Assam is one of the most charming states of Northeastern India. With bizarre wildlife and fascinating Assam tourist places, the state has captured the attention of tourists from all over the world. Assam is known for its vast tea plantations, tribal culture, pristine islands, Brahmaputra, traditional Bihu dance, friendly people, and Satras.
If you want to explore the diverse culture of India and witness the colorful Assam tourist places as well as unique traditions, there is no better place to spend your next vacation than Assam. The state is mainly famous for accommodating the Brahmaputra. Moreover, the fascinating tea gardens look absolutely stunning in all seasons. Assam is a must-visit tourist attraction for tea addicts. Walking through the tea gardens, exploring vast tea estates, and sipping the delicious and fresh tea while discovering some unexploited locations in Assam is a true pleasure for any Indian or foreign tourist. There is no dearth of aesthetic places to visit in Assam. Specifically known for Guwahati, Assam has plenty of tourist destinations, which still falls in the category of unexplored gems in the state. From exploring the fantastic wildlife at Kaziranga National Park to unwinding at the world’s one of the biggest river islands, the state offers a lot of destinations and fun activities to all kinds of tourists. So, are you planning a vacation in Assam? To help you explore every nook and cranny of the state, we have compiled a list of the best tourist places in Assam you should visit. Let’s have a look:
1. Kaziranga National Park – Spot Rhinos and Migratory Birds
Counted in one of the prime and famous Assam tourist places, Kaziranga National Park is the habitat for Rhinoceros. In fact, 2/3rd of the world’s one-horned rhino population is found in this area. Kaziranga is a five hours drive from the commercial hub of Assam ‘Guwahati’. The site was declared as the World heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1985.
The park receives a significant amount of rainfall annually. Perhaps, the heavy rainfall is the reason behind its rich vegetation and a wonderful variety of flora and fauna. You are going to spot marshlands, swamp deer, civets, gibbons, tall elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, sloth bears, one-horned Rhinoceros, buffalo, leopards, Asiatic elephants, and more. Being recognized as one of the popular and largest tiger reserves in India, a large number of tigers thrive in the Kaziranga National Park. Fauna lovers have lots of places to visit in Assam.
Apart from animal species, Kaziranga is home to migratory birds. It is a perfect spot for tourists who are interested in bird-watching and animal-spotting activities. The common bird species you get to spot here are a white-fronted goose, wreathed hornbill, ferruginous duck, and the Great Indian Hornbill.
Things to Do in Kaziranga National Park
- Take a safari tour to catch a glimpse of the animals and birds roaming freely around the thick jungle.
- Enjoy an elephant ride while observing the surrounding areas
- Capture the natural vegetation and lush greenery
- Practice your photography skills by clicking some candid shots of rhinos and leopards.
Note: Try to avoid visiting Kaziranga National Park during monsoon. The area receives a massive amount of rainfall almost every year during this time. The best time to visit the park is between November and April.
2. Majuli Island – The Biggest River Island in the World
Are you a nature lover? One of the perfect natural attractions in Assam for nature and adventure buffs is Majuli Island. Famous for being the biggest freshwater islands across the globe, Majuli happens to be an eco-friendly, pollution-free, and fresh island with crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by lush greenery, the area makes an ultimate tourist destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Majuli Island is counted among best Assam tourist places and is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Jorhat. Covering over 1250 sq kilometers, Majuli Island receives tourists in large numbers throughout the year. Not only is the place loved and appreciated for its natural vegetation and pristine rivers, but the tribal culture and unique traditions make Majuli a must-visit destination for Assam tourists. The tribal people living around the island follow a wonderful tradition and amazing festivals. In fact, the diverse culture makes Majuli Island the cultural capital of Assam. In addition to flaunting the natural landscape, Majuli Island is home to the migratory birds. It is a heaven for bird-watchers and photographers.
Things to do in Majuli Island
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture and tribal life of Assam by taking a stroll around the quaint villages here.
- Get a chance to play some interesting musical instruments and practice Bihu dance steps in the Mishing Village
- Discover the true meaning of serenity at the Shri Shri Dakhinpat Satra
- Witness the sun setting down into the horizon at the Majuli Island
- Get a clear view of the world’s largest river by renting a boat
- Take a view of the complete village and the river Brahmaputra from the ferry top
Top Tourist Attractions
Majuli Island is a nature-lovers paradise. With scenic views and lush greenery, Majuli greets its tourists with quite a few tourist destinations including Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, Chetiagaon, Bangalpukhari, Amreteswar Temple, Bongaori, Tengapania, Nimati Ghat Road, Mokha and Samaguri Satra, Molai Forest Reserve, and more.
3. Guwahati – A Blend of Traditional and Modern Places
The largest state of Assam also happens to be a perfect combination of ancient culture and modernization. Being the commercial hub of the state, Guwahati is surrounded by the Shillong Plateau and the famous Indian River Brahmaputra. Dispur, the capital city of the state is nestled in the Guwahati region.
Guwahati receives thousands of tourists every year. While some travel to Guwahati for business purposes, others tour Guwahati to explore the ancient culture of Assam and some natural attractions here. The city is home to a large number of temples, dedicated to different deities. One such popular temple sitting atop the Nilachal Hill is the Kamakhya Temple. It welcomes tourists in the count of thousands every year, especially when the Ambubachi Mela is held. Besides the natural attractions and some sacred places, Guwahati houses the top educational institutions in Assam. It is home to The Guwahati Medical College and the Indian Institute of Guwahati. Being a commercial city, it has lots of vibrant markets, malls, and theatres. A visit to the centuries-old temples will take you back in time, while the loud nightlife gives you a taste of modernization in Assam.
Things to do in Guwahati
- Go shopping at Sualkuchi and explore the woven art in the town. Grab a bridal outfit and Mekhela Chadar as a souvenir.
- Admire the wonderful artifacts displayed at the Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra
- Get an ultimate sky-watching experience at the Guwahati Planetarium
- Hop on the cruise that takes you through the majestic Brahmaputra River
- Meet the popular musicians at Café Hendrix
- Try Assamese cuisines at the local restaurants such as Foodvilla
- Explore the rich Assam wildlife at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pay a visit to the Kamakhya Temple
Top Tourist Attractions
Full of life and cultural activities, Guwahati is a one-stop destination for art-lovers, nature-fans, peace seekers, adventure lovers, and spiritual tourists. Amongst the hundreds of tourist places in Guwahati Assam, the most popular and must-visit destinations in the city are Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Museum, Peacock Island, Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra, Umananda Island and Temple, Guwahati Zoo, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Basistha Ashram, Guwahati Planetarium, Hajo, ISKCON Guwahati, Pandu, and more.
4. Jorhat – A Tourist Spot for Tea Lovers
Jorhat is among famous tourist places in Assam. It is popularly known as the Tea Capital of India. The town is especially famous for its mosques, tombs, tea estates, lush greenery, vegetations, and wonderful parks. Jorhat is home to as many as 135 tea gardens, making it an ideal destination for tea lovers. Moreover, the town is famous for jewelry artists. In fact, most tourists buy the jewelry pieces in Jorhat as a souvenir. The jewelry here is a perfect example of the contemporary and traditional style ornaments.
Being the second-largest town in the state, Jorhat welcomes a large number of tourists from different corners of the world annually. The town flaunts its natural charm and wonderful tea plantations, which look extremely gorgeous and rejuvenating. The natural attractions combined with the city’s rich culture make it a tourist hub.
The world’s largest freshwater river island i.e. Majuli Island is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from the Jorhat town. Tourists, interested in strengthening their bond with nature and Assamese culture, can catch a ferry from Nimati Ghat and get an exciting ride to the Majuli Island. Jorhat houses people belonging to different cultures. Besides, the city is associated with a strong history, which is worth exploring. Jorhat was declared as the capital city of Assam during the reign of Ahom Dynasty, a kingdom that ruled the state for over six centuries.
Things to do in Jorhat
- Get a safari tour at the Kaziranga National Park, located at a few kilometers distance from Jorhat
- Explore the tribe culture and the enchanting surroundings at Majuli Island – the world’s largest freshwater islands.
- Discover some natural attractions in Jorhat with a Sivasagar day outing. Here, you will come across some heritage sites that have been transformed into tourist destinations in the past few years.
- Get a close look at the pristine waters of the Nimati Ghat. You could book a boat in the evening to explore the waters while capturing the splendid sunset view.
- Schedule a visit to the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, situated at a distance of 20 kilometers from Jorhat city.
Top Tourist Attractions
The pristine island, rich wildlife, commercial centers, colorful Assamese market, and tea plantations make Jorhat the prime tourist destination in Assam. While in Jorhat, do not miss out on the popular tourist attractions, such as Majuli Island, Nimati Ghat, Cinnamora Tea Garden, Sukapha Samannay Kshetra, Bangalpukhari, Thengal Bhavan, Gazpur, Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Raja Maidan, Molai Forest, Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar, and more.
5. Goalpara – The Spiritual Tourist Site
Another among most popular Assam tourist places is Goalpara. It happens to be one of the picturesque towns in Assam. Covered with scenic beauty and lush greenery, Goalpara is often regarded as the hidden gem of Assam. The city accommodates numerous temples, pilgrim sites, and cultural spots.
The specialties of Goalpara are its monuments and beautiful Stupas. Nestles in the southern area of the state, Goalpara is a popular tourist destination with a myriad of wonderful sites that flaunt ancient archaeology and historical culture. The major tourist attraction in the town is Surya Pahar, featuring the perfect blend of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism archeology. Witness the magnificent idols of Lord Shiva as well as fascinating Shiva Lingams. The idols of Jain deities enhance the beauty of the palace. Besides being a spiritual palace, Goalpara is an interesting location for adventure junkies and fun lovers.
You could try your hands on quite a few exciting activities such as river rafting and rock climbing in Goalpara. Goalpara is especially famous for its sacred places. Spiritual sites receive thousands of tourists from all over the world. Travelers can explore the vast tea plantations in Goalpara. The town features two major tea estates namely Simlitola and Moijonga.
Things to do in Goalpara
- Get familiar with the mythological tales associated with the pious sites i.e. Tukreswari and Nandeswar Devalaya in Goalpara
- Take a stroll around the tea gardens and relish the pleasant aroma of tea.
- Participate in rock climbing at Tukreswari Rock
- Get indulged in other interesting activities such as river rafting and trekking
- Enjoy the sightseeing experience at the Dadan Hill and capture the splendid statue of Lord Shiva sitting on the top of the hill.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Surrounded by lush greenery and natural attractions, Goalpara is blessed with nature in abundance. The popular tourist attractions you must visit in the town are Surya Pahar, Kokrajahar, Nagaon, Joybhum Kamakhya Temple, Buraburi Than, Dadan Hills, Barpeta, Nandeswar Devalaya, Turkeswari, Manas National Park, and more.
6. Dispur – The Capital City
Capital city Dispur is among top Assam tourist places. Do you want to explore Assamese culture, tribal tradition, picturesque places, and some panoramic views? Well, the capital city of the state is your ideal location then. Your trip to Assam is incomplete without at least a 2-day itinerary to Dispur. Dispur got the ‘Capital City’ status back in 1973 when Assam and Meghalaya separated. It is home to some of the ancient monuments and heritage sites in Assam.
Moreover, Dispur accommodates the famous buildings including the State Assemble House, Assam Secretariat, and State Emergency Operation Center. There is no better place than Dispur to discover the unique yet colorful culture of Assam. The town boasts of some of the popular Hindu temples. Lying on the outskirts of the commercial hub of Assam ‘Guwahati’, Dispur is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Guwahati.
Spend a perfect and peaceful vacation in the lap of nature here. Plan a visit to Dispur with your family during November-March and have some fun time exploring the beautiful locations of the capital town.
Things to do in Dispur
- Explore the historical collection of the prehistoric era at the Assam State Museum in Dispur. Check out weapons, garments, utensils, paintings, stone, copper, and other exciting items of the ancient era.
- Discover the rich wildlife and natural vegetation of Assam at Assam State Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
- Get an insight into the pure and top-quality silk production in Dispur at Sualkuchi.
- Pay homage to Lord Shiva by visiting Uma Nanda Temple
- Explore the lifestyle and tradition of the tribal in Assam at Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra.
- Take a cruise ride on the Brahmaputra River
Popular Tourist Attractions
Being home to some of the popular spiritual sites and essential buildings, Dispur is a must-visit tourist destination in Assam. The town has some of the best places to visit in Assam. If you are planning a trip to this capital town, cover the popular attractions, including the Regional Science Centre and Museum, Janardana Temple, Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra, Sualkuchi, Assam State Zoo, and Botanical Gardens, Navagraha Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Basistha Ashram, Shilpagram, and Assam State Museum.
7. Hajo – The Religious City
Hajo is considered as top spiritual places to visit in Assam. Hajo receives spirituals tourists throughout the year. The town is known for housing the sacred places for three major religions – Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhists. Located at a distance of 24 kilometers from Guwahati, Hajo houses the deities of Hindu’s Lord and Goddesses Durga, Vishnu, and Shiva. The city has many Muslim saints as well as Buddhist holy sites.
The Powa Mecca Mosque is best tourist place in Assam for religious serenity, it serves as a major tourist attraction for Muslims while the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir receives a large number of Buddhists and Hindu visitors regularly. This spiritual town invites people of all the major religions to seek blessings and find peace. If resources are to be believed, then Hajo is the destination where the Buddhist’s Lord achieved Nirvana. Moreover, history suggests that the Powa Mecca Mosque in Hajo is constructed with the soil used in building the holy mosque in Mecca. Hajo houses quite a few Hindu temples namely Kedareshwar temple, Hayagriva Temple, and Ganesha Temple. In addition to being the top spiritual destination in Assam, Hajo is famous for its tranquil locations and calm environment.
Things to Do in Hajo
- Explore the sanctity of the Islamic holy site Mecca by paying a visit to the Powa Mecca (which is said to be made of the same soil that is used in the construction of Mecca mosque).
- Walk up to the top of the Madanachala Hill and pay tribute to Lord Shiva by visiting The Kedareswar Temple.
- Pay a visit to the Buddhist’s and Hindu’s holy site Hayagriva Madhava temple
- Explore the ancient architecture of the 18th-century-built kamesware temple
Popular Tourist Attractions
Are you on the lookout for the spiritual places to visit in Assam? Well, a trip to Hajo will take you to the holy sites of three major religions in India. Though there is not much to explore in Hajo other than spiritual places, the serenity of this town fills you with positivity and enthusiasm. Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in the town are Powa Mecca, Kamesware Temple, Deva Bhavana, Hayagriva Madhava Temple, Kedareshwar Temple, Joy Durga Temple, and Dhoparguri Satra.
8. Sivasagar – Collect the Remnants of Ahom Dynasty
From underground architectural sites to exquisite forts that remind you of the ancient era, Sivasagar is a paradise for history fans. It has the ruins of the Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for six centuries. The town is full of cultural and archaeological sites that date back to the prehistoric period. In addition to historical locations, the city houses some Hindu Temples that receive a large number of tourists every year.
Also known as Sibsagar, this Assamese town is located in the middle of the rich biodiversity and some of the popular historical monuments. A town is an ideal place for tourists, who are interested in discovering the architecture of the Ahom dynasty, royal buildings, heritage sites, underground architecture, and remnants of the rulers of the ancient era. The town derives its name from the famous Sivasagar Sivadol Temple, which was constructed in 1734.
The best time to visit Sivasagar is during Shivratri. Being dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sivasagar witnesses a grand celebration during Shivratri.
Things to Do in Sivasagar
- Explore the collection of the wonderful artifacts that belong to the Ahom dynasty at Sivasagar Tai Museum.
- Pay a visit to one of the largest artificial lakes in India i.e. Joysagar.
- Participate in the Durga Puja that is organized during April and May at Devidol Mandir
- Pay homage to Lord Vishnu by visiting Vishnudol Temple
- Capture over 143 migratory birds and wonderful animal species thriving in the Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary
Popular Tourist Attractions
Amongst many popular places to visit in Assam and Meghalaya, Sivasagar happens to be a major tourist attraction for history lovers. The popular places to visit in Sivasagar are Shiva Dol, Joysagar, Chalapothar Shyam Gaon, Charaideo, Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary, Vishnu Dol, Devi Dol, Ajan Pir Dargah, Sivasagar Tai Museum, and more.
To conclude, there are many places to visit in Assam, and visitors really enjoys the diversity of this state. Above-mentioned are eight most attractive Assam tourist places, though you can find many more aesthetic places here.