General InformationTravelling to Assam , located the north-east corner of India and surrounded by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh on the north, Nagaland and Manipur on the east, Meghalaya and Mizoram on the south and Bangladesh, Tripura and West Bengal on the west is a nature lovers delight. The state is dominated by the river Brahamputra, whose lush green 700 kilometre valley is sandwiched between the Himalayan foothills to the north, and the hills and plateau of Meghalaya to the south.
Assam is a land of contrasts and a paradise for nature lovers. It has the UNESCO heritage site of Kaziranga and Manas wild life Santuaries , one of the few successful of wild life santuaries wordwide. Kaziranga is worth a visit to see the one horned asiatic rhinoes.
Important tourist centres of the state around Guwahati are Kamakhya Temple, Umananda (Peacock Island), Navagraha (Temple of nine planets), Gandhi Mandap, State Zoo, State Museum, Sukreswar Temple, Geeta Mandir, Madan-Kamdev Temple and Saraighat Bridge.
In the rest of the state the places of tourist interest are Kaziranga park (famous for one horned rhinos), Sib Sagar (Shiv Temple), Majuli (largest river island in the world), Chandubi lake, Batadrava (Birth place of great Vaishnav Saint Sankardev), and Saulkuchi (renowned for its silk industry).
The best time to visit the state is from October to April.
Guwahati
Guwahati - said to be the legendary Pragjyotishpur or City of Eastern Light .Situated on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra, is the gateway to north eastern India and is an important commercial centre. The name Guwahati is a combination of two words: Guwa meaning areca nut and Hat meaning market.The places to shop for handicrafts and handloom items include the State Government's department store, Pragjyotika at Ambari as well as several private shops in Pan Bazar and Fancy Bazar, which are two of the main commercial markets.Places to seeKamakhya Temple
The greatest attraction of Guwahati is the Kamakhya Temple, perched on the Nilachal hill, where Goddess Kamakhya is worshipped.The temple commands a fabulous view of the city and the mighty Brahmaputra. The ponds here are the home of some giant turtles.Nabagraha TempleNambagraha means nine planets.It is thus a temple of nine planets and is believed to be the ancient seat of the study of astronomy. It is just 3 km from the railway station.
Umananda Temple
It is a temple of Lord Shiva ,in the midst of river Brahmaputra, on the island of Umananda. The temple can be reached by crossing the river via country boats plying from Kachari Ghat. The place resembles a beehive during Shiva Ratri when pilgrims from all over flock to the island packed in boats.
Hajo
Hajo is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists.This place is to the (25 km )west of Guwahati and is the site of the Pua-Mecca mosque, established by an Iraqi prince-turned-preacher, who travelled all the way to Assam in the 12th century to spread the Prophet's teachings.The town also boasts of the Hayagriba Madhava Temple, accessible via a long stone stairway. At the foot of the stairway is a large pond inhabited by one of Hajo's eminent residents: a giant turtle. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work.
The State Museum is another attraction of the city ,with exhibits dating back to the 7th century AD, ranging from stone sculptures to bronzes.
Pabitora
A small wildlife sanctuary, 60 km from Guwahati. Rhino and various species of deer abound here.
Chandubi
A natural lagoon and a fine picnic spot, 64 km from Guwahati. The lake is a perfect holiday resort, with ample fishing and rowing opportunities.
Madan Kamdev
About 35 km from Guwahati, this place is famous for its impressive archaeological ruins.
Baisisthashram
It is the hermitage of sage Basistha and also an ideal picnic spot. It is just 12 km from the railway station.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on the banks of river Manas, and 176 km from Guwahati, this sanctuary is the only 'tiger project' of its kind in Assam. Manas has its own peculiar species of fauna, the rarest of which are the hispid hare and the pigmy hog. Commonly seen animals are the rhino, elephant, water buffalo and the swamp deer. Hundreds of birds migrate to Manas during winter.
How to get there
Guwahati is well connected by air and rail with New Delhi and Calcutta.
Kaziranga National ParkKaziranga National Park lies on the south bank of the Brahmaputra and its boundary for the most part follows the Mora Diphlu river and runs parallel to National Highway No. 37. It covers an area of 688 sq. kilometres. The Park was first established in 1908, as a reserve forest with only about a dozen rhinos and was declared a National Park in 1974.
Kaziranga is famous for the great One-Horned Rhino. Tigers which are natural enemies of rhinos are also present in sizable numbers in this area. Other attractions of this national park include the wild buffalo, magnificent swamp deer, hog deer, wild boar, Hoolok gibbon, capped langur and ratel (badger).
A wide variety of snakes including the rock python and the monitor lizard are also found here. Amongst the birds, the crested serpent eagle is common while palla's fishing eagle and gray headed fishing eagle are frequently seen. Others include the Great Adjutant Stork, crane, Bengal floricab, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, and pelican.
Mihimukh is the starting area for the park and elephants can be hired from here to enter the sanctuary. Jeep safaris and early morning elephant rides can be arranged for at the Tourist Centre here.
How to Get There
Catch a Flight or train to Jorhat (94 kilometres) and Guwahati (220 kilometres) from the park. Nearest town is Bokaghat, 22 kilometre from the park.
When to visit
November to March
Where to stay
Forest rest houses and bungalows are available in the park area. Kaziranga Forest Lodge is also available with air conditioned rooms, bar, restaurant and other facilities.
Contact
Director, Kaziranga National Park, PO Bokaghat, District Jorhat, Assam.
Sibsagar
Sibsagar was the capital of the mighty Ahoms, who ruled Assam for more than six hundred years before the advent of the British. The town, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire. The most remarkable landmark of the town is the 200 year old Sibsagar tank. On its banks are three significant temples - Shivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol. Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing urban settlement. It is the headquarters of the district Sibsagar, a leading tea and oil producing centre.
Places to seeTalatal Ghar
About 6 km from Sibsagar is an immense seven storeyed palace, three of which are below the ground level - known as Talatal Ghar - and the rest of the storeys above. There are two secret tunnels here.
Joysagar, believed to be the largest man-made lake in India, sprawls over 318 acres on the edge of Sibsagar town. Another highlight is the Ahom Museum on the bank of the Sibsagar, which houses artifacts of the Ahom rulers, which include clothes, swords, manuscripts, goblets and platters.
Rang Ghar
The Rang Ghar is a two storeyed oval - shaped pavilion, from which Ahom royalties used to watch elephant fights and other sporting events. It was built by king Pramatta Singha ( 1744 - 1751 ).
Gargaon PalaceGargaon, the erstwhile capital of the Ahoms, lies 13 km east of Sibsagar. The old palace built in 1540 was destroyed, and the present seven-storeyed palace, known as Kareng Ghar, was rebuilt around 1762, by king Rajeshwar Singha.
Jaysagar Tank and Temples
The Jaysagar tank was built by king Rudra Singha in 1967. On its bank are three highly revered temples - Joydol, Shivdol and Devidol.
Gaurisagar Tank and Temples
The Gaurisagar tank was built by queen Phuleshwari Devi. Standing on its bank are three temples - Vishnudol, Shivdol and Devidol.
Rudrasagar Tank and Temples
The Rudrasagar tank was built by king Lakshmi Singha in 1773. It is 8 km from Sibsagar.
Namdang Stone Bridge
The Namdang bridge, cut out from a single solid rock over the Namdang river, was constructed by king Rudra Singha in 1703. Today, the National Highway 37, passes over this bridge.
Charaideo
Another old capital of the Ahom kings, Charaideo, built by the founder of the Ahom dynasty, Sukapha lies 28 km east of Sibsagar. It is famous for the 'maidans' or burial vaults of the members of the royalty.
Ajan Pir Dargah Sarif
At Saraguri Chapori ( 22 km from Sibsagar ) stands Ajan Pir Dargah Sarif. Ajan Pir was the first Muslim saint to compose 'Zikir' in Assamese language. On the day of the 'Urs', thousands of devotees gather here, to pay homage to this great Muslim reformer.
A day trip from Sibsagar takes one to Dibrugarh and Jorhat. Dibrugarh happens to be one of the major tea producing centres in the Indian sub-continent. Jorhat, another major tea producing area, located on the edge of the Brahmaputra, southwest of Sibsagar, is a fine cultural centre. Majuli, the world's largest inhabited riverine island, revered for its satras or Vaishnavite monasteries lies near Jorhat. These satras are historically significant for Assam, as they were established by Sankardeva, the pioneer of Vaishnavite revivalism, in the 16th century. Majuli is populated primarily by the Mishing tribe, among the only tribal riverine community in the Assam valley, which descended from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh years ago. Their exquisite handlooms are renowned all over, especially the brilliant Mirizen shawls and blankets.
How to get thereThe nearest airport, Jorhat, is only 55 km away. The nearest railhead, Simaluguri, is 16 km away. Bus services are available from Guwahati and other important towns.
Accomodation
Tourist Lodge, Assam Tourism ; Circuit House and Dak Bungalow on the bank of Sibsagar tank.
Tezpur
Tezpur was known as Sonitpur in the olden days and is a city steeped in mythology, legend and folklore. Tezpur or the 'city of blood' reminds one of the romantic legend of Usha and Anirudha. The ruins of Agnigarh, where this immortal romance blossomed, still bear silent testimony to this poignant legend.
The legend revolves around Banasura, the great Asura king (devotee of Shiva), his beautiful daughter Usha and her friend Chitralekha. The ancient Sonitpur was the capital of the Asura dynasty. The princess saw a handsome prince in her dreams and fell in love with him.Chitralekha, a talented artist, not only painted his portrait from Usha's description but recognised him to be Aniruddha,the grandson of Lord Krishna and ruler of Dwarka. Using her magical powers, Chitralekha spirited Aniruddha away to the princess' boudoir where the two married each other according to Gandharva rites, without the knowledge of the king. When Banasura learnt of the clandestine romance, he imprisoned Aniruddha, which led to the arrival of Lord Krishna to Sonitpur to rescue his grandson. A fierce battle followed and the entire city was drenched in human blood, hence the name Sonitpur. In the battle of Hari (Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva in the form of Banasura), Bana was defeated and the lovers were united forever.
Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, this town known for its natural beauty and fascinating archaeological ruins, is the headquarters of district Sonitpur. Undulating green valleys surrounded by the lofty hills and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and lush tea gardens render Tezpur a tourist's delight.
In 1942, for the first time in entire British India, the tricolour was hoisted in the police station at Gahpur, a tiny mofussil town under Sonitpur district. Fourteen years old Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft.
Places to see
The Hazara Pukhuri
It is a large tank which preserves the name of Hazara Varman in Tezpur. It was excavated in the early part of the 19th century. This is the third largest tank in the area sprawled over 70 acres.
Bamuni Hills
The ruins of Bamuni Hills are famous for their exemplary artistic finesse. The sculptural remains date back to the ninth and tenth century A.D. The Bhairavi and Mahabhairab (where king Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, an incarnation of Shiva) temples and the twin tanks of Bar Pukhuri and Padum Pukhuri are the other architectural attractions of Tezpur.
Cole Park
It is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in Tezpur. Established by a British Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Cole, the park has two massive ornamented stone pillars, and the sculptural remnants of the famous Bamuni Hills.
Agnigarh
This is the site of the legendary romance of princess Usha (the only daughter of king Bana) and Anirudha. Usha was imprisoned inside the palace which was surrounded by a wall of fire. The present day Agnigarh, now only a hillock facing the Brahmaputra, provides a panoramic view of the great river and Tezpur.
Da Parbatia
The ruins of the door frame of the Da Parbatia temple, a few kilometres away from Tezpur, is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural art in Assam. Its carving is characteristic of the early Gupta school of sculpture.
Eco Camp is situated about 50 kms from Tezpur, off the road to Arunachal Pradesh, near the Jia Bhoroli river .It is a unique experiment by the Assam Anglers' Association and the state's Forest Department. The Camp organises exciting white river rafting against the divine backdrop of lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Tourists can try their hand at casting for the elusive and endangered golden Mahseer fish, a denizen of the waters. This is part of an ecological campaign to save the mahseer - so part of the river is protected and the fish are caught and then released in a bid to stabilise their dwindling numbers.
Nameri National Park
Orang Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary sprawled over an area of 72 sq. km, is only 65 km from Tezpur. The animals which this area includes, are the one-horned rhinoceros, buffalo, leopard, sambhar, barking deer and tiger.
Bhalukpung
Bhalukpung,60 km from Tezpur,on the road to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, is a charming picnic and angling spot. Other attractions of Bhalukpung are a hot spring and a huge orchid garden.
Bhomoraguri
It is a mammoth stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, who planned to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra. Almost two centuries later, a bridge at the same site now stands completed. The 3.05 km bridge, named after the great Ahom general, connects Nagaon district with Tezpur.
Accomodation :
Assam Tourism Department has a well - furnished tourist lodge with modern amenities. Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and a number of other hotels with reasonable tariff offer comfortable accomodation.
Contact :The Tourist Information Officer, Tezpur, Sonitpur District.
Manas Wildlife Sanctury
Formerly known as North Kamrup, Manas, in Assam, was declared a sanctuary in 1928. In 1985 it was given the status of World Heritage Site. The park encloses two rivers, the Manas and its tributary the Hakua, along the Assam-Bhutan border. The protected area extends into the Bhutan foothills.
Giant hornbills
Manas houses 19 of India's most endangered animal species.It homes the rare golden langur and a sizeable tiger population. Its wetlands are essential for the survival of the fast-vanishing hispid hare and pygmy hog. The species of the animal kingdom to be found here include the rhino, wild buffalos, elephants, gaur, swamp deer, capped langur and clouded leopard. The park in the eastern range is home to the chital and habitat of the sambar deer, also boasts a rich and diverse avian population. The main highlight is the giant hornbill, two subspecies of which, the pied and grey varieties, are to be found here.
When to visit
The best time to visit is November to March.
How to get thereCatch a flight to Guwahati, the nearest airport at 176 kms. The nearest town and rail-head is Barpeta Road, 41 kms away.
Within the Park, riding elephants and boats on the rivers are available for transport.
Where to stay
Tourist lodge and forest bungalows at Mothanguri are the means of accomodation available.
Contact :Field Director ,Project Tiger, ,PO Barpeta Road .District Barpeta ,Assam, 781315
Near the Jia Bhoroli river, the Nameri National Park spreads over from Assam to Aruachal Pradesh. As in Kaziranga, the best way to travel within the Park is atop elephants. There are no roads inside the park. The park is home to the Mithun or Indian bison and the rare White Winged Wood Duck, among the most endangered avian species in the world.
