A treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse history, Assam is one of the least explored regions in the country. It generates an immaculate, untouched aura that will allure you to your depths. It’s a land of wild forests, a mighty river with acres and acres of tea plantations. There are breath-taking landscapes for the tourists and various beautiful places to visit in Assam.
It’s also on the list of the top biodiversity hotspots in the entire world. Be you a religious being or a shopaholic Assam has eye and soul pleasing activities for all. With the majestic Brahmaputra river, magnificent hills, its rich flora and fauna, the state is a tourist paradise. Below some of the best places in Assam tourism:
1. Barak Valley
Barak Valley is one of the most unspoiled and beautifully carved natural spots in Assam. It’s due to its presence that the tourists can rest in the lap of rich flora and fauna while enjoying the eye gazing views of nature. The region explains the rich and ancient history of Assam and is home to the ancient Kachari Fort. The Cachar district in Barak Valley is the mirror for the cultural heritage of Assam tourism.
The Sun Gate, Lion Gate and the King’s Temple are the major Assam points of interest in Cachar. Furthermore, there is a Shiv Temple on the top of the Bhuvani Hills is a pilgrim attraction for Hindus. The Siddyashar Bari Sibmandir is one of the most attractive Assam tourist places in the Hailakandi. The Badarpur Ghat is the attraction near the temple whose scenic beauty attracts every tourist.
Hailakandi is the place where you can enjoy the whole Assamese cuisine and innumerable scenic spots. Karimganj, a district in the Barak Valley is a must visit for nature lovers. Being a land of rivers and beautiful lakes, this place can be ideally utilized for a nature lover’s holiday destination. Karimganj also offers a lot to bird-watchers and trekkers. The shopaholics can buy handicraft items and jute products from the local markets here. Consequently, this is one of the best places to visit in Assam.
2. Hajo
The ancient pilgrim centre of Hajo is unique in being able to show religious harmony among people. It’s an attraction for three religions – Hindu, Muslims and Buddhists. It is an important part of Assam tourism. About 24 km from the city of Guwahati, Hajo is situated in the banks of Brahmaputra river.
Hajo entertains all the three religious believers with shrines dedicated to Durga, Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha and major Muslim saints. The Hayagriva Madhava Mandir is the most famous temple here because it is believed that it is the place where Buddha attained Nirvana.
The Powa Mecca Mosque finds popularity among Muslims here. Hajo is also the largest producer of silk clothes in Assam. It has a very ancient history along with very fascinating mythological stories. Hajo isn’t famous only for its holy spiritual places but also for its beautiful yet explorable marketplace.
Furthermore, you can shop for bell metal and brass household items form this market as Hajo is famous throughout Asia for its bell metal industry. Also, you can find a variety of good quality silk here as Hajo is the largest silk producer in Assam. Solely this place is for pilgrims and also for those who are desperate to experience another aspect of Assam’s beauty. It’s one of the best places to visit in Assam.
3. Guwahati
Guwahati is one of the famous religious cities in India. Most places to visit in Guwahati are large of religious interest, beautiful temples. One of the very well-known and believed temples in this city is the Kamakhya Temple. An ancient temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess Kamakhya is said to fulfil wishes. There are some other popular Assam points of interest in Guwahati such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Umananda Temple.
Situated on the bank of Brahmaputra river, Guwahati is rightfully known as the Gateway to North East India. A hustled city with almost all luxuries of modern day life yet close to nature, Guwahati is a perfect example of an ideal urbane. It’s also the place to get jealous about as surrounding it, are the most scenic and enthralling destinations of North East.
You should certainly plan a weekend trip here. Most of these destinations are still virgin lands that add yet another reason to spend your holidays in the lap of Guwahati. Furthermore, there are some places that are historically rich and almost all places are culturally rich giving you enough reasons to be in Guwahati. Hence, it is one of the best places to visit in Assam.
4. Tezpur
Are you planning for a quiet holiday far from the hectic city lights? Then you should visit Tezpur in Assam. The place is surrounded by beautiful hills, deep valleys and greenery while adding an ancient touch to the city. On the banks of Brahmaputra, lies Tezpur city, the cultural capital of Assam. Mesmerising landscapes with snow covered Himalayan peaks and tea gardens make Tezpur an all-time favourite destination for tourists.
Sonitpur district in Tezpur has 73 tea gardens and also the biggest tea garden in the world. First of all, the place to visit in Tezpur is the Jyoti-Bishnukhelpathar at Dadhara. Here you can enjoy a number of cultural events including dances like Bagurumba and Bihu. While you’re in Tezpur, you should visit the Nameri National Park that is about 35 km from the city. It is the home for tigers, leopards, Bengal fox, jungle cat and many other wild animals.
Another most visited sightseeing place here in Assam tourism is Bamuni Hill. The Bamuni Hills have a touch of Gupta architectural style and is one of the most excellent sculptural sites of Assam. Another alluring place to visit is Agnigarh. It’s one of the most mythical fortresses in Tezpur. It is believed that King Bana isolated his daughter Usha and grandson of Shri Krishna, Anirudh here.
The must thing to do in Tezpur is to visit the Cole Park, also known as Chitralekha Udyan which is filled with fun activities, scenic beauty and views of Bamuni Hills. It is quite a mesmerizing sight to behold. Tezpur is one of the best places to visit in Assam for all kinds of tourists.
5. Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi is a small village that displays the culture and traditions of Assam at their best. The village is best known for its skills in craftsmanship. This village is known as ‘Manchester of the East’ for producing one of the best kinds of silk in the state. You can see the rustic view of the village having bamboo houses and walls covered with mud. Sualkuchi is rich in varied wildlife and flora.
It doesn’t only inhabitants the local exotic animals and birds but also a variety of species of migratory birds. There are temples, namghars and monasteries at every step, and the village offers almost a full package for tourists. Silkworm is one of the most fascinating things in Sualkuchi. Some very antique and unique designs are made on the naturally golden Muga silk.
There are Karkhanas or workshops beside almost every house, where this silk work is done by hands. The village of Sualkuchi is on the banks of River Brahmaputra with small green hills all around like garland to this beautiful place. This village is a must visit and should be added to your list while tourism the best places to visit in Assam.
6. Jorhat
If tea is a special treat for you, your love for it will bring you to Jorhat! Jorhat is famously known as the ‘Tea capital of the world’. A large number of tea plantations here attract thousands of tourists and corporate travellers around the year. It is an important part of Assam tourism. Jorhat is also best known to be a profiting commercial centre, both for tea production and its jewellery making industry.
The entire sections of skilful artisans who are engaged in jewellery making know the style to blend traditional designs to contemporary styles. The jewellery items from Jorhat are worth possessing, pertaining to the tradition there. The vibrant and colourful tradition of Jorhat is reflected well on its art of jewellery making.
If you are planning to spend your vacation in Jorhat, ensure that you cover all the places that portray Jorhat in best colours. Pleasant views and the bustling corporate activities of this commercial spot in Assam would surely highlight the culture at its best. In case you are looking for a relaxed and quiet holiday amidst nature, there are a lot of tourist places in Jorhat that would take you back to the rich historic hues of the place.
Apart from taking a stroll around the tea garden, make a point to visit these main Assam points of interest:
- Bangal Pukhuri,
- Thengal Manor,
- Burigosain Devalaya,
- Purnananda Buragohain Maidam,
- Bilvesvar Siva Temple,
- Magolu Khat,
- Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, and
- Raja Maidam
Jorhat is definitely one of the best places to visit in Assam due to its scenic beauty and culture and must not be missed.
7. Majuli
Majuli is the biggest river island in the world. It is located amidst the river Brahmaputra in Assam. The island of Majuli, which is popular as a ‘pollution free fresh water island’, is at a distance of about 20 km from Jorhat town and about 200 km east of Guwahati, the largest city in the state. Majuli is the centre for Vaishnavism in Assam and is popular because of the Satras or monasteries located here.
There are about 25-26 Satras still present in Majuli, the prominent ones being the Satras of Garmur, Kamalabari and Auniati. These attract many tourists and reflect the rich culture and tradition of the land. The Satras located in this place have well preserved antique items such as weapons, jewellery, utensils and other things that are of cultural importance. To take the most of your visit, hire a Cycle and do your own trips Pedal with an expert storyteller (local boys and girls are really knowledgeable).
You can also capture the stories and legends of world’s largest River delta. For students, this Assam tourist place has an ocean of knowledge. If you are a photographic enthusiast, then this place is all that you desire. You can capture mesmerising landscapes, alluring sunsets, the rare view of the sun touching the water and a world of nature. Majuli is surely one of the best places to visit in Assam.
8. Sivasagar
One of the holistic towns Sivasagar (formally called as Sibsagar), is located in the upper ranges of Assam. This popular destination in Assam tourism is set amidst the rich and diverse biodiversity surrounded by many historic attractions. Tourism in Sivasagar is popular for its Ahom monuments and palaces which are a work of excellence.
With booming tea and oil industries, tourism is an additional bonus point for the town of Sivasagar. If planning your holidays around the time of Shivratri, you have the opportunity to witness and enjoy the grand celebration by the devotees of Lord Shiva.
One of the sightseeing places of Sivasagar is the Sivasagar Tai Museum which houses several artefacts from the Ahom Dynasty and its rulers. Another one of the must-visit places is Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary which prior to 1984 was a reserve forest. It houses more than 143 migratory and local bird species who visit here every year.
It is a diverse, wet ecosystem that is surrounding the River Brahmaputra and has several lakes speckled across its 34 kilometres property. For the nature lovers, wildlife lovers and the religious kind of people Sivasagar offers it all. Therefore, it is amongst the best places to visit in Assam.
9. North Cochar Hills
Blessed with the most beautiful landscape, Dima Hasao is often described as “Switzerland of the East”. Previously known as the North Cachar Hill District, this mesmerising place is located in central Assam. It is highly regarded amongst the Assam tourist places.
Dima Hasao is a popular travel destination that is filled and loaded up with culture and scenic beauty. One of the must visit places near Dima Hasao is Haflong which is adorned with a natural lake, temples, few historic bungalows built during the British era and gorgeous churches.
The top thing to do in and around Dima Hasao is to visit Jatinga and witness the mysterious event of birds committing suicide. Although there are several conditions that need to occur for it to happen when it does, all the migratory birds start committing suicide making it a sad event which has no scientific explanation yet.
Another place of interest in the district is Maibong, which is located at the bank of River Mahur and houses few of the historical ruins & sculptures. These date back to the period when it was the capital of the Kachori Kingdom.
Other notable sightseeing places are:
- Umrangso,
- Harangajao,
- Thuruk,
- Panimoor,
- Hajong, and
- Laisong.
North Coacher Hills is one of the best places to visit in Assam for every kind of tourist and must not be missed.
10. Dibrugarh
Renowned as the “Tea City of India”, Dibrugarh has been a popular travel destination of Assam for decades. There are several tourist attractions in Dibrugarh that touch one’s religious and spiritual soul. Here you have a chance to enhance your cultural knowledge by experiencing its beautiful heritage while enjoying the landscapes.
Some of the prominent Assam tourist places here are:
- Jeypore Rainforest,
- Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuaries,
- Shrikshetra Dhaam, and
- the Lord Jagannath Temple.
You can also visit Sarumechlow and Bormechow Maidam which are the graves of 2 queens belonging to the Ahom Dynasty. Dehing Satra holds the ruins belonging to Ahom Dynasty is also an interesting point for archaeology lovers. A Buddhist Monastery at Namphake Village gives the vibes of purity in this place. Dibrugarh offers a lot for the history lovers, cultural and religious people. Hence, it is amongst the best places to visit in Assam for all travellers.
11. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is home to two-thirds of the planet’s population. It has vibrant, well-preserved, sustainable ecology and versatile biodiversity which contributes to keeping this place at the top of the list of tourist destinations in Assam. Apart from the one-horned rhinoceros, the park is also popular for other popular attractions such as swamp deer, elephants, wild buffalo, Chinese pangolins, Bengal foxes, gibbons, civets, sloth bears, leopards and flying squirrels. It is definitely one of the best places in Assam.
12. Manas National Park
The next on the list of Assam’s sights is Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and all the best tourist destinations in Assam. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Assam for stunning scenery and natural scenery ranging from forested hills, meadow meadows and tropical evergreen forests.
13. Kamakhya Temple
Situated on the top of Nilachal hill, the main deities of this temple are Lord Shiva and Dakshina Yajna (death incarnation). This temple is definitely one of the most revered temples in Guwahati.
14. Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Located less than 20 kilometers from the city center of Jorhat, Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary for the Hulk Gibbon population of Assam. Surrounded by tea gardens on the Brahmaputra river and everywhere else, this wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Assam for wildlife lovers and nature seekers.
In addition to the more than 40 species of Hulk Gibbon, the enclosure includes captive langurs, stump-tailed macaques, pigtail macaques, Assamese macaques, rhesus macaques, slow loris, elephants and many more. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam.
15. Kakochang Waterfalls
Exciting between the rubber and coffee gardens of Jorhat, Kakochang Falls is a great wonder of nature. The main waterfall is located 1 km from Bokaghat in Jorhat and attracts tourists all year round. Located near Kaziranga National Park, Kakochang is definitely one of the sights if you are planning to visit Assam.
16. Tocklai Tea Research Centre
Founded in 1911, Toklai Tea Research Center is one of the largest and oldest tea research centers in the world. As much as the world has scientific knowledge about tea, it has come from this center in Assam. Various studies on tea extraction, cultivation and processing are conducted here day after day to increase the nutritional value of tea.
17. Assam State Zoo And Botanical Garden
Hengrabari in the capital Guwahati is located deep in the protected forest, Assam State Zoo is one of the most interesting places to visit in Assam. It is a must visit for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to spend time in the green areas of this state and meet over00 species of animals, birds and reptiles.
Founded in 1957, the Botanical Garden cum Zoo has expanded year after year and has become home to one-horned rhinos, tigers, cloudy leopards, elephants, leopards and many more species. You will also find chimpanzees, white rhinos, kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, puma, ostriches, jaguars and llamas.
18. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the foot of the eastern Himalayas, this park not only gives you a chance to see some of the country’s rare animals and bird species, but also blesses the unbelievable view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and endless orchid meadows.
One of the best tourist destinations in Assam, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary shares its border with Arunachal Pradesh and merges with some Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, giving visitors the best of both worlds! The park is an absolute paradise for bird watching thanks to its wetlands and ecology. But what makes it brighter is its elephant reserve where orphans and abandoned elephants are cared for.
19. Orang National Park
Other places of interest in Assam include Orang National Park or Rajiv Gandhi National Park, which is quietly located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra. It is a popular home to the unicorn rhinos of Assam, and although small in size, the park is one of the most unique destinations in Assam. It harbors more than 50 species of fish and is incredibly rich in fauna, mainly contributing to its fascinating landscapes and natural attractions. Undoubtedly, Orang National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam.
20. Umananda Island
This religious island is one of the best places to visit in Assam in June and should be on the bucket list of every traveler who comes to Assam. Also known as the Peacock Island to the British, this small island is located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River and is famous for its easy access from Guwahati.
21. Dipor Bil
Bill translates “Lake” into Assamese, and it’s a great one! The list of places of interest in Assam is never complete without mentioning the incredible Depot Bill. Formed as an extension of the Brahmaputra River, the lake is located 1 km southwest of Guwahati and is ideal for bird watching and sunlight. Here you will find all kinds of waterfowl, aquatic aquatic plants, aquatic grasses and other rare species of plants that add an ical magical touch to this place and make it a favorite spot for couples and photographers.
22. Guwahati Planetarium
Astronomy lovers visiting Assam absolutely love this one attraction. The Guwahati Planetarium attracts a huge number of visitors every year through its myriad paths of space exploration and activities for kids and space enthusiasts. This is a great place for young minds who want to learn about the universe in a fun and interactive way. This popular astronomical research center also organizes a number of seminars and exhibitions so that people can witness rare events like solar eclipses and meteor showers.
23. Nameri National Park
Famous for its royal Bengal tiger, elephant, and cheetah, gaur, wild boar, sambar and many more, Namri National Park is one of the most adventure-packed places in Assam for thrilling and wildlife fans to visit. In addition to its animals, the Nameri avifauna has a huge population which makes it a bird watching paradise.
One of the best things that can be done in Assam while staying at Namri Sanctuary is to start a fearless safari under its dense bushes and dirt roads. Apart from wildlife, rich animals and evergreen plants also fascinate visitors. A stop on the Namri River will let you see a variety of fish, including the Golden Mohsin, known as the “Himalayan River Tiger”. It is one of the famous places in Assam.
Conclusion
If you are looking for diversity when choosing your holiday destination, Assam can be the perfect place. Whether it is the scenery or culture of the people of Assam, you will be amazed by the variety and color of Assam. People of different cultures and castes live here. There are people of different religions in the land. Assam is also home to various handicrafts.
Plenty of places to visit in Assam warmly welcome nature lovers and astonish travelers to see the wonders of the Northeast. One of the most famous places is Kaziranga National Park which shows the abundance of wildlife and plants in the region. Meanwhile, Guwahati is the largest city and the gateway to the urban living experience with vibrant cafes, restaurants and other social outlets.
Not only that, if you are interested in holiday adventure, then you are lucky because there are several places in Assam where you can take part in activities. The state of Assam starts with rock climbing at the zoo, water rappelling in the stunning waterfalls scattered around Assam, white water rafting in Bogamti and trekking and hiking along other rivers, hills and forests flowing through the state. These places not only promise to give you a great travel experience, but also give you lots of memories to cherish all the memories of your life.