Assam, as a destination corresponds to a world of contrasts and excitement with each place of the state having something amazing to offer. Some people call it a magic land while others call it a green paradise.The State of Assam is one of the most beautiful and attractive regions of India. There is hardly any other state which has

Guwahati and it's surroundings: Hugging the shores of the turbulent Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the gateway to the enchanting North Eastern India. The Light of the East, Pragjyotishpura, as it was known once upon a time, is said to have been a vast kingdom during the epic period of the Mahabharata. Today, Guwahati is the hub of the region and also its largest city.

How to reach Guwahati
Guwahati is well connected by air, rail and road.
Accommodation
Tourist Lodge and hotels  ranging from 2 star category to 4 star category hotels are available here. Bellevue, Brahmaputra Ashok, Nandan, Hotel Dynasty, Mayur, Rituraj, Blue Moon, Raj Mahal, Prag Continental etc. are some of them.

What to see
Kamakhya and Bhubaneswari Temple
The Shakti Temple of mother Goddess Kamakhya situated on the top of Nilachal Hills is 8 Km. away from the railway station of Guwahati. The greatest shrine of tantric Shaktism finds mention in the inscription of the  Allahabad pillar of Samudragupta. Devotees from all over India converge on this holy place during Ambubashi and Manasha Puja. City buses ply regularly to Kamakhya. It can be easily reached by auto-rickshaw as well.
Nearest PS:Jalukbari       Phone:(0361)570522
Distance from PS : 4.5 km

Navagraha Temple
The temple of nine planets situated on Chitra Chal Hill in Guwahati. In ancient times, it was said to have been a great centre of study of astronomy and astrology. This is also one of the reasons why Guwahati is referred to as Pragjyotishpur or the city of eastern Astrology. It can be approached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Nearest PS :Latasil          Phone :(0361)540136
Distance from PS : 2 km

Umananda Temple
The great Shiva temple situated on the Peacock island in the middle of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati attracts devotees from all over the country during Shiva Ratri. One can visit the temple by crossing the river by country boat plying from Kachari ghat.
Nearest PS:Panbazar       Phone :(0361)540106
Distance from PS : 2 km

Aswaklanta
On the north bank of the Brahmaputra, opposite Guwahati, where the third Pandava Arjun is believed to have watered his horse while undertaking journey during Ashwamedh Yajna. Regular ferry services are available to this place.
Nearest PS : Panbazar      Phone :(0361)540106
Distance from PS : 2 km

Basisthashram
Situated in the southern-most rim of Guwahati city on the Sandhyachal hill is a well known holy cum picnic spot, called Basisthashram, after the great vedic Sage Bashistha, who is said to have lived here. Three rivulets named Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta meet here and flow perenially adding scenic grandeur to the place. It is 12 Kms. from the Guwahati Railway Station. City buses ply regularly to the Ashram.
Nearest PS :Basishtha       Phone:(0361)302158
Distance from PS : 2.5 km

Museum
Assam State Museum is 10 minutes walk from the Railway Station.
Opening hours:
10:00 - 17:00 hrs. during Summer
10:00 - 16:30 hrs. during Winter (Monday closed).

State Zoo-cum Botanical Garden
Situated 5 Kms. from the Guwahati Railway Station.
Opening hours:
07:00 hrs.-17:00 hrs. in Summer
08:00 hrs.-16:30 hrs. in Winter (Friday closed)
State Zoo Phone - 201363
Nearest PS: Dispur    Phone:(0361)261510
Distance from PS : 2 km

Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra
The Srimanta Sankardeva kalakshetra has been set up as a grand exposition of the life and culture of the people of Assam. Named after the greatest Vaishnava saint and the greatest integrator of the Assamese society Srimant Sankardeva, the Kalakshetra is a multi-Arts complex. It houses a Central Museum where cultural objects and day-to-day articles used by different ethnic groups will be preserved and exhibited, an Open Air Theatre with 2000 capacity to hold folk festivals and to present traditional dance and drama of the State, an Artists' Village which offers the visitors and the residents an atmosphere of village of Assam, the Sahitya Bhavan which is a library of rare books and manuscripts, the Lalit-Kala Bhavan which has sufficient space for exhibition, art and sculpture workshops, and a Heritage Park. The Kalakshetra has been chosen as the venue for many cultural activities.
Phone:337382
NearestPS: Dispur   Phone:(0361)261510
Distance from PS:3 km

Sualkuchi
Situated at a distance of 24 kms. from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a renowned centre of silk production and is particularly known for Muga - the golden silk of Assam which is not produced anywhere else in the world. Buses ply regularly from Adabari.
Nearest PS :Sualkuchi       Phone:(0361)830112

Chandubi Lake
A natural lagoon and fine picnic spot which is 64 kms. from Guwahati. The lake and its surroundings, broken by cliffs and forests, is an ideal holiday resort and has the added attraction of fishing and rowing opportunities in the lake itself. The place is easily accessible by bus from Adabari, Guwahati. The best season to visit is from November to April.
Nearest PS:Palasbari 
Phone:(953623) 30039
Distance from PS : 6 km

Hajo
Located 32 kms. from Guwahati on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, it is a place where three religions meet - Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. It has a large number of temples, the chief among them being Hayagriva-Madhab Temple. There is a belief that this temple contains the relic of Lord Buddha, while a section of the Buddhists hold that Lord Buddha attained Nirvana here. Large number of Bhutanese visit this temple every year during the winter season. There is also a mosque built by Pir Giasuddin Aulia and is held that it has one-fourth the sanctity of Mecca and so it is known as Poa-Mecca. It is believed that by offering prayer the faithful gains one-fourth (poa) spiritual enlightenment of what could be gained at Mecca and so is known as Poa-Mecca.

According to mythology, the Pandavas had taken shelter in this region during their "agyatvas" or the period in hiding. One can see the stone bowl used by Bhima during this agyatvas. The legendary "Netai Dhobini Ghat" is also to be seen here though the river Brahmaputra has changed course in recent times.
Nearest PS: Hajo             Phone: (0361)82222

Madan Kamdev
Barely 40 kms. away from the sprawling metropolis Guwahati, Madan Kamdev is an enigma, a mystery, a marvel. Very little is known about the origin of this magnificient archaeological ruins. Written history is almost silent on it, leaving wide room for conjectures and hypothesis. Kamrupa - the ancient name of Assam, is believed to have derived its name from the legend that love God Kama or Madan, after being turned into ashes by an angry "Shiva", was reborn here. One school believes that Madan was reborn and united with Rati in this tiny hillock.

Nearest PS: Baihata Chariali         Phone:(0361) 81237
Distance from PS : 4 km

How to get there
Baihata Chariali, 35 kms from Guwahati, is on the National Highway 52 and is well connected with buses which ply every 15 minutes from Guwahati. Madan Kamdeva is 5 kms. to the Southeast of Baihata Chariali. Taxis, minibuses are also available. Transport at moderate price can be hired from the Travel agency at Guwahati.
Where to stay
There is no hotel, restaurant or other places of accommodation at Madan Kamdeva due to its proximity to Guwahati. A visitor can spend a day and return to Guwahati on the same day.
Season
From October to May.
What to wear
Cotton in summer and light woollens in winter.

Other Attractions
Boating at Dighalipukhuri, cruise the river Brahmaputra in the 'Jolporee', Balaji Temple.

Conducted Tours
Local sight seeing in and around Guwahati on every Sunday and  Wednesday.
Weekly conducted tour to Shillong on every Sunday and Wednesday.
Weekly conducted tour to Madan Kamdev, Hajo and Sualkuchi on every Sunday, 2nd Saturday and 4th Saturday.

Other Places
Majuli
The world's largest river island Majuli is the seat of several Satras or Vaishnava Monasteries, established by the great Vaishanav revivalist, Sankardeva. The satras are the centre of learning, art and culture. It is also famous for migratory birds and Mising culture.
Where to stay
Tourist Lodge, Jorhat or in the Government Guest House at Majuli

Sibsagar
Sibsagar is 369 kms. towards east of Guwahati and is the headquarter of a district of the same name. Modern Sibsagar is a fast developing town.
The Eastern Regional Headquarter of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission is located at Nazira - only a few kms. from the town.
How to reach
Jorhat is the nearest airport (60 kms.) and Simaluguri is the nearest railway station (20 kms). Buses are available from Guwahati and other towns.
Where to stay
Tourist Lodge, Dak Bungalow, Government Circuit House, Hotel Siddhartha, Hotel Brahmaputra, ONGC Guest House etc.

Haflong
Up in the rugged terrains stands Assam's only hill station Haflong, where one can see the rainbow down below. It is the district headquarter of North Cachar Hills and is a place of scenic beauty which is why it is often referred to as 'Scotland of Assam'. A beautiful lake 'Haflong Lake' is located in the heart of the town.
How to get there
Haflong is 353 kms. by road from Guwahati. Bus services are regularly available to and from Guwahati. Lower Haflong, the nearest Railway Station, is 285 kms. from Guwahati.
Where to stay
Tourist Lodge, Government Guest House, Hotel Eastern, Hotel Kusum, Hotel Sanjiv.
What to see
Jatinga, 9 kms. from Haflong is famous for the unexplained phenomenon of migratory birds 'committing mass suicide'. The migratory birds come during the month of August to November and it becomes the Orinthologists' attraction. From the elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to their death wish and their little plumage dropping down.
Season
August to November
What to wear
Heavy woollens in winter, cottons in summer.
Other Attractions
Exciting trekking in Borail Hills; visit to Orchid Garden; traditional dances of the tribals.

Batadrawa or Bordoa
It is the birth place of the greatest Vaishnava Saint Srimanta Sankardev and is a centre of Vaishnava art and  culture. It is about 140 kms. from Guwahati and about 15 kms. from Nagaon town.

Digboi
Surrounded by numerous tea gardens and mystic blue hills, Digboi is a major oil town. One of the oldest refineries of the world exist here. There is also a War Cemetry aand Golf Course in Digboi.

Tezpur
Tezpur, known as Sonitpur (city of blood) of Puranic fame, is associated with the legend of Usha's love with Aniruddha, grandson of Lord Krishna. Situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, present Tezpur town which is of magnificient scenic beauty and exquisite archaeological ruins, is the head quarter of Sonitpur district. Undulated green valleys surrounded by the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, with snow capped peaks of the   Himalayas as  the northern backdrop, lush green tea gardens and magnificient archaeological ruins have all contributed to make Tezpur a tourist's delight. Her contribution to art, culture, literature particularly her contribution to the freedom struggle have earned for Tezpur a unique niche in the history of Assam. In 1942, for the first time in entire British India, the tricolour (Indian flag) was hoisted in the police station at Gahpur, a quiet mofussil town under Sonitpur district. Fourteen year old Kanaklata braved British bullets and died holding the national flag aloft.
Where to stay
Assam Tourism Department has a well furnished tourist lodge with modern amenities. Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and a number of hotels like Luit, Parijat Hotel International, Kanyapur with reasonable a tariff offer comfortable accommodation.
How to get there
Tezpur, one of the major towns on the north bank, is well connected by rail, road and air with the rest of the country. Both Government and private buses and taxis ply from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Saloni (about 10 kms.) and nearest rail station is Rangapara. Tezpur is 181 kms. from Guwahati, 82 kms. from Kaziranga, 60 kms. from Bhalukpung and 65 kms. from Orang Wildlife Sanctuary.

What to see
Da-Parbatia
The ruins of the door frame of Da-Parbatia Temple is a few kms. from Tezpur town, is perhaps the finest and oldest specimen of sculptural or iconoclastic art in Assam. Its carving has the characteristics of the style of early Gupta School of sculpture. The door-jambs having two goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, standing below with garlands in hands in artistic pose and elegance are decorated with beautiful ornamental foliage.

Agnigarh
Preserving  the sweet memory of young lovers, Agnigarh or the rampart, surrounded by fire, is perhaps the most beautiful tourist spot of Tezpur. According to legend, Princess Usha, the only daughter of King Bana, was kept inside the palace which was surrounded by rampart of fire. The present Agnigarh, now only a hillock facing Brahmaputra, provides the tourist a soul touching panoramic view of both Brahmaputra and Tezpur.

Bamuni Hills
The ruins of Bamuni hill is famous for its artistic beauty. The sculpture remains which had been dated back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. now lie in the Cole park and Missionary compound.

Mahabhairab Temple
An ancient temple where King Bana worshipped Mahabhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. A holy place for the religious minded.

The Hazara Pukhuri
The large tank preserves the name Harzara Varman in Tezpur. It was excavated in the early part of the 19th century. This is the third largest tank covering an area of 70 acres.

Cole Park
It is one of the most beautiful places in the town. The park which was first established by a British Deputy Commissioner, Mr Cole, is the place for peace loving people. One can see here the two massive ornamented stone pillars and the sculptural remains of the famous Bamuni Hill.

Bhalukpung
Surrounded by mystic blue hills and evergreen forest, Bhalukpung is situated on the bank of the river Jiabharali. It is famous for its unique natural beauty, angling and rafting. Far from the madding crowd Bhalukpung is a place of peace and tranquility.
Other attractions of Bhalukpung are a hot spring and a big orchid garden at Tipi. It is only 56 kms. from Tezpur town. Minibuses ply regularly to Bhalukpung from Tezpur. For a comfortable stay there is a Tourist Lodge run by Assam Tourism. There is also an Eco-Camp at Potasali.

Bhomoraguri
A mammoth stone inscription made by the Ahom General Kalia Bhomora Phukan, who planned to construct a bridge over Brahmaputra could be seen here. Almost two centuries later, a bridge over Brahmaputra at the same place has now been completed. The 3.05 km. bridge named after the great Ahom general, connecting Nagaon district with Tezpur was opened for vehicular traffic by the then Prime Minister of India Late Rajiv Gandhi on April 4, 1987.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is the natural home of the one-horned Indian rhinoceros (Unicorn). Situated at a distance of 217 kms from Guwahati and 97 kms from Jorhat, this famous National Park has an area of 430 sq kms. The landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes and shallow pools. On 28th January, 1913 the area of reserved forest was expanded with the inclusion of another 13,506 acres. Kaziranga was declared a 'Game Sanctury' on 10th November, 1916. Kaziranga was declared a National Park in 1974.
Wildlife to be seen
Wildlife Species Rhinoceros, Elephant, Indian bison, Swamp Deer, Samber, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, hog badger, Capped langur, Hoolock gibbon, Jackal, Goose, Hornbills, Ibis, Cormorants, Egret, Heron fishing eagle etc. During Winter a large number of migratory birds are seen here.
How to get there
Kaziranga is 217 kms from Guwahati and 96 kms. from Jorhat by road. The nearest airport is Rowraira (Jorhat). Tourists can fly to Jorhat or can go by car and bus to Kaziranga from Guwahati. The nearest rail here is Furkating.
Where to Stay
Govt. Tourist Lodge run by Assam Tourism department, Hotel Wild Grass (a privately run resort), newly renovated Aranya Lodge, managed by Assam Tourism Development Corporation and other inspection bunglows like Forest IB, Soil Conservation IB, etc.
For reservation at Tourist Lodges please contact the Joint Director, Tourism, Kaziranga National Park, Kaziranga.

Conducted Tours
Assam Tourism operates conducted tours to Kaziranga during season. The private tour operators such as Jungle Travels, Rhino Travels, Network Travels etc  are also operating tours to Kaziranga National Park.

Reservation Authority:
Tourist Information Officer,Assam Tourism, Station Road, Guwahati - 781001
Tel: (0361) 547102, 542748, 544475

Park Visit
Park Visit By Jeep or Car or on Elephant back.
Season
Season November to April.
Clothing
Clothing Woollens in Winter and light cottons in Summer.

Manas National Park
The only Tiger Project in Assam, Manas is one of India's most magnificent National Parks. It is situated on the bank of the river Manas with the back drop of Sub-Himalayan hills. It is well known as one of the World heritage sites having its unique combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wildlife to be found here.
Manas is one of the nine tiger reserves initially selected for conservation of wildlife. Tigers however are not the only wildlife to be found here. The rare species of wildlife found here are Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog and Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo etc. Other commonly seen animals are Elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Wild Boar, Samber, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer etc. Hundreds of winged species migrate to the friendly climate of Manas during Winter. Among them are Riverchats (White Capped Redstars), Forktails, Cormorants and various types of ducks including the Ruddy Shelduck. The woodland birds are no less charming and include the Indian Hornbill and the Great Pied Hornbill.
How To Get There
By Air    : 176 kms. from Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati.
By Rail  : Barpeta Road Station - 136 kms.
By Road : Via Barpeta Road - 136 kms. from Guwahati on National Highway 31.
Where to stay
The State Forest Department has two bunglows at Mohanguri (Manas). There is no canteen. One should carry raw foodstuff which will be cooked by the chefs of the Forest Department.
Reservation
For Tourist Lodges please contact the Tourist Information Officer, Barpeta Road (Assam) or your travel agent.  For accommodation at Forest Bunglows and sight seeing please contact - The Field Director, Project Tiger Manas, P.O. Barpeta Road (Assam).

Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a miniature Kaziranga covering an area of 72 sq. kms. and is situated on the north bank of river Brahmaputra. The animals seen in this santuary are one-horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Pangolin, Hog Deer, Civet Cat, Otters, Tiger wtc. Various species of birds such as Pelican, Cormorant, Greylag Goose, Large Whistling Teal, Great Adjutant Stork, King Vulture are to be seen here.
How to get there
Orang is only 150 Kms. from Guwahati and 32 kms. from Tezpur by road. Transport can be arranged from Guwahati and Tezpur. The nearest railhead is Rongapara and the nearest airport is Saloni (Tezpur). Both Government and private buses ply regularly from Guwahati.
Where to stay
The Forest Department has two Rest Houses, one at the Silbori and the other one at Satsimlu inside the forest. As these Rest Houses have limited capacity, tourists are, therefore, requested to visit Orang from Tezpur. There is a Government Tourist Lodge, a Circuit House and other private hotels of moderate rates at Tezpur. For reservation in the Forest Rest House, please contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam Wildlife Divison, Tezpur, Dist. Sonitpur (Assam).
For accommodation in Govt. Tourist Lodge, please contact the Deputy Director, Tourism, Govt. of Assam, Tezpur, District Sonitpur (Assam). 
For sanctuary visit please contact the Range Officer, Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang, P.O. Silbori (Pin-784114) Darrang (Assam).
Your travel agent will be able to assist you with all reservations.

Sonari Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary, 175 Sq. Kms. in area, is situated in the Sonitpur District. Extending along the Himalayan foothills it offers magnificent view of both scenic beauty and wildlife. The sanctuary is the home of Elephant, Indian Bison, Deer and a variety of hill birds.
For visiting this sanctuary, tourist/visitor may contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam Wildlife Division, Tezpur, District Sonitpur(Assam) or the tourist Information Officer, Tourism, Govt. of Assam, Tezpur, Dist. Sonitpur (Assam).

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park lies partly in Dibrugarh district and partly in Tinsukia district. It is 13 km. from Tinsukia town which is 483 km. from Guwahati. It covers an area of about 340 sq.km. Of the seven parts of the park, one part is wet land and the rest is mainly grassland and dense forest.
Wildlife to be seen
The main attractions of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park are its semi-wild horse and White winged Wood- Duck. Other animals are Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Sambar, Slow Loris, Indian wild water Buffalo, Capped Langur, Gangetic River Dolphin, Indian wild dog etc. More than 250 varieties of local and migratory birds are also found in this Park.
Where to stay
There is a Forest Inspection Bungalow at Guijan. There is also enough space for tented accommodation. Hotels and Forest Inspection Bungalow at Tinsukia provide comfortable accommodation.
Best Season
November to March.
For Park visit and accommodation
Please contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Tinsukia Wildlife Division, Boragori, P.O. Tinsukia - 786125. You could also contact your travel agent to assist you. 

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Morigaon district Pobitora is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries of Assam. It is about 50 km. from Guwahati City. Covering an area of 15.9 Sq. km., Pobitora is mainly famous for its Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros. Other animals such as the Asiatic Buffalo, Leopard, Wild Bear, Civet Cat etc. have also found this sanctuary to be their ideal habitat. More than 200 birds and various reptiles are found in this sanctuary.
Where to stay
The Forest Department has an Inspection Bungalow with limited accommodation inside the forest. Visitors intending to visit Pobitora can visit from Guwahati also.
Season
November to March.

Nameri National Park
Situated at the foot hills of eastern Himalayas, Nameri National Park covers an area of about 200 sq. km. Hills, deciduous forst and the river Jia Bhoroli have added an unique charm to it. It is about 35 km. from Tezpur town which is 181 km. from Guwahati.
Wildlife
Many wildlife species are found here such as Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Indian Bison, White winged Wood-Duck, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Pangolin, Indian Wild Dog, Civet Cat, Capped Langur etc. Besides, various birds including four species of Hornbill and reptiles are also found in this National Park.
Where to stay
The Tourism Department has a tourist lodge at Bhalukpung which is about 21 kms. from the Park. There is also an Eco-Camp at Potasali which provides comfortable accommodation and delicious food.
Best Season
November to March.
Reservation
  Tourist Information Officer, Bhalukpung, Sonitpur District, Assam
  Camp Director, Eco-Camp, Potasali (Nameri National Park), Sonitpur District, Assam.
For Park visit
  Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam Wildlife Division, Dolabari, Tezpur (Assam)
   Range Officer, Nameri National Park, Potasali, P.O. Charduar, Sonitpur District, Assam.

Other Wildlife Sanctuaries
Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Sonitpur
 Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaon
 Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary, Dhubri
 Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrang
 Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Golaghat
Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary, Sibsagar
Diporbil Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati
Bordoibam Bilmukh Sanctuary, Lakhimpur,     Dhemaji
Pobha or Milroy Sanctuary

Some Reserve Forests
Holongpar, Jorhat District
Jaipur, Dibrugarh District
Barail, North Cachar District
Dhansiri, Karbi-Anglong District
Dumduma, Tinsukia District
Ripu-Chirang, Kokrajhar District

Information Centre
For detailed information and assistance please contact:
Director of Tourism,Govt. of Assam, Station Road,Guwahati- 781 001 (Assam) India

 Phone :(0361)547102/ 542748/544475
 Fax :    (0361) 547102

Please note: No permit of any kind is required to visit Assam. However, for furtherjourney to Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh an Inner Line Permit is required which can be obtained from the respective bhavans in New Delhi or in Guwahati.