Guwahati

It seem like the elders in the society can never be wrong. They once named Guwahati Pragjyotishpur (Light of the East) and we believe that Guwahati has lived up to this title. It is the largest cosmopolitan city in the North East and is often referred to as the Gateway of North East India as well. Snuggling the turbulent Brahmaputra River and touching the feet of the Shillong plateau, Guwahati has been blessed with immense natural beauty that one can apparently witness, once one moves towards the suburbs of the city. Since, it is the centre of many alluring tourist destinations in Assam like Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya Temple, Bamuni Lake, Umananda Temple and Sualkuchi, tourists have to pay a visit to this incredible place.

Sualkuchi

Find the best handloom work at Sualkuchi. Situated about 35kms from Guwahata, Sualkuchi is the pride of Assam. Visiting here can be an eclectic experience as at each house here one can find traditional bamboo looms. Known for silk weaving and making of some gorgeous Mekhla Chadars, (Traditional Women Attire), saris and shawls, the locals of Sualkuchi have simple traditional lives. It is one of a kind place, where tourists have the opportunity to witness the lifestyle of the natives and interact with them. The rustic setting and the nature’s beauty further add to the attraction of this lovely place.

Tezpur

Abounding archaelogocal sites, deep mythological connection and beauty that can woo any nature lover, make Tezpur one of the best places to see in Assam. Situated in Sonitpur district, Tezpur is located at the bank of the River Brahmaputra. The city is often called the City of Eternal Romance as it narrates a love story of Usha (King Baana’s Daughter) and Anirudha (Grandson of Lord Krishna). The scenic beauty of Tezpur has been enhanced by the surrounding mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, the sprawling tea gardens, swiftly flowing Brahmaputra and the northern backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, which honestly make the city ever so romantic. Bamuni Hill, Agnigarh, Cole Park, Mahabhairab Temple, Hazara Pukhuri and Bhomoraguri are the major attractions in the city. Tezpur can be an ideal honeymoon destination in Assam, the kinds that will amplify the power of Love.

Jorhat

Reckoned to be the Cultural Capital of Assam, Jorhat owes much to its history. It was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and thus has the last burial mounds of the empire. Today Jorhat has the largest Tea research station in the country and therefore it is now known as the Tea Capital of India. Jorhat is inhabited by people of different culture; thus every now and then the city is seen celebrating one festival or the other making it one of the most popular travel destinations in Assam.The main attractions of Jorhat include Bangal Pukhuri, Thengal Manor, Burigosain Devalaya, Purnananda Buragohain Maidam, Bilvesvar Siva Temple, Magolu Khat, Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar and Raja Maidam.

Majuli

A little of history and whole lot of nature makes Majuli the best place to visit in Assam. It is India’s largest riverine island and is also one of the most important Satras established by Sankardeva and Madhavdeb. Formed by the turbulent Brahmaputra, Majuli islands sprawls over an area of approximately 452 sq km. Most of the islands in Majuli get submerged in water during monsoon; however, the bigger islands like Kamalabari, Auniati and Garamur remain in a better condition. Majuli is a birdwatcher’s paradise and the camera wielders are simply going to get hooked to this place. Holiday in Assam is incomplete without paying a visit to this impeccable destination. With almost no hotels, Majuli is a one of its kind place that you will visit in India. Homestays are the only option here, but during the stay one gets the chance to witness the lifestyle of the people of Majuli. The main occupation here is agriculture, weaving, fishing, pottery and boat making.

Sivasagar

Literally meaning The Ocean of Lord Shiva, Sivasagar is one of the popular tourist attractions in Assam. This Upper Assam city has served as the seat of the Ahom for over 6 centuries, so you can expect a lot of Ahom influence in the architecture and culture here. Sivasagar was reckoned as the Golden Land by the Ahoms, who by chance reached this gorgeous place and found it worthy enough to be their power seat. At present, the city is amongst the most important tea and oil trading centres in Assam. Sivasagar is a great place for history lovers. Also, since the city has a fabulous backdrop, photographers are likely to get attracted to it as well. Shivadol, Gaurisagar Tank, Joysagar Tank and Temples, Rang Ghar, Charaideo, Ahom Museum, Talatal Ghar and Gargaon Palace are the tourist attractions in Sivasagar.

Dibrugarh

Meet the Tea City of India, Dibrugarh, which is situated in the Upper West region of Assam. An important tea trading centre and the authentic reflection of Assam, Dibrugarh has been quite a charmer all through the years. One has the opportunity to see the most turbulent face of Brahmaputra here along with witnessing the scenic panorama of pristine beauty. Dibrugarh has been popular amongst tourists as it offers the opportunity for different adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering and camping and if you are travelling in Assam you are likely to be advised to visit this beautiful place for sure. The city is also an important hub of silk garments. Exhilarating is all its senses; Dibrugarh is one experience that you should not miss out in Assam.

North Cachar Hills

Yes, this is the place that you were looking for… far from the maddening crowd and nestled in the pristine lap of nature; North Cachar Hills are amongst the best sightseeing places in Assam that you can think of! The rollings hills are home to many tribes in Assam like Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Zeme, Biate and Hrangkhol, who have their own customs, dialects and traditions. A lively region with ever so vivacious culture and landscape, North Cachar is a nature lover’s heaven with cascading waterfalls, streams and rivulets and the chain of emerald green mountains. Dima Hasao as it is called has attractions like Jatinga, Haflong, Maibang, Umrangso and Panimoor. Each of these places has the enigmatic power to leave one spellbound with its beauty and utmost tranquility.

Barak Valley

Assam got it rolling and Barak Valley leads the march. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions that one can come across in Assam, Barak Valley cover the regions of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi. Silchar is the major town of this region, which lies on the bank of Barak River. The whole of Barak Valley is a dreamland with undulating lush green hills, tea gardens, meandering rivers (Barak and Kushiara) and impeccable peace; it is indeed the best place for sightseeing tour in Assam. The main attractions of Barak Valley are Khaspur, Bhuban Temple, Salganga, Karimganj, Badarpur Fort, Hailakandi, Pirbadi, Siddeshwar Temple, Adi Kali Mandir and Kachakanti Temple. Winter is the best season to visit Barak Valley but if you want to taste the famous Lakhipur pineapple, monsoon is the best time to be here.

I am spellbound and hope you are too! Assam just made an indelible mark in my mind and is definitely in my list of places to visit in India. As a traveller, you should also make a note on Assam and visit this surreal land whenever it is possible.