Assam

Situated in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, Assam is one of the most mesmerizing destinations welcoming its tourists to nature´s beckon amidst greenery.  It is the northeastern state of India and is equivalent to the size of Ireland or Austria. With rich cultural diversity, it is a popular destination for wildlife tourism. The mighty river Brahmaputra binds Assam´s history with fascinating tales that renders you a sea of information from the past. A piece of paradise on earth -see it to believe it.

Demographics

The total nose count shows a figure of 26.66 million. Some parts of the state experience higher population concentration like the districts of Sonitpur, Nagaon, Barpeta, Kamrup, Dhubri, Darang and Cachar. Throughout the state 45 different languages are spoken by the different communities. The two major religions in the region are Hinduism and Islam that comprises 64.9% and 30.9% of the population, respectively.

Geography

Assam shares its borders with seven neighboring states – Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya.  The Siliguri Corridor also known as “Chicken´s Neck” serves as the connectivity between the seven states and the rest of India.

Famous for its rich biodiversity zone, Assam’s forests are classified into deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, bamboo orchards, riverine grasslands as well as wetlands that make up for the whole ecosystem of Assam.

Climate

There are two types of climatic conditions in Assam. The sub-alpine climate in the hilly regions, which is quite enjoyable and the plains offer a tropical climate with high humidity. Winter sets in by the end of October and stretches to the end of February. The summer’s in Assam begins in mid-May with a high level of humidity and rainfall. June is the advent of monsoons when you confront thunder spells and heavy showers. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant months in Assam, when the temperature remains moderate with light rainfall.

Flora and Fauna

Assam has 21% of its area covered with forest, which is rich in green and endangered species of animals. The list of flora and fauna includes Gangetic dolphin, one-horned rhinoceros, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, pigmy hog, wild buffalo, Golden langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Stump-tailed macaque, Hispid hare and many more. Assam’s fauna also includes birds from varied species like White winged wood duck, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Long-billed, Great Hornbills, Bengal Florican, Large, Coral-billed Scimitar Babblers and much more.

Major attractions

The Kaziranga National park tops the tourist list. Home to the endangered one-horned Indian rhinoceros and different species of birds and animals, Kaziranga is the best reasons for visiting Assam. Apart from Kaziranga, Manas also ranks amongst UNESCO’s list of the world´s heritage sites.

Guwahati is the main spot of historical interest, which encloses a number of historical attractions. For the devotees, the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal hill in Guwahati is a must-see. Further, it also offers a panoramic view of the city and mighty Bramhaputra river.

Assam also plays host to the largest river island in the world – Majuli Island. A visit to the plush green tea gardens of Assam and the remote villages tucked in the hills kissed by the clouds makes it a lifetime experience for travelers.

Tips

- Visit Assam during winter since it allows you the perfect weather to enjoy the beauty of the state
- If time permits take a cruise along Bramhaputra
- Take an early morning Elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park to get the best views of the Rhinoceroses.