If you are born in the country of India, you are born with an advantage of not only thousands and thousands of languages and dialects but also a rich natural and artificial heritage that will make you stand out tall in front of everyone and claim with pride in your voice, ‘I am proud to be an Indian’. Every part of India, from the chilling cold hills of Kashmir in the northern side of India to the sweltering sea beaches of South India, from the hustle and bustle of the city of Ahmadabad to the peaceful and lush green jungle areas of the northeastern states of India, every side of the country has something to offer to us to soak ourselves deeply into it.

The ‘Seven Sisters’ or geographically referred to as the north-eastern part of India is something that is steeped in beauty as well as mystery. One of the most popular states, as well as a tourist destination, is the state of Assam. God-gifted with rolling lush green rice, tea and paddy fields to the canoes that one usually spots sailing down the river Brahmaputra, the state of Assam has something more to offer to us other than the serene hills and thick and bizarre jungles that it is known for. This is the reason Assam has always been the source of attraction for lovers of nature, enthusiasts in wildlife, photographers and even casual people wanting to have a sight of natural beauty alike. The state, originally a huge tribal kingdom, the Ahom kingdom, is a producer of one of the finest teas in India, Assam Tea. Seated comfortably in the foothills of the Himalayas, the state is a reflection of the diversity of nature, art, culture and history. Yet to be explored, it has a lot to offer than what could be imagined or known geographically, let us have a sip of the ‘Tea Capital of India’ and enjoy the warmth therein.

Basking in the Beauty of the Bewitching Tourist Spots

 

1. Kaziranga National Park

Popularly known as the abode of one-horned Indian rhinos, this national park is an iconic tourist spot for someone, who enjoys the thrill of a forest safari. This national park has been awarded the prestige of the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ and houses the endangered one-horned rhinos that are being quite unfortunately poached down for their horns. Their horns are then used to make durable knives. Keeping the sad story far, the vibrant, well-reserved and versatile biodiversity has always been there to ensure that no one can easily detach themselves from the beauty of the spot. There are several other species of wildlife friends to see such as gibbons, civet cats, flying squirrels, Bengal foxes and Chinese pangolins.

The ideal duration to have a bite of the Kaziranga National Park is one night and two days. The entry fee per head for the park is 900 rupees for Indian visitors and 1900 rupees for our foreign friends. Some of the residential facilities are ‘The Greenwich Hotel’, ‘Hotel KFC Palace’, ‘Tezpur Heritage’ and ‘Hotel Aditya Bikram’. You can go on a wildlife safari to Wild Mahseer at Adabarie Tea Estate, Orang National Park and Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. The best time to pay your visit will be from November to April. Be careful not to become too friendly with the rhinos. If they follow the concept of ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge’ and chase you, then it is only up to you to find yourself a way out from the forest and the chasing rhino.

 

2. Manas National Park

A popular tourist destination, this is one of the most important biosphere reserves of Assam. It does not end here, as the park carries the sobriquets of a tiger reserve as well as an elephant reserve. It has been granted a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ also. You can expect to be welcomed into this biosphere reserve with the royal and thundering trumpets of the elephants, the golden languor and the cute little red pandas. Home to the second largest population of tigers in India, the very mention of the feline friend is sure to heighten the surreal nature of this stunning place.

The ideal duration to meet the ‘Sher Khans’ is only a day. The entry fee per head is from 200 rupees to 250 rupees that depends on the kind of vehicle being used in the jungle exploration. Assam roofed turtles, hispid hares, golden languor and pygmy hogs can be easily frequented once you enter the forest. Be careful so as not to upset the elephants and the tigers as they might teach you a good lesson in a harsh way that can leave you upset forever. Several accommodation facilities are available here such as the ‘Lodge Alokananda’, ‘Inn Pam’, ‘Mayur Hotel’ and ‘The Raj Palace Hotel’. The ideal months to visit Manas National Park will be between October and May.

 

3. Umananda Temple and the Peacock Island

Spread along the banks of the river Brahmaputra, the Umananda Temple is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is located on the popular Peacock Island. The calm and serene nature of the place coupled with a devotional atmosphere makes it a place to go for if you need mental calmness. The riding on a canoe on and around the island is an experience forever that no one would like to miss. Though the entry to the temple requires just your devotion, the boat ride is sure to get 30 rupees per person out of your wallet.

The ideal duration is just a day and the ideal months to visit this place would be any time of the year. Several local lodges and inns are always at your service.

 

4. Sivasagar

Famously known as the ‘City of Temples’, this place is a historical town that is filled with prehistoric monuments and sculptures from the ancient past. From the magnificent ‘Rang Ghar’ to the auspicious ‘Talatal Ghar’, every part of this town of Sivasagar smells of a mesmerizing narration of ancient history. Do not forget to wonder at the technological progress of our country as you pose yourself for a photograph with the majestic Sivasagar Dam in the backdrop.

The ideal duration to visit this place is one night to two days and the ideal month will be any time of the year. Several local lodges and inns are available to crash.

 

5. Tawang Monastery

This one is for all the spiritually inclined people out there. Situated at an elevation of 10,000 feet above the level of the sea, the Tawang Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India and is a crux of Tibetan Buddhist architecture and culture. The majestic presence of the Himalayas alongside the divine environment makes it a place that everybody must be visiting.

The ideal duration will be just one day and the ideal time to visit will be any time of the year. It is best to avoid the colder months. Beware of patients with high blood pressure and respiratory problems. Though there is no such entry fee, it would bring a bigger smile to the face of the monastery people if you could make some donations for the monastery.

 

6. Kamakhya Temple

Sacred to the Hindus in every corner of the world as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths or the abode of the Mother Goddess, this is not just a famous tourist attraction but an important centre of pilgrimage for devout Hindus from every corner of the world. Every Ambubachi festival sees one of the largest pilgrimages to this place each year.

The ideal time for this place is October to April every year. Entry to this temple requires just your devotion. There are several local inns and lodges to cater to you.

 

7. Majuli Island

Seated in the middle of the Brahmaputra River, this island is the largest river island in the world. It has a serene and calm atmosphere coupled with calmness. It is sure to offer you a unique flavour.

The ideal time to visit is between October and March. The entry fee is 35 rupees per person for the ferry ride to the island.

Thus, the state has a lot to offer in terms of the natural, cultural and historical heritage with its magnanimous beauty and enriching travel experience. So, get your bag packed fast, tie your shoes and embark on the exploration of this unique place of natural and historical wonders.