With the start of this new year, visit you might be looking forward visiting a new place to relax and let go of your worries these holidays.Well, look no further, come and visit Assam-the Land of Blue Hills and Red rivers.Located in the Northeastern part of India, Assam is a state of great scenic beauty where nature and human endeavors have created a unique melody heard through its colorful culture, historical monuments and the hospitality of the Assamese people.So buckle up, let us look at the major attractions of this fabulous state!
(1) Kaziranga National Park:
For those of you out there who wish to take a peek at wildlife and have a glance at the One-horned Rhinoceros, found exclusively in Assam-this is the National Park you want to visit.Spread over an area of 430 square kilometers in the districts of Nagaon and Golaghat, Kaziranga also houses several other exotic plants and animals.Some of the animal species you are likely to see here, in addition to the One-horned Rhino are-Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Swamp deer, Tiger, wild boar, hog deer, grey Indgray Mongoose, Hispid Hare, Bengal Fox, sloth bear, leopard cat and the Hoolock Gibbon-the only Ape found in India. Several exotic bird species and plants are also found here.At a reasonable price, one can go for a memorable trip through the National Park on Jeeps or Elephants.A journey through this abode of wildlife is sure to take your breath away!
(2) Majuli:
Perhaps you would like to have a taste of the native cultural heritage, then Majuli is the place for you!The world’s largest river island, colourful Majuli, is the seat of the Vaishnava Cultural Movement in Assam initiated by the sage Shankardeva .It has several old Colorful reminders of the cultural renaissance in the state.In addition to this, the island is also a perfect place to witness the tribal customs and festivals like Ali-ai-Ligang in February/March.
(3) Sibsagar:
If one wants to take a look at the history of the state, the best place to visit is Sibsagar district. Being the seat of the mighty Ahom dynasty which ruled Assam for more than 600 years, it has several impressive feats of Ahom architecture like the Talatal Ghar, Rang Ghar, Jai Dol, Shiva Dol, Gargaon Palace etc to name a few. Natives would tell you the way the stones of these buildings were cemented using a mixture of egg, rice paste, and other materials to make such enduring structures!
(4) Kamakhya Temple:
The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess.Built by the ancient dynasties like Koch, Ahoms, and several other ancient ones, the temple is more than 1000 years old.Several legends have become intertwined with this place and it has become a sort of identity to the people of Assam.
(5) Hajo:
To have a view of the concept of “Unity in diversity” you can visit Hajo located 35km west of Guwahati.The Haigriva Madhav Temple here is a dedication to the Hindu gods.On the other hand, center Poa Mecca mosque center of Sufism.Both religious groups have co-existed peacefully here for hundreds of years.The presence of these two religious iconic structures can fill in one’s spiritual void.
(6) Deepor Beel:
If you are one of those people who love the scenic beauty and serene environment of a beautiful lake then Deepor Beel, located in Guwahati itself is the perfect place for you.Orchids, waterlilies, water hyacinths and other indigenous flora tend to paint a picturesque landscape.Additionally, fauna found here include primarily aquatic birds like Pelicans, Siberian crane, Greater adjutant stork etc
Both of these temples are centuries old and have their own distinct significance. The Navagraha Temple is a dedication to the nine celestial bodies.The temple has nine shivalingams denoting each of these bodies, colored each lingam is covered with a colored garment for each body.The Umananda temple is located on a river island and was built in 1694 A.D. It received grants from both Ahom and Mughal kings in the past and has legends associated with it.Both the temples are in the vicinity of Guwahati.
(8) Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden:
Wish to see wild animals from different foreign countries? Have no issues, the Assam State Zoo situated conveniently in Guwahati is the place you want to be. Besides the local exotic species, some of the animals like zebras and giraffes from Africa, Llamas from South America, Hippos, Kangaroos from Australia can prove to be a source of excitement for you!
On the whole, there are several other attractions here which have not been mentioned here. At affordable costs, one can have a really memorable travel experience in Assam. Assam welcomes you with open arms-are you coming?