Located on the banks of River Brahmaputra, flanked by neighbouring north-eastern states and countries of Bhutan and Bangladesh is the Indian state of Assam. Home to large number of wildlife sanctuaries, archaeological and historical sites, pristine natural beauty, breathtaking tourist destinations and the melting pot of cultures, tourism in Assam has little something for all. Here is a snippet of travel guide to see in this city, with the best time to see it being the winter and summer months.

Assam is well connected by rail, road and air with neighbouring cities and major states of India.

By Air:

The Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati is situated at Borjar, 20 km away from the city. National and private carriers operate regular flights from Assam to major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi etc.

By Rail:

Boasting of 259 railways stations, Assam is fairly well connected by rail with cities within the state and with other leading cities of the country.

By Road:

The Inter State Bus Terminus operates regular bus services connecting Assam with neighbouring tourist destinations and other north-eastern regions.

Getting Around in Assam:

Assam State Transport Corporation provides regular bus services for smooth travel within the state.

Summer (April – July):

Summer in Assam is not as sultry as in other states and can even be refreshing. Some of the best places to explore during summer are Kaziranga National Park, Majuli, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Haflong, Guwahati and Jorhat. One can also experience the Rongali or Bohag Bihu celebrated in the month of April.

Monsoon (July – September):

Assam receives abundant rainfall during monsoon, which often leads to landslides in different parts of the state. It is advisable not to visit Assam during monsoon as rains could impede travel plans and could also be risky.

Winter (October – March):

Winters in Assam are chilling and refreshing. It is the time to celebrate and participate in the cultural extravaganza that Assam experiences during these months. Two Bihu festivals are celebrated in October and January respectively which should not be missed. The winter months also witnesses lots of adventure activities one can participate in.

Sight Rhinos in Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary:

No Assam trip is complete without a visit to the world famous Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary and a glimpse of the endangered and rare one-horned rhinos. Apart from the rhinos the sanctuary houses a wide range of wildlife like tigers, deer, migratory birds, reptiles etc.

Celebrate the Spirit of Unity with Bihu:

The major festival of Assamese people is Bihu, which is celebrated thrice a year to usher in different seasons. Marked by festivities, traditional dance and songs, colourful attires and mouth-watering food, Bihu gives an opportunity to learn and experience the culture and traditions of the Assamese.

Visit Majuli:

The largest river island in the world, Majuli is the pride of Assam and must feature in your to-visit places in the state. The stunning natural beauty and serenity of the place is too alluring to give a miss.

Watch Sunrise on Brahmaputra:

It is believed that few other things can compare in beauty with the spellbinding golden Hue that is cast on the Brahmaputra by the rising sun. It is a show stealer and will create memories of a lifetime.

Visit the Silk Town of Sualkuchi:

Renowned as the ‘Manchester of Assam’ Sualkuchi produces some of the finest silks in the country. The beautiful traditional saree of Assam or ‘Mekhela Chador’ is woven from Sualkuchi silks. A quick visit to the town can be a good way to learn more about the art of weaving silk.

Stroll through Tea Gardens in Dibrugarh:

Producer of some of the finest blends of tea in the world, Dibrugarh is another pride of Assam. The sprawling tea gardens of the city are a major attraction for its tourists. One can learn about the art of growing tea while enjoying the stunning sights surrounding the tea estates.

Pay Homage to Goddess Kamakhya:

The Kamakhya Temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya is one of 51 Shakti Pithas of the country. It draws millions of devotees every year. A visit can be a spiritually enriching experience.

Assam boasts of a mouth-watering cuisine, rich in flavour and uniqueness that must be explored. Their dishes provide comfort and tingle the taste buds at the same time. Some of the best dishes that must be tried during your stay include Masoor Tenga, a tangy fish curry, Aloo Pitika which is their comfort food, duck meat curry, Ou Khatta, a type of sour chutney, Paro Manxho or pigeon meat - a delicacy, smoked pork with bamboo shoot, Pitha, the traditional sweet dish and several others. A rendezvous with a traditional Assamese thali is a must during your trip to Assam.

Shopping for souvenirs in Assam can be a delight as the buyer is often spoilt for choice. From the traditional ‘Mekhela Chador’ to world famous Assam tea, from bamboo handicrafts to Jhapi, the traditional hat worn by the farmers that are uniquely Assamese in nature. You can pick up a small something to take back home, to savour the flavour of Assam for forever.