Amazing Assam

chillibreeze writer — Prathana Banikya

Need an editable PowerPoint map of North East India

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves”- John Muir

Nature has a similar effect on most of us and we often travel great distances for a few days of solitude to bathe in nature’s delight. I have traveled many a times to soothe my senses and to get away from the madness of city life. Being originally from Assam, I always had a strong desire to explore the place but something or the other always got in the way. Finally, in the summer of 2009, I set off to pursue my long awaited trip. What I was headed for was a grand surprise! Before leaving, I had researched sufficient information online on attractions of the place. In the course of my trip, I realized Assam had more to offer than I ever thought!

Assam is nestled in the Brahmaputra Valley in the northeastern part of India. Located in the southern part of eastern Himalayas, Assam consists of the Brahmaputra and the Barak River Valleys as well as the Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. More known for its tea production, Assam silk and its biodiversity, the place is rightly named the hidden paradise of India.

Amidst Nature and Wildlife: Assam is a delight for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. From National Parks like the Nameri and Kaziranga which are World Heritage Sites to several wildlife sanctuaries like Garampani, Burachapori and Gibbon – Assam never ceases to leave you awestruck with its exhaustive range of wildlife species. Driving through the forests, you can spot the occasional one horned Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Tigers, Hornbills among others.

The largest River Island of the world: Ever wondered what it would be like to go camping in a river island? Majuli nestled in the midst of the mighty Brahmaputra is the largest river island of the world! This wonderful river island is also the origin of Vishanavite culture in Assam and has over 65 Satras on the island. A visit to Majuli will help you discover forms of ethnic music and dance, the vibrant tribes of the region and give you a taste of its very own rural countryside!

Monuments, Temples and Architecture: Temples and monuments of rich architectural design are spread out in different parts of Assam. They symbolize the architectural style of the Koch, Kachari and Ahom dynasties and speak volumes of a glorious heritage. The most famous of them all is the Kamakhya Temple tucked away in the serenity of the Nilachal hills in Guwahati. This Shakti temple has a cluster of different temples of Devi Kali, Bhairavi, Tara and others and is a pilgrimage destination for people across the country.

Umananda Devaloi is a Shiva temple in the Peacock Island on the Brahmaputra. Built by King Gadadhar Singh, the temple has intricate rock carvings that will leave you captivated! To reach the temple’s island, you can enjoy a lovely ferry ride which operates regularly for tourists. Sivasagar, around 369 kilometers from Guwahati has a cluster of three majestic temples- the Shivadol, Devidol and Vishnudol. If you are visiting in the winter months, make sure you visit the artificial lake at the centre of the town. Here you will witness a huge number of Siberian migratory ducks flocking the lake. The town of Sivasagar is most famous for the Rang Ghar, an oval shaped, two-storied pergola from where the Ahom kings were entertained with elephant fights and other activities. A unique feature of the monument is that the Ahom kings did not utilize cement but slim baked bricks of rice and eggs to build these monuments.

The mysterious archaeological ruins of Madan Kamdev have left many a scholars and researchers baffled. This site, with its stunning architecture, is considered a photographer’s delight. Also make sure you visit the scenic town of Tezpur, 180 kilometers from Guwahati which is home to some of the finest archeological ruins in the state.

‘Satras’ (monasteries in other words) are found in different corners across Assam. These centers were founded by the father of Assamese culture, Sankardeva and are an integral part of Assam’s heritage. To indulge in Assam’s culture a little more, make sure you check out a few Satras before you leave. The most well known ones are the Dakhinpat Satra, Bengenaati Satra, Shamaguri Satra and the Garamurh Satra.

A trip to the hilly land of Haflong: Haflong is a picturesque little hill station in Assam with savage terrains which are ideal for trekking. Take a trip down to Haflong to bask in nature’s serenity, visit the stunning Orchid Garden and experience the simplicity of the lives of the local tribes.

A night at a Chang Bungalow in the Tea Garden: Built on stilts, Chang Bungalows are magnificent homes reminiscent of the bygone era. Mornings you can enjoy your breakfast in the garden and afternoons are perfect for a walk around the plantation. Evenings, you can spend watching cultural programmes hosted by the management or just lounge in the balcony watching fireflies dance in the night.

The Weaving Community of Sualkuchi: Sualkuchi is home to the weavers of Muga-a form of silk, which is not produced anywhere else in the world. The entire community of Sualkuchi is involved in producing these beautiful silk textiles of international repute. The weaving houses are of bamboo frameworks and walls are made of mud-a typical characteristic of Assam’s rural architecture. This rustic village is a definite must visit for your trip to Assam!

Assam for the Adventure lover: A holiday to Assam is not only relaxing and captivating but will also pump up your adrenal! The state’s landscapes, rugged terrains and turbulent rivers make it a haven for adventure lovers! The Brahmaputra which is one of the largest rivers in the world provides opportunities to indulge in various kinds of water sports activities like river rafting, angling and boat racing.

Often beckoning trekkers, mountaineers, bikers and rock climbers is Assam’s hilly terrain. The most popular trekking routes are the North Cachar Hills and Karbi Hills which have recognized routes and is a favourite particularly among tourists. And if you like being amidst nature, drive down to Bhalukpong-a perfect camping place located about 56 kilometers from the town of Tezpur.

Festivals: Assam’s festivals spell life and color owing to its diverse cultures! One of the most widely celebrated festivals here is Bihu which takes place thrice a year coinciding with the farming calendar of the state. Among the three, the most popular is the Bohag Bihu in April celebrated with folk songs and dance, feasts and general merriment. Other festivals include Me-Dum-Me-Phi of the Ahoms, Kherai Puja of the Bodos, the Baikhu and Pharkantis of the Rabhas, Ali-ai-ligang and Parag of the Mishing tribes.

Like all good things, my trip to Assam too soon came to an end. But while it lasted, each day of my trip left me enthralled with its simplicity and splendor! If you love tranquil, unruffled places with magical rivers, blue hills, winding streets, tea plantations and solitary refuge-this will be your haven! This holiday to the valleys is guaranteed to ingrain a beautiful memory in your mind forever, just like it did in mine.

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Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in March, 2011. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.

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—About our writer:

Prarthana Banikya is an activist and a freelance writer. She is currently based in Bangalore where she works for underprivileged children. A graduate in Sociology from Miranda House, Prarthana has worked in several Greenpeace projects like the Green Idol, Campaign against Bt brinjal and Living Soils. With an extensive experience in article writing, report writing and web content writing, her works have been published in journals like Asia Writes, Eclectic, and Poetry Super Highway among others.

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