The skyline of Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, rises from the wilderness with several museums and historical neighborhoods. Beyond the city is fertile cropland spotted with tea and rice fields, two of the area's most popular crops. The popularity of tea in Assam has led to a boom in tourism in the area, with colonial tea plantations open to visitors. Two UNESCO World Heritage parks also draw in travelers. This mix of natural scenery and cultural sites provides some of the best of both nature and city travel in India.
Wildlife Tourism
- Assam's UNESCO World Heritage sites are Manas and Kaziranga. Manas National Park is roughly 100 miles from Guwahati and is the natural habitat of several of India's native animals, including buffalo, elephants and tigers, among other endangered species. The park forest is only open during daylight hours, but basic accommodation is available on site. You're more likely to see wildlife in Kaziranga National Park near the Brahmaputra River, where conservation efforts helped revive the Asian one-horned rhino population and there is the largest tiger population in the country. Elephant rides are offered every morning to take visitors to spot rhinos. Resorts and other accommodations are common near the park's borders.
Tea Tourism
- Assam tea farmers produce approximately a fifth of the world's tea. Tea plantations and estates still stand fully operational in the countryside as reminders of the British colonial period in India's history, and many of these sites are available for public viewing. In Tocklai, the Tea Research Centre has been conducting research and experiments on tea cultivation, production and health effects for more than 100 years. Several companies in the area offer tours investigating the effect of tea on the culture and history of Assam.
Cultural Tourism
- Assam is home to several important cultural sites, several of which are in Guwahati. The Old Guwahati neighborhood runs along the Brahmaputra and features a planetarium -- with hints of Islamic and modern architectural influences -- and Dighulipukhuri Park, with rowboats for rent. The domed Guwahati Courthouse borders the park and is open to visitors. The Assam State Museum is open every day except Monday and has a range of exhibits dedicated to the state's culture and history, with a particular focus on tribal artifacts. Venture out of Guwahati to get a taste of Assam royal history at the Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, a large two-story pavilion where the rich once sat, conversed and watched animal fights or sports events in luxury.
Travel Considerations
- Assam is most accessible through the Guwahati airport, although some bus companies provide transport to the area and the Indian Railways network connects to major cities. The best time to visit Assam is between October and April when the days are pleasantly warm and the nights cool. Parks and other government-run organizations often close during monsoon season, which is between June and September. Assam is a fairly safe area for tourists, but you should exercise precaution and awareness at all times. Some anti-Western terrorists operate in or near the region. The U.S. Department of State recommends only traveling by train in northeast India during daylight hours. Stay away from demonstrations or protests, which can become violent without warning.
