ASSAM

Assam Known as Kamprupa or Pragyotish in the period of the epics, straddles the fertile Brahmaputra Valley, making it the most accessible core of India’a northeast. The archetypal Assamese landscape offers mesmerizing autumnal vistas over seemingly endless gold-green rice fields patched with palm and bamboo groves distantly hemmed with hazy blue mountain horizons. In between are equally endless, equally gorgeous manicured tea estates. Unlike Sri Lanka’s or Darjeeling’s, Assamese tea estates are virtually flat and take their particular scenic splendour from the dappled shade of inter planted trees that shield sensitive tea leaves from the blazing sun. Epigraphic sources place the capitals of many ancient kingdoms in Guwahati. It was the capital of the mythological kings Naraka and Bhagadatta according to the Mahabharata. The Sakti tempe of Kamakhya on Nilachal Hill, the ancient and unique astrological temple Navagraha support the mythological assertions of the city’s past. The State Museum is home to an anthology of antiques right back to prehistoric times. The collection boasts of some of the most authentic, prehistoric sculptures, metal, ivory paintings, woodwork and costumes. The Ahom capital of Sivasagar is home to some of the temples and palaces of the warrior race from South East Asia who ruled for nearly 600 years. The Rang Ghar, Shiva Dol, and kareng Ghar are some of the Ahom relics that stand proud in and around Sivasagar. The invasion of the Burmese led to the Anglo-Burmese War followed by the Treaty of Yandaboo. The British rule brought in economic changes with coal, oil and tea becoming major industries. Vastly improved road and rail networks led to brisk trade all along the valley and changed this tranquil state forever. Kaziranga National Park, on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra, offers splendid wildlife viewing and is the last remnant of a habitat once spread throughout the valley. The largest population of one-horned rhinoceros is here. Manas Tiger reserve, on the border with Bhutan has been declared a world heritage site and contains twenty of India’s most endangered species. Assam is home to more than half of about 1200 varieties of avifauna recorded in the Indian subcontinent. Some of the best locations for birding in Assam are Nameri and Kaziranga National Parks.

Best time to visit: October to April when rainfall is moderate and the weather is pleasant with sunny days and cool nights.