Assam

Assam, one of the heavens in India is situated in the North-East of India and is the largest north eastern state. The State of Assam is one of the most beautiful regions of India. Assam has a geographical area of 78,529 square kilometers and total population of around 25 millions. It is famous for its tea gardens and is named as Assam apple valley tea. The antral beauty is one of the best features of Assam. Wild Life sanctuary is also one of the good features. It is very famous for one horned Asiatic Rhino. There are many temples and monuments in Assam. Brahmaputra river flows through Assam. Assam is a land of natural beauty, cultural richness. The best time to visit Assam is between October to May. Assam offers a peculiar composite culture, of myriad hues. Some of the main tourist destinations have been listed below.


1. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga is one of the Protected Areas in India and one of the most significant conserved forest areas on the earth. It is one of the most beautiful and attractive places that we can select as our traveling destiny in Assam. It is an UNESCO world heritage site. The size of this National park is 470 sq Kms. It assures the most fascinating wildlife in Asia. Kaziranga is popularly known as the home of the “Big Five” - the elephant, rhinoceros, wild buffalo, tiger and Swamp Deer. One horned Rhino is the trademark species in Assam. The best season for the visit of this park is between November to April. The park is closed between May and October.

How to reach there ?

Kaziranga is on National Highway 37, which connects Guwahati with Jorhat on the east. Jorhat is the nearest airport, 97 kms, away. Guwahati airport is 240kms from Kohora by road via Nowgong. The nearest convenient railhead and airport is at Jorhat. Numerous long distance buses are available from Guwahati, Jorhat and Nowgong for road travel to the Park.

2. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Another wildlife sanctuary in Assam. It is mainly known for the Tiger reservation. It lies among the foothills of the Bhutan Himalayas, in the far eastern state of Assam. It is the only tiger reserve in Assam and mainly known for the rare golden langur and the red panda. Manas has a reputation of the best - kept national parks in India. Rides to see Tiger is also provided for the visitors and the authorities won’t assure for the tiger sighting. It depends on the nature and the climate. Besides Tiger many more species and good sceneries are also seen. The best time to visit the park is at October to April. Its good to avoid monsoon visit, the probability of seeing species are very rare at that time. The wildlife is best seen on elephant back at dawn.

How to reach there ?

Manas National Park is 176km from Guwahati, which is the nearest major airport. State transport authorities and private operators have to bus services to Manas from Guwahati. You can also hire taxis to Manas from Guwahati.

3. Brahmaputra River

It is one of the best rivers in Asia. It is originated from Tibet. Brahmaputra is a major river of South Asia. It flows some 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) from its source in the Himalayas to its confluence with the Ganga River. All Indian rivers are female except this one. It means Son of God, and it carries more water than the Ganges. The Brahmputra offers beautiful scenery, excellent big white water and great wild life in a less-visited corner of the sub-continent. Cruises are also provided as tourist attraction through this river. Wildlife and wilderness are the main features of a Brahmaputra cruise. The river bed is often 20 or 30km across and sight seeing of bird life and the occasional Gangetic Dolphin is also seen. The cruise also gives access to a number of India’s National park including Kaziranga which is he finest of all.

How to reach there?

This is one of the most important places and all the transportation is well connected here.


4. Tolatol Ghar and Kareng Gha
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Kareng Ghar is a seven storied palace, located about 14 km east of Sibsagar in Assam. Formerly, the military station of the Ahom kings, it was built by Rudra Singha during 1696-1714. Uniqueness is that the palace has three underground floors known as Talatal Ghar. The upper storeys are known as Kareng Ghar. Besides, there are two underground tunnels connecting Talatal Ghar and the Gargaon palace with the Dikhow River. These tunnels, which served as the emergency exit, were later blocked by the East India Company.

How to reach there ?

A seven-storied palace having three underground –known as Talatal Ghar built by King Rudra Singha (1696-1714) is only 6 kms from Sivasagar town.

5. Joysagar

Joysagar, believed to be the largest man-made lake in India, sprawls over 318 acres on the edge of Sibsagar town. Another highlight is the Ahom Museum on the bank of the Sibsagar, which house  artifacts of the Ahom rulers, which include clothes, swords, manuscripts, goblets and platters. Lots of valuable monuments and historical jewels are placed here.


How to get there ?

The nearest airport, Jorhat, are only 55 km away and by rail the nearest railhead is Simalugiri, which is 16km away.

6. Guwahati

This is one of the most religious places in India. The magical charm of Guwahati is situated on the bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra. It is the magic of the demon-king Narakasura who built the ancient city, still rings the air. It is the seat of astronomers who perform their miracles everyday. For those with a religious bent of mind, Guwahati can be a soul cleaning experience. Kamakhya, on the top of the Nilachal hills, is a vital center of tantric form of Hinduism and Saktism. Mental relaxation is one of the features of this place.

How to get there?

Guwahati is well connected by air, rail and road. There are regular air and rail services from New Delhi and Calcutta. By road Guwahati is, 2106 kms from Delhi, 3104 kms from Mumbai, 2688 kms from Chennai. Guwahati airport is connected by 1A and Vayudoot with the rest of India.

7. Majuli

Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra Valley, Assam state. Majuli enjoys the privilege of being the largest river island in the world. It crested in the bosom of the mighty Brahmaputra and fondly tucked up by Lohit and Khabalu with loving care. During the monsoon, the rivers swell and vast tracts of land are submerged. The old and the young, and even children steer clear on their rowing boats to safe destinations. At night wild geese and ducks fly in flocks high above one’s head to far-away destinations. Autumn and winter are the best time for the visit of this place.

How to get there ?

Majuli is just 20 Kms away from Jorhat. To visit Majuli, one has to vail the bus or hired taxi service upto Nimati Steamer Ghat and from there embark on a Steamer or rowing boat.


8. Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh is situated at the river Brahmaputra. It is known as the largest tea exporting town in India. The lovely scenario of this place makes it a good tourist attraction place. Sometimes it is referred as the gateway to some districts of Arunachal Pradesh. In Dibrugarh one can go around the tea gardens which are located in and around the town. These gardens are efficiently managed self-contained units that produce the best teas of the world. The recreational clubs of the planters boast of the best tennis courts, golfing greens, squash courts and billiard tables. The well mentioned luxurious bungalows with their manicured lawns and gardens are well worth a visit. A large number of tea estates are located along NH-37 covering large area of Dibrugarh district.

How to get there ?

Dibrugarh has regular air flight from major cities like Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati from its Mohanbari airport, which is 17 km from the town.

9. Tezpur

Tezpur, one of the historical places in Assam. Tezpur is known as the “City of Blood”. It is situated on the Northern bank of the river Brahmaputra and 181 kms away from Guwahati. The great mythological war was believed to have been fought between Hari and Hara and as a result the whole city was said to have drenched with blood, hence the name is originated.

How to get there?

Tezpur is well connected by bus service with all the towns of Assam. Nearest Airport is Saloni, 10 kms from Tezpur and Railway station is Tezpur.

10. Umananda Temple

This is the famous temple in India. This temple is of Lord Shiva and is located in the middle of the river Brahmaputra as an island. This island is called a peacock island. Country boats that are available at this place take the visitors to the island. The mountain on which the temple has been built is known as Bhasmacala. The design of this temple is mind-blowing and reflects the perfect skills of Assamese craftsmen. The sculptures here speak  that the followers of Assam are a true Hindu believer  and worshiped many Hindu Gods. The design of this temple rejoices in each and every tourist for sure and this place is a must see in Assam.

How to get there ?

The nearest airport is at Guwahati. From where you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island to visit the temple. By rails the closest railhead is at Guwahati, From here you have to take a ferry to the Pea Cock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. The railhead at Guwahati is connected to almost all the major cities of India. And by bus one can easily take road transport to Guwahati from any part of the state.

Posted by shaun, filed under Tourist Places. Date: June 6, 2008, 8:09 am | No Comments »

Nagaland tourism offers a good place and good sight seeings for all the tourists. The amazing hideouts with impressive ambiance to make your holidays more entertaining. Nagaland has a unique blend of the ancient and modern, of eastern and western. Nagaland may not be the tourist spot for everyone. However, the location here makes us a relaxation from our daily hectic work load. The places here give a mental refreshment and can recharge our energy by enjoying mother nature. Most of the tourist attraction in every part of the world , here we will get deeper into a unique community of tribal called Nagas. Away from our busy life with lots of pollution like air and water, here we get closer into fresher atmosphere. The largest rhododendron in the world is found in Nagaland. The easiest and the most convenient way to reach Nagaland is to take the flight from Kolkata. It takes about two-and-a-half hours to get to Dimapur. The tourism of Nagaland is developing, and they are on their way for locating Nagaland into the most tourist attraction spot in the map of India. Some of the beautiful spot of Nagaland has been listed below.

1. Kohima World War II Cemetery

Nagaland got foreign attention during the Second World War. This was due to the Japanese infringement which was stopped by British as well as Indian forces. This is the tribute of the nation to all that had given life for the world war. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains the graveyard. Little stone markers with bronze plaques on them commemorate the dead British and Indian soldiers of World War II. This cemeterworld war II cemetry has well maintained lawns. The rose bushe  bloom here in a season. At the lowest and highest point of the cemetery, there are two tall crosses. This place is a good one for paving our gratitude to the brave soldiers. The Kohima war cemetery is serene and beautiful. Roses bloom in a season, the grass is always billiard-table smooth.

How to reach there ?

Air: Dimapur the nearest airport (only 74 Km). It is connected with Calcutta and Guwahati. Dimapur has the nearest railhead and connects it with Calcutta, Dibrugarh and Guwahati. The Nagaland State Transport runs services form Dimapur to Kohima.

2. Dimapur

This place is known as the “Gateway of Nagaland”. This is the commercial capital of the state. In dimapur we can visit the colorful and excellent bazaar of Ruzaphema which is very well known for its handicrafts in exclusive designs and style. Trekkers take to the beautiful three tier waterfalls of Seithekima village of Dimapur district. The beautiful town of Dimapur was the capital of the ancient Kacharis. The Kachari civilization existed in this region before the 13th century. This is the most beautiful land in Nagaland which is abundant with its natural beauty and has lots of tourist attractions. The ethnic tribes, their habitat, arts and handicrafts and the locales attract man.This beautiful land of abundant natural beauty has immense tourist attraction.

How to reach there ?

Dimapur is well connected to the rest of India through rail, roads and air and is very easily spotted.

3. Dzukou Valley

This is the dream spot for all the Trekkers. Dzukou is one of the best trekking spots of North East India. This valley is well known for its natural cave, rocks and hills. Trekkers take to the greenery of the valley and its difficult terrain to explore the caves as well as enjoy the flowing streams. This is one of the valleys, which is untouched by the civilization. Summer is the best time for trekking here. That time there will be a sure sight of wild herbs and shrubs. Dzukou Valley is often called the valley of celestial charm. This valley is one of the best dreams come true for the nature lovers. Rhododendrons, orchids and lilies are a delight for every nature lover. The largest rhododendron in the world is found in Nagaland in this place.

How to reach there ?

It is about 30 km south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. The nearest airport is at Dimapur. One can take a bus or taxi from here to reach the valley. The nearest railhead is at Dimapur. One can take a bus or taxi from here to reach the valley.

4. State Museum

Now this is the place for the deep knowledge of getting more into the lifestyles of the many individual tribes of Nagas. The carved gateposts, status pillars to show gratitude to feasts of honour and traditional jewelery is one of the rarest parts in this museum. One of the exclusive items used in Naga jewelery is the seashell. Visitors should also examine the ceremonial drum housed in a shed of its own in the grounds of the museum. It is at Kohima. The visit is from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm. It will remain closed on all national and international holidays. There is a collection of anthropological exhibits of the different Naga tribes, status pillars, a ceremonial drum, gateposts and jewelery. The basement has animals and birds from the North Eastern hill states.

How to reach there ?

This place is at Kohima which is the capital of Nagaland and is well connected to all the transport through air, rail and road.

5. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the main wild life sanctuary in Nagaland and is situated close to the Myanmar (Burma) border in the north eastern state of Nagaland in India. Nagaland has many wildlife sanctuaries and each and every sanctuary differ from its own peculiarities. The sanctuary lies in the Pungro circle headquarter in Nagaland. This is the sanctuary which receives high rainfall and is home to numerous flora and fauna. The sanctuary has lots of collections of rare species of flora and fauna. The area is covered with hills, high ridges deep gorges and narrow valleys. Due to massive rainfall in these areas, the forests are full of undergrowth shrubs and numerous rare orchids are also there in this area. There is wide range of rare species of animals in the forest. They are tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Slender Loris, Hoolock gibbons, Panther, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Bear, Bison etc. Indian Horn Bill, Tragopan Pheasant, Grey Pheasant, Jungle Fowl, Green Pigeon, Doves etc are important birds found in the district.The best time to travel here is at November to February.

How to reach there ?

Kohima, the state capital is linked to Guwahati (Assam) by the NH 39. One can easily reach the sanctuary from Kohima by road. Nagaland does not possess well laid rail lines. As the rail lines do not connect all of Nagaland, one can only reach the sanctuary by road. The closest railway station from the Fakim Sanctuary is located at Dimapur in Nagaland. NH 39 links Nagaland to Guwahati by road. Once in Kohima, one can easily reach the sanctuary by bus or taxi.

6. Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the wildlife sanctuaries that is considered as the home to the hoolock baboon which is the only gibbon found in India. The area is bounded by an area of 202 sq.km and is 677metere above sea level. It is an adventure filled forest, which has a  habitat to a number of elephants, tigers, sambhar, wild dog, goral, sloth bear and many endangered species and many birds. It is cared by the Forest Wildlife Department. The most important thing is that we can stay a night at the forest rest house which is managed by government tourist department.

How to reach there ?

The closest airport is at Dimapur. One can easily reach the sanctuary from Dimapur by road.The closest railhead is at Dimapur. One can take a bus or taxi from here to reach the sanctuary. NH 39 links Nagaland with rest of India. NH 39 directly links Nagaland to Guwahati in Assam. One can easily reach the sanctuary by bus or taxi from here.

7. Japfu Peak

This is the second highest peak in Nagaland and stands 3048 metres above sea-level. This is the dream come true spot for all the trekking lovers. The best time for trekking in this mountain is from November to March. The most important sight is the sunrise from the peak and is a wonderful experience to remember. Major locales of the Nagaland can be bird eyed from this peak. In the Japfu ranges, we can see the tallest Rhododendron tree which is spotted in the Guinness Book of world records. It is quite an adventure to see this tree as it entails more than five hours of strenuous trekking through steep inclines to have a view of this World Record holding a Rhododendron arborea tree. It will be quite an adventure for all the trekkers trekking the Japfu peak.

How to reach there ?

It is located about 15 Km south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland and is well connected to all the transport through air, rail and road.

8. Khonoma Village

This village is known as the “Green Village” in Nagaland . This place is endowed with rich forest cover and rare bio diversity . The Khonoma gate relates the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills. The Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. There are beautiful terraces, which are beautifully carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village is one of the excellent sight of this area. The unique variety of the soil here and the elevation has been resulted in about 20 types of rice being grown here. There is a sanctuary over here and is also the habitat of many other endangered and rare species of plants and animals. The sanctuary is also an ideal place for adventure and nature study.

How to reach there ?

The beautiful terraces which are carved out of the hill slope surrounding the village are a sight to behold. The unique variety of soil condition and elevation of its fields have resulted in about 20 types of rice being grown here.

9. Shangnyu Village

Now this is the place for all those people who are concerned with the traditional studies and their culture. This is one of the famous villages set in this state of Nagaland. We can get an interesting view of the tribal people and their interesting way of living. The tribal are governed by the hereditary chiefs who are called Anghs. Most of the people here in this village have been bounded with various kinds of skills. Its interesting to watch their skillful work as artisans and well crafters. The finest example that stands for the skill of these Shangnyu craftsmen is to be found in this beautiful Shangnyu present in the Mon District of the state of Nagaland in India.

How to reach there ?

Transportation is very easy to access to this area and is readily available and is well connected to all the transport through air, rail and road. The Shangnyu Village, Nagaland can also be easily reached from any part of this state of Nagaland in the country of India.

10. Satoi Range

This place is located in Zunherboto distrcit. This is the place for the bird watchers. This is the only remaing virgin forest in the region. One of the most endangered species named Blythi Tragopan, one of the species in bird is found only in this forest. This is a pleasant sight for all the tourist. This is an ideal place for trekking and camping. Most of the touristers are here to see the rare Rhododendrons which is in the hills during the months of April and May. Trekking guide is available here.

How to reach there ?

Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland, and is connected to New Delhi and Calcutta. Dimapur is also an important railhead, on the main line of the North-eastern Frontier Railway. Buses of the Nagaland State Transport ply regularly from Dimapur to Guwahati, and Shillong.

Posted by shaun, filed under Tourist Places. Date: June 6, 2008, 8:00 am | No Comments »

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