Assam is a stunning land known as the tea capital of India. You can love the closeness with nature and feel 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 Assam tour.
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 breathing 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 shouted 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 fest yourself with a traditional meal in one of the tribal villages along with the company of a traditional dance group which are ready to perform. You can bewitch some specular waterfalls in Assam like Panimur Waterfalls and Kaka Waterfalls on the way to Haflong. Umrangso is another stunning place located on the bank of 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 big 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 for 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. Though most travel blogs did not mention Digboi mostly but its a calm and scenic place best for history lovers. It is one of the most famous tourist places in Assam.
I was astonished to see the first refinery in Asia Digboi Oil refinery and the 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. Know more about Digboi in Digboi travel guide.
4. Tai-Phake village
Tai Phakey village or Namphake 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 community which originates from Myanmar in the 18th century still practicing 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
Located 82 km from Dibrugarh, Sivasagar is a marvellous city carrying many stories of the past. It was the bygone capital of the Ahom dynasty. Dotted with many old palaces, ponds, temples and amphitheatre during the time of the Ahom dynasty is still scattered everywhere in its original glory. This city is captivating to take you back in time. A few significant monuments in Sivsagar are Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Joysagar Tank, Sivsagar Tank etc. Sibsagar is one of the top places to visit in Assam. Scenic town Sibsagr is one of the most popular tourist places in Assam.
I spend a fabulous evening here sitting on the bank of Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri) watching fish and eating street food. You can glance 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 sparingly crowded temples in the complex.
Another most interesting place worth a visit in Sivsagar is Charaideo Maidam located 30km from Sibsagar city. This is the burial ground of Ahom kings and queens. It is a myth that the attendants of kings and queens also buried alive with them in the maidam to help the departed king after death. Read Sivsagar travel guide to find more details.
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.
No sooner had we received the Majuli island, started exploring the neo vaishnavite monasteries. First, we head to Aunisti satra, the biggest satra in Majuli having more than 300 (Vakats) disciples. Later we visit Garmur satra, Kamalabari Satra and the mask makers Satra Samaguri. Mask making art is a most special art from practising only by a group of monks in Samaguri satra. Which catches everyone’s attention in its unique way.
While in Majuli it’s mandatory to see a devotional dance performance and dance drama. The time we visited was November before the start of the Raas festival in Majuli. We enjoyed the rehearsal for the Raas festival by the monks of all ages.
Apart from Satras, the vivid green rice fields, lakes full of a large variety of avifauna and scenic atmosphere are captivating to make you spellbound.
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.
Complete my Kaziranga trip with a Jeep Safari as well as an Elephant Safari in the deep jungle. We spent the day with a visit to Kaziranga Orchid Park and bit the cold night enjoying a bonfire and witnessing local dance performance. Though my heart craved for more and cried from inside saying I wanted to stay more here due to lack of time I had to leave such a paradise.
You may be interested in the Kaziranga tour package from Guwahati.
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 city. So I have to list it as one of the most fascinating cities in India. The evening time 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 Assam State Museum, Umananda Temple (the temple situated on a small 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.
You may be interested in the Assam Holiday Package
9. Manas National Park
Located 140 km from Guwahati, Manas National Park is another charming national park in Assam. It is not much commercialized 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 Britisher’s time. My Safari in the park was also very exciting. We saw peacocks dancing beautifully in its 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.
Suggested Read: Manas National Park tour package
10. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Located just 50 km away from Guwahati Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 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 yellow mustard fields growing steadily in the small islands.
11. Nameri National Park
If you are tired of both Jeep and Elephant safari 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 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 nearing 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:
Bird watching tour in Northeast India
12. Sualkuchi
Assam is also 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.
There are many more worth visiting places are located 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 comment. I am happy to get back to you.
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