Tourism in Assam

Assam is a vibrant land of contrasts, each nook and corner of which, has something special and rare to offer. The word Assam is derived from the Sanskrit word 'asoma' meaning peerless. The land of Assam is, in fact peerless, judging by its sheer natural beauty and cultural richness. Home to diverse races, Austric, Mongoloid, Aryan and Dravidian, who settled in these hills at different points of time, Assam has developed its own peculiar composite culture, one of variegated colour.

Situated in north east India, Assam is bordered in the north and east by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. To the south lie Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. The best time to visit the state is from October to April. A mild and moderate climate throughout the year, is just one of the reasons of the land's undeniable charm.

What To See

Guwahati

Situated on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra, Guwahati - said to be the legendary Pragjyotishpur or City of Eastern Light - is the gateway to north eastern India. The name is a combination of two words: Guwa meaning areca nut and Hat meaning market. Guwahati is the commercial nerve centre of the North-East. 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, two of the main commercial markets.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga 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 Rhinos. Tigers which are natural enemies of rhinos are also there 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.

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.

Manas Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve

Formerly known as North Kamrup, Manas, in Assam, was declared a sanctuary in 1928. In 1985 it was accorded the status of World Heritage Site. The park straddles two rivers, the Manas and its tributary the Hakua, along the Assam-Bhutan border. The protected area extends into the Bhutan foothills.

Manas houses 19 of India's most endangered animal populations, home to 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 fauna to be found here include the rhino, wild buffalos, elephants, gaur, swamp deer, capped langur and clouded leopard. The park, the eastern range of 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.