Past & Present of Assam

Assam's history goes back to the ancient times. The base of this history can be
found in Vedic literature, Tantric literature, Assamese folklore and Buddhist
literature.
However, first reference of Assam is found in the epics and the religious legends.
The Aryans belonging to the priestly (Brahmin) and warrior classes found their
way into Assam in very early times. Numerous places referred in the epics, like
Mahabharata etc. are now identified with sites in this state.
Known as 'Kamarupa' or 'Pragjyotish' in the period of the Epics, Assam is
inhabited by human civilisation since about 2000 BC. The people of Assam
consist of the migrants from Burma and China. They settled in Assam after the
mongoloid migration. Mongoloids came from Punjab through Bihar and North
Bengal. Henceforth, Assam presents a blend of Mongol-Aryan culture. It is
believed that, the early history of Assam belonged to be of the Varman dynasty.
The reign of this dynasty extended from 400 AD to 13th century. Huien Tsang is
said to have visited Assam during the rule of Kumar Bhaskar Varman in the 7th
century BC. The Ahoms are said to have ventured into Assam in about 1228 AD.
By 15th century the kingdoms of Ahom and Koch were established. This period
witnessed a change in all the sections of life in Assam.
Ahom Kingdom weakened in the later part of the 18th century, due to internal
conflict. The Burmese ran over the political authority in Assam, thus invoking
British intervention to subdue the Burmese. After a conflict between the Burmese
and the English, peace was regained by the treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. The
British then set out to organise the administration, transport and communication.
Besides the various changes, the British constructed the railways; introduced of
tea plantation, discovered of coal and oil etc. All this proved fruitful to the British
during the World War II. In the post Independence period of India, Assam
witnessed several separation of territories. In 1948, NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh)
was separated. In 1963 Nagaland was separated. In 1972 Meghalaya and in
1987 Mizoram.
Assam Tea
Origin - Assam Valley near the Brahmaputra River. The Assam Valley is
the largest tea growing area in the world with over 600 tea estates.
Taste Features - Rich, strong and full-bodied with a distinctive malty
taste.
Serving Suggestions - Best served with milk. The ideal breakfast tea.
Savour the Flavour of Assam with the Assam Tea
Assam in India is located in northeastern part of India. Assam - the
home of the tiger and the one-horned rhino is the worlds single largest

tea-growing region, producing more than 1,500,000 pounds of tea

yearly. This land of wide spread tea gardens and tea estates, produces
some absolutely stunning, high quality (and very expensive) teas. The
tea of Assam is mostly of commercial grade.
Book a tour to Assam
The Exclusive Assam Tea
The quality of Assam tea is excellent. Assam, as with Darjeeling, has a
first flush and a second flush tea. The first flush has a rich and
refreshing aroma; the second flush produces the famous "tippy teas." It
is this feature of the teas of the second flush which makes them more
preferred. (Tippy refers to black tea with gold tips or what appears to
be golden-coloured leaf). The amount of tip varies, depending upon
where in Assam the tea estate from which the tea comes is located.
Additionally, not all tea estates have the ability or capacity to generate
"tippy teas."
The golden tip present in Assam tea tends to lessen the bitter
characteristic of the tea and make it sweet and smooth. Therefore,
Assam tea can be malty, sweet and smooth, which are qualities
enjoyed by all tea drinkers.
The Production
Assam is a full bodied tea with good malty flavour, which is good all
day. The Assam valley in Indian is dominated by the Brahmaputra River
- a large slowly meandering river which over millennia of spring and fall
flooding has deposited a rich loam over the valley. The soil is a deep
and sandy and the region suffers a very hot and steamy monsoon
season, but equally important a relatively dry and cool winter. Perfect
conditions for the Assam tea bush.
The production of black tea, of which Assam is only one, can be divided
into two categories:
(1) Orthodox
(2) CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl).
The Orthodox Tea
Tea produced using the Orthodox method is valued most by the
international market. About 80% of the Assams I feature are produced
using this Orthodox method. The remainder is tea I use in blends.
The CTC Tea
CTC teas are, for the most part, consumed in the India domestic
market primarily because making tea in the India method is done by
boiling leaves in a mixture of milk, water and sugar and some spices
(producing a Chai or Masala) and the CTC teas produce a rich red color

when they are boiled, thus adding a beautiful color which comes
through the white of the milk but yet does not produce a bitterness (in
that preparation).
From time immemorial, the people of Assam have traditionally been
craftsmen. The magic of art of Assamese craftsmen is a common
passion inspiring the deep senses with its age old simplicity and
sophistication. Though, Assam is renown for its exquisite silks, bamboo
and cane products, several other crafts are also made here. The
colourful Assamese Japi (headgear), terracotta of Gauripur and various
decorative items bear witness to the craftsmanship of this land. Assam
Handloom is indeed noteworthy offering a mosaic of colours and
contours with pleasing motifs and designs. The Eri, Muga (Assamese
silk dresses) and typical tribal attires are a treat to the eyes of the
beholder.
Dance, music, woodwork, pottery, sitalpati or the art of mat making
have survived through centuries with fewer changes since it remained
an integral part of the locals. The advent of modernity, indeed, has
brought a change in the everyday lifestyle of the tribals, yet the basic
arts and crafts, and their technique of production has not changed
much.
The land of Ahoms, Assam has a rich cultural tradition, which finds
detail in several arts and crafts form of Assam. The natural beauty of
Assam is said to be reflected, in them.
Digboi
State: Assam, in the north east of India.
Best time to Travel: October to March.
Location: Digboi is a town in the north eastern state of Assam in India.
Know Digboi in Assam
Digboi is known as the Oil City of Assam where the first oil well in Asia
was drilled. The first refinery was started here as early as 1901. Digboi
is the oldest oil well in operation. This place still retains the British
ambience, complemented by the clubs and Golf courses nearby.
Digboi in Assam is an oil town that can be traced to the early 18th
century, when oil was first discovered here. Digboi can proudly boast of
two unique features - a 100-year-old extant oilfield and the world's
oldest operating oil refinery.

Today, though the production is very low, Digboi still has the distinction
of being the worlds oldest continuously producing oilfield. Digboi
Assam oilfield is not another oilfield, but an oil museum with a history
to be proud of.
Book a tour to Digboi
Journey to Digboi in Assam
Digboi is well connected by road, rail & air communication.
Airport: The nearest airport of Dibrugarh is 65 km from Digboi.
Railhead: Tinsukia is nearest railhead from here.
Road Transport: NH-38 runs through Digboi. A/C and non A/C deluxe
coaches ply regularly from Guwahati to Digboi both day and night.
Staying at Digboi in Assam
you will find several accommodations in wide range at Digboi in Assam
India. The Accommodations are comfortable planned for the tourists
coming from all around.
Sightseeing at Digboi in Assam
Saikhowa National Park
60 kms from Digboi is the Dibru - Saikhowa National Park. Covering an
area of 340 sq kms the park have seven parts, one being wetland and
rest are mainly grassland and dense forest. Some rare species found
are Semi Wild (feral) Horses and white- winged Wood Duck. Apart from
it Leopard, clouded Leopard, Elephant, Sambar, slow loris, Asiatic
Buffalo, Capped Langur, Gangetic Dolphin, and Indian Wild dog, etc.
More than 250 varieties of local and migratory birds are also found
here.
Book a tour to Digboi
National Oil Park
Digboi oil-field is not just an oil-field, but an oil museum and a wildlife
sanctuary of surpassed beauty. One can stand near the continent's
oldest oil well-- the Discovery Well completed in 1889 AD. In the
evening you may also bump across a herd of elephants or a royal
Bengal Tiger, besides some rare species of birds.
War Cemetery
The most dramatic event in Digboi's history took place during the
World War II days when the belligerent Japanese got closer and were
within three days marching distance of Digboi. These images come
back as one kneels at the headstones at the Digboi War Cemetery,
praying for a young life nipped in the bud at battle in a strange land
far, far away from home...

Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

this sanctuary is a safe haven for extremely rare white winged wood
duck and many migratory birds. Speciality of Dibru Saikhowa is its wild
horses, called Feral Horses.
Margherita
14 kms east of Digboi, this is the centre of Tea Gardens, Plywood
factories and coal mines.
Book a tour to Digboi
Namdapha National Park
100 km east of Digboi in Arunachal Pradesh beyond Margherita is a
true wilderness--not widely known and is a vast stretch of enchanting
beauty of lush green vegetation.
Golf Course
Digboi has an 18 holes Golf course considered the best in the entire
upper Assam, where all important tournaments are held. There are 8
other 9 hole Golf courses with tea estates between Dibrugarh and
Doom Dooma. Tingri Golf Club, Samdang Golf Army Golf Club, Dinjan
Kanjikoah Golf Club, Margherita Golf Club, Zoloni Golf Club, Dibrugarh
District Planters Golf Club, Naharkatia Golf Club.
Guwahati
State : Assam in India.
Best time to Travel : October to April.
Weather Conditions : The city experienc s an annual rainfall of 180 cm
(from May to September). While summer temperatures range from 22
to 38C, in winters the mercury ranges from 10 to 25C.
Location : Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, Guwahati
is the junction of three important roads, National Highways 31, 37 and
40.
Know Guwahati
Guwahati is the commercial capital city of the northeastern state of
Assam. Formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the City of Eastern Light),
Guwahati is the biggest city of Assam in India. Its etymological root is
derived from two Assamese words, "Guwa," meaning areca nut and
"Haat," meaning market. Fixed between the picturesque hills of the
eastern flanks of the Himalayan mountain range, Guwahati houses the
political capital of the state, Dispur. The gateway to the seven other
northeastern states, also referred as seven sisters, Guwahati is a vital
tourist base point, besides being an attraction in its own.

Book a tour to Guwahati

Journey to Guwahati
Airport
Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati is well
connected by air with New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Indian
Air Lines, Sahara And Jet Airways operate regular flights to Guwahati.
The other towns to which these airways operate flights are Jorhat,
Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar. Air India operates
direct flight between Guwahati and Bangkok on Mondays and
Thursdays.
Railhead
The busy and overcrowded Paltan Bazar railway station is the nearest
railhead for many trains from every part of India. There are direct train
services from New Delhi and Kolkata with connectivity to Mumbai,
Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram etc.
Road Transport
All India tourist permit vehicles are available for the local
transportations and also for the inter city transportations too. Guwahati
is connected by regular bus services with Shillong, Silchar, Dibrugarh,
Jorhat, Tezpur, Siliguri, Sibsagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawal,
Itanagar, Barpetta Road and Cooch Bihar.
Staying in Guwahati
Guwahati offers several private hotels ranging from luxury to budgetfriendly ones. Fish is a major delicacy in Assam and one can savour
mouthwatering curries in and around Paltan Bazar at cheap rates.
There are excellent accommodation facilities in and around Guwahati
in Assam.
Sightseeing in Guwahati
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop
the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. Known
to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in
the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king,
Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease
the Goddess.
Book a tour to Guwahati
Bhubaneshwari Temple
Above Kamakhya is another small temple, Bhubaneshwari, from where
one can have a bird's eye view of the Guwahati.
Shiva Temple

The Shiva temple of Umananda, reached by motor boats and public

ferries from Umananda Ghat, stands on an island in the middle of the
Brahmaputra.
Navagraha Temple
Atop a hill in east Guwahati is the Navagraha temple - the "temple of
nine planets," - an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy. Housed in
a red beehive-shaped dome, the central lingam is encircled by further
nine representing the planets (graha) - Sun (Surya, Ravi), Moon
(Chandra, Soma), Mercury (Buddh), Venus (Sukra), Mars (Mangal),
Jupiter (Brhaspati) and Saturn (Sani). Two more were added, Rahu and
Ketu, the dragon's head and the dragon's tail, or the ascending and
descending nodes of the moon.
Vashistha Ashram
At a distance of 12 km from the railway station is the Vashistha Ashram
(the abode of sage Vashistha), an interesting old shrine, with plenty of
greenness and three beautiful streams, Lalita, Kanta and Sandhya.
Several other temples like the Ugratara temple, famous for its golden
idol and buffalo sacrifices, are also spread across the city.
Guwahati Zoo
One must visit the Guwahati Zoo, which is the largest natural zoo of
the country.
Some Important Destinations near to Guwahati
Guwahati in Assam is divided into two parts by the river
(Brahmaputra). North Guwahati is almost a separate town. One can
visit it via the Saraighat Bridge or by the ferries that ply on the river.
The nearest major city is Kolkata (1182 km), while the capitals of the
other northeastern states are at distances varying from 110 km to 650
km
Hajo
State : Assam in India.
Best time to Travel : October to April.
Weather Conditions : The city experiences an annual rainfall of 180 cm
(from May to September). While summer temperatures range from 22
to 38C, in winters the mercury ranges from 10 to 25C.
Location : Hajo is about 28 km from the city of Guwahati, the
commercial capital of Assam.
Know Hajo in Assam
Hajo in Assam is a centre for various religions, located about 28 km

across the river Brahmaputra, from the city of Guwahati. Hajo in Assam
is a sacred place, where three religions - Hindus, Muslims and
Buddhists meets. Hajo is also renowned for its bell metal work. Hajo
has a large number of temples, the chief among them being
Hayagriva-Madhab Temple. Hajo Assam is also considered to be a
Muslim pilgrimage centre, since the mosque known as the Pao Mecca
built by Pir Ghiasuddin Aulia is situated here.
According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had taken shelter in this
region during their agyatvas or during the period in hiding. One can
see the stone bowl used by Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers)
during this agyatvas. Hajo also boasts 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 oldest residents - a giant turtle.
Book a tour to Hajo
Journey to Hajo
Airport : The nearest airport is at Guwahati, the commercial capital of
Assam. One can reach Hajo by bus from here.
Railhead : The nearest railhead is also situated at Guwahati in Assam.
Which is well-connected to all the corners of India by rail network.
Road Transport : One can easily reach Hajo by bus from any part of
Assam. Guwahati is close to Hajo, so one can easily reach Hajo from
Guwahati by any means of road transport available.
Staying in Hajo
Being close to Guwahati, the commercial capital of Assam,
accommodation is not a problem here. One can find all categories of
Accommodation near Hajo for a comfortable stay.
Sightseeing in Hoja
Hayagriva Madhava Temple
Hayagriva Madhava temple of Hajo is about 30 miles to the west of
Guwahati. The temple house the image of Vishnu, resembling the
image of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa. This temple is also regarded as a
Buddhist shrine by Buddhist Lamas and Butiyas, who profess
Buddhism. It is believed that, Lord Buddha attained Nirvana at this
place.
The temple was destroyed by Kalapahar ( who is said to have
destroyed hundreds of temple in India) and was rebuilt in 1543 by the
Koch king Raghudev. A smaller temple was built nearby by Ahom king
Pramatta Singh where Doul is celebrated on a grand scale every year .
Powa-Mecca
Side by side with the Madhav temple there is a celebrated Muslim
shrine at Hajo, known as Powa-Mecca (1/4th Mecca). According to the

inscription on the wall of the mosque based there, it was built by Mir
Lutufullah-i-Shiraji in 1657, during the period of the Mughal emperor
Shahjahan. In front of the mosque lies the tomb of Gyasuddin Aulia,
who made the first attempts to impregnate Islam in this part of the
world. It is believed that, the foundation of the mosque partly
comprises of some earth brought from Mecca.
Some Important Destinations Near Hajo
Hajo is very close to Guwahati, the commercial capital of Assam in
India. There are numerous places to visit in Guwahati, just 28 km from
here. Further moving, 180 km from Guwahati you will reach Tezpur,
one of the most revered historical sights of Assam in India. There are
several sights, worth a visit at Tezpur. Pabitora is a small wildlife
sanctuary, located at a distance of 60 km from Guwahati. Rhino and
various species of deer abound this sanctuary of Assam.
Book a tour to Hajo
Asvakranta Temples
State : Assam in India.
Significance : A Pilgrimage Centre
Location : The temple is situated north of Guwahati in Assam.
Know Asvakranta in Assam
The temple of Asvakranta in Assam is situated in North Guwahati. An
important and one of the greatest Vishnu shrines of Assam, Asvakranta
is located on a rocky stratum touching the waterfront of the
Brahmaputra. Asvakranta Assam can be by motor boats that are
available at Suklesvar Ghat (Guwahati). Asvakranta is favoured for its
scenic beauty. From here one can enjoy the east-west expanse of
Guwahati situated on the other bank of the river.
The Legend Says
Asvakranta literally means ascended by horses. It is here that Sri
Krishna camped with his army before he defeated and killed Narakasur.
Aswakranta is associated with Krishna-Rukamini episode. It is said that
Krishna's Asva (horse) was encircled (akranta) by the enemies at this
place. It is also believed by some people that the place should be
caged as Asvaklanta indicating that Krishna on his way from Kundil
Nagar to Dwaraka had to rest here as his horse became tired (klanta).
Book a tour to Asvakranta Temples

Sightseeing near Asvakranta

The Footprints of Lord Krishna
The rocky outcrop at the eastern side bordering the river
allegedly contains a footprint, which is supposed to be that
of Krishna. The devotees come to this place to perform 'Shraddha'
ceremonies of the departed souls regularly.
Kurmajanardan and Anantasayi
The hillock beside the river contains two historical temples enshrining
therein images of Vishnu, known as 'Kurmajanardan' and 'Anantasayi',
A long flight of steps has survived from historical times, which link the
Anantasayi temple with the foothills.
Aarparuat
The Aarparuat or the flat-topped Screen-Hill is a small island, only a
hundred metres off the bank of Brahmaputra River. Apart from its
natural beauty, this island is the abode of thousands of white cranes,
which offer added attraction to the visitors.
Journey to Asvakranta
Airport: The nearest airport is Guwahati. From here you can easily
reach Asvakranta by road.
Railhead: The nearest railhead is situated at Guwahati.
Road Transport: Asvakranta is linked by road transport via
the Saraighat Bridge across the Brahmaputra. Other option
is Guwahati, which is well connected with regular bus
services from all the major cities in and around the state.
Water Transport: Regular ferry services are available to
Asvakranta from Guwahati.
Staying in Asvakranta
Accommodation facilities are available at reasonable prices in
Guwahati with options varying from luxury to budget hotels.
Da-Parbatia
State: Assam in India.
Significance: A Pilgrimage Centre
Location: Situated at a distance of few Km from the Tezpur town of
Assam. Tezpur is 180 km from Guwahati.
Know Da-Parbatia
Da-Parbatia in Tezpur Assam is the oldest and finest representation of
sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam in the form of the ruins of the

door-frame of the Da-parbatia temple. The carving of Da-Parbatia

temple displays the characteristic style of the early Gupta School of
sculpture. The two legs of the door-frame have the carvings of the two
Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. Both of them are standing at the
bottom with garlands in their hands. The whole frame is elaborately
decorated with beautiful ornamental foliage.
Sightseeing near Da-Parbatia
Agnigarh
Agnigarh, a hillock facing the river Brahmaputra, is famous as the site
of the romance of Usha and Anirudha. The Brahmaputra and a view of
Tezpur can be seen from this hillock
Cole Park
An important tourist destination of Tezpur, the Cole Park has two
massive stone pillars. Its beauty is enhanced by the sculptural
remnants of the famous Bamuni Hills.
Book a tour to Da-Parbatia
Bamuni Hills
Now in ruins, the Bamuni Hills still retain their charm. The sculptural
remains date back to the ninth and tenth century A.D.
Journey to Da-Parbatia
Airport : Tezpur is connected by air, rail and bus. Indian airlines NEPC
airlines connect Tezpur with Calcutta & Guwahati. The nearest airport is
Saloni (about 10 kms.)
Railhead : The nearest rail station is Rangapara. One can easily reach
Da-Parbatia from here.
Road Transport : Tezpur is 180 kms. from Guwahati, 82 kms. from
Kaziranga, 60 kms. from Bhalukpung and 65 kms. from Orang Wildlife
Sanctuary. One can easily reach Da-Parbatia from these places. Both
Government and private buses and taxis ply from Guwahati.
Staying near Da-Parbatia
Assam Tourism Department has a well furnished tourist lodge with
modern amenities. Tezpur offers excellent accommodation facilities for
its tourist from all over the world, with reasonable tariff, offering
comfortable accommodation. Tourists can avail of the modern
amenities of Dak Bungalows, the Tourist Lodge and the Circuit House at
reasonable rates.
Some Important Destinations near Da-Parbatia (Tezpur)
Tezpur, situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, is a city
dipped in scenic beauty and archaeological ruins. The beauty of the

city is replete with green valleys offering a view of the snow

capped mountains. It was earlier known as Sonitpur. This
town has numerous sights for its tourist to visit.
If you are interested in river adventure activities then Eco camp is the
place for you. Located near the Jia Bhoroli river at a distance of 50 Km
from Tezpur, the camp offers various adventure activities like riverrafting, fishing and angling. The camp shelters the endangered golden
Mhaseer fish.
Also situated near the Jia Bhoroli river, the Nameri National Park
spreads from Assam to Aruachal Pradesh. The best way to explore the
Park is atop elephants. The Mithun or Indian Bison, the rare White
Winged Wood Duck and other avian species can be found here.
Guwahati is just 180 km form here. You can give a visit to this
commercial capital of Assam. Guwahati has numerous places of
Interest for the visitors to Assam.
Book a tour to Da-Parbatia

Navagraha Temple
State : Assam in India.
Significance L The Pilgrimage Centre
Location : Situated in the south eastern part of Guwahati in Assam, on
a hill by name Citrasaala.
Know the Navagraha Temple in Assam
Also known as the Abodes of Surya, the Navagraha Temple or the
temple of the nine celestial bodies is located in the south eastern part
of Guwahati in Assam, on a hill by name Chitrachal. As the name
indicates, this temple is dedicated to the nine planets in the solar
system. Navagraha Temple at Guwahati Assam is a center of
astrological and astronomical research. The Navagraha temple as it
stands today was built by the ruler Rajeswar Singh in late 18th century
AD. The temple tower was destroyed by an earthquake, but was
reconstructed later.
Enshrined in this temple are nine Shivalingams, representing the nine
Celestial bodies, each covered with a colored garment symbolic of each
of the celestial bodies. The nine planetary gods, namely area - Surya
(Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati
(Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu. There is Surya
Mandir near Guwahati on the Surya Pahar hill.

Book a tour to Navagraha Temple

Journey to Navagraha Temple
Airport : Guwahati has its own airport. One can pick a bus or taxi to the
temple.
Railhead : Guwahati is well linked to all the parts of India by
rail lines. You can reach s by train from any part of India.
Road Transport : One can easily reach the Navagraha Temple
by road from any part of Assam.
Staying near Navagraha Temple (Guwahati)
Guwahati offers several private hotels ranging from luxury to
budget-friendly ones. Fish is a major delicacy in Assam and
one can savour mouthwatering curries in and around Paltan Bazar at
cheap rates. There are excellent accommodation facilities in and
around Guwahati in Assam.
Sightseeing near Navagraha Temple in Guwahati
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop
the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. Known
to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in
the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king,
Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease
the Goddess.
Bhubaneshwari Temple
Above Kamakhya is another small temple, Bhubaneshwari, from where
one can have a bird's eye view of the Guwahati.
Shiva Temple
The Shiva temple of Umananda, reached by motor boats and public
ferries from Umananda Ghat, stands on an island in the middle of the
Brahmaputra.
Guwahati Zoo
One must visit the Guwahati Zoo, which is the largest natural zoo of
the country.
Assam Wildlife
Kaziranga National
Park

Manas Natioanal
Park

Orang National
Park

Located in the heart

of Assam on the
bank of the majestic
Brahmaputra is the
Kaziranga National
Park. Kaziranga
National Prak in
Assam is inhabited...

Manas National Park

in Assam is situated
on the foothills of the
Himalayas and a part
of it continues across
the international
border into Bhutan...

The Orang National

Park is situated on
the north bank of the
river Brahmaputra,
covering an area of
78.81 sq. km. in
Assam, the north
eastern state of
India...

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is major
wildlife stock, situated in Morigaon district
of Assam, the northeastern state of India.
Covering an area of 38.8 Sq. km., the
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is about 50
km from Guwahati, situated on the border
of Nagaon and Kamrup Dist. ...

Kaziranga National park

State : Assam in India.
Best time to Travel : November to April.
Weather Conditions : Climate Temp. Summer Max 35 C Min. 18 C.
Winter Max 24 C Min 7 C. Annual rainfall 2300 mm, heavy in summer.
Location : The National Highway 37 runs through the park. Kaziranga
(Kohora) is at a distance of 217 km from Guwahati, 96 km from Jorhat,
and 75 km from Furkating via road.
Know The Kaziranga National Park
Located in the heart of Assam on the bank of the majestic
Brahmaputra is the Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga National Prak in
Assam is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned
rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants,

panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.

Assam Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430sq-kms with its swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it
the most ideal habitat for the one-horned Indian Rhino. Due to
countless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National
Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.
Book a tour to Kaziranga National Park
Park Speciality -One Horned Rhinos
Kaziranga National Park is the only national park reserve in India where
the rhinoceros can be seen in its natural habitat for Rhinos. One
Horned Rhinos Internationally known as Great Indian One Horned
Rhinoceros is heavily built beast of mammoth proportions, next to the
Indian Elephant. It is the largest of the three Asian rhinos. It has single
distinctive black horn about 50 cm long and grey brown hide with skin
folds, which give it an armor-plated image. Male are distinguish from
female for their enormous development of the neck folds and semiprehensile upper lips. These rhinos basically prefers living in tall
grassland and riverine forests but now a days they are forced to live in
a cultivated land. Unlike elephants who always move in a herd, rhinos
are ascetic animal with the exception on the breeding session.
Although they sometimes get together at bathing areas. Rhinos are
herbivores and grazes on grasses, leaves, aquatic plants and fruits.
They generally eat during dawn and evening with help of their
prehensile lip to grip grass stems. Interestingly, rhinos are "landscape
architects" of their habitat. It take rhino more than three days to digest
a meal therefore, whatever seed they eat, it can be transported to
significant distance before they are deposited in droppings.
Conservation of rhinos is a success story but they are in demand for
the mythical aphrodisiac properties of its horn. After the successful
effort of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
(DNPWC), the waning population of rhino began to gradually increase.
Also WWF(World Wide Fund) is working both in India and Nepal to
conserve this species. Translocation Projects are under operation, and
the survival of the rhinos at all odds is the final goal. The Great Indian
One Horned Rhinoceros can be found in the national reserves of
Kaziranga, Manas and Jaldapara.
Journey to Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Airport : The nearest airport is situated at Guwahati, which is 217-km
away from the park. The other airport is located at Jorhat, 96-km from
Kaziranga.

Railhead : The nearest railhead is Furkating, situated 75-km away from

Kaziranga National Park.
Road Tansport : The main gate for Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, at
Kohora on the NH-37, consists of a handful of cafes and a small local
market. ASTC and private buses stop here on their way to and from
Guwahati, Tezpur and Upper Assam. Some private buses also retain a
seat quota for Kaziranga passengers.
Staying near Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Most of the accommodation available at the park is located along the
NH 37, which runs along the southern border of the park. The main
locations of accommodation facilities are at Kohora and Baguri. There
is a variety of accommodation types to choose from which consist of
Forest rest houses, Bungalows, Lodges and Hotels. Even though the
number of rooms available is good, the demand is more than the
supply and it is advisable to make your bookings well in advance to
avoid last minute harassment.
The Ecosystem of The Park
The Landscape
The land is quite level all over the park, which is mostly covered by
dense and tall elephant grass. These large stretches of elephant grass
are intermixed by small wetlands left behind by the receding
floodwaters of the river Brahmaputra. The park, although quite flat in
nature, is set against a backdrop of hills like the Mikir and Karbi
Anglong.
Book a tour to Kaziranga National Park
The Flora
These picturesque wetlands have an abundant cover of water lilies,
water hyacinth and lotus. The vegetation that breaks the monotony of
these grasslands are large clumps of semi-evergreen forest. The park is
mostly covered with elephant size grass, making it a perfect habitation
for the one-horned rhinos.
The Fauna
Indian One-horned Rhinos (900), tigers (50), leopards (20), elephants
(700), barasingha or swamp deer (700), barking deer (300), wild boar
(700), para or hog deer (7000), Bison (22), Sambar (400), leopard cats,
otters(300), Hoolock Gibbons, golden Langurs, Wild Buffaloes (600),
Slow Loris, pygmy hog, capped langur and bears (50).
NOTE : The numbers provided here are approximate figures taken from
the park's census findings in the 1990s.
The Birds

Grey headed fishing eagle, Pallas' fishing eagle, Crested serpent eagle,
Swamp partridge, Red jungle fowl, Bengal floricab, Bar headed goose,
Whistling Teal, Pelicans, Rose breasted Parakeets, Black necked Storks,
Adjutant Storks, Open Billed Storks, Egrets, Herons and White wired
wood ducks are among the major number of bird varieties visible in the
parks.
The Reptiles
Rock Pythons and many more varieties of snakes, Monitor Lizards and
Turtles are abundant in the park.
Book a tour to Kaziranga National Park
Trip within the Kaziranga National Park
It is possible to tour the park interiors on the back of one of two
available modes of transport. The modes - Elephant and Jeep.
Elephant Rides
The first and more preferred mode is on elephant's back. Elephant
rides allow you to get up very close to the wild animals and make you
feel totally one with nature due to the lack of any sound of an engine.
These rides are taken out thrice in a day from Mihimukh, which is
located 3 km from Kohora. There are only around 5 elephants available
for touring purposes and it is definitely advisable to book your ride well
in advance. These advance bookings can be made at the Bonani Lodge
at Kohora.
Jeep Safaris
Jeep Safaris are also available and can be booked at the various lodges
and through local operators.
Book a tour to Kaziranga National Park

Bihu Dance
State : Assam, in the north east of India.
Time : January, April, October.
Venue : Assam in India.
The Festival
The Bihus are the national festivals of Assam. The most important
festivals of Assam are the Bihus, celebrated with fun and abundance
by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and
belief.
The Three Bihus of Assam

In a year there are three Bihu festivals in Assam - in the months of

Bohaag (Baisakh, the middle of April), Maagh (the middle of January),
and Kaati (Kartik, the middle of October). The Bihus have been
celebrated in Assam since ancient times. Each Bihu coincides with a
distinctive phase in the farming calendar. The most important and
colourful of the three Bihu festival is the Spring festival "Bohag Bihu" or
Rangali Bihu celebrated in the middle of April. This is also the
beginning of the agricultural season.
Experience Bihu Dance
The Bohaag Bihu or the Rongali Bihu
The Bohaag Bihu marks the New Year at the advent of seeding time.
Bohaag Bihu is also called the Rongaali Bihu or the Festival of
Merriment.
The Magh Bihu or the Bhogali Bihu
The Magh or the Bhogali Bihu, the harvesting festival is celebrated in
January by community feast, buffalo fight and such other
entertainment. The Maagh Bihu marks the end of the harvesting
period. Maagh Bihu is also called Bhogaali Bihu or the Festival of Food.
The Kati Bihu to the Kongaali Bihu
Compared to "Rongali" and Bhogali Bihu, "Kati Bihu" is a tame affair
celebrated in the month of Kartika. the Kaati Bihu marks the
completion of sowing and transplanting of paddies. Kaati Bihu is also
called Kongaali Bihu or the Festival of the Poor.
The Activities
The merriments include dances along with the enthralling beats of
Dhol and Pepa (buffalo hornpipe). Songs sung during the Bihu festival
are woven around themes of love and most of the time carry erotic
overtones. People wear traditional attires like Dhoti, Gamocha and
Chadar, Mekhala.
You can relish the Bihu dances, performed by young boys and girls
featuring brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands and swaying of
hips, representing youthful passion, reproductive urge and 'Joie-devivre'. Tribal groups like the Misings the Deoris and the Morans
celebrate "Bihu" with dances of their own distinctive style
State : Assam, in the north east of India.
Time : 21st - 24th November.
Venue : On the bank of river Luit which is located in a backdrop of
immense scenic beauty. This is only 1.5 km of distance from the
Garamur, i.e. sub divisional head quarter of Majuli.
The Festival
The Majuli Festival of Assam offers you a lot of scopes to make you a

part of this festival. Special events are being organised during the
festivals days round the clock. Cultural programmes takes place with
the participation of various traditional and classical cultural troupes of
Assam and troupes from rest of the country, in addition to rich cultural
heritage of Majuli.
Exhibition are also organised with the presentation of various
Assamese items, specially designed and prepared by expert artists
displaying traditional glory of Majuli too. Assamese and tribal dishes of
Majuli are also available and food festival is also organised during this
period.
Experience The Majuli Festival
The Majuli festival of Assam includes a number of amazing combined
activities covering various aspects of the life. Seminars are also being
organised on multiple topics. Altogether, the festival makes you reach
a desired destination for adventure and spiritual tourism.
The Majuli Festival Offers You
During the Majuli festival, a grand exhibition cum sale fair is organised,
where every authentic traditional items, including tribal garment and
handicrafts, traditional pottery items, valuable items made of bamboo
and cane are being displayed for sale. You can also enjoy the visit to
Majuli through bringing the souvenirs of the festival to home, buying
different products from this fair. The accumulation and assimilation of
all ethnic bodies under the same sky, holding their traditional cultural
entities is a very noticeable aspect, that easily captivates the visitors
to this island.
With the glorious past of 500 years of Satriya living cultural tradition,
the rich and colourful tribal cultural elements and the natural beauty
with a unique collection of flora and fauna; Majuli has the charisma to
offer the tourists unfolding itself as paradise on the earth. You can also
come across extinct species of various migratory birds in Majuli Assam,
which creates a lovely environment of bird sanctuary.
Majuli in Assam has its environment still protected from pollution in all
climatic conditions, making it an ideal destination for health tourism.
Elephant Festival
State : Assam, in the north east of India.
Time : 11th February - 17th February.
Venue : Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India.
The Festival

The north eastern state of Assam in India organises one of India's

largest elephant festivals for the conservation and protection of Asiatic
elephant. The Elepahant Festival of Assam draws a huge number of
crowd in the north eastern state of Assam during this period. The
gathering is aimed at increasing eco-tourism and raising awareness of
the elephant's struggle for limited resources with man. The objective in
holding the festival is to highlight and find ways to resolve the
increasing man-elephant conflict.
Experience The Elephant Festival
The Elephant Festival of Assam is organised every year at Kaziranga
National Park in Assam, jointly by the Forest Department and Tourism
Department, Govt. of Assam. There are various activities by domestic
elephants and various cultural programmes performed by the locales
to make the event more & more entertaining.
The Elephant Festival Offers You
The Elephant Festival is a unique event held annually in Assam. The
Elephants are groomed to perfection, row upon row of elephants
catwalk before an enthralled audience. The elephants move gracefully
in procession, run races, play games of various kind. It is a festival time
for the elephants.
Journey to Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Airport : The nearest airport is situated at Guwahati, which is 217-km
away from the park. The other airport is located at Jorhat, 96-km from
Kaziranga.
Railhead : The nearest railhead is Furkating, situated 75-km away from
Kaziranga National Park.
Road Tansport : The main gate for Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, at
Kohora on the NH-37, consists of a handful of cafes and a small local
market. ASTC and private buses stop here on their way to and from
Guwahati, Tezpur and Upper Assam. Some private buses also retain a
seat quota for Kaziranga passengers.
Staying near Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Most of the accommodation available at the park is located along the
NH 37, which runs along the southern border of the park. The main
locations of accommodation facilities are at Kohora and Baguri. There
is a variety of accommodation types to choose from which consist of
Forest rest houses, Bungalows, Lodges and Hotels. Even though the
number of rooms available is good, the demand is more than the
supply and it is advisable to make your bookings well in advance to
avoid last minute harassment

Assam Culture
Assam - the meeting ground of diverse culture
Nestled beneath the Sub-Himalayan range of hills in the North and
North East is the state of Assam in India. Assam is encircled by the
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh
and West Bengal. Assam - the enchanting sangrila in the North East of
India, is a mixing pot where culture, heritage, tradition, lifestyle, faith
and belief of her Aryan & Non-Aryan, numerous tribes & sub-tribes,
Mongoloids & Australoids, drawn from various hives at
different points of time have gone into form the Assamese
culture - a fascinating and exotic recipe of delightful flavour.
The culture of Assam is a rich tapestry infused with
multicoloured yarns of distinguished heritage of all the races
that populate her.
The People of Assam
The people of Assam are in fact the result of fusion of people
from different racial stocks who migrated to Assam down the ages. The
Assamese population can be divided into two broad groups : the nontribal people who constitute the majority and the tribals.
The Australoids were the first to come to the land; the Mongoloids,
came here in a series of migrations from the north, north-east and
south-east; and the Caucasoids who came from the west by the valley
formed by the Ganges and the Brahmaputra.
Book a tour to Assam
Today, the people of the State can be broadly identified and classified
as the Non-Tribals or Plains People. The people of the plains generally
live in the plains and the Tribals mainly live in the hills. Though, Assam
has a valuable tribal population in the plains too.
The state is peopled by a large number of tribal groups; major among
them being the Boro-Kacharis, the Deori, the Misings, the Dimassas,
the Karbis, the Lalungs, the Rabhas etc. Ahkhomiya or Assamese is the
language of Assam. Assam has a reputation for warm hospitality.
People of Assam are homely, charming and openhearted.
Fairs & Festivals of Assam
The superb blend of heritage extracted from numerous races have
made Assam the home to the most colourful festivals at once blazing,
compelling and mesmerizing. Most of the festivals celebrated in Assam
have their root in the varied faith and belief of its people. Diwali, Holi,
Durga Puja, Swaraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kalipuja, Shivaratri are
some of the major festivals celebrated by the Hindus of Assam. Those

of Islamic faith celebrate Idd and Muharram. Similarly, Christians

celebrate Christmas.
Besides the religious and national festivals observed throughout the
Country, Assam has a large number of colourful festivals of its own
replete with fun, music and dances. Assams fairs and festivals are as
varied as its population which comes from different racial origins, both
tribal and non-tribal.
Bihu, the agricultural festival of Assam is celebrated by all Assamese,
irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Bihu, Assam's very own festival
come off at various stages of cultivation of paddy, the principal crop of
Assam. There are three Bihus that come off at various stages of
cultivation of paddy, the principal crop of Assam. They are Bahag
(Baisakh) Bihu, Kati (Kartika) Bihu and Magh (Magha) Bihu.
Book a tour to Assam
In addition to all this, the tribals of Assam have their own colourful
festivals like :
- The Kherai Puja of the Bodos
- The Baikhu and Pharkantis of the Rabhas
- Ali-ai-ligang and Prag by the Missing tribe
- The Sagra-misawa wansawa and laghun by the Tiwas.
- The Ahomes of Tai origin celebrate Me-Dem-Mehfi.
- The Ojapali dances of Non-Vaishnavite origin are usually associated
with Manasa - the Serpent Goddess.
- Bathow festival is celebrated by the kacharis through sacrifice of
goates and chickens.
- The Boros of the plains in general have an intricate pattern of
indigenous dances associated with the primitive rituals like the Kherai
Puja.
- The Dimasas celebrate Rangi Gobr and Harni gobra at the start of the
cropping cycle.
- The Deoris observe Bohagiya visu- the Spring time festival.
- Ambubasi Mela is held during monsoon at the famous Kamakhya
Temple.
- Jonbeel Mela is held every year during winter at Jonbeel. The festival
is celebrated by the tribes like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, Jaintia etc.
Art & Craft of Assam
From time immemorial, the people of Assam have traditionally been
craftsmen. The magic of art of Assamese craftsmen is a common
passion inspiring the deep senses with its age old simplicity and
sophistication. Though, Assam is renown for its exquisite silks, bamboo
and cane products, several other crafts are also made here. The
colourful Assamese Japi (headgear), terracotta of Gauripur and various
decorative items bear witness to the craftsmanship of this land. Assam

Handloom is indeed noteworthy offering a mosaic of colours and

contours with pleasing motifs and designs. The Eri, Muga (Assamese
silk dresses) and typical tribal attires are a treat to the eyes of the
beholder.
Dance, music, woodwork, pottery, sitalpati or the art of mat making
have survived through centuries with fewer changes since it remained
an integral part of the locals. The advent of modernity, indeed, has
brought a change in the everyday lifestyle of the tribals, yet the basic
arts and crafts, and their technique of production has not changed
much.
The land of Ahoms, Assam has a rich cultural tradition, which finds
detail in several arts and crafts form of Assam. The natural beauty of
Assam, is said to be reflected, in them.