ASSAM: MAJOR CITIES AND TOURIST PLACES

Major cities

Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh is a city, well known as the Tea City of India and the headquarters of Dibrugarh district in Assam. The city of Dibrugarh is located 439 kms (273 miles) east of Guwahati, the capital city of the Indian state of Assam. Dibrugarh is the nerve center of industry, communication and healthcare of the upper Assam region and is one of the two main cities in the state of Assam, to receive urban development aid from the Asian Development Bank.

Tezpur

Tezpur is a historical city of Assam whose existence dates back to centuries. It is situated on the North Bank of Brahmaputra in Assam it has a population of about 1,00,000 people. It is the major commercial cum administrative Centre of North Assam. It is also said to be the cultural capital of Assam.Many Historical ruins are also available till date. It is also a moajor Tea and Tourist Centre of Assam it scenic beauty is breathtaking specially in the winters with snowcapped himalayas at the Backdrop.

Guwahati

Guwahati is an ancient urban area, largest city of Assam and northeastern India. It is one of the fastest developing cities in India and is a major city in Eastern India, often referred as “Gateway of North Eastern Region” of the country. Guwahati and its environs are rich in wildlife with several rare mammals such as Asian elephants, python, tiger and primates.The bird life in and around the city is also rich and diverse.

Jorhat

Jorhat is one of the major cities of the Indian state of Assam. Jorhat acts as a gateway to upper Assam and to the state of Nagaland. It was the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom and home to many historical monuments of Assamese culture. In the north of the district, the Brahmaputra River forms the largest riverine island of the world, Majuli, which spreads over 924.6 square kilometres with a population of about 150,000. The island, threatened with constant erosion by the mighty and unstable Brahmaputra River, had been the principal place of pilgrimage of Vaishnavites since the age of the Ahom rulers.

Tinsukia

Tinsukia is a city and municipal board in Tinsukia district, Assam, India. Tinsukia is a regional business hub in the Indian state of Assam. It is situated 480 kilometres north east of Guwahati and 84 kilometres kilometres away from the border with Arunachal Pradesh.

Dhubri

Dhubri is the headquarters of Dhubri district (Assam) India. It is an old town on the bank of the Brahmaputra and Gadadhar rivers, with historical significances. Dhubri was an important commercial centre and had a busy river port particularly for jute. Dhubri is called the “Land of Rivers” as it is covered three sides by rivers.

Majuli

Majuli is a large river island in the Brahmaputra river, in Assam, India. Majuli is the 24th largest river island in the world. The island had a total area of 1,250 square kilometres (483 sq mi). Majuli has shrunk as the river surrounding it has grown. The island is formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north. Mājuli island is accessible by ferries from the City of Jorhat. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state’s largest city Guwahati. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Mājuli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.

Lumding

Lumding is a town and a municipal board in Nagaon district in the Indian state of Assam . The word ‘Lumding’ owes its roots to a couple of Dimasa words ‘Lama’ and ‘Ding’ connoting ‘Way/path’ and ‘straight’ respectively. It is famous for being one of the bigger divisional headquarters of the North East Frontier Railway and the biggest junction in the North-Eastern part of the country. The town is also the gateway to the visually enchanting Lumding-Badarpur hill-tract between Lumding and Badarpur.

Major tourist places

Agnigarh Hill

Agnigarh hill is situated in Tezpur in Assam. As per Hindu mythology, a fortress was built here by King Banasura with a view to isolate his daughter Usha. The legend further goes to say that the place derived the name owing to the fire that surrounded the fortress always to avoid movement in and out of the place. The word Agni means fire.

Brahmaputra river cruise

Dividing the city into 2 halves, the majestic flow of the river offers stunning views and great entertainment. Brahmaputra is the longest river in the country and cruising on the river that flows through the rich beauty of Assam is a unique experience. A cruise on Brahmaputra offers tea garden visits, wildlife viewing and exploring villages and towns. You could have a great time experiencing the essence of Assam on your cruise.

Kamakhya temple

The Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya.It is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Pithas. Situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam.

Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in the Tinsukia district of the state of Assam. Total area of the park is about 340 Km2. Dibru-Saikhowa wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a National park in the year of 1999. Dibru-Saikhowa is a safe haven for many extremely rare and endangered species of wild life including over 300 avifauna both endangered and migratory, as well as various species of shrubs, herbs and rare medicinal plants. Some rare and endangered animals of this park are Hoolock gibbon, capped langur, slow loris, water buffalo, tiger, elephant, gangetic river dolphin etc.

Digboi

Asia’s first oil refinery, which is the second in world, is in Digboi. The oil town not only has refinery, which is over 100 years old but also has number of tea gardens. The place with misty blue hills offers various attractions including Digboi Oil Refinery, Ridge Point and Digboi Centenary Museum. From Ridge Point, you could have a stunning view of snow-clad mountains of eastern Himalayas. Digboi Centenary Museum gives you an insight into the history of the town.

Haflong Lake

Haflong Lake is situated at the centre of Haflong hill town, which is famously called the ‘Switzerland of the East’. The picturesque landscape with blue hills, large and beautiful lakes, enthralling streams, waterfalls and abundance of pineapple trees and orange trees earns the title for Haflong town. Haflong Lake is one among the two lakes of the town. It is situated at an altitude of 1683 feet above MSL and no wonder you will find clouds and mists touching your arms as they gently move away. The beauty not only enthralls you but also offers various water sports and hence both your body and mind are rejuvenated.

Diphu

Diphu is situated in Karbi Anglong district in Assam. The town has various tourist attractions. If you love nature, you would love Arboretum, which is located near Diphu. The 13-hectare lush greenery offers spectacular views, which soothes your mind. Botanical Garden, which is a 5 km distance from Diphu, houses a variety of species of trees and plants. Boating facilities are available here. If you are keen to learn about the cultural past of the town, you need to visit District Museum. The museum was founded in 1886 and it displays artifacts that have archaeological importance and represent the culture of the land. You could find hunting tools used by the tribes here.

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site. The park is spread over 430 sq. kms and you will find various wild species such as tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, Indian bison, sambar, deer and many more. If you love birds, you need to be here during winter as migratory birds are seen in great numbers. You could go round the park in a jeep or car. If you fancy elephant ride, you are most welcome. The nearest cities from Kaziranga National Park are Jorhat and Tezpur.

Orang National Park

Orang National Park is situated on the northern banks of the river Brahmaputra. It is the only National Park in the country, which was created naturally. The tribes who lived there had abandoned 78.81-sq.km area. Some of the animals found here include royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhinoceros, leopard, elephant and many more. The place offers great delight to bird watchers as one could find various local birds and migratory birds here. Orang Tiger Reserve has recently been declared Indian’s 49th Tiger Reserve.

Umrangshu

Like most of the towns in Assam, Umrangshu is a picturesque beauty with beautiful hills and lush greenery. You would love your journey if you go trekking from Haflong Hill to Umrangshu. If you are planning a perfect holiday in a serene atmosphere that elevates your spirits, you cannot choose a better place than Umrangshu. Nature has blessed certain places on earth abundantly, but Umrangshu gains prominence as it remains untouched by the modern world in the name of so-called civilization. Garampani, the hot spring here attracts many tourists for its medicinal value. Kapili Hydel Power Plant is situated near the border and it is a famous tourist spot being the first of its kind here.

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