Found at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Assam has unique biodiversity. As you travel around, you encounter an untouched jungle paradise. Year round, the landscapes are green and beautiful. This natural wilderness makes Assam perfect for wildlife adventurers and nature lovers.
If you want a piece of India that uplifts and invigorates your soul, Assam could be what you're looking for:
Assam is famous for endless rolling plains of greenery, captivating beauty as far as the eye can see. Natural wildlife in the shape of conservation reserves and national parks. That makes India one of the top countries worldwide, for ensuring a safe haven for wild wildlife. India having over 100 national parks, 18 of them in Assam alone. Assam is no different with both Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. A third national park, Nameri is a bird watchers paradise waiting for you to discover.
Does Assam feel as if it's home for you? It should do, if nature and wildlife bring you joyful thoughts. Continue to read on, you're going to love a holiday there.
The monsoon season begins any time from July and lasts until September. The monsoon produces a constant downpour often flooding parts of the state. The flooding extending into neighboring states too, of course. And yet, despite all the rainfall it is still warm and humid, nonetheless. Temperatures not dipping below the mid-80's Fahrenheit most days. It's marvelous, believe us.
Don't let one of India's monsoon's put you off traveling to the country, that'd be a regrettable mistake.
The best time, for your enjoyment is to travel to the state any month other than July, August and September. You'll find April and May are the best months for touring Assam. That's when you can expect the least amount of rain impacting on a tour of the tea plantations.
Which should you visit? The tea plantations of Assam, or those found in Munnar, Kerala.
It depends.
Are you planning to be holidaying in Kerala's Alleppey backwaters? You'll find Munnar more favorable to you. Although most of the tea in India comes from Assam, do remember that Munnar is the tea capital of Kerala.
Otherwise, opt for Assam's tea estates. By all means do visit a tea plantation when holidaying in India. They're a one-off experience and you can sample the teas before purchasing in bulk. Tea bought at source is fresher, and a lot cheaper. Take tea back home with you, and enjoy for months afterwards, as a constant reminder of India.
Related Reading: 13 of India's Most Popular Hill Stations for a Two Day Escape
The Assam state handles growing and producing the vast majority of India's tea. That makes Assam famous all around the world. Also, Assam is famous for, is the largest population of one horned rhinoceros. The majority of which belong to this one national park. The UNESCO World Heritage national park houses the rhino, and other wildlife such as:
The park is one of the best conservation wildlife sanctuaries India has. When traveling to Assam take note opening times for the Kaziranga National Park. The park only opens from November through until April. Not all India's great parks open all year round, which is something to be wary of.
The national park plays host to safaris during its brief season. Some safari tours happen on the backs of trained (tamed and domesticated) elephants. Safe of course. But we frown on the use of elephants on ethical grounds. its animal cruelty in our opinion and we're sure you'd agree. Rather, a better option would be to book a tour with a jeep safari instead.
The park has four rivers, with Brahmaputra River being the best.
It's this river that offers more choice for sighting the wildlife and birds, on a river safari.
Your safari (on land) will take a routine route around the park, in one of four areas. That's the norm with pretty much most of India's national parks: set routes within a given area. Because the parks can be huge in size, any given tour can last about 2 hours, or even more. With some parks, a tour can go on for 6 hours (a half day) or 12 hours even (a full day).
If possible, opt for half day tours and go on two of those instead of the one:
The central and western ranges are the best opportunity of seeing the rhino. There are tigers roaming wild in the park we saw none on our visit. Our tour leader said tiger sightings were rare, before setting off. We were not to feel disappointed because sightings of leopards are more common.
If you do see a tiger, you'll be considering yourself as very lucky, you can believe that. On any safari you have to have your camera ready, finger on the button. Hesitate for a split second and your chance of capturing anything is gone.
Kaziranga National Park is 210km distant from Dispur City, Assam's capital.
It's our recommendation you take a bus. They're cheap ― if you hire a taxi to the park from your hotel, expect to pay roughly US$50 one way. Bus ticket prices are from US$5, there's no comparison. Be sure the bus company has buses with air conditioning (or pay for business class). Your journey time may be as long as 6 hours.
Bus services go as far as Tezpur, a small town and you must transfer by taxi to the park at a cost of US$17. Is the park viable for a one-off day trip? Yes, it's possible.
You must leave the capital city early in the morning and return very late evening. That's what we did, so it is possible, but tiring returning to your hotel late. You don't need to spend more money on accommodation at the park to enjoy the safaris.
Pro Tip #1: One other option is to fly. Many airports support internal flights to shave off a few hours travel time. A 30-minute taxi from central Dispur to the nearest airport (which is GauHati Airport). Flying from there for an hour to Tezpur, to then transfer by taxi to the national park. All in, it's 2 and a half hours. Our costs were US$70 each, one way.
Are you planning on visiting the neighboring Nameri National Park 130km distant? It'd be more convenient for you to travel to there, from the Kaziranga National Park. And not return to Dispur City, to then travel to Nameri National Park. It could mean for you to stay a night in the park, but is that a problem?
No. The park has quality 5-star luxury accommodation, without the luxury price tag. It's an option you have, to remember when planning your travel itinerary.
What we did was this. We took a two-day, one night tour to Kaziranga National Park from Dispur City. From there, to then move to Nameri National Park the following morning. Spending the day there before returning to Dispur City.
Kaziranga National Park is a hot spot for the rhino, Nameri National Park is the opposite. Kaziranga's neighboring park, you visit for the herds of elephant. Like for like, each are desirable for their respective alpha animal.
Safari in Nameri National Park is amazing also, as good as Kaziranga National Park. The best time is during the spring and early summer. Aside from the safari and bird watching, you can also go:
To see sights of 400 different migratory birds on this national park, visit from the end of November.
The migratory birds arrive usually early December. In our opinion, Nameri National Park may have the edge over Manas National Park. And Kaziranga National Park too, but why? For the flowering fauna and birds. All three parks have the amazing wildlife, yes that's obvious. But only Nameri feels more special because of the migratory birds.
Should you use a tour operator? We're all for tours, they're convenient and trustworthy. If you want an easy carefree time and don't mind huddled groups, tours are great. It's the inclusivity resulting in no extra costs to you.
Tours are hassle free. If you hire a taxi to journey your way to a park, you may need to pay a separate toll charge, for example. A tour operator:
A holiday is to be enjoyed and the fewer things you have to think about, the fewer the worries too. Guided tours are your peace of mind, therefore. They do improve the quality of a holiday for families, especially. But if you want greater flexibility or choice in decision making then tours count against you.
Privacy too is another issue due to the nature of touring in groups, unless the tour is private of course.
Read Also: 5 Best National Parks for Wildlife in India
Guwahati City is the largest city in Assam state. Which makes you ponder why the much smaller Dispur City is the state capital. Puzzling for us too. Nonetheless, you can get to Guwahati City from anywhere else in India on a domestic flight. Or an airline flying international to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Is Guwahati City a better base for your Assam holiday stay? Only you can answer that because each city has its plus points. Dispur City brings you closer to the three national parks for one thing. But enjoy a relaxing evening meal in a modern city, followed by a sunset cruise on Brahmaputra River. Guwahati City has cultural significance in the form of:
You can only visit the Island temple by local ferry, from one of the Ghats (steps leading down to the river). There's quite a few Ghats but we choose one closest to our hotel, which was Kachari Ghat. Ask your hotel reception where the nearest ghat is to them, for you. There will be one within walking distance.
The ferry journey across doesn't take long, you arrive before realizing it. Only, one of the things that can bother you, are the queues. To board the ferry, pay in local currency, the teller at the kiosk doesn't accept foreign currency. A ticket costs so little, INR0.20 per person.
India is a very inexpensive holiday destination for US and European travelers. One of the reasons which influence you to return again and again. The ferries go to and from the Island throughout the day, daily. From mid-morning until early evening, you are free to go when it suits.
The city hosts world class 5-star hotels. Also 4 star and 3-star budget hotels, making Guwahati City ideal for families. On the outskirts of the city are many trekking trails, secret waterfalls and lakes. The city is perfect for cycling, camping and fishing enthusiasts. If you are seeking peace and tranquility with nature in an Indian city, all the better.
The city has Garbhanga Forest Hike trail, you can spend a morning exploring the forest. If you prefer, Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandubi Lake are also worthy of your time.
Pro Tip 3: Nilachal Hill is where the Kamakhya Temple is situated and the perfect site for awesome views down to the Brahmaputra River.
The lake and its surrounding nature are a magnet for eco-tourism. It's evident a large part of Assam is a beautiful landscape and wildlife. You see that with the national parks once you step outside of Dispur City. You go weak at the knees when you begin to realize what's out there. Guwahati City is only 20km west of Dispur City. No excuse not to visit the city and its lake.
The lake is a 90-minute journey south of Guwahati City by taxi. Either make your own way on the 60km route or book a guided tour in advance. We do prefer the paid for tours for convenience but left it too late on this occasion. The sense of adventurism will top your agenda as much as the sightseeing and boating on the lake. By the time you get there you are already eager and hyped up:
Around the area of the lake are small villages, excellent for you to explore local life and try out village food. It is tranquil and picturesque with dense forest mingling with manicured tea plantations. Love nature and the great outdoors? You'll feel warm and fuzzy inside having decided to holiday here. As well as the boating trips on the lake there are opportunities for long walks and picnics.
Buy fresh produce at one of the villages. Chandubi Lake is the destination you've longed for, it's the great escape only dreamt about.
One of the reasons you may want to travel out to Jorhat City is because it brings you closer to the city of Sivasagar. And did you know you can claim a domestic flight to Jorhat City from Delhi City, or Kolkata City? True. It's the never-ending ocean of tea plantations that makes you fall in love with Jorhat City. The best things to see and do in Jorhat City include:
The two top ranking attractions were the Majuli Island and the Cinnamon Tea Estate for us. The river Island is on the Brahmaputra River which is reachable by road and ferry. Ask your hotel about a taxi to the Island, or book a city tour in advance, one which includes a visit to the Island.
The Island is famous for its crafts. Including the unique art of mask making, pottery and weaving. You can see for yourself the crafts being handmade, ready for you to buy as gifts for friends and family back home.
The entire process is worth watching to learn about the Island's history and culture. Being in Assam still, you come accept the flat lying plains and their beauty without question. A lot of the land is for agriculture, because the land is some of the most fertile in India. Walking through the countryside, your senses are at ease with your thoughts untroubled.
Assam is a state that's most perfect for your mental wellbeing, and you get a nice holiday out of it too.
The first tea plantation every planted in the whole of Assam, the oldest tea found in India.
Assam's tea plantation dates back to over 175 years. Hire a taxi to take you the 10km to the Cinnamon tea estate from Jorhat City center. A cheaper option, albeit a less comfortable one, is to hop on a three wheeled tuk-tuk. The best experience on the estate is strolling through the shrubs along the dirt paths.
Watching the workers pluck the prized leaves, makes you spellbound by their labor.
There is a strong aroma that emits from the estate long before you arrive. Little things like that create great emotional anticipation for you. Once you've left the tea plantations behind you, you'll forever more recall the aroma of Assam's tea.
Sample the tea and be sure to make buy a batch before leaving. Otherwise regret not buying what must be the best tea in the world.
During the dry season, say between November and March when it is cool and dry, for the least amount of rain. But because India is a tropical country you should expect a little rain once in a while. Temperatures can dip as low as 55°F and rise as high as 80°F during this period. Pack long sleeved shirts and full-length trousers, particularly for evening wear.
From October until late spring, is peak season for Assam. Expect accommodation to be more expensive. Even though Indian accommodation can be some of the cheapest in Asia, plan ahead.
India has excellent airport, rail and road networks. The city of Sivasagar isn't isolated. You can get to the city from Jorhat City, or from Guwahati City (via Jorhat City transfer):
What may pique your interests are the historic ruins that belonged to the 600-year ruling empire what Ahom Kingdom was. The top attractions of the city include, but not limited to:
There are a few restaurants close to the lake you can eat at to enjoy local Assamese cuisine.
Enjoy your meal outdoors looking out over onto the lake, it's very pleasing. Along the northern shore of this huge lake are many temples you can visit and enter. But observe local customs and religion and dress not to offend. One temple you must visit is Sivasagar Sivadol Temple, and exit, feeling blessed.
Inside the temple, you can ring one of the bells. Following the bell ringing, bowing in respect as you pass through a doorway to Shiva Linga.
Is Hinduism not your faith? Don't matter. It's still an experience to relish for cultural reasons. Besides, the temple's architecture is beautiful, all 600-years of it. The ancient architecture, since the Ahom era has benefited from regular maintenance.
The temple's main dome stands proud at 30 meters in height. That makes you swint your neck to get the best view, with the main hall added afterwards. We saw quite a few people visit with flowers, later to realize they were gifts for visiting the temple.
Held throughout Assam state and the nearby Assamese communities are festivals. Several times each year the "festival of Assam" takes place. Try to be in one of Assam's cities for the middle of April to enjoy the celebrations. But don't feel bad if you miss their new year, because:
Each festival is complete with locals turning out in traditional dress. Assam's festivals are always popular among domestic tourists. As a foreigner on the lookout for culture, you shouldn't miss out either. Feasts, music and dance with lots of elephants involved in the festivities. The traditional Assamese Rongali Bihu Festival is also celebrated in other cities:
Usually, the middle of April is the best time to be part of such a festival. It's the most important festival in the Assam Calander.
India is a gorgeous country, and a large part of the beauty resides with Assam. The flat lands of the state enjoy coverings of lush green farmland. The whole of Assam is 100% friendly for plant and wildlife and sustainable. Great for the planet and future generations. Each of India's national parks have a safari crying out to foreign travelers.
India is one of those countries, you never grow tired of. Not tired of the history and culture, the food and people. We've scribbled before about the incredible Royal Bengal tiger reserves of India. Assam as you will discover is so much more than the national parks. A lot of the interest from traveling foreigners is for the temples.
Learning the impact, and importance of Hinduism in Indian culture is a must. Throughout the ages the collective history only compounds your fascination all the more.
One more thing about Assam is exactly how much tea is grown in the state. It's a lot and it's said to be the best tea in the world. Leading world knowledge of tea growing dates to Jorhat City, so it's believable. That's an amazing legacy to have and must make most Indian's proud of such heritage.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.