Explore Assam !
Assam is one state that has something to offer to all. It is blessed with verdant beauty and the Brahmaputra River. Golf, adventure, wildlife and ethnic tourism offer tourists a variety. With over 800 tea gardens, tea tourism is gaining traction with resorts coming up in their midst. River tourism is becoming popular as the modern tourist is not just interested visiting historical sites alone. The Assam Government is planning to use the Brahmaputra River to popularise River Tourism. Almost all cities and towns are unique and have a lot to offer to tourists.
Guwahati
Guwahati is the gateway to the North East region and is among the 100 fastest growing cities. Situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau, Guwahati has carved a niche for itself with its unique culture. Just a stone’s throw away from wildlife spots and temples, the city is a perfect getaway for just about everyone-whether it is backpackers, newly wed or families.
A visit to Guwahati is incomplete without paying obeisance to Kamakhya temple as Goddess Parvati is known here. Then there is the Umananda temple and Purva Tirupati Balaji temple.
Kamakhya Temple is 9 km from the railway station. Umananda Temple is situated in the middle of Brahmaputra River. There is a public and private ferry from Fancy Bazaar ghat and Kachari Ghat.
Dighalipukhuri Park
Dighalipukhuri Park has boating facilities. The lake was once connected by a channel to the Brahmaputra and was used as a naval harbour by the Ahoms. At the park’s north end is the open- air War Memorial, displaying a tank, rockets and a fighter jet from the Indian armed forces.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is 214 km away. Tourists from across the world visit the sanctuary to watch the one-horned rhinoceros. Jeep safaris are the best way to explore the sanctuary.
Christ Church
The pretty, half-timbered Christ Church, with pointed, wood-framed windows, is one of Northeast India’s oldest churches, founded in 1844. Rebuilt twice after earthquakes in 1856 and 1897, it was most recently renovated in 1978. It’s surrounded by Nehru Park.
Manas National Park
Manas National Park, Assam is the only place to be known as biosphere reserve, a natural heritage site, Project Tiger Reserve, and Project Elephant Reserve all at the same time.
Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, the park is flanked by the giant Manas River separating it from Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and Wild Buffaloes, it offers you a myriad of activities to appreciate the diversity of the region. There is plenty that one can do from river rafting, bird watching, elephant safari, jeep safari to watch tigers and stroll along tea gardens. From Guwahati, you can take a train to Barpeta which is 22 km away from Manas by road.
Places near Guwahati
Shillong
Tucked away in the idyllic Khasi Hills of Northeast India, Meghalaya’s capital has several monikers such as Scotland of the East and Abode of the Clouds. A must visit is the Shillong Peak from where one can catch pristine views of the city and even the plains of Bangladesh.
Umiam Lake
The man-made body is a popular spot. It is silent and peaceful and offers breath-taking views.
Lady Hyderi Park
Named after former Governor of Assam, Lady Hydari, the park is a relaxing hangout dating back to colonial times. Spread over an area of more than a kilometre, Lady Hydari park consists of a mini-zoo, a deer park and a play area for kids. The park blossoms with a variety of well-bloomed roses, orchids and many other varieties of flowers.
Elephant Falls
Located in the upper regions of Shillong, Elephant Falls are nestled amidst forests that make Meghalaya as beautiful as it is. The falls get their name from the elephant-shaped rocky outcrop at the tip of the falls.
Mawsynram
About 56 kms from Shillong, it is a sight to behold. The caves and stalactites of Mawsynram are a marvel by themselves, but what takes the cake is the natural Shivalinga within those caves.
Head to other states in the North East
The city is connected to places like Shillong, Jorhat, Tezpur, Dimapur, Imphal Itanagar, Silchar, Dibrugarh and many other locations by regular bus services.
How to reach Guwahati
Regular flights are available from Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi.
Direct railway services are available from cities like Kolkata and Delhi and also there is connectivity to other cities like Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.
