Assam is a unique destination that offers a heady mix of captivating natural beauty, exciting wildlife encounters and vibrant cultural experiences. From the bustling markets of Guwahati to the rolling tea plantations around Sivasagar, it’s an unforgettable journey into India’s Northeast. So, if you’re planning a trip to Assam, here’s everything you need to know about how to reach the state and what to do there!
Assam is a north-eastern state of India. It is bounded by Bhutan, Tibet and Myanmar (formerly Burma). The state has an area of 78,438 sq mi (203,743 km2) and a population of 31,205,576 (2011 census). The Assamese people make up the majority of the population; other ethnic groups include the Bodo, Karbi, Dimasa, Koch, Rabha, Garo and Mishimi. The capital city is Dispur, located in the Guwahati metropolitan area.
The Brahmaputra River flows through Assam and is joined by two major tributaries, the Subansiri River and the Manas River. The Brahmaputra forms the largest riverine delta in the world at its confluence with the Ganges in Bangladesh. Assam experiences three seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. The average temperature ranges from 20 °C to 38 °C in summer and 5 °C to 15 °C in winter.
Transport in Assam includes roadways, railways and waterways. National Highways passing through Assam include NH 37, NH 44 and NH 53. There are also a number of state highways. Railways connect Assam with other parts of India; there are four railway zones in Assam - Northeast Frontier Railway Zone (headquartered at Maligaon), North East Railway Zone (headquartered at Gorakhpur), Katihar railway division (headquartered
A landlocked state in the northeastern part of India, Assam is well connected to the rest of the country by air, train, and road. The state capital, Dispur, is located in the vicinity of Guwahati, which is the largest city in Assam and also the gateway to the state.
By Air:
The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (IATA: GAU) at Guwahati is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai by regular domestic flights. The airport also has a few international flights to Bangkok and Singapore. Pre-paid taxi services are available from outside the airport to reach Dispur or any other destination in Assam.
By Train:
Guwahati is also a major railhead of Northeast India and there are several trains connecting it with other parts of the country. Some of the popular trains include Rajdhani Express (Delhi-Guwahati), North East Express (Kolkata-Guwahati), Brahmaputra Mail (Mumbai-Guwahati), among others. You can either take a direct train to Dispur or get down at Guwahati and then take a bus or taxi for your onward journey.
By Road:
Assam has an excellent network of roads connecting it with other parts of Northeast India as well as the rest of the country.
There is no best or worst time to visit Assam as the weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year. However, October to April are generally considered the best months to visit Assam as these months offer the perfect balance of cool temperatures and ample sunshine. This is also the peak tourist season in Assam so if you're looking to avoid the crowds, you may want to plan your trip for May or June instead.
Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its wildlife, tea gardens and temples. The capital, Dispur, is in the north-central part of the state. Assam is bounded by the states of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Nagaland to the northwest, Manipur to the east, Meghalaya to the south, and West Bengal to the southwest. The main river of Assam is the Brahmaputra; other major rivers include the Barak, Dhaleshwari, Jia Bhareli, Kopili and Manas. Wildlife in Assam includes rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, leopards and water buffalo in Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. Tea gardens are found in Assam's valleys, including Dibrugarh district. Sights in Assam include Bihu Dance Festival at Kamakhya Temple (Guwahati), Majuli Island (world's largest river island) and Digboi Oil Refinery (oldest refinery in Asia).
There are many places to visit in Assam, India. The state is home to numerous historical sites, natural beauty spots, and religious pilgrimage sites.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Assam include the Kaziranga National Park, the Manas National Park, and the Majuli island. Other popular tourist destinations include Sivasagar, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Guwahati.
The Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam. The park is home to two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinoceroses and also houses tigers, elephants, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy safari rides through the park or take part in elephant-back rides.
The Manas National Park is another popular tourist destination in Assam. The park is known for its rare and endangered wildlife species such as tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, and wild buffalo. The park also offers opportunities for bird watching and trekking.
Majuli island is the largest river island in the world and a popular tourist destination in Assam. The island is home to numerous Hindu temples and monasteries. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Brahmaputra River or go on nature walks through the picturesque countryside.
Sivasagar is a historic town in Assam that was once the capital of the Ahom kingdom.