Assam is a stunning land known as the tea capital of India. You can love the closeness with nature and feel the fresh air once you set foot in Assam. A land blessed with 5 top national parks in India as well a shocking historical significance and rich heritage. Assam is a land of pure bliss with a large number of wild animals, migratory birds and lush tea gardens. You can enjoy the lavish lifestyle of a tea planter in a heritage bungalow and the essence of river tourism in Assam. If you are planning to visit Assam, here is a list of the top 12 places you don’t want to miss during your trip to Assam
Top Places to visit in Assam at a glance
- Haflong
- Dibrugarh
- Digboi
- Tai-Phake village
- Sibsagar
- Majuli
- Kaziranga National Park
- Guwahati
- Manas National Park
- Pobitora National Park
- Nameri National Park
- Sualkuchi village
1.Haflong
Haflong is not only a stunning hilly place, but it is also known for a large number of migratory birds. Haflong, the only hill station in Assam, is one of the most famous tourist places in this region. Standing at an altitude of 2,300 feet above sea level, located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. It is well known for the phenomenon of birds commuting suicide in the Jatinga Valley during moonless foggy nights.
It also features a few beautiful waterfalls and ethnic tribal villages. Of course, you can enjoy trekking in the Borail hill and treat yourself to a traditional meal in one of the tribal villages, along with the company of a traditional dance group. You can bewitch some spectacular waterfalls in Assam, like Panimur Waterfalls and Kaka Waterfalls on the way to Haflong. Umrangso is another stunning place located on the bank of the Kapili River, 112 km away from Haflong.
2. Dibrugarh
After visiting Haflong, it’s time to explore some wonderful tea gardens of Assam. I decided to explore the first tea garden in Assam, Chabua tea estate. Many small and large tea estates are scattered around this area. The big tea factories and workers plucking tea leaves in small buckets tied on their heads a common scenes in this area. Assam tea is famous, especially for black tea and its strong aroma. You can also go for a tea tasting tour in Assam. I am still fascinated by the aroma of tea leaves and craving a special cup of Assam tea.
3. Digboi
After the tea garden visit, it’s time to explore the oil field in Assam. I headed to Digboi, which is just 84 Km away from Dibrugarh. Digboi is known as “Oil City in Assam” as the first refinery in Asia Digboi Oil refinery was established here in 1901. The refinery has a beautiful museum where old artefacts associated with the oil plant and antique items are kept preciously. Digboi Centenary Park and Digboi War Cemetery, located near the refinery, are also worth a stop.
4. Tai-Phake village
Tai Phakey village or Namphake Buddhist village, is located 37 km from Dibrugarh. My next stop was Namphake Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Assam. Which is preserved and decorated auspiciously by the Tai Phakey community, which originates from Myanmar in the 18th century, still practising their culture, customs and dress code in its ancient glory. You can also taste mouth-watering Thai food here or opt for a night stay in an eco-camp or homestay. Tai-Phake village is one of the top unexplored tourist attractions in Assam.
You may be interested in wildlife and cultural tours in Assam
5. Sivsagar
Sibsagar is a heritage city located 82 km from the Dibrugarh district of Assam. It is a marvellous city steeped in history. Once the glorious capital of the Ahom dynasty, it is dotted with ancient palaces, ponds, temples, and amphitheatres that still stand in their original grandeur. The city has a captivating charm that transports visitors back in time. Notable landmarks include the Shiva Dol – an ancient Shiva temple, Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Joysagar Tank, Sivasagar Tank etc. Scenic and historically rich, Sivasagar remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam.
I spent a fabulous evening here, sitting on the bank of Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri), watching fish and eating street food. You can glance at the buildings on the other banks of the pond like a small miniature city. The famous Shiva temple Shivadol is standing in front of me. I can witness the sparsely crowded temples in the complex.
Another most interesting place worth a visit in Sivsagar is the world heritage site Charaideo Maidam, located 30km from Sivsagar city. This is the burial ground of Ahom kings and queens. It is a myth that the attendants of kings and queens are also buried alive with them in the Maidam to help the departed king after death.
You can plan your trip to the heritage city of Sibsagar with our Assam heritage tour package.
6. Majuli
It’s time to visit the most exciting place in Assam. Crossing the mighty Brahmaputra by ferry will take you to Majuli island.
Majuli is the cultural heart of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. The island is dotted with Satras (monastic institutions or temples) established by the revered saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciples, which serve as the main attractions for visitors. Today, Majuli is home to around 20 active Satras, while many others have been relocated to different parts of Assam due to the constant erosion caused by the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Apart from its religious and cultural significance, Majuli is also inhabited by the Mising community, an indigenous tribe known for preserving their traditional lifestyle, weaving skills, and vibrant festivals. You can also enjoy astonishing sunsets and sunrises, vivid green rice fields, lakes full of a large variety of avifauna and scenic atmosphere. Visiting Majuli offers a rare opportunity to experience a harmonious blend of spiritual heritage and rural tribal culture.
No sooner had we arrived on Majuli Island than we began exploring its famous Neo-Vaishnavite monasteries. Our first stop was Auniati Satra, the largest Satra in Majuli, home to over 300 Vaikaks (disciples) who dedicate their lives to spiritual practice, cultural preservation. The monastery is renowned for its priceless collection of historical artefacts, scriptures, and traditional Assamese utensils. From there, we proceeded to Garmur Satra, known for its vibrant Ras Leela performances and rich cultural heritage, followed by a visit to Kamalabari Satra, a hub for art, literature, and classical music training.
One of the most fascinating experiences awaited us at Samaguri Satra, famous for its centuries-old tradition of mask-making. This rare art form, practised exclusively by a group of skilled monks, involves crafting intricate masks used in traditional Bhaona performances (religious dramas). Each mask is made using bamboo, clay, and cloth, painted in vivid colours to bring mythological characters to life. The craftsmanship and devotion behind this art leave every visitor spellbound.
While in Majuli, it is a must to witness a devotional dance performance and dance drama known as “Raas”, which is celebrated for an entire week in November. Although we had to leave the island two days before the start of the Raas festival, we didn’t miss the chance to watch the preparations taking place in all the monasteries. Even though we missed the main event, seeing the monks practising diligently for the festival was a memorable and enriching experience in itself.
If you want to know more about Majuli, check How to spend a day in world’s largest river island Majuli.
7. Kaziranga National Park
Located 194 km from Guwahati and 252 km from Dibrugarh, Kaziranga National park is the prime attraction in Assam. When we reach Kaziranga, a feeling of calmness touches my mind. Away from bustling city life, it’s a tranquil place surrounded by tea gardens and forests.
I completed my Kaziranga trip with both a Jeep Safari and an Elephant Safari in the morning, each offering a different perspective of the park’s deep wilderness. The Jeep Safari took us through vast grasslands and dense forests, giving us the chance to spot rhinos, wild elephants, deer, and a variety of exotic birds. The Elephant Safari, on the other hand, allowed us to get even closer to the wildlife, especially the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, as we moved quietly through the early morning mist.
After an exciting day in the jungle, we visited the Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park, a haven for nature lovers with its vibrant display of orchids, medicinal plants, and cultural exhibits. As the evening set in, the slight winter chill in the air made the perfect backdrop for a warm bonfire. We spent the night under the stars, enjoying traditional Assamese dance performances and music, which added a magical touch to our experience.
Although my heart longed to stay longer in this paradise, time was not on my side, and I had to bid farewell to Kaziranga with a heavy heart.
If you’re planning your own adventure, you may want to explore our exclusive Kaziranga tour packages for an unforgettable wildlife experience
8. Guwahati
Guwahati is the commercial capital and entry point of Northeast India, situated ideally on the bank of the Brahmaputra River. It is a riverine city flecked with many ancient temples.
If I say Guwahati is a common city like any other modern city in India, I can’t justify the merits of Guwahati. So I have to list it as one of the most fascinating cities in India. The evening is most charming in Guwahati and if it’s accompanied by a gentle drizzle, then you lose yourself. I forget all my laziness by enjoying such a lovely evening sitting on the bank of the Brahmaputra River.
I spent the whole day visiting the top attractions in Guwahati like Assam State Museum, Umananda Temple (the temple situated on a small island known as Peacock Island) and Kamakhya Temple. Kamakhya temple is located at the top of a small hill. From there, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the whole city. After enjoying a delicious Assamese meal in a local restaurant, I concluded my day in Guwahati and was ready to start my journey to a new place the next day.
9. Manas National Park
Located 140 km from Guwahati, Manas National Park is another charming national park in Assam. It has a wide density of one-horned rhino, wild elephant, peacock, tiger etc. It is not as commercialised as Kaziranga, but you can enjoy staying in a wild resort inside Manas National Park. You can listen to the giggle of the river passing by and witness the sound of animals at night. It is an out-of-the-world experience.
The night we spent at Manas was the most exciting one. We stayed in a bungalow inside the park. It is known as Mathanguri Forest Lodge, constructed during the Britisher’s time. My Safari in the park was also very exciting. We saw peacocks dancing beautifully in their full grandeur, and a herd of wild elephants, which became very furious after missing one baby elephant. They search for the baby here and there in full anguish. Later, we spot the young elephant a few kilometres away, looking tirelessly to find their family. All these innocent stories compelled me to return to the jungle again and again.
If you’re dreaming of a wild escape, explore our exclusive Manas National Park tour packages for an unforgettable journey into one of Assam’s most pristine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
10. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Located just 50 km away from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is another stunning wildlife reserve in Assam. It’s a must-visit place if you want to spot Indian rhinos. The grassland and thin forest of Pobitora is the grazing ground for small to very large rhinos, bigger than an elephant. The colourful orchids inside the park also added more colours to the pale landscape of Pobitora.
The road to Pobitora passes through the scenic landscape and rustic villages. You can also enjoy the countryside of Assam on your trip. If you go for a detour in Pobitora someday, I assure you that feel fresh and alive and enjoy the company of nature fullest. You can also go on a river rafting trip near Pobitora. You can spot more birds and dolphins and gaze at the mighty Brahmaputra River, or witness mustard seeds growing steadily in the small islands.
11. Nameri National Park
If you are tired of both Jeep and Elephant safaris and want to explore the forest on foot, then Nameri is the best treat for you. Located 35 km away from Tezpur and 215 km away from Guwahati is a birder’s paradise.
Here you can traverse the dense forest on foot and watch many birds and wild animals closely.
The landscape of Nameri is my personal favourite. It is located on the bank of the Jia Bharali River. After crossing the river by a country boat, trails leading to the dense forest started. Often, a naturalist guide and a guard from the nearby forest office accompanied you with arms for safety purposes.
It is the best destination to enjoy river rafting and some fun-filled time with your family in an eco-camp near Nameri. You will wake up in the chirping of birds and go for a morning walk amidst lush greenery. You can also enjoy authentic Assamese cuisine here.
A few other stunning wildlife sanctuaries are also worth a visit in Assam. These are namely, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary etc.
Suggested Read A guide to all 7 National parks in Assam
12. Sualkuchi
Assam is home to unique colourful fabrics known as Assam Silk, which are paat silk, golden colour muga silk and warm eri silk. Located 35 Km away from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is one of the world’s largest weaving villages. Most of the people are engaged in weaving exquisite Assam silk fabrics in Sualkuchi. If you like colourful garments and want to take a first-hand experience with the garment-making process, a trip to Suwalkuchi is worth it. You can also buy an adorable saree or Mekhela Sador at the best rate here. Nevertheless, the sleepy village of Sualkuchi deserves to be the top tourist attraction in Assam. Check the exclusive Assam Textile tour by Nexplore if you want to know more about the textile-making practice of local artisans from Assam.
There are many more places worth visiting in Assam. And the list of top tourist attractions in Assam goes longer and longer. I will write later about a few more offbeat tourist places in Assam. Hope you enjoy this post and get more inspiration to plan your holiday in Assam. Follow me on my social media accounts or write your queries in the comments. I am happy to get back to you.
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