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| Assam |
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 Assam
is the gateway to India's north eastern region, a state known
for its exquisite scenic beauty, lofty green hills, vales, vast
rolling plains, mighty waterways and a land of simple people,
fairs and festivals. Assam dominated by the mighty River Brahmaputra,
is renowned for its tea, rich flora and fauna, the world famous
one horned rhinoceros and other rare species of wildlife on
the verge of extinction. Assam has drawn people from diverse
cultures and races at different points of time. The main tourist
attraction is the Kaziranga National Park, home of India's rare
one-horned rhinoceros. The city of Guwahati is another place
in the state which has in its vicinity, numerous ancient Hindu
temples and which is reputed as an ideal place to explore the
whole North Eastern region. There are spacious and peaceful
resorts amidst Assam's luxuriant tea gardens. Most of these
have been converted into boutique properties, with exotic lifestyle
and environment that one can explore. |
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| GETTING
HERE |
| Assam is well
connected to the major cities of India by air. Several domestic
airlines fly to Guwahati, Jorhat and Dibrugarh. Air India also
operates an international weekly flight between Bangkok and
Guwahati. For travelling to Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh,
Meghalaya Helicopter Service and Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter
Service at Guwahati Airport are available. The state has a convenient
railway network both within the state and connecting with the
rest of the country. There are train services from Kolkata,
New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
Major towns within the state and the region are also connected
by the railway network. Several private travel companies as
well as the Assam State Transport Corporation operate a large
network of buses around the state. Assam has a very strong public
transport system. ASTC buses run across the entire NE region
and connect every corner of the state. Taxies are also widely
available. |
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| WHAT
TO SEE |
Guwahati
The Light of the East, Pragjyotishpura, as Guwahati was known
once upon a time, is said to have been a vast kingdom during
the epic period of the Mahabharata. Known as the city of temples
with several age-old shrines dotting the city landscape, Guwahati
today is a fine mixture of ancient reminders and modernity.
This sprawling metropolis on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra
is elegantly crafted by nature. Guwahati is not only the gateway
to the enchanting North Eastern India, but also its largest
city.
Major attractions for the tourists in Guwahati are State Museum,
State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra,
Dighalipukhuri, cruises on the river Brahmaputra, Balaji Temple,
Planetarium, Saraighat Bridge, Guwahati Oil Refinery, Lachit
Barphukoon Park and the Guwahati University. For tourists in
search of spirituality, Guwahati has several legendary ancient
temples like Kamakhya, Nabagraha, Umananda, Basisthashram and
Mahabhairab, all steeped in amazing mythology.
Attractions surrounding Guwahati are many. Sualkuchi (32 kms
from Guwahati) is one of the world's largest weaving villages;
Hajo (32 kms) is a place where three religions (Hindu, Islam
and Buddhist) meet; and Madan Kamdev (40 kms) has magnificent
archaeological ruins that resemble Khujaraho.
Dibrugarh
(369 kms from Guwahati) Dibrugarh is an industrial town and
the second largest city of Assam.
Jorhat
(300 kms from Guwahati) Bounded by massive tea gardens on all
the sides, this can be the best place for tourists to indulge
in tea tourism.
Majuli
(320 kms from Guwahati) It is the largest river island in the
world with unique tradition and is the centre of Vaishnav culture.
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Sibsagar
(369 kms from Guwahati) It was the capital of the Ahom dynasty.
This town is bounded by several important archaeological monuments
and reminders of the past.
Manas National Park
(176 kms from Guwahati) A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this picturesque
park is a renowned tiger reserve.
Kazaringa
National Park
This world famous grassy and wetland ecosystem in central Assam
is home to the exotic one-horned rhinoceros. It is 217 kms from
Guwahati and 96 kms from Jorhat (nearest airport).
Haflong
One of the most beautiful hill towns of Assam. Places to see
around here are Jatinga and Borail Hills.
Digboi
Surrounded by numerous Tea Gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi
is a major oil town. Today, the oil field and refinery located
here are the oldest continuing oil field and refinery in the
world.
Tezpur
(181 kms from the capital city of Guwahati) Situated on the
north bank of the majestic river Brahmaputra, Tezpur town has
magnificent scenic beauty, which simply captivates the tourists.
It also has some exquisite archaeological ruins. It is the headquarters
of Sonitpur district and is considered one of the most beautiful
towns of the state.
Bhalukpung
(230 kms from Guwahati) Surrounded by mystic blue hills and
evergreen forests, Bhalukpung is situated on the banks of the
river Jia Bharali. It is very famous for its unique natural
beauty and wonderful water sports like angling and rafting.
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