20 Amazing Things To Do In Assam

20 Amazing Things To Do In Assam

From: http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/best-5-things-to-do-in-assam/

November 26, 2012

Assam or ‘Axom’, a treasure trove of diverse history and natural beauty, is amongst the very few places that remained unconquered by the Mughal emperors. Located in the north-eastern part of the country, it is also one of the least explored regions of the country. Divided into two major regions by the mighty Brahmaputra; Upper and Lower Assam, the state boasts of its pristine beauty, vibrant cultures, historical significances and several other indigenous aspects.
Be it the stunning beauty or the heart-warming ambience of the state, the misty outlook or the One-horned Rhinos, Assam undoubtedly makes it for an impeccable tourist destination. Here are 20 amazing things to do in Assam:

1. Spot One-horned Rhinos in Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary:

   
   The only natural home to the endangered One-horned Rhinoceros in the world, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest and most stunning wildlife protected areas in India. Located in the Golaghat district of Assam, the sanctuary boasts of its stunning range of wildlife that primarily includes the One-horned Rhinos, Elephants, Indian Tigers, Deer, Will Buffaloes, Migratory Birds, Reptiles and several others.
   

2. Visit Majuli, the Largest River Island in the World:

   
   Spreading over 1,250sq.km, Majuli is surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra and is known for its vibrant cultures and traditions. Home to the natives called ‘Misings'; this fresh water island is in fact the largest river island in the world. However, over the last few decades, global warming and other environmental issues has given rise to soil erosion and has endangered the existence of Majuli.

3. Witness Love, Peace and Brotherhood during Bihu:

   
   Celebrated thrice in a year, Bihu is mainly celebrated to welcome the different seasons and appreciate their offerings. Enjoyed throughout the state with immense joy and vigour, this festival stands as a testimony to the universal brotherhood, peace and love that exist in every corner of the state. Folk or authentic music, colourful attires, delicious foods, joy and merriment fills in the ambience during the auspicious celebration of Bihu.

4. Visit Digboi, the Oldest Refinery in Asia:

   
   The ‘Oil City of Assam’ or Digboi is located in the Tinsukia district of Assam. Home to the first oil refinery in the country as well as in the entire of Asia; Digboi Oil Refinery, this scenic town stands as a lively testimony to Assam’s British era.

5. River Rafting and Angling in Nameri National Park:

   
   If you are an ardent fan of adventure and thrill, Nameri National Park should be your next adventure destination. The Jia Bhorali River passing through this sanctuary makes it for an enchanting destination for adventure sports like river rafting and Golden Mahsheer fishing.

6. Spend a day in Haflong, the Switzerland of the East:

   
   Also known as the ‘Ant Hill Town’ or the ‘Switzerland of the East’, Haflong is the only hill station in Assam. Rolling hills and mountains, pleasant climate, panoramic views, picturesque valleys and meadows are the main attraction of this quaint town.

7. Be a Part of the Tea Festival in Jorhat:

   
   The producer of the finest quality tea in the world, Assam has an age long bonding with tea production! On a visit to Jorhat during the months of November-January, you can witness and discover Assam’s immortal bonding with tea leaves at the Tea Festival; a chance to witness and sample some of the best quality black tea in the world and know more about the tradition.

8. Enjoy a Silky Visit to Sualkuchi:

   
   Popularly called the ‘Manchester of Assam’, Sualkuchi is the home to some of the finest silk producing units in the country. The silks used in the colourful Assamese attires are majorly crafted from Sualkuchi silks. Not only silk, this town is also known for its mixed diversity and pictorial beauty.

9. Picnic in the Peacock Island:

   
   Resembling the shape of a peacock, the Umananda Island in the Kamrup district is also known as the ‘Peacock Island’. Surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra on all the sides, it is the smallest river island in Assam and is a pure delight for activities like picnic, leisure day outing and much more. It can be easily reached from the mainland of Guwahati on boats and ferries.

10. Visit Tea Gardens in Dibrugarh:

    
    If you are drinking a cup of the finest quality tea anywhere in the world, there are more than 70% chances that the tea was blended in Dibrugarh! Also known as the ‘Tea City of India’, this town in Assam is known for its finest blends of tea leaves and is also the largest tea producing town in the world.

11. Seek Blessings in the Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati:

    
    
    With the Mother Goddess Kamakhya as the main deity, this pious temple is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. Situated atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, this 8th century temple is a prime pilgrim centre for the Hindus and is visited by millions of devotees every year. According to the legends, the main temple was crafted by Lord Vishwakarma, which got demolished by several intruders before the present one was finally established later in the 17th century.

12. Explore History, Beliefs and Faiths in Dhubri:

    
    Jotted with the Brahmaputra River on three sides, Dhubri; also known as the ‘Land of Rivers’, is one of the oldest as well as least discovered towns in Assam. Sharing international boundaries with Bangladesh and national boundaries with West Bengal and Meghalaya, this quaint town is the home to Gurdwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib; one of the most sacred Gurdwaras in the world. Also, the town served as the resting camp of the Mughals, before they tasted defeat in the hands of the mighty hands of the Ahom rulers.

13. Enjoy River Cruise in the Brahmaputra:

    
    Flowing through the entire length and breadth of the state, the mighty Brahmaputra is also an ideal river cruise destination in the country. With its origin at the great Himalayan Range, a cruise down this stunning river will take you through most of the remarkable and stunning spots in Assam. In some parts of the river, you can also experience river rafting and delightful boat rides.

14. Witness the Cult of Voodoo in Mayong:

    
    Located around 40km from the capital city Guwahati, Mayong is disguised as the ‘Land of Black Magic’. A rustic hamlet where voodoo is believed to be practiced by most of the villagers, the inhabitants of this village were known to perform black magic for the Ahom rulers in defending their homeland. Black magic and sorcery is still believed to be an indispensible part of the Mayong culture!

15. Discover the Religious Town of Hajo:

    
    Standing graciously on the banks of Brahmaputra and around 24km from Guwahati, Hajo is one of the ancient pilgrims for the Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. Amongst all the sacred places in Hajo, Hayagriva Madhava Tample, Powa Mecca, Kedareswara and Madan Kamdev temples are considered as the most pious ones.

16. Visit Agnigarh, a Saga of True Love in Tezpur:

    
    According to the legends, this ancient fortress was once the residence of a princess called ‘Usha’, who fell in love with ‘Aniruddha’, the grandson of Lord Krishna. But as she belonged to the demon clan, Usha’s father didn’t approve their relation and kept his daughter guarded in the fort while surrounded by fire, and thus the name ‘Agnigarh'(Agni = Fire & Garh = Fort in Assamese).

17. Get Introduced to Khar and Bhut Jolokia:

    
    Your visit to Assam will never be complete without the taste of Khar and Bhoot Jolokia (Ghost Chilly)! The most authentic and traditional meal in the Assamese cuisine, Khar is made from ‘Amita’ (papaya) or the burnt skin of banana. The Bhoot Jolokia pickle just fits into any of the dishes as an appetizer!

18. Sample Duck Roast and Masor Tenga:

    
    Without foods, the Assamese culture is just like the sea without the tides. Be it any celebrations, festivals or any occasions, Assamese people takes in the delight of several authentic and traditional delicacies. While in Assam, do not forget to sample roasted Duck and Masor Tenga (sour fish curry) and pamper your taste buds!

19. Have a Glimpse of Assamese Culture in Sivasagar:

    
    Sibasagar or Sivasagar or the ‘Ocean of Lord Shiva’ is clad with timeless monuments and epics that describe the Assamese culture and history at the best. Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar and Kareng Ghar are some of the most popular and stunning monuments to visit in this town.

20. Spend an Evening in Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati:

    
    Last, but not the least in this list is this cultural establishment in Guwahati. Showcasing and portraying the indigenous cultures of the Assamese, it is a one-stop destination to know more about Assam and its glorious history.
    
    As the winters are knocking at the doors, it is time to chomp on the traditional ‘Axomiya Tamulpaan’ and beat the frostiness of the winter! Tamulpaan comprises of areca nuts served with betel leaves along with a touch of lime. A symbol of respect of honour, Tamulpaan is offered after every meal and in every Assamese family.

Interesting travelogue

http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/50-places-to-visit-in-india-before-you-turn-30/

Also, one more good idea:
http://delhibyfoot.in/ (thanks to Priyanka)

Europe travel

http://www.tripbase.com/d/awards/2011/categories/winners/europe.htm

Best of Europe travel blogs, that's what they say!

After seeing Paris Breakfast's pics through http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.in/  
I desperately want to feel Paris. Being a vegetarian and one who loves low sugar desserts, I don't know how much of an experience that would be but I am fascinated. Is everything in Paris so delectably beautiful? Will I be an odd woman out in the fashionable land of Paris? Will the journey satisfy my curiosity and inculcate some artistry in me? Sometimes, some of these magazines and websites paint such a rosy picture that when you see the site and go through all the hassle, it looks much less perfect. But, why do we aim at perfection in the first place? What is wrong with messy? I think only photoshoots carefully planned and executed can achieve that perfection. A real travel is messy. Plans go awry.. You will be forced to eat food that's not your choice. You will have bedbugs. You may catch the mosquite bite in Africa. You may lose your wallet and worst of all your passport. You may face discrimination. You may be running all the time, to cover a place. You may be all sweaty and dirty at some places. You may not have a decent shower place (as discovered in my recent trip to TopSlip).
All of this could happen.  But still, man travels. He travels to see new things. He travels to meet new people and cultures. He travels to form new ideas, to get inspired, to fall back in time or ahead of his time, to see things that he never imagined.
Ironically most travels don't achieve this -because we want to rush and see things. We Indians, most of us, do not observe carefully. We miss the finer details of travel. We want to cover everything so that it can be ticked off as done. We come back from vacation just to be tired and in need of a relaxing one. I was one among that class. Slowly I realized that I could not run that fast. I could not absorb things so fast. I started liking relaxed holidays. I would make a list of things to see.. and places to eat in.. but would not be very rigid. Yes, occasionally there are the regrets that I did not do what I wanted to (recently I wanted to pick some nice teas from TMJ Trader in Valparai but totally slipped out of my mind). But that's ok. Travel also comes with regrets. You looks shabby in desert pics. You're ill dressed for the beach. You had a severe episode of gas after rajma. All this happens. You are severely constipated (something I suffer during all my travels). If all this deters you from travelling that means, your comfort matters more than the travel part. So, stay at home (I give this advice to myself most of the times).

The wandering woman has a nice collection of travel quotes.

http://wandering-woman.blogspot.in/2006/12/to-travel.html

When I was searching about France and Italy I stumbled upon this nice blog.
http://mesamis.wordpress.com/

On my bucket list is:
Discover Rabindranath and food in Kolkata.
Visit wildlife in the North East.

France and Italy - cultural, historical and culinary tours.
Turkey - the whirling dervishes and Grand bazaar alone are enough to enchant me.
London and Scotland

Now that I am jobless and so is hubby, I have kept my desires at watch. It would be nice to see these places but I would be ok even if I die without seeing them.

To top it all, I saw a job opening at WOW. How cool! But, I don't know what is expected and whether it's my type. For one, I cannot travel too much. 1. My body violently opposes too much travel for some reason. 2 - I donno if I am that adjusting with unclean surroundings or people. 3. I am picky about food. 4. My war with heat - I get all sweaty in even moderately hot surroundings. It then takes all the fun out of the travel. 5. I am ill dressed mostly. That's not my problem, but I am sure people would hate to see such a terribly dressed person. (What would the French think of me?).

If I even plan a journey to Europe, I need to take months before to alter my sartorial choices. Given my 1X size, it's not easy to get decent fitting and decent looking clothes, but nevertheless I shall try.
Why not start a portal where you advice people what to wear where? Would make travel even more interesting. I remember in absolute horror the days I roamed the US in very colorful salwars. Some people did like them as they were unique...but I must have been a pretty odd sight.