The renowned Hindu epic Mahabharata refers to this wonderful land as "Pragiyotisha" and "Kamarupa" in the first millennium. Assam was named after the Ahom kingdom, which lasted from 1228 to 1826. It became a British colony in 1838, and then an Indian state known as Assam after 1947.
Assam stretches along the Brahmaputra Valley like an ancient behemoth, stretching like a prehistoric colossus. It is one of India's largest and most well-connected northeastern states.
Assam is a notable refuge that has international borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan and is noted for its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and historical significance. Assam, one of India's most beautiful states, serves as a gateway to the country's fascinating and little-known northeast. The area is defined by the Brahmaputra River, beautiful hills, and a diversified flora and fauna.
It is one among the most well-known wildlife tourism locations in India. Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, and Nagaland are all sister states in Northeast India, and Assam serves as a gateway for travellers.
With a cuisine with unique flavours and aromas, a series of Hindu temples that top the list of sights, no permit requirement, a polite and friendly local community, colourful artistic heritage, and a magnificent and artistic site spruced up with exceptional dance styles, Assam is culturally and socially a little ahead of the other six sister states. Assam has successfully retained its sovereignty and identity despite cultural and linguistic influences from neighbouring states like Odisha and West Bengal.
Summer in Assam isn't as hot as it is in other states, and it can even be pleasant. In April, there is also the Rongali or Bohag Bihu festival to attend. Assam receives a lot of rain during the monsoon, which produces landslides in various sections of the state. Traveling to Assam during the monsoon season is not recommended because rainfall can disrupt travel arrangements and pose a threat. The winters in Assam are both cool and invigorating. It's time to rejoice and participate in Assam's cultural festival, which runs for the next few months. Two Bihu festivities are held in October and January, and both should not be missed.
The entrance to the northeast and the region's largest and most cosmopolitan city—serves as a launching pad for the other seven sisters' destinations. The architecture and dietary habits of the inhabitants bear witness to the British influence. The unspoiled Himalayas, which comprise some of the world's tallest peaks, may be found here, as well as many historic temples. The unspoiled Himalayas, which comprise some of the world's tallest peaks, may be found here, as well as many historic temples. The tourism attractions of Guwahati are well worth seeing.
It is one of Guwahati's oldest and most prominent temples, dedicated to the goddess Shakthi. The fact that the Brahmaputra River turns red in June is quite amazing. Goddess Shakthi is supposed to be menstruating at this time. With one of the most outstanding beautiful views in Assam, this temple remains at the top of the list of tourist attractions.
Kaziranga National Park is the epitome of good wildlife conservation in India, located in the state of Assam in North-Eastern India. In 1985, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site. It is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinos, who live in the Brahmaputra's floodplains. The fauna includes one-horned rhinos, Asiatic elephants, wild water buffalo, leopards, and Royal Bengal Tigers. With one of the world's greatest tiger populations, Kaziranga National Park is also recognised as a Tiger Sanctuary. The park is also home to a variety of bird species.
It is a lush green, pollution-free freshwater island in the Brahmaputra River, 20 kilometres from Jorhat and 347 kilometres from Guwahati. Majuli is the world's largest river island, with a surface area of 1250 square kilometres and a great tourist attraction.
Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve, and Assam's top tourist attraction all in one! For those looking to observe rare species of India's flora, Manas is one of the best national parks in Assam, if not all of India. It's home to the endangered golden langur and the adorable red panda.
With panoramic views, unique customs, and a strong tribal community, Dispur is Assam's gorgeous capital. The Assam Secretariat, State Emergency Operations Center, and State Assembly House are among the city's most important structures, which were recognised as the state's capital in 1973.
The majestic Kakochang Waterfall in Assam is unquestionably a must-see location for all nature lovers. The rubber and tea plantations feed the Kakochang waterfalls. Visitors can visit the falls at any time of year because it is a year-round site. This site gives visitors a pleasant feeling by offering a breathtaking view of the gorgeous tea plantations and the Numaligarh ruins.
Sivasagar is a well-known Assam destination with a rich and diversified wildlife as well as several historic monuments. Sivasagar is famous for its Ahom monuments and royal homes, which are all pieces of art. The majestic Sivasagar Tank is the town's most renowned attraction. Three significant temples surround the tank: the Shivadol, the Vishnudol, and the Devidol.
Due to the high number of tea plantations in the area, Jorhat is known as the world's Tea Capital. Some of Assamese culture's most important historical monuments can also be found in the city. Among the highlights are the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Manjuli Islands, the Kakochang Waterfalls, the Tocklai Tea Research Centre, the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, and various more attractions.
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for Assam's Hoolock Gibbon population, located less than 20 kilometres from Jorhat city centre. This wildlife sanctuary is one of Assam's top views for wildlife and nature lovers, with the Brahmaputra river on one side and tea gardens on the other. In addition to approximately 40 species of Hoolock Gibbons, this enclosure also houses Capped Langur, Stump-Tailed Macaque, Pigtail Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Slow Loris, Elephants, and other creatures.
Assam is one of the Eight Sister states of northeastern India. Assam is noted for its rich culture and diversified population, which is influenced by Indo Burmese, Mongolian, and Aryan influences. Assam's capital is Dispur, and the Brahmaputra Valley makes up the majority of the state. The Brahmaputra River also contains Majuli, the world's largest island.
The state places a high value on the customs and practises developed by their forebears. From greeting visitors to inheriting property from one's parents, all inhabitants must follow certain traditions. There are several tribal communities in the state, each with its own set of customs that differ from one another.
Nearly two thousand years ago, the first cultural amalgamation between Austro-Asian and Tibeto-Burman populations gave birth to Assamese culture. There were three waves of cultural integration in Assam. The first to mix with the few remaining aboriginal Austric peoples were Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups from China's Tibet, Yunnan, and Sichuan regions. Then, from Northern India, a wave of Indo-Aryans arrived, bringing Hinduism and Vedic culture to Assam. The Ahoms (Tai/Shan) were the final wave of migrants to arrive in Assam, writing a new chapter in the state's history. More Indo-Aryans arrived in Assam later, including Assamese Brahmins and Ganaks, as well as Assamese Kayasthas.
Assam as we know it now was founded by Ahom kings. The people of the state are known as Axomiyas, and Axomiya (Assamese) is the state's official language as well as the most widely spoken.
Traditional Assamese costumes are usually simple and attractive, and they are frequently hand-loomed. The most popular version is the Mekhela Chador, a two-piece garment worn by ladies of all ages. The most common clothing worn by men are the Dhoti and the Gamosa.
The state's tribal tribes have their own distinct clothing style that differs greatly from those of the other tribal groups.
Assamese people are known for their excellent jewellery, which is peculiar to the state. The jewellery is usually made by hand out of gold or silver. Men wear Biri, Lokaparo, Kundal Matamoni, and Magardana, while women wear Gam-kharu, Thuriya, Aargathi, Kharu Nupur, and Nalak.
Assamese people have been mostly skilled in crafts since ancient times. Assam rose to prominence thanks to its fine silk, sticks, and bamboo pieces. Assam's traditional grandeur includes fine arts and crafts. Finally, no vacation to Assam is complete without a stop at one of the state's many lovely art and craft shops.
The Bihu dance is unquestionably Assam's most famous and well-known dancing type. Aside from the Bihu dance, the state is home to a variety of other dance traditions, such as Sattriya Nritya (which represents Sattriya culture), Bagurumba (performed by the Bogo tribe), and many others.
The exquisite and peaceful music of the state is also well-known. Assamese songs, of which there are many, are an indispensible element of their culture. The Bihu songs are without a doubt the most well-known (Bihu Geet). Other folk songs include Tokari Geet, Kamrupiya Lokogeet, and Aainam.
Fairs and Festivals of Assam:
While Assam's natural beauty is enough to entice anyone, it also has something else to offer. Assam boasts a slew of festivals that honour both the gods and their visitors.
Assam is one of India's north-eastern states, with a different way of life, cuisine, and culture from the rest of the country. Assamese food has a distinct flavour profile that is both distinct and subtle. The main characteristic of the recipes is that they favour roasted and steamed meats. Rice is the state's main dish, and there are a variety of varieties to select from.
The following are some foods worth trying:
The bazaars and markets of Assam are a superb opportunity to discover the pearls of North-East India while also reminiscing about a wonderful vacation. Whether you're seeking for fine handcraft products, handmade fashion accessories, antique home décor items, or traditional apparel, the busy markets of Assam have a lot to offer.
By Air – The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is located 20 kilometres from Guwahati at Borjar. Through national and private airlines, Assam is connected to major Indian cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and others. Shillong, Naharlagun, Tawang, and Tura are all accessible by helicopter from Guwahati. You have a variety of automobile rental alternatives when you arrive at the airport.
By Railway – Guwahati Junction is the largest railway station in the state. Kamakhya Junction is the city's second-largest station. Guwahati is well connected to all of India's major cities via train. Hire a cab/taxi or take a local bus from the train station to go to the city centre or your hotel.
By Road – Guwahati is connected to the states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand by National Highway 31. It is connected to neighbouring cities in Assam as well as Dimapur in Nagaland by National Highway 37. Rupnath Brahma Inter-State Bus Terminus is the principal intercity transit hub (ISBT). A number of private and public buses provide intercity and interstate transit. In all touristy cities, there are a variety of automobile rental and hiring choices.
