Two Desis

Assam offers visitors abundant natural beauty, cultural vibrancy and delectable cuisine. Read on to explore the best of what this northeastern state has to offer.

A Land of Rivers, Tea Gardens and Valleys

• Cradled by the mighty Brahmaputra and its many tributaries which sustain vibrant wildlife
• Cloaked in emerald green tea plantations producing some of the world’s finest tea leaves
• Characterized by breathtaking valley

Cultural Kaleidoscope

• Home to over 30 ethnic communities who each have unique customs, languages and traditions
• Major tribes include Bodo, Mishing, Kaibarta, Koch-Rajbongshi and Dimasa
• Festivals like Bihu, Ambubachi and Ali-Ai-Ligang are occasions of celebration and revelry

Rich Heritage and Architecture

• Architectural wonders includeKamakhaya Temple, Charaideo and Siva Dol
• 15th century Ahom kingdom left a deep imprint through its palaces and ruins
• Xinjian Monastery and Majuli are spiritual centers of Vaishnavite and Buddhist culture

Cuisine that Tantalizes the Senses

• Rice is staple along with fish curries and meat preparations flavoured with mustard oil
• Signature snacks include pitha,tilli,jawar or bora saul – all steamed or baked winter delights
• Locally brewed potent rice beers and herbal wines are part of social bonding

Adventure Activities Galore

• Spot rare hornbills,elephants,rhinos in World Heritage national parks of Kaziranga,Manas
• White water rafting, hiking, camping in destinations like Hajo,Barpeta and Nameri
• Angling pleasures amid clear streams teeming with Mahseer, Pathar and Tor

Wildlife Encounters

• Kaziranga is one-horned rhino haven, also home to tigers, elephants, wild water buffaloes
• Manas National Park shelters rare golden langur and hispid hare in foothills of Himalayas
• Orang National Park and Nameri Sanctuary provide opportunities to spot diverse birdlife

Key Highlights

• Major cities of Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar rich in cultural heritage
• World’s largest river island of Majuli, UNESCO recognized site for Vaishnavite monasteries
• Handloom,wood and bamboo handicrafts capture unique Assam aesthetic

Festivals of Assamese Culture

• Bihu marks spring harvest and new year celebrated with traditional songs and dances
• Ali-Aye-Ligang is Boat race festival of Bodos held with ceremonial processions
• Ambubachi signifies goddess Kamakhya’s menstrual cycle with visitors seeking her blessings

Handlooms and Handicrafts

• Muga, pat and eri silks are handwoven into traditional sarees,mekhela chador outfits
• Cane and bamboo crafting yields furniture, objects d’art including Kamakhya temple’s idol
• Bell metal and brassware items from Sualkuchi echo Assam’s artistic heritage

Backwaters and Wetlands

• Brahmaputra and its tributaries flow through scenic backwaters and marshes
• Floodplains harbour migratory birds in winter, including threatened Siberian Cranes
• Livelihood based on fishing and cultivation of water hyacinth, nut grass in floating gardens

Getting Around

• Domestic and global connectivity via Guwahati airport, rail links to major cities
• Buses, auto-rickshaws for transportation within cities and towns
• Chartered boats, vehicle rentals can be arranged for sightseeing remote destinations