Assam is a state located in the northeastern region of India, known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife. It is famous for its tea gardens, which produce some of the finest tea in the world. and it is called land of the red river and blue hillls. The state is also home to the mighty Brahmaputra River, which flows through its heart, offering stunning landscapes and fertile plains. Assam has a diverse population, with various ethnic communities, languages, and traditions coexisting harmoniously. The state’s history is marked by the rise of powerful kingdoms and its strategic importance in South Asia. Assam is also known for its biodiversity, with Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, home to rare species like the one-horned rhinoceros. The state’s festivals, such as Bihu, showcase its vibrant traditions through music, dance, and food, making it a place of immense cultural significance.
1. Umananda Temple
Umananda Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located on Umananda Island in the Brahmaputra River, near Guwahati, Assam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva, in the form of Umananda, resides. The temple offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and the river’s calm waters.
Location : Umananda Temple is located on Umananda Island, which lies in the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, the largest city in the state of Assam, India.
Timing : The Umananda Temple is generally open to devotees and visitors during the following hours:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon/Evening: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Umananda Temple itself.
2. Majuli
Majuli is an enchanting river island located in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, India. It is the world’s largest river island and holds immense cultural, religious, and ecological significance. Majuli is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique blend of Assamese culture, and the diversity of life forms it supports.
Location : Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It lies approximately 20 km east of Jorhat, the nearest major city in Assam, and is situated in the heart of the Brahmaputra River.
Timing : The timing for visiting Majuli primarily depends on the mode of transportation (ferry) and the attractions you wish to explore.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Majuli Island itself or its natural attractions.
3. Kakochang Waterfall
Kakochang Waterfall, also known as Kaipholangso Waterfall, is a scenic and beautiful waterfall located near Jorhat in the state of Assam, India. It is one of the lesser-known yet stunning waterfalls in the region, offering a serene environment and a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Location : Kakochang Waterfall is located about 13 km from Jorhat town, in the Khonsang area of Assam.
Timing : There is no fixed entry timing for visiting Kakochang Waterfall (Kaipholangso Waterfall), as it is a natural site and not a managed tourist attraction with specific operating hours.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Kakochang Waterfall.
4. Orang National Park
Orang National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, is a prominent wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Assam, India. Situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River, Orang National Park is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the region’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. It is one of the lesser-known national parks in Assam but is gradually gaining popularity among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Location : Orang National Park is located in the Darrang district of Assam, about 30 kilometers from Tezpur, and around 100 kilometers from Guwahati, the largest city in Assam.
Timing : The timings for visiting Orang National Park are generally as follows:
- Morning Safari: The park generally opens at 5:30 AM for early morning safaris.
- Evening Safari: The park closes around 5:30 PM, which is the last entry for an evening safari.
- Closed Days: The park is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance.
Entry Fee : The entry fee for Orang National Park varies depending on the type of visitor (Indian or foreign) :
- For Indian Nationals:
- Entry Fee: Around ₹20-₹50 per person.
- For Foreign Nationals:
- Entry Fee: Typically around ₹200-₹300 per person.
5. Iskcon Guwahati
ISKCON Guwahati (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is a prominent temple and spiritual center located in Guwahati, Assam. It is part of the global network of ISKCON temples and serves as a hub for promoting Bhakti Yoga (the practice of devotion to Lord Krishna) through various spiritual activities, rituals, and cultural programs. The temple is a serene place where devotees and visitors alike can experience peace, spirituality, and the rich Vaishnavite traditions of Assam.
Location : ISKCON Guwahati is located in the Uzan Bazar area of Guwahati, Assam. It is situated near the Brahmaputra River, which adds to the peaceful ambiance of the temple.
Timing : ISKCON Guwahati generally follows the following timings for darshan (viewing of the deity) and other activities:
- Morning Darshan : 4:30 AM – 6:30 AM
- Midday Timings : 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit ISKCON Guwahati. It is open to all, regardless of religious background.
6. Nameri National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Nameri National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful national park located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, India. It is a lesser-known gem for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a pristine natural environment with rich biodiversity, lush forests, and a riverine landscape. The park is situated near the Brahmaputra River and is part of the larger Nameri Tiger Reserve.
Location : Nameri National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, India.
Timing : The general visiting timings for Nameri National Park are as follows:
- The park opens for visitors around 6:00 AM.
- The park closes around 5:00 PM in the evening.
Entry Fee : The entry fees for Nameri National Park can vary depending on the type of visit (day visit, jeep safari, river rafting, etc.):
- For Indian Nationals:
- ₹20 to ₹50 per person (depending on the type of activity).
- For Foreign Nationals:
- ₹100 to ₹300 per person (higher for foreign tourists).
- Safari and Activities:
- Jeep Safari: Around ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per jeep (for a group of 4-6 people).
- River Rafting: Approximately ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person.
- Trekking: Fees may range between ₹200 to ₹500 per person, depending on the route and guide.
7. Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant population of the one-horned rhinoceros. The park’s rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and diverse habitats make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Location : Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, along the Brahmaputra River.
Timing : Kaziranga National Park is open to visitors during the tourist season, which typically runs from November to April.
- Morning Safari: 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Afternoon Safari: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
The park is closed during the monsoon season (from May to October) due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Entry Fee :
- For Indian Nationals:
- Entry Fee: Around ₹50 to ₹100 per person.
- Jeep Safari Fee: ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 (depending on the zone and vehicle size).
- Elephant Safari Fee: Around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per person.
- For Foreign Nationals:
- Entry Fee: Around ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person.
- Jeep Safari Fee: Higher rates, typically ₹4,000 to ₹5,000.
- Elephant Safari Fee: Around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per person.
8. Manas National Park
Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and being home to several endangered species. The park is particularly famous for its Project Tiger and Project Elephant conservation initiatives.
Location : Manas National Park is located in the lower Himalayas, along the Manas River. It is situated in the western part of Assam, near the border with Bhutan.
Timing : Manas National Park is open to visitors during the tourist season, which generally lasts from November to April. Here are the typical timings for visiting the park
- Morning Safari: 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Afternoon Safari: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
The park remains closed during the monsoon season (from May to September), primarily due to heavy rainfall that makes the park inaccessible and increases the risk of flooding.
Entry Fee : The entry fees for Manas National Park vary depending on the type of visit (e.g., Indian nationals or foreign tourists):
- For Indian Adults: Around ₹50 per person.
- For Indian Children (below 12 years): Around ₹25 per child.
- For Foreign Nationals: Around ₹500 per person.
Famous Food in Assam
1. Til Pitha
Til Pitha is a traditional Assamese sweet dish made with sesame seeds (til) and rice flour. It’s a popular dessert, especially during festivals like Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu), which is celebrated in Assam. The dish is known for its delicious combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and the earthy flavor of sesame.
Ingredients : rice flour , sesame seeds and jaggery
2. Aloo Pitika
Aloo Pitika is a popular and simple Assamese dish made from mashed potatoes, often combined with mustard oil, onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander. It is a comfort food commonly served as a side dish with rice and dal (lentils) or alongside fish curry. The dish is known for its simplicity and delicious, earthy flavours, making it a favourite in Assamese households.
Ingredients : boiled potatoes
3. Masor Tenga
Masor Tenga is a popular and beloved Assamese fish curry known for its tangy and sour flavor. The name “Masor Tenga” translates to fish sour curry, and it’s made using fresh fish, often rohu or katla (types of freshwater fish), cooked in a sour broth with ingredients like tomatoes, lemongrass, and tamarind or lemon. It is typically served with rice and is considered a refreshing and light dish, perfect for hot weather or when you’re craving something flavourful yet not too rich.
Ingredients : fresh fish
4. Pani Hamuk
Pani Hamuk (also known as Pani Hamuka) is a traditional and unique dish from Assam. It is a type of fish curry made with small fish (often hamuk or panchkura, which are small indigenous fish found in the rivers of Assam) and is prepared in a sour, tangy broth. This dish is often served with rice and is loved for its simplicity and bold flavours.
Ingredients : hamuk fish
5. paroro Mangxo
Paroro Mangxo (or Paror Mangxo) is a traditional Assamese dish that features parrot fish (paroro) cooked with a blend of spices. “Mangxo” means meat or fish in Assamese, so Paroro Mangxo refers to a parrot fish curry. The parrot fish is a type of fish known for its distinctive shape and sweet flavor. This dish is popular in Assam, where fresh fish is a staple, and it is typically served with rice.
Ingredients : parrot fish
6. Bota
Bota is a traditional Assamese dish that typically refers to a grilled or roasted vegetable, often a brinjal (eggplant), but can also include other vegetables. The most popular form of Bota in Assam is Bengena Bota, which is roasted or grilled eggplant. This dish is known for its smoky flavor and is a beloved part of Assamese cuisine.
