Things to do in Assam

Perched on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the most venerated Shakti Peeths in India and a major center for Tantric practices. It is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, the bleeding goddess.

The temple complex consists of several individual temples dedicated to all the ten Mahavidyas of Saktism. The main temple is a beehive-like structure. There is no idol inside the inner sanctum (Garbagriha); instead, there is a yoni (vulva)-shaped cleft in the bedrock, kept moist by water from an underground spring.

Every year in June, the Ambubachi Mela is held to celebrate the menstruation of the Goddess. It attracts lakhs of sadhus, tantrics, and devotees, turning the hill into a sea of red.

The energy of the place is intense and mystifying. The view of the Brahmaputra river and Guwahati city from the hill is panoramic.

It is a fascinating blend of faith, history, and ancient architecture.

A jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park is a journey into the heart of India's most successful wildlife conservation story. Known worldwide as the habitat of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam spans diverse terrains of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical broadleaf forests.

Your safari begins at dawn or dusk, the best times to spot wildlife. As you traverse the muddy trails in an open jeep, the sheer density of large mammals is astounding. You are almost guaranteed to see rhinos grazing peacefully like prehistoric tanks.

Apart from rhinos, Kaziranga is home to large herds of wild Asiatic water buffaloes and Eastern swamp deer (Barasingha). It also boasts a high density of tigers, though they are elusive due to the tall grass. A lucky visitor might catch a glimpse of the stripes disappearing into the bush.

The park is divided into four ranges: Central (Kohora), Western (Bagori), Eastern (Agaratoli), and Burapahar. The Western range is best for rhino sightings, while the Eastern range is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering sightings of migratory birds like pelicans and eagles.

The landscape itself, with the Brahmaputra River flowing north of the park and the Karbi Anglong hills to the south, is breathtaking. It is a raw, untamed wilderness experience.

Visitors are required to be accompanied by a forest guard and a driver who knows the terrain intimately. Their stories of encounters with the wild add a layer of thrill to the ride.

It’s a must-visit for every wildlife enthusiast.

Majuli, the world's largest river island, is the cultural soul of Assam. Located in the mighty Brahmaputra River, it is the center of Neo-Vaishnavite culture, initiated by the saint Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century.

A tour of Majuli is like stepping back in time. The island is dotted with 'Satras' (monasteries) where monks live, pray, and practice traditional arts like mask-making, pottery, and dance. The Samaguri Satra is famous for its intricate mask-making tradition used in 'Bhaona' (religious plays).

The landscape is a painting of mustard fields, water bodies, and bamboo houses on stilts (chang ghars) belonging to the Mishing tribe. You can interact with the locals, taste their traditional rice beer (Apong), and learn about their harmonious way of life with the river.

The island is eroding year by year, making a visit here poignant. Reaching Majuli involves a scenic ferry ride from Jorhat, where you share space with locals, motorbikes, and livestock.

The sunsets over the Brahmaputra here are legendary, painting the sky in violet and orange.

It is a place of peace, art, and devotion.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the foothills of the Bhutan-Himalayas, Manas National Park is celebrated for its spectacular landscape and biodiversity. Unlike the grassland-dominated Kaziranga, Manas has lush tropical forests and blue hills in the backdrop.

It is a Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve. It is famous for its population of Wild Water Buffaloes and rare endangered species like the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog.

A jeep safari here feels like entering a jungle book. The river Manas (Beki) flows through the park, dazzlingly clear and blue. You can also do river rafting here, adding adventure to wildlife spotting.

It is less crowded than Kaziranga, offering a more secluded wilderness experience.

Located in Guwahati, this museum is the best place to get an overview of the state's culture. It houses a rich collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and tribal costumes.

The reconstructed village life section gives insight into the rural lifestyle. The manuscript section is particularly valuable.

It is educational and well-curated.

Located on the mouth of the river Barnadi near the Bhutan border, Bogamati is a picturesque picnic spot newly developed for eco-tourism.

The white sands of the river bank, the blue water, and the green hills make it postcard-perfect. You can do river rafting and zip-lining here.

It is a favorite weekend getaway for locals.

The Brahmaputra is not just a river; it is a moving ocean. A cruise on this mighty river offers a perspective of Assam that cannot be seen from land. Options range from short sunset cruises in Guwahati to multi-day luxury voyages.

On a sunset cruise, you can watch the golden orb dip behind the Saraighat Bridge while sipping tea on the deck. The cool river breeze and the vast expanse of water are incredibly relaxing.

Luxury cruises (like MV Mahabaahu) take you upstream to Kaziranga and Majuli, stopping at remote villages, tea estates, and sandbars. It is intimate and upscale.

You might spot freshwater Gangetic dolphins frolicking in the water, a rare and delightful sight.

It combines the thrill of exploration with the comfort of luxury.

A natural lake formed during the 1897 earthquake, Chandubi is a serene spot at the foot of the Garo hills. It is surrounded by deep forests and tea gardens.

Rowing on the lake during winter is peaceful. It attracts many migratory birds.

It is less commercialized than other spots.

This is a unique bio-sphere reserve famous for its feral horses. Located on an island bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers, it is a haven for migratory birds.

Activities here include boat safaris to spot the rare White-winged wood duck. Seeing herds of wild horses running free on the grassland is a surreal experience.

It is a birdwatcher's paradise.

Digboi is the birthplace of the oil industry in India. The Digboi refinery, established in 1901, is Asia's oldest operating refinery.

The Digboi Centenary Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of oil exploration. It has vintage machinery, photographs, and models on display. You can see the original Well No. 1, where oil was first struck.

The town itself has a distinct British colonial feel with bungalows and golf courses. The War Cemetery nearby is a sobering reminder of WWII.

The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is a hidden gem for primate lovers. It is the only sanctuary in India dedicated to the Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape.

Walking through the dense evergreen forest canopy, you can hear the loud hooting calls of the gibbons. Spotting them swinging high in the trees with their long arms is a delight.

The sanctuary is also home to Stump-tailed Macaques, Capped Langurs, and Malayan Giant Squirrels. You explore this park on foot (with a guard), which makes the connection with nature very intimate.

Leeches are common, so dress appropriately!

Haflong is the only hill station in Assam, often called the 'Scotland of the East'. It is known for its rolling green hills, vibrant local culture, and misty landscapes.

The Haflong Lake in the center of the town is beautiful. You can go for walks, picnics, and boating. The town is home to the Dimasa tribe, and their colorful handloom is worth seeing.

It is a quiet retreat from the humid plains of Assam. The drive to Haflong through the scenic winding roads is an adventure in itself.

The mystery of Jatinga, famous for the bird suicide phenomenon (birds getting disoriented in fog), is nearby.

Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage center located near Guwahati that is unique for being sacred to three religions: Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. It is a shining example of communal harmony.

The Hayagriva Madhava Temple is believed by Hindus to be an abode of Vishnu, while Buddhists believe it is where Buddha attained Nirvana. The Powa Mecca mosque nearby is a significant Islamic shrine, believed to contain soil from Mecca.

The town is dotted with ancient temples and shrines. Exploring Hajo is like peeling back layers of religious history.

It is peaceful, historic, and spiritually inclusive.

Near Kaziranga, the Kakochang waterfall is a hidden beauty. A short trek through bamboo and rubber plantations leads you to this cascading fall.

It is a refreshing swimming spot. You can often see the ruins of ancient Numaligarh from here.

It is a great add-on to a Kaziranga trip.

Mayong, located near Pobitora, is famously known as the 'Land of Black Magic'. For centuries, it has been the center of sorcery and witchcraft in India.

The Mayong Central Museum of Magic and Witchcraft houses ancient manuscripts, artifacts, and relics related to Tantra and magic. Locals have endless stories of people disappearing or turning into animals.

It is a spooky, intriguing, and offbeat destination that delves into the esoteric history of Assam.

A historical landmark in Guwahati, built to welcome the British Viceroy Lord Northbrook in 1874. It sits by the river near Sukreswar Ghat.

It is a fine example of British architecture. Sitting here watching the river flow by is a nostalgic experience.

Located in the Dima Hasao district, Panimur is arguably the biggest waterfall in Assam. The Kopili river is obstructed by stones, turning into a roaring milky white waterfall.

The view is cinematic. It is often called the 'Niagara of Assam'. The surrounding area is lush and perfect for picnics.

It is a bit of a journey to reach, but the sight of the water crashing down is worth it.

If you are short on time but want to see rhinos, Pobitora is the place. Located just an hour's drive from Guwahati, it has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world.

Because the area is small (only 38 sq km), rhino sightings are practically guaranteed within minutes of entering. The sanctuary consists of grassland and wetland.

Besides rhinos, it is a great place for birdwatching. The jeep safari here is quick but rewarding.

It is often called 'Mini Kaziranga'.

Nameri National Park offers a unique way to see wildlife: Rafting on the Jia Bhoroli river. Unlike the adrenaline-pumping rapids of Rishikesh, rafting here is gentle and scenic.

It is more of a floating safari. As you drift down the clear river, you can spot Golden Mahseer fish in the water and herds of elephants or bison on the banks. It is also one of the best places for birdwatching.

The forest backdrop is stunning. It is peaceful, eco-friendly, and adventurous.

Fancy Bazaar is the commercial heart of Guwahati. It is a chaotic, vibrant mix of flea market and wholesale hub.

You can buy everything from Assamese Gamusas (traditional towels) and Jaapi (bamboo hats) to tribal handicrafts and bamboo furniture. The street food here is also legendary.

It captures the pulse of modern Assamese life.

Sivasagar was the capital of the mighty Ahom Kingdom that ruled Assam for 600 years. The town is littered with historic tanks (borpukhuri) and temples.

The Shiva Dol is one of the tallest Shiva temples in India. The Rang Ghar involves an ancient amphitheater used for buffalo fights. The Talatal Ghar is a palace with secret underground tunnels.

Exploring Sivasagar is walking through the golden era of Assamese history. The architecture is unique, using indigenous materials.

Sualkuchi, located about 35 km from Guwahati, is known as the 'Manchester of the East'. It is the weaving hub of Assam, famous for its Golden Muga Silk (found only in Assam), White Paat Silk, and Warm Eri Silk.

Almost every household here has a loom. Walking through the village, you can hear the rhythmic click-clack of the fly shuttles. You can visit the workshops to see the intricate process of weaving traditional Mekhela Chadors and sarees.

Buying silk directly from the weavers ensures authenticity and supports the artisans. The designs often feature motifs of local flora and fauna.

It is a vibrant display of Assamese craftsmanship.

Assam is synonymous with tea, and Jorhat is often called the 'Tea Capital of the World'. A visit to a heritage tea estate here is an immersion into the colonial history and the journey of the leaf to your cup.

You can stay in British-era tea bungalows, with sprawling verandas and fireplaces. Guided tours take you through the tea bushes where you can watch pluckers dexterously picking the 'two leaves and a bud'.

A visit to the factory shows the withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying processes. The tour ends with a tea tasting session, where you learn to distinguish between the malty Assam tea grades.

Walking through the manicured green bushes under the shade trees is therapeutic.

For serious tea enthusiasts, a visit to Tocklai in Jorhat is a pilgrimage. It is the oldest and largest tea research station in the world.

Here you can learn about the science behind tea cultivation, pest control, and processing. The institute has improved the quality of tea globally.

It offers a deep dive into the botany and chemistry of your morning cuppa.

Located in the middle of the Brahmaputra River near Guwahati, Umananda is the smallest inhabited river island in the world. It is shaped like a peacock, hence the British called it Peacock Island.

A ferry ride takes you to the island, which houses the Umananda Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a quiet spot with great views of the flowing river.

It is also home to the endangered Golden Langurs, which were introduced here. Seeing these golden monkeys against the green foliage is a highlight.