What to see and explore in Assam
Throughout the year, Assam is interwoven with festive seasons and seductive beauty. And it's clear that this rest stop will have a lot to offer in terms of attractions and activities. You may explore Assam's many animal reserves, join a religious group seeing notable temples, and spend a day rowing a boat on the Brahmaputra River or playing in water parks. Assam is certainly a one-stop shop for everything.
Here are the top seven things to see and explore in Assam:
1. Hill Stations in Assam
Assam is a state rich in natural beauty and historical significance. The location's distinct environment makes it one of the country's numerous natural tourism destinations. These stunning hill stations in Assam have proven to be a benefit to the state's tourist industry, and visitors tend to appreciate them for their spectacular scenery. For all those nature lovers out there, the state contains some of the greatest hill stations in the world, including Diphu, Sualkuchi, Lilabari, and Marigaon, which attract visitors from all over the world.
In Assam, there are numerous prominent hill stations, one of which is Haflong, which is a breathtaking location. The surrounding flora and plantations make the area incredibly scenic and eye-pleasing. Then there's Jatinga, which is noted for its orange groves and is located on North Cachar Hill. This location has a fascinating history, and it is reported that on moonless foggy nights, some migratory birds commit suicide here. Diphu is another magnificent hill station in the state that attracts a large number of people for summer vacations (however it is a Karbi Tribal area prone to a lot of ULFA attacks and curfews).
These locations also provide fantastic sightseeing excursions of the state's gorgeous mountains and valleys, making it a perfect holiday spot. Maibong, which used to be the capital of the Kachari kings in ancient times, is another prominent hill station in Assam. This location is at an average elevation of 355 metres. When travellers visit this prominent hill station in Assam, they may observe nature at its finest and are certain to have a wonderful experience.
2. Adventure Tourism in Assam
North East India invites all adventure seekers to the state of Assam, which has long been one of the country's top adventure vacation spots. The state's spectacular landscape, which includes fast-flowing rivers and unique hilly areas, is ideal for some thrilling and heart-racing activities. Assam is suited for any form of activity that makes tours fascinating and fun, whether it be land sports or water sports. There are various adventure activities conducted here, the most popular of which being trekking and river rafting.
The Karbi and Cachar hills are the greatest spots to go hiking in Assam, and are believed to be a mountaineer's dreamland. Several campgrounds have been set up here to supply hikers with all of the essential amenities. The months of April through October are good for trekking in this area. Para sailing, a popular adventure sport in Assam, is another activity that has grown in popularity over time.
Another experience available in the state is hang gliding, which is primarily dependent on weather conditions. This sport is a must-try if the weather is ideal. In North Eastern India, river rafting is one of the most popular forms of adventure tourism. Because of the existence of the Brahmaputra River, Assam has a lot of potential for this occurrence. This activity is both tough and exhilarating, and the chilly water of the river amplifies the experience. Boat racing and angling are two more popular sports in the state that draw a large number of people. In Assam, you may race boats in places like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, and Guwahati.
3. Wildlife in Assam
Assam is well-known among North East India's various wildlife vacation spots. The state is home to a number of sanctuaries and national parks that have yet to be explored. Assam is most well-known for two things: great tea and wildlife tourism. It is one of India's most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in wildlife.
The Kaziranga National Park, of course, is one of the most well-known animal sanctuaries in the area. The one-horned rhino is the most unusual creature discovered in the park, which covers a wide region of land. The Karbi and Cachar hills are the greatest spots to go hiking in Assam, and are believed to be a mountaineer's dreamland. Several campgrounds have been set up here to supply hikers with all of the essential amenities. The months of April through October are good for trekking in this area. The Gibbon wildlife refuge takes its name from a primate that isn't human. The sighting of primates, which is best seen early in the morning, is the park's main feature. Monkeys of various species, as well as wild pigs and leopards, may all be observed here.
4. Dance and Music in Assam
Assam is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and tribes, including Mongoloid, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Iranian, Aryan, Rabha, Bodo, Kachari, Karbi, Mising, Sonowal Kacharis, and Mishimi. The impact of this variety may also be evident in Assamese culture and customs, particularly in dance and music. The best time to see the diverse dance and music genres is during the state's many festivals and fairs.
Bihu, Bagurumba, Bhortal, Ojapali, and Jhumur are some of Assam's most popular dances. Whereas Bihu is done practically everywhere and on three Bihu festivals throughout the year, the Bodos perform Bagurumba at Bwisagu, a Bodo event held during the Vishuva Sankranti (mid-April). Bhortal, on the other hand, is a group dance that is similar to the state's classical dance genre.
The primary feature of Assamese music is its falling scale, which distinguishes it from raga-based or folk music from the rest of India. Bihu songs, Bodo songs, Karbi songs, and Mising songs are all organised and performed to the Pentatonic scale, which is quite close to Chinese traditional music, demonstrating a substantial impact of Chinese music on Assamese culture.
5. Cultural Festivals in Assam
Assam is a vibrant state in Eastern India, and the people of Assam celebrate fairs and festivals with zeal, pomp, and display. The grandeur and excitement of the events here provide onlookers with a distinct degree of delight. Agricultural Festivals, Religious Festivals, and Folk Festivals are the three primary festivals and fairs in Assam. Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu, Magh Bihu, Ambubachi, Biswakarma Puja, Doljatra, Janmastami, Rasa Puja, Barpeta, sabha, Bhel Diya Festival, Me-Dum-Me-Phi, Kamrup Bhatheli, and many other festivals are held in Assam.
Assam is a state in North East India with a population that is made up of people from many clans and tribes. People from many cultures and castes take part in these celebrations in equal numbers, making the events even more enticing. Assam's vibrant festivals reflect the state's rich cultural past as well as the way of life of its residents. Bihu festival is the most significant of the various cultural festivals held in Assam, and it is celebrated with great devotion and joy throughout the state.
The Bhogali festival, which takes place in January, is a harvest festival that is a major event in the state. The buffalo battle is the major feature of this event. Another major celebration in the state is the Tea Festival, which is mostly held in Jorhat. The Tourism Corporation of the State organises this festival throughout the month of November. The Ambubachi Mela, which takes place at Guwahati's Kamakhya Mandir, is the most well-known of the state's religious festivities. According to Hindu beliefs and customs, this fair holds unique significance. Another event conducted by the Assam Boat Racing and Rowing Association is the Brahmaputra Beach Festival.
6. Heritage in Assam
Assam has a vast history, from the Paleolithic period to colonial occupation, with tales of conquest, supremacy, victory, and chivalry, supported by many stranded remains; respectful yet thought-provoking temples; grass-carpeted graves, and spectacular fauna. When it comes to historical excursions in Assam, there are numerous locations to visit, but the temples are the most popular. Especially the well-known ones, such as Kamakhya Temple, Navagraha Temple, Umananda Temple, and Basistha Ashram, which each have their own charm and vast epics that contribute to the interest. Poa Mecca, which is said to have 1/4th of Mecca's holiness, is another destination worth mentioning when it comes to spiritual enlightenment.
The Ahom dynasty, the determined kings who reigned over Assam between the 13th and the 18th centuries, are responsible for most of the state's history. As a result of these, Assam has Asia's first amphitheatre, Rangghar in Sivasagar, which shares space with Da-Parbatia, Madan Kamdev, Agnigarh, Suryapahar, Deoparbat, Ambari excavations, and Moidams. Assam's ancient sites also have a strong mythical link, as seen by attractions in Tezpur, the City of Eternal Romance.
In Assam's Majuli, the best site to visit in Assam, one may find a heady blend of nature and history. Majuli is one of India's largest riverine islands, with a huge number of Satras founded by Sankardeva and Madhavdeb. Sualkuchi, Jorhat, Sualkuchi, Borduwa, and Guwahati are some of the other notable sights to see on a historical trip of Assam.
7. Shopping in Assam
Assam has a lot to offer shopaholics and those who want to take a bit of their vacation home with them in the shape of a memento. Traditional handicraft abilities have been acknowledged in the state, resulting in the production of excellent bell metal and brass things, wood carved and bamboo/cane goods, jewellery, paintings, and magnificent Muga and Paat silk sarees. Aside from that, lots of people enjoy returning home with the distinctive Assam tea. Tourists may be interested in purchasing Assamese jewellery since it is unique and remarkable. Gam kharu, gal pata, doog doogi, loka paro, and jan biri are examples of the jewellery. Jorhat, where one can visit AT road, Chowk bazar, JPR road, Garh Ali, and Babu patty; Dibrugarh, which features bazaars such as New market, Naliapol bazar, Chowkidinghee bazar, and Amolapatty; and Tezpur, which has the famed Chowk bazar noted for handloom and handicraft products.
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