“Hugging the shores of
the mighty Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the gateway to the enchanting
........................North eastern India”
About Assam
Assam
the "alluring sangrilla" in the North East of India is a melting
pot, where culture, heritage, lifestyle, tradition, faith and belief of the
Aryans have formed a rich tapestry of multicultural yarns of distinct
heritage, that inhabit her. The perfect fusion of colourful festivals have
made the place passionate, compelling and mesmerising.
Landscape
The gateway to the north eastern part of India, Assam is bisected by the
mighty Brahmaputra River, that has its origins in Tibet. This mystic land of
eternal blue hills and beautiful rivers is renowned for its tea, rich flora
and fauna, the world famous one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of
wildlife on the verge of extinction.
People and lifestyle
Assam's ethnic fabric ensures a calendar full of festivities and Bihu is
the most important of them. The major festivals celebrated in Assam are,
kati, rongali, bohagi bihu, and so on. Religious by nature, the people of
Assam also celebrate Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali, and death anniversaries of
Vaishnava Saints Srimanta Sankardev and Madhabdev.
Prominent Cities of Assam
Guwahati
The capital of Assam, has its roots in an ancient city called
Pragjyotishpur. Translated as Light of the East, Guwahati is Assam's biggest
city. Founded right on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river, Guwahati
is the service centre for the oil industry and tea plantationsGuwahati is
also known for the exquisite muga silk, the best selection of which is
exclusively found in that place.
Tezpur
Lying on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, it is the centre of the
Indian tea industry. Here lies the ruins of the stone temples called the 'Da
Parbatia'. Other architectural remains include that of Agnigarh, Bamuni
Hills, Bhairavi and Mahabhairab temples and the twin tanks of Bar Pukhuri
and Padum Pukhuri.
Sibsasagar
About
369 km from Guwahati, is the old capital of the Ahom Kings who ruled Assam
for 600 years. Today, Sibsagar is a rapidly developing town in commercial,
industrial and educational activities. It is also an important centre for
the tea and oil industries. But evidence of its royal past is overwhelming
.The famous temples of Sibsagar, The Shivadol, constructed in the year 1734,
is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.
More Places to Visit in Assam
Talatal Ghat :It is a seven storied palace with its three
stories underground. The palace was built by King Rudra Singha(1696-1714)
and is 6 km away from Sibsagar town.
Majuli : Majuli the largest riverine island in the world,
uplifts the limitless frontiers of the blue sky, perpetually caressing the
lapping waters of the holy Brahamaputra. Stretching to the distant hills of
the Himalayan and other ranges, Majuli is a creation of none other than the
master craftsman who himself moulded the universe.
Wildlife
Assam is one of the best destinations where one can encounter a great
variety of rare and endangered wildlife. Twenty out of forty one listed
endangered species of wildlife are found here. Several parks and national
sanctuaries are housed in this beautiful place
Kaziranga National Park
The first and the oldest National Park in Assam situated in Golaghat
District, is a World Heritage site. Spread over an area of 430 sq. kms.,
Kaziranga National Park is the natural home of the one-horned Indian
rhinoceros and a number of other exotic animals like Asian Elephant, Indian
bison, Swamp Deer, Samber, Hog Deer.
Manas National Park
Manas is a magnificent National Parks well known for Tigers. It is situated
on the bank of the river Manas at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is also
a World Heritage Site. Besides Tiger you can also see Rhino, Elephants, Wild
buffalo, Langoor, deer and hundreds of other species of animals and birds in
this park
Pilgrimage in Assam
Kamrupa
Kamakhya Temple
Nestled in the Brahmaputra valley, Assam had Tantric Shaktism, Shivaism and
later Vaishnavism flourishing. Many temples and monuments bear testimony to
this, like the Kamakhya temple, the Shakti Temple of mother Goddess Kamakhya
is situated on the top of Nilachal Hills. It is the the greatest shrine of
tantric Shaktism. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy place
during Ambubashi and Manasha Puja.
Hajo
On the north bank of Brahmaputra, 28 km from Guwahati, is Hajo which is an
important pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. Some Buddhists
believe that the Buddha attained nirvana here. The chief among the temples
is the Hayagriva-Madhab Temple. Poa Mecca is a famous Muslim pilgrimage
place here.
Adventure
Turbulent rivers, blue hlls, savage terrains beckon the adventurers for
sports like Angling, Trekking, Rock climbing, Mountaineering, etc. The river
Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas are the best places for angling. The Jia
Bhoroli river is home to the fierce game fish, the Golden Mahseer, or tiger
of the Himalayan rivers.
Reaching Assam
By Air : Guwahati is well connected by Air from Delhi and
Kolkata. Flight time between Guwahati Delhi is approximately 2.5 hrs.
By Rail : Journey by train from Delhi may take anywhere
from 24 36 hrs covering a distance of nearly 2000 Km. Rajdhani Express is
the best train between Delhi to Guwahati., though Brahmaputra train and
North east are also better.
By Road : People form neighbouring states can visit Assam
by road too.
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