloped by a starry-whitewashed sky on a beautiful moonlit night. Camping is one adventure open that is welcomed by all, be it the adventure freaks or the routine tourists or families going on a vacation. The very thought of spending a night camping out and lazing on the green carpeted grounds as warm and cheerful fire built out of twigs crackles sends people's adrenaline rushing. The very thought of spending a night that is out of the ordinary, on nature's lap and cooking a hearty meal on the open and tell other stories and sing gay camp songs is bound to make tourists go all gaga with excitement and nervous anticipation.

In order to promote camping in Assam, the state's tourism department has organized a 9-day and 8 nightlong camping tour that also incorporates sightseeing and staying over at Guwahati and then traveling to Tezpur. From there the camp moves up to the districts of Bomdila and Tawang. Finally, the camp travels back to Bomdila and makes the final halt back in the plains of Guwahati The organizers of the camp keep in mind the sightseeing interests of the ordinary tourists and thus have included the provision for a stopover at the eminent tourist attractions. Be it the ancient temples at Tezpur or shopping in the marketplaces of Guwahati or a visit to the picturesque natural mosaic at Bhalukpung, the camp take great care to organize it all.

Biking

Assam, the land of mystic and divergent landscape of blue hills and rolling plains is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. Tourists can spice up their holidays by indulging in thrilling adventure sports. Biking in Assam is an excellent option to introduce a spark of thrill in an otherwise regular tour. The rugged and craggy mountainous terrains and the weather beaten topography of Assam are a dream come true for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts as well as sports freaks whose ravenous wanderlust drives them to explore the wanderlust in unknown and undiscovered terrains. The Assam Tourism Department has formed an alliance with the to promote sightseeing and adventure tourism in the state. Trekking, water sports, angling, archery and water sports all come under the fold of their initiative to foster exciting adventure sports. One of the most scintillating, romantic and thrilling options for adventure tourism is to race across the undulating and jagged hills on a bicycle or a motorbike. The thrill associated with tourists letting down their hair and gliding swiftly across the hills cannot be expounded by mere words.

Mountain biking in Assam is especially popular with the foreign tourists who take a flight down to Guwahati or Tezpur to spend a few days in the peaceful quietude of the hills and partake in the thrilling and exciting bike races. The state of Assam has also taken upon itself the responsibility of organizing frequent mountain bicycle and bike rallies with the sole objective of augmenting their popularity and acceptability with tourists. This will inevitably increase the revenue generated from the tourism sector.

Archery

Archery is a one of the favorite adventure sports in Assam. It is a game in which a bow is used to shoot arrows. It is a very interesting game. Assam archery has become very popular in the state. Certain sports clubs have been set up in Assam to teach archery and to take it up as a favorite sport.

Archery is an ancient game in India. The bows and arrows were used for hunting and also during wars as a traditional weapon. In the earlier days, the bow and the arrows meant for archery were made of bamboos. In Assam, this adventure sports is generally held during the winter months. During the competitions, the adventure sports lovers come from all parts of Assam and from outside the state as well. Assam archery not only interests the adventure lovers but also people from other professions to participate in this game. The archers of Assam performed very well in the thirty third National Game held in Assam in February 2007. Archery as a sports is gradually becoming popular in other Indian states as well. The archers of Assam always steal the lime light in the championships. The Assam archers have made a position of their own in the arena of Indian sports. With its gradual popularity, arching as a sports is receiving support from many private academies associated with sports.

Angling

Assam, a north eastern state of India is a tourists paradise. There are a number of tourist sites in the state. The hilly region and the natural surrounding attract travelers from not only India but from abroad. There are different places in Assam that are ideal for conducting adventure sports. The adventure lovers come to take part in the different adventure sports in Assam. Assam angling is a favorite one among the tourists. In India among the sports like mountaineering, para gliding, trekking and hang gliding, river angling in Assam is one of the favorite adventure sports among the people and the tourists . It is a sport of catching fish. In this sport, fishes are caught with the help of a hook or an angle. A fishing rod and a fishing line is attached with the hook or the angle. As a bite indicator float is sometimes attached to the fish rod. There is a fishing reel that helps to manipulate the fishing line. To lure the catch, the angle or the hook with which the fish is caught often has a bait.

Assam angling is mainly conducted in the Jia Bhoroli river. Rivers like Manas and Kapili are also known for the angling sport. The most popular angling fish in Assam is the Golden Mahseer is found in abundance in the waters of Jia Bhoroli river. An competition of Assam angling is held annually at the Jia Bhoroli river. The organizers of this competition is known as the 'Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association'. They organize this competition every year in November month. The State Forest Department also help this organizers to held the competition of angling

Golfing in Assam Assam is a state of picturesque beauty. With green valleys, blue hills, the mighty Brahmaputra, awesome wildlife, ancient monuments, timeless temples and a reverberating rural life with a colouful ethnic mosaic and mesmerizing festivals. This beautiful state has sprawling lush green tea estates with old-world bungalows, most of which have golf courses attached to them. All of them are 9 hole golf courses except for Digboi which is an eighteen hole course. Cruise on the Brahmaputra   Cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra, one of the world's greatest rivers. The river runs for 1800 miles from its source in the Tibetan Himalayas to its delta in the Bay of Bengal through this beautiful state. Enjoy a fabulous range of interesting experiences while cruising this magnificant river. It offers something for everybody. For wildlife enthusiasts, it offers mind blowing wildlife viewing and bird watching, to the cultural traveller, it offers a glimpse of the varied and colourful ethnix mix of the state in addition to the neo-classical colonial palaces, Buddhist archaeology, Hindu temples and Islamic architecture. The cruises cover some of the national parks including the Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site which has the world’s largest population of rhinos. Brahmaputra cruises feature attractions such as wildlife viewing (both by jeep and on elephant back), village walks, visits to tea gardens, barbecues on deserted river islands, dance performances, exploring country towns in cycle rickshaws and visits to craft workshops. Angling The river Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas are the best places for angling. The Jia Bhoroli river is home to the fierce game fish, the Golden Mahseer, or tiger of the Himalayan rivers. An annual Angling competition is regularly held at Jia Bhoroli where a number of anglers both from outside the state as well as abroad participate every year. Angling is so popular a sport here that there is an organised body by the name 'Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association' which organises this sport in the month of November every year in collaboration with the State Forest Department. Eco Camp situated at the fringes of the Nameri National Park is an avid camper's ideal getaway.   Shopping     The articles that are mostly bought by the tourists visiting Assam , are the hand made items of craft. The Assamese artisans are known for their skills in art and craft for a long time. The craftsmen make articles from cane and bamboo and the artisans are known for their terracotta works. The head gear worn by the local Assamese people, known as the Japi can also be collected as a memento. The travelers also like to buy the jewelery and the small decorative pieces. Assam is also known for its good quality silk. Muga and Eri are the different varieties of silk, popular in Assam. The tourists collect the beautiful Assamese attires made from silk. The sarees and Mekhela, the traditional dress of Assam are widely sold. The handloom fabrics have exotic designs and their motifs are also very attractive. Assam is the most important tea producing region in India. Assam tea is famous the world over for its enchanting aroma. The tourists who once have savored the tasted the tea of Assam is bound to take back home a good quantity of tea leaves. The demand of Assam tea is not only in India but also in the international market. Shopping in Assam can be made from the Government emporiums. Of which, Purbashree and Pragjyotika sell the garments and silk of Assam. The various shopping centers from where Assam shopping can be made are: Pan Bazaar Fancy Bazaar Paltan Bazaar   What To Eat    Food of Assam , as of any other place, is largely influenced by its climate, soil and vegetation. This north-eastern state of India is mainly of agrarian nature. Rice is the staple diet and the common people of Assam eat it everyday. Along with rice, fish curry is very common. Other dishes include those made of lentils, vegetables, meat and some sweet dishes. The people of Assam prefer to eat non - spicy foods. Spices like cumin, coriander, mustard, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, panch foran, cardamom and some ingredients that are found in Assam only are generally used.   Traditionally, Assamese food is cooked in earthen ware. This method imparts a smell from the utensils to the food itself giving it a distinct flavor. Vegetables in sour soup are common. The Assamese have a typical habit of using all the leftover vegetables together to eat it next day with Assam slices, green chilies and mustard. This gives a variety of taste at one go and is also very appetizing. Different types of herbs are also used sparingly in the cuisine of Assam giving it a characteristic aroma of its own. Thirty-nine herbal recipes prevalent among the different tribal groups of Assam have been identified that are medicinal for the protection of liver. These are slowly gaining recognition among the urban world for its immense benefits. Sweets from Assam are mainly made from rice paste. This paste is used in various consistencies and shapes and is even mixed with additional ingredients to make the variation. A typical food of Assam may be reserved only for a certain festival or occasion and such foods have made themselves an inevitable part in the particular celebration. Assam the north eastern state of India, is important as a tourist destination. But the tourists, specially if they are visitors from outside the state like to collect some mementos while their way back to home. While shopping in Assam, the tourists mainly prefer to buy the arts and crafts products and the Assam tea known world wide for its exotic flavor.   Here are the some restaurant which are famous for assam exotic flavour. Khorika Restaurant Guwahati, India Named after the Assamese khorika (barbecued dishes), this restaurant may be canteen-style but it has authentic Assamese cuisine. For the whole hog share the sample-everything khorika with friends.   Paradise Guwahati, India Well known for its authentic Assamese cuisine, its thali is the best way to get a lot of small tasters. Assamese food is not a lip tingler like typical Indian food and for some this cuisine can seem rather bland, but it’s the subtleties you’re after rather than the heat.   Pizzas Guwahati, India Choose Pizzas for tasty if bready pizzas.   Beatrix Guwahati, India Upbeat and cartoon-walled, Beatrix is just a peg above a student-style hangout. Its eclectic menu offers fish and chips, momos (Tibetan dumplings), Hakka Chow and a mysterious ‘con est soir’. It’s on Manik Chandra (MC) Rd.   Chat House Tezpur, India The modern glass tower Baliram Building, on the corner of Naren Bose (NB) and NC/SC Rds, contains several floors of good dining. The rooftop Chat House has an open-sided, but roofed, terrace for cooling breezes, good views, Indian snacks, noodles, pizzas and momos.   Sangai Restaurant Guwahati, India The dining room doesn't look special but ask for the 'local' menu and choose from Guwahati's best selection of Manipuri specialities. Try Erongba (jackfruit-kernel chutney) with Nga-Thongba (fish and ginger curry) on chakhao (black Manipuri rice).   Delicacy Guwahati, India Tucked beneath a repulsive overpass junction, the odd location is far from central but worth the trek for Guwahati's very best selection of northeastern cuisine styles. There are almost a dozen types of rice alone.   Dosa House Tezpur, India The modern glass tower Baliram Building, on the corner of Naren Bose (NB) and NC/SC Rds, contains several floors of good dining. The ground-floor stand-up-and-eat dosa house serves South Indian fare and cheap breakfasts.   China Villa Tezpur, India The modern glass tower Baliram Building, on the corner of Naren Bose (NB) and NC/SC Rds, contains several floors of good dining. Semi-smart China Villa offers Indian and Chinese food in AC comfort.   Tandoori Guwahati, India Majestic North Indian cuisine served at stylish low tables by waiters in Mughal uniforms accompanied by gentle live tabla music. The prawn dishes, yes a little expensive, are delightful.   Sagar Ratna Guwahati, India This sparkling, modern chain-restaurant specialises in vegetarian Indian food. Big windows, wickedly delicious coconut dosas and good air-con justify slightly elevated prices.   JB's Guwahati, India All-in-one complex with bakery, ice-cream parlour, somewhat Mexican-styled snack bar and (upstairs via the sweet counter) a restaurant serving world-class Indian vegetarian food.   Silk Route Guwahati, India Good-value Indian, Chinese and Thai food served in a cosy, two-storey place. Its cold fruit beer (non-alcoholic) is an absolute thirst-killer.   How to Reach Assam Assam is the gateway of northeast region in India, so necessity for improved transportation in the state is essential for future expansion in the Northeast region. Assam is well linked with the rest of the country by air, rail and road network. By Air The main airport in Assam is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, the largest city of Assam. The airport links to major cities in India with daily flights. Other airports in Assam are at Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Silchar. Regular back and forth flights operate from these airports too. By Rail The North Eastern Railway zone of the Indian Railways connects the largest city of Assam, Guwahati and the rest of the country together. Guwahati is the railway headquarters of the northeast region. Travelers can reach conveniently to Assam via rail as it is well connected to all major cities of India. Some cities within the state are linked up through train services from Guwahati. By Road Being the gateway of Northeast India, Assam has a well connected network of national highways and other roads to different cities and towns in and around the state. The National Highway Number 37, 31, 40, 38 and 52 connects Assam with other states in India. The State Transport and other private operators run daily bus services for commuters. Taxis and jeeps can also be hired for commuting within the state.    Where to stay  The state of Assam lies in North East of India. The state is one of the largest producers of finest tea. Besides the commercial significance, Assam is also known for its enriched bio-diversity. Creatures of endangered and rare species like 1 horned rhinocerous, golden langur, gangetic dolphin, clouded leopard etc can be found in Assam. This draws many tourists to the state.   Assam is beautifully replete with virgin mountains, exotic wildlife, mesmerizing tea gardens, oil fields, rich heritage and culture, dense forests, fairs and festivals, temples and many more. All these make the state a favorite destination among the tourists. So if you want to have a whole new experience, then surely plan a trip to Assam. You can also work or get engaged in serious business while holidaying in Assam. The Assam Hotels are at your service to make your trip worth remembering. As Assam is one of the important states in North East India, therefore many hotels have emerged in the state. Hotels are the backbone of the tourism industry of any state. Same goes for Assam Tourism as well. The state government spends a huge sum of money in the hospitality sector. So both private and government hotels can be found in Assam. Be it luxury hotel, budget hotels, boutique hotels, or resorts, you will find it all in Assam. Luxury Hotels in Assam Hotel Rajmahal, Guwahati Hotel Rajmahal is one of the most sought after luxurious hotels located in Guwahati, one of the popular cities of Assam. It is 21kms from the International Airport and almost 5kmsfrom the railway station. The Hotel on one hand is in close proximity to the important centres in Guwahati and on the other gives the guests a chance to enjoy the scintillating scenic beauty of the place. It has 74 well-equipped rooms, which comprise of deluxe rooms, suites, single room and double rooms. There are two restaurants and a bar, which takes care of the dining needs of the guests. Some of the other faculties are swimming pool, doctor on call, 24 hrs room service, etc. This hotel is well known in Assam for its warm hospitality. Hotel Dynasty Hotel Dynasty is a Government approved hotel and among the best 4 star hotels in Assam. It is located in Guwahati and is 1 km from the Guwahati Rail Station and 21 kms from the Guwahati Airport. It has 70 elegantly designed rooms divided into executive rooms, executive clubrooms, suites and corporate suites. Hotel Dynasty has 2 multi-cuisine restaurants, 'Tandoor' and 'Chopstix' and a bar called 'The lounge'. Other services and facilities of this luxurious Assam Hotel are banquet hall, business centre, conference rooms, doctor on call, travel assistance, currency exchange, laundry, safety deposit etc. Budget Hotels in Assam Hotel Ambassador Assam Hotels are known for their warmth and hospitality. Hotel Ambassador is no exception. It is among the popular Budget Hotels in Assam. It is conveniently located in the city of Guwahati. The hotel rooms come in beautiful shades and are very clean and comfortable. Some of the facilities that are outfitted in the rooms are telephone, 24-hr room service, hot and cold water, TV etc. The hotel also has a restaurant for you to enjoy the lip-smacking eateries. The hotel is also equipped with modern amenities like recreational centre, business centre, doctor on call, safe deposit, etc. Hotel Hillview Guwahati Among the Assam Hotels, Hotel Hillview is one of the Government approved hotels in Assam. The hotel offers good accommodation facilities at affordable prices. The hotel has an in-house restaurant, which serves the guests with all types of dishes. The hotel is also outfitted with both recreational and business facilities.