Welcome to the Shangri-La of the northeastern India. Assam is the land of wooded hills and vales. With Brahmaputra river meandering through, sprawling tea gardens, enticing songs and dances, fine silks, the state is a must on the itinerary of international as well as Indian tourists. Also known as the land of the 'Red River', the Brahmaputra, and the 'Blue Hills' Assam offers awesome panoramic beauty with its exceptional flora and fauna, lofty green hills, boundless rolling plains, strong waterways and verdant deciduous forests.
Assam is identified by its Bihu songs and dances, the Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary where the rare one-horned rhinoceros roams at will and silks such as 'paat' and 'muga' which rank amongst the finest in the world. The state's tea, which finds its way to millions of homes all over the globe and the Shrine of Kamakhya which, draws thousands of devotees every year.
PLACE OF INTEREST:
GUWAHATI:
The gateway of northeast is on the banks of the mighty Brahmapurta River and is the largest city in the Northeast. It is a fast growing premier city a good place to start tours to other northeast destinations.
SRIMANTA SANKARDEVA KALAKSHETRA:
A huge modern cultural complex at Panjabari named after the great Vaishnavite saint Mohapuruxh Srimanta Sankardeva of the 15th century is located about 10 km away from the city-hart towards the south. This has been established with the purpose of preservation and promotion of the rich socio-cultural heritage of the peoples of Assam. It is open for visitors on all days except Monday.
KAMAKHYA MANDIR:
It is situated on Nilachal hill, eight km east of the city. This temple honour the mother Goddess Kamakhya, the essence of female energy. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. The temple was rebuilt in 1665 after being destroyed by Muslim invaders, but its origins are much older than that. It was probably an ancient Khasi sacrificial site, sacrifices are still very much part of worshiping here. Group of devotees arrive each morning with goats to offer to Shakti.
NAVAGRAHA TEMPLE:
On another hill called Chitrachal hill, in northeast of Guwahati is the Navagraha (Nine Planets) temple believed to the mark the site of the ancient city of Pragjiyotishpur, Guwahati’s earliest name, which was famous as a centre of astronomy. Beneath its red beehive-shaped dome is a dark and eerie chamber that has nine lingas representing the nine planets.
UMANANDA TEMPLE:
Enchantingly located on the lush green peacock island in the middle of the Brahmaputra this 16th Century temple is also dedicated to Shiva’s wife. The island, swarming with friendly Langur monkeys, is an excellent place to stand and watch the river; deceptively slow on the surface but with swift undercurrents. The temple is reached by ferry from Umananda Ghat north of the railway station.
SUALKUCHI:
, 32 km (20 miles) south of Guwahati, is a major weaving center for Assam’s famous golden-hued Muga silk. Several houses here have women working at their looms, and they are happy to welcome visitors interested in their craft.
HAJO:
32 km (20 miles) west of Guwahati, is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist, Hindus and Muslims. The 16th century Hayagriva-Madhavs Temple on Manikuta Hill, is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, who believe that the Buddha died here. Fine bas reliefs of scenes from the Ramayana decorate its walls. Below the temple is a pond home to Hajo’s most famous resident a giant turtle. On another hill in Hajo is the Pao Mecca Mosque established by an Iraqi prince who came to Assam in the 12th century on a proselytizing mission. A pilgrimage here is believed to be equivalent to a quarter of the piety attained by a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The spectacular temple ruins at Madan Kamdev are 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Guwahati. Exuberantly erotic carvings of deities and celestial nymphs lie strewn on a small hillock here. They date from the 10th to 12th centuries. When the area was ruled by the Pala dynasty.
MAJULI ISLAND:
It is the world’s largest river island (886 sq km) and is famous for its 22 ancient Vaishnavaite Hindu monasteries or Satras, which also serve as centers for the preservation of Assamese arts. The institution of the Satra was founded in the 15th century by the great Assamese poet, composer and philosopher Sankardeva. The most pleasant way to see the satras is on foot
JORHAT/SIBSAGAR:
Jorhat is the gateway to Upper Assam and idea for people who love to see tea gardens and tea processing. Sibsangar, the capital of Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for over 600 years. A number of ancient Shiva temples other ruined palaces of Ahom dynasty exhibits Ahom history
HALFLONG:
The only hill station of Assam, lies at an altitude of 3000 feet from sea level. Jatinga the peak of Halflong hills is full of bull Vandas, a lovely sky blue orchid, only of its kind in the world. The bird mystery of Jatinga is a fascinating annual feature (sept-oct) Come September and sees thousands of birds fly and flutter at Jatinga for the last time. From the elevated watchtower you observe these feathery creatures yield to their death wish and then their downy plumages dropping down in a heap.
SILCHAR:
located in the Surma Valley, is the entry point for Mizoram and Tripura. Noted for its scenic beauty, Silchar is also famous for its cane and bamboo works. The main tourist attraction here is Khaspur (25 km) on way to airport with its ruins of fort and palaces of the Kachari Kingdom (17th –18th century) CD flight connect Silchar with Kolkata. By rail it is 14 hrs from Guwahati via Lumding there are Dak Bunglow and Circuit House besides some fine Indian style hotels.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK:
Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Assam, Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430-sq-kms with its swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. Globally recognized as a premier wildlife habitat. UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1985. The park is covered by tall wild grasses, but the there are many open areas of water-meadow where Rhinos, Elephants, Deer, Wild boar and numerous species of water birds can easily be spotted. The best way to see the wildlife is on an elephant ride, but jeep safaris are also available. National Park is open from First week November to Mid March.
BEST TIME TO VlSlT:
Through out year but for wild life from first week of November to Mid March.
HOW TO REACH:
Guwahati/Dibrugarh is well connected by train and air both from Delhi and Calcutta. Liza World Travels, staff will meet you on arrival and arrange transfer to your destinations.
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