Touring across the gateway of North East India – Assam

Sprawled along the Brahmaputra valley, Ahom, or as more popularly known as Assam is the gateway to the Northeast States of India. Distinct in its own terms, a tour to Assam can never be completed without visiting the tea plantations and sipping in the most aromatic beverage of the country. Ranging from vibrant artistic heritage to boundless natural beauty, travelling to Assam is bound to give your vacation a memorable experience.

Travelling to Assam has too many options to follow. It is well connected by railways, roadways and airways. The National Highway Number 37, 31, 40, 38 and 52 connects Assam to the other major states of India. For visiting the adjacent tourist areas such as Shillong, Cherrapunji etc., one can hire jeeps and taxis. You can also opt for the tempo traveller for Assam depending on the need and budget of the trip. Being one of the main north eastern states of India, it has now developed as one of the major tourist as well as business destination for people. Travellers can get their customised tour packages or else plan for private tours to enjoy the scenic beauty of Assam.

The main sights in Assam tour package include Kamakhya Temple, Shivsagar, Haflong, Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, Manas National Park and Hajo. For the shopaholics, the choicest options are available at Fancy Bazaar, Pan Bazaar and Paltan Bazaar – all of which are located at Guwahati. The antiques and handicraft items are available at the Government Emporia shops.

Culturally, Assam is a sovereign state. Its signature gamosa (a red-and-white scarf worn around the neck by men) and the mekhola sador (the traditional dress for women) make the local residents different from the rest of the folks. The state also has typical culinary cuisines which are distinctly different that the common Indian dishes.

Not only for the leisure travellers, Assam has now developed as promising destination for corporate and MICE travellers as well. Some of the best hotel chains and guesthouses offer great amenities to make you Assam stay one of the finest experiences.

Major places to visit

Dibrugarh – The original tea city of Assam, Dibrugarh offers a clementine ambience. If you are interested in the Brahmaputra River to Pasighat ferry ride, here is where you have to start.

Tezpur – Not exactly for the utilitarian travellers, Tezpur is a cheerful town with attractive lakes and bounty natural freshness. The view of the mighty Brahmaputra River adds to the charming call of the state.

Jorhat – This is more of a choice for the business travellers than the leisure ones. However, for visiting the Majuli Island, this is the terminating point. The town’s commercial street and main AT Rd (NH37) meet at the conjunction of a lively central market.

Sivasagar – Initially known for being the capital city of the Ahom dynasty, Sivasagar received its name from the reservoir complex in the heart of town. Apart from being the transit point for Nagaland, the suburban settlement is worth exploring for the tourists.