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Assam, a beautiful state in Northeast India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, lush tea gardens, and scenic landscapes. It is a unique state geographically as it consists of three contrasting features in one region – The Northern Himalayas (Eastern Hills), The Northern Plains (Brahmaputra plain) and the Deccan Plateau (Karbi Anglong) – which adds to its natural beauty. Here’s a guide to the top things to do in Assam for an unforgettable experience.
10 Most Popular Things To Do In Assam
Here’s a list of the 10 best things to do when visiting Assam, the jewel of northeast India, known for its serene tea gardens, scenic valleys and beautiful culture:
1. Explore Kaziranga National Park
Photo: Diganta Talukdar / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, one of the largest in the world. It also features various endogenous flora, and there have also been sightings of the Ganges Dolphins. Witnessing these majestic animals in their natural habitat surrounded by the lush green plains of Assam. Tourists can enjoy jeep safaris and elephant rides to spot rhinos, tigers, elephants, and various bird species or take a boat ride on Brahmaputra along the park. One can also visit the nearby tea gardens and tribal villages.
Location: Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur districts, Assam
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: ₹100
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kaziranga On Your Wildlife Voyage To Assam
2. Visit Majuli Island
Photo: Kalai Sukanta / Wikimedia Commons
Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is located on the Brahmaputra River and is a hub of Assamese culture and Vaishnavite traditions. It has two major towns – Garamur and Kamalabari – and several other smaller villages spread across the island. The communities living here still practise living in huts made of bamboo, cooking food on a wood fire and doing most things manually. One can explore the island’s satras (monasteries), enjoy traditional Assamese dance and music performances, and witness the serene rural lifestyle. Don’t miss the Raas Mahotsav festival if you are visiting in November.
Location: Ferries available from Uzanbazar Ferry Ghat or the Kacheri Ghat
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: ₹15
3. Tea Garden Tours In Jorhat
Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
When visiting Assam, one simply cannot miss out on the tea gardens and tea factories. Jorhat, known as the Tea Capital of the World, is home to numerous tea estates. Tocklai Team Center is a laboratory and research institute marked as one of the largest and oldest tea stations in the world. These vast expanses of rich green plantations transport you to another world as you take in their mesmerising fragrance and delightful views. Visitors can enjoy tea-tasting sessions and stay in colonial-style tea bungalows for an immersive experience.
Timings: 8 AM -5 PM
Location: Barbheta, Jorhat, Senchoa Gaon, Assam
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Silchar Where The Nature’s Beauty Is At Its Peak
4. Cruise On The Brahmaputra River
Photo: VINOYBLOG / Wikimedia Commons
The mighty Brahmaputra River offers stunning views of the landscape, wildlife, and sunsets. A cruise on the Brahmaputra River is one of the top things to do in Assam. You can opt for a luxury river cruise or a traditional boat ride. There are various options, including lunch or dinner facilities, a family cruise, a short cruise, and activities such as sightseeing, music and dance cultural extravaganza, tasting the authentic Assamese cuisine made by the most premium chefs and much more. You can enjoy the onboard activities, visit riverine villages, and explore wildlife sanctuaries like the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Timings: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM for Lunch Cruise, 4 PM – 5 PM for Sunset Cruise, 8 PM for Dinner Cruise
Location: 2 km from Guwahati Railway Station, Guwahati, Assam
Cost/Person: ₹350 – ₹1200
5. Visit The Kamakhya Temple
Photo: Kunal Dalui / Wikimedia Commons
The Kamakhya Temple, situated on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, is one of India’s oldest and most revered Hindu temples. Dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, an incarnation of Shakti, this temple is a prominent pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the country. The temple complex features intricate stone carvings and beautiful architecture, showcasing the blend of Assamese and Bengal styles. It consists of several smaller shrines dedicated to various forms of the goddess. You can visit the temples of the Ten Mahavidyas, including Kali, Tara, and Bhairavi, within the complex.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 1 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Assam
6. Discover Sivasagar’s Historical Sites
Photo:Mozzworld / Wikimedia Commons
Sivasagar, the ancient capital of the Ahom kingdom, is rich in historical and architectural heritage. Sivasagar, formerly known as Rangpur, served as the capital of the Ahom Kingdom for more than 600 years. The town is dotted with numerous historical sites renowned for its unique architecture and engineering marvels. Joysagar Tank, one of the largest man-made tanks in India, was built by King Rudra Singha. The tank is surrounded by several temples, including the Joydol, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Some must-visit places are the Rang Ghar (an ancient amphitheatre), Talatal Ghar (a royal palace), and the Shivadol temple complex.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: ONGC Colony, Amolapatty, New Colony West, Sivasagar, Assam
Entry Fee: Free
7. Explore Manas National Park
Photo: Anushila Bharali / Wikimedia Commons
Manas National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The sanctuary is known for its population of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Gangetic Dolphin, and the rare Langur. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds. Visitors can enjoy visiting the different zones like Bansbari Zone, Bhuyanpara Zone, and Panbari Zone by taking safari rides. Accommodation is provided inside the park at The Florican Cottages, offering an immersive stay in theme-based rooms.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: ₹300 (Safari charges extra)
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Assam
8. Attend The Bihu Festival
Photo: NabaJyoti / Wikimedia Commons
Bihu is the most significant festival in Assam, celebrated three times a year: Rongali Bihu (spring festival), Bhogali Bihu (harvest festival), and Kongali Bihu (festival of lights). Each of these Bihus has its own unique customs, traditions, and festivities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Assam. You can enjoy home-cooked meals with local families to experience authentic Assamese hospitality. Tourists also participate in traditional Bihu dance and music performances, enjoy festive feasts, and experience vibrant cultural celebrations.
Month: April
9. Visit The Hajo Pilgrimage Site
Photo: Jugal Bharali / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hajo, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, is a unique pilgrimage site in Assam that holds religious significance for Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists. This ancient town is renowned for its temples and mosques, making it a symbol of religious harmony. The religious structures in Hajo exhibit unique architectural styles that reflect the cultural blend of the region. There are various things to do in Assam at this historical site, like participating in the daily rituals, attending the annual Doul (Holi) festival celebrated with great fervour and enjoying the serene ambience of the temple complex.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Location: Hajo, Assam
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jorhat On Your Next Journey To Assam
10. Explore The Wildlife At Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Photo: Rubul Deka / Wikimedia Commons
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, located in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of Assam, is one of the biodiversity hotspots in India. This pristine wilderness is known for its rich flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. It encompasses diverse habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, and dense forests. There are several rare and endangered birds here, such as the white-winged wood duck, Bengal florican, and various species of migratory birds. Visitors can opt for a boat safari on the Brahmaputra and Dibru rivers to observe aquatic wildlife and birdlife or take guided jeep safaris to get a closer look at the park’s terrestrial inhabitants.
Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM
Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam, India
Entry Fee: ₹1200 onwards
This list of the top 10 things you can do in Assam will help you make the best of this mesmerising state. Be it witnessing the one-horned rhinoceros in their natural habitat, tasting the freshest tea at the tea gardens or experiencing the Assamese culture in all its glory, Assam will make you spellbound with its beauty. Make trip planning easy with TripXL, and book your tickets now.
Cover Photo: Diganta Talukdar / Wikimedia Commons
