An ideal meeting ground for diverse races, Assam gave shelter to streams of human

waves carrying with them district cultures and trends of civilization. Austro-Asiatics,
Negritos, Dravidians, Alpines, Indo -Mongoloids, Tibeto-Burmese and Aryans
penetrated into Assam through different routes and contributed in their own way
towards the unique fusion of a new community which came to be known in later
history as the. Assamese Assam however, remained predominantly a land of the
Tibeto-Burmese.
The vast section of the people of Assam belong either to this stock or owe their origin
to the fusion of this stock with other racial groups. Assam, known in the ancient lore
as Kamarupa, originally included in addition to modern Assam, parts of modern
Bengal and Bangladesh. Guwahati, the pulsating centre of Assam, is an ancient town
whose history goes back to the puranic days.
The city, anciently known as Pragjyotishpur, was said to have been founded by King
Narakasur, who is mentioned in the puranas and epics. His son Bhagadatta led a
large elephant force to the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and fell fighting on the side of
the Kauravas. In the 13th century, the country was conquered by the Ahoms under
the leadership of Sukapha, a prince of the Shan tribe, in the upper Irravaddy Valley.
The advent of the Ahoms changed the course of Assam's history. Ahoms fought the
local Karchari, Chutia and Moran kings and established their sway in course of time,
over the whole of Brahmaputra Valley. The Ahoms appointed Bharphakans to rule
Kamapura and Gauhati became the capital of these Viceroys. The last of the Viceroys
was Badanchandra, whoin an ill-advised bid for power invited the Burmese to help
him. The Burmese dislodged the Ahoms and dismissed their Viceroy, Badanchandra.
The Ahoms appealed to the British for help.
The British defeated the Burmese in several battels, in what has since been called
the first Burmese War. With the Treaty with Yandabo in 1826, the Burmese vacated
Assam, leaving British in possession. The conquered territory was placed under the
administrator of an Agent to the Governor General. In 1832 Chachar was annexed to
Assam. In 1835, the Jaintia hills were made part of Assam. In 1874 a seperate
province of Assam under a Chief Commissioner was created, with Shillong as Capital.
On the partition of India almost the whole of the predominantly Muslim district of
Sylhet was merged with East Bengal.
Dewanagiri in North Kamapura was ceded to Bhutan in 1951. In 1948, the North East
Frontier Agency was separated from Assam, for security reasons. In 1963, Nagaland
was carved out of Assam as a full-fledged state. On 21st Jan. 1972, Meghalaya was
cut out of Assam, as a separate state and Mizoram became Union Territory. In 1987,
Mizoram was granted statehood. *Though many cultures and different races mingled
in the development of Assamese culture, predominantly it is Tibeto-Burmese.
In olden days it was known as Kamrupa. Guwahati, the biggest was called Prag
Jyotishpur in ancient times. King Narakasur was the founder and his son Bhagadatta
died in the battlefield of Kurukshetra fightng for the Kauravas, says Mahabharata. In
the 13th century, the Ahom tribe conquered Assam. They appointed Viceroys to rule
Guwahati and Kamrupa.
The last Viceroy in the last century invited the Burmese to help him to become
independent. But the Burmese dislodged the viceroy and began to rule. The Ahoms
appealed to the British and they defeated the Burmese.

In 1826, Assam became part of British India.

Kings and Monarchs of Independent Assam Before 4th century BC: Nothing much
known Mohiranga Danaw and his descendents; the last king's name was
Ghatakaaxur Bhouma Dynasty
Brief History of Assam after 1826
1826: Assam annexation by British complete; Assam made a part of the Province of
Bengal; Assam divided into two commissions: Upper Assam and Lower Assam
1832: Division of Assam into the districts of Goalpara, Kamrup, Darrang, Nagaon
1832: Kochaari Kingdom consisting of current districts of Karbi Anglong, Cachar and
others annexed to Assam, made part of Nagaon district
1833: Upper Assam made an independent kingdom and Purandar Xingha made king
1834: Independent Kochaari Kingdom reestablished 1835: Tea Plantation
Inauagarated
1835: Jaintia Hills were annexed to Assam
1836: Assamese language was replaced by Bengal as the official language of Assam
1838: Upper Assam again annexed by the British, districts of Sibsagar and
Lakhimpur established
1842: Matak Kingdom around Xodiyaa annexed by British into Assam 1850: Kochaari
Kingdom re-annexed to Assam
1866: Angaami Naga Kingdom annexed to Assam, made a district 1869: Garo
Kingdom annexed to Assam, made a district
1873: Assamese was once again made the official language of Assam after a period
of 37 years
1874: Assam separated from Bengal and made into a separate province
1898: Lushaai Kingdom annexed by British, made a district of Assam 1905-12:
Assam made a part of the new province of East Bengal and Assam under a lieutenant
governor
1912: Division of Bengal ends, Assam made a part of Bengal again; Assam is
overseen by a chief commissioner
1917: Kuki Naga Kingdom annexed to the District of Nagaland in Assam
1919: Assam made a separate province again, Sylleht made a district of Assam
1921: Governorship is created in Assam
1947: District of Sylleht votes to join East Pakistan
1948: University established in Guwahati
1951: Dewangiri in Kamrup ceded to Bhutan
1963: District of Nagaland separated from Assam and made into a state
1972: NEFA, Garo and Khaasiyaa Hills, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura separated from
Assam.
Gaaro and Khaasiyaa Hills become the state of Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura also
become a state. NEFA becomes the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram becomes a
state, both in 1987.

Institution of Satra
These are unique features of Vaishnavism in Assam.. Satras are basically
monasteries which were propagate neo Vaishnavism. They also became centers for
education and dissemination of all kinds of art of harmonius living.

Satra culture developed mainly at Majuli, Bardowa, Barpeta, Madhupur etc. When the
British invaded Assam in 19th century, missionaries followed and churches were
established all over Assam. Assam is a unique example of communal tolerance and
religious harmony which prevails amongst the believer of different faiths. Assamese
society is remarkably free from communal conflict.
Satras of Majuli
World's largest river island Majuli is the seat of several Satras established by
Vaishnava revivalist, Sankardeva. During Rasotsava several thousand devotees visit
these holy Satras every year. The shrine is held in high veneration by the Vaishnavas.
Batadrawa Satra and Shrine
14 kms from Nagaon town, Batadrawa is the birthplace of famous Vaishnava
reformer Sankerdeva.
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
The Srimabta Sanbkaradeva Kalashetra has been conceived as a grand exposition of
the of and culture of the people of Assam, of its Many ethnic groups and tribes, the
people who have made the cultural mosaic that the Assam of in all its beauty and
splendor. Named after the great unifier of Assam and the greatest integrator of the
Indian society on the fifteenth century, Srimanta Sankaradeva, the Kalakshetra will
attempt to capture and convey the essence of the great seer? spirit, who preached
the message of unity in diversity, sang the song of glorious Bharata- Varsha and the
Universal brotherhood of man.
The Cultural Complex was conceived by the Cultural Advisory Committee of the
Government of Assam in a meeting held on 5th Aug. 1986. It was decided to set up
a complex to serve as a centre of activities in the field of dance, drama, music, fine
arts, literature etc. with a view to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of
the people of Assam. In the same year, a tentative plan for the cultural complex was
prepared. At a later stage the same was named as the? Srimanta Sankaradeva
Kalakshetra and on 2nd Feb. 1988 the Foundation was laid.
Spread over a sprawling Campus of 10.28 hectares at Panjabari, guwahati, the
Kalakshetra has 1. a Sahitya and Sangeet Natak Bhavan; 2. a Lalit Kala Bhavan; 3. a
cultural Museum; 4. a Heritage Park; 5. an Open Air Theatre and 6. an Artists ?
Village , all of which is expected will go to make the complex a living nerve centre of
cultural excellence of Assam.
The Artists village a cluster of small houses of the design of various ethnic groups
like, Mishing, Fakiyal etc. Will offer the visitors and the residents and atmosphere of
village of Assam. There is well furnished accommodation for 100 person to reside at
a time. The Artists? Village has been set up to accommodate the participants of
different workshops, trainees, research scholars etc.
Assam State Museum
The museum was established in 1940 as a non-government body but was taken over
by the state government in 1953. It is the biggest museum of the north east region
and one of the biggest multipurpose museums in the country.
Da-Parbatiya (Tezpur):- One of the finest example of ancient architecture, Da-

Parbatiya of Tezpur dates back to 5th-6th century. The structure is not more than a
door frame but the intricate carvings on it represents the best of Gupta art.
Festivals like Ali-ai-lvigang of the Mising tribe is celebrated here
with traditional fervour. Then the Paal Naam at Auniati Satra is a
huge mela held in the end of Autumn. Another festival
performed by the Sonowal Kacharis tribe is 'Bathow Puja' where
Lord Shiva is worshipped with high veneration. Multifaceted in its
attractions, Majuli unfolds variety to the tourist- rare migratory
birds like pelicans, traditional handicrafts and pottery, ethnic
culture and dance forms, water sports etc.
Bihu
Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and
belief celebrate this festival. In a year there are three Bihu
festivals known as Rongali, bhogali and Kangali. The most
important and colourful one is rangoli Bihu celebrated in April.
This also initiates the agricultural season. The merriments
include dances accompanied on the wild and lusty beats of Dhol
and Pepa (buffalo hornpipe). Songs sung in this Bihu are woven
around themes of love and often carry erotic overtones. People
adorn traditional attires like Dhoti, Gamocha and Chadar,
Mekhala.
The Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in January. Feasting
animal and bird fights accompanied by dance and music form
entertainment part of this Bihu. Kati Bihu or Kangali Bihuis
celebrated in Kartika or October-November. The main attraction
of Bihu has been the distinct dance that is mainly done by young
boys and girls. Brisk stepping, flinging. Almost all ethnic groups
of Assam have their own distinct style of Bihu dance.
Other Fairs and Festivals: Various tribes and communities of
Assam have their own festivals, which add to the colour and
charm of the state.
Some of them are Kherai Puja of Bodos, Baikhu and Pharkantis
of Rabhas, Ali-ai-ligang and Parag of Mising, Sagra-misawa
wansawa and Laghun of Tiwas, Me-Dem-Mehfi of Ahoms and
Chomangkan of Karbis.
Ambubasi Mela
This festival is organised every year during monsoon period at
the Kamakhya temple of Guwahati. The fair attracts thousands
of devotees from all over the nation. Ambubasi is closely related
to the Tantrik rituals that are performed during this festival. The
legend associated with the fair is that this period comes during
menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. On the occasion, the
temple remains close for first three days and devotees can
worship the Goddess only on the fourth day.
Jonbeel Mela
Jonbeel of Jagiroad is host to one of the most spectacular and

popular fairs in Assam. Come winter and tribes & communities

like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, Jaintia come down with their products for
this Mela. This is perhaps the only fair in India where barter
system is still alive. A big market is organised during this fair
and people from various tribes and communities exchange their
products. But before the fair opens fire worship or Agni Puja is
performed. Another interesting feature is that the King of Tiwa
tribe collects taxes from his subjects. Colourful dances and
music mark the fair. The whole atmosphere is swinging with fun
and joy. Mutual understanding and harmonious living is the
message of the fair.
Baishagu
In the month of Baishakh , Baishagu is celebrated. This festival
is riot of colours and merriment. Baishagu begins with the
worship of cow. Second day of the festival coincides with Bohag,
first day of the Assamese almanac. It is from this day that the
actual merriments start. Lord Shiva is worshipped. At the close
of festival community prayer is offered at a particular place
called 'Garjasali'.
Bohaggiyo Bishu
Unrestricted joy, merriment and fun accompany the Bohaggiyo
festival that is celebrated during mid-April at a stretch for seven
days. The term Bishu can be understood as 'Bi' means extreme
and 'Su' means rejoicing. This festival is mainly celebrated by
the Deoris. It is commonly believed that this festival comes on
Sankranti day but observations prove this is not a fixed rule. But
the festivals begin on Wednesday and it is initiated by Than
Puja. Every fourth year a buffalo is sacrificed. This sacrifice is in
place of the traditional human sacrifice. Deodhani dance and
Husori or carol songs are the main attractions of the festival.
Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra
This essentially a religious practice before starting the new
cultivation. The Dimasa tribe celebrates the festival. Rajini Gabra
starts with Kunang or the village headman propitiating the
family deity by closing the village gate on the Puja day. In the
night, presiding deity is worshipped for protection and prosperity
of the people. This function is called Harni Gabra. An interesting
feature of this festival is that if any outsider enters the functions
after the gates are closed, then the celebrations are considered
spoiled and the intruder has to bear the cost of starting the
functions afresh.
Baikho
Baikho is essentially a spring festival, which is celebrated to
propitiate the goddess of wealth 'Baikho'. The various groups of
Rabha community celebrate this festival.
Dosa Thoi! Long Nai: A very important religious dance festival
performed the Bathou Puja dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva.

In this the priest dances Deodhani dance with a bowl on his

head.
Ali-Ai-Ligang
This again is a spring festival celebrated by the Mising tribe. This
is one of the most colourful festivals of Assam. It is organised in
the month of 'Ginmur Polo' (February-March) on the first
Wednesday of the month. 'Ali' means root, 'Ai' means fruit and
'Ligang' means sow. Hence, it is festival which initiates
cultivation. Fish is essential in the feast and certain taboos like
cutting trees, fishing, ploughing, burning jungles are strictly
observed. Young boys and girls perform this dance.
Rongker and Chomangkan
Karbi Anglong, the serene and beautiful abode of the peace
loving Karbis. This Mongoloid tribe migrated to this region
several years ago. They celebrate two festivals Rongker and
Chomangkan. Rongker is essentially a spring festival, which
propitiates different God and Goddess for the welfare of village.
The festival is organised to keep away diseases, natural
calamities and ofcourse for good harvest. On the other hand
Chomangkan is an elaborate death ceremony. There is no fixed
time for this ceremony and it is organised according to
convenience of the community. This four day and four night
ceremony is a must for every Karbis.
Tea festival
The Tea festival organised by Assam Tourism in the month of
November is a unique experience. One cannot miss this festival
which offers holidays combining visits to Tea Gardens, Golf and
River Cruises. A visit to the "Guwahati Tea Auction Center"
(GTAC) in Guwahati, the largest in India is a must.

Principal Rivers in Assam are :

Next to the River names are lenght of rivers in Miles(Kms).
Brahmaputra 435 (700), Burhidihing 223 (360), Danshiri (South) 219 (352),
Subansiri 198 (318), Kopili 185 (297), Dihang 163 (263), Disang 142 (230),
Dikhou 124 (200), Lohit 119 (192), Puthimari 118 (190), Kalang 106 (171),
Manas (Main) 95 (153), Jinjiram 89 (143), Dikrang 83 (134), Kulsi 76 (122),

Janji 67 (108), Aai 64 (103), Nonoi 60 ( 97), Gangadhar 62 ( 99), Dhansiri

(North) 58 ( 94), Ronganadi 63 (102), Krishnai 50 ( 81).

National Forests and Sanctuaries :

Next to the Sanctuaries Names are Areas in square miles (kilometers)
Kaziranga National Forest 241 (624) Manah Sancutary 151 (390) Sonai-Rupai
Sanctuary 68 (175) Nameri Sanctuary 53 (137) Orang Sanctuary 28 ( 72)
Laukhowa Sanctuary 27 ( 70) Pabha Sanctuary 19 ( 49) Barnadi Sanctuary 10
( 26) Pabitora Sanctuary 6 ( 16) Garampani Sanctuary

Dibrugarh
Along the river Brahmaputra is situated Dibrugarh, the largest
tea exporting town in India. It is also the gateway to Arunachal
Pradesh. Dibrugarh Surrounded by tea gardens with the misty
outlines of the Himalayas in the background.
Dibrugarh is located along the river Brahmaputra. Some times it
is referred as the gateway to some districts of Arunachal
Pradesh. It is the largest tea exporting town in India. Dibrugarh
has direct access by road, railway and air to other parts of Assam
and major cities of the country.
NH-37 links Dibrugarh and other important towns of Assam, from
where A/C and non A/C deluxe coaches are availble daily.
Dibrugarh is linked with Guwahati by a broad gauge line. It is
also connected with other cities of country by express and
superfast trains. Dibrugarh has regular air flight from major cities
like Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati from its Mohanbari airport
which is 17 km from the town. In Dibrugarh one can go around
the tea gardens which are located in and around the town. A
large number of tea estates are located along NH-37 covering
large area of Dibrugarh district.
Guwahati
Gateway to Assam and North Eastern region. A fast growing
metropolis and the principal city of Assam.Guwahati is the most
important tourist destination in Assam. The city lying on the
banks of River Brahamaputra is the largest commercial, industrial
and educational center of the region.
Guwahati can be easily accessed by road as NH 37 passes
through it along the south of river Brahamaputra and goes to
Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Infact, Guwahati is the junction of NH31, 37 and 40. The city has Assam State Transport Corporation
and private buses. There are regular A/C and non A/C deluxe
coaches for the city. There are many trains for Guwahati from all
over the country. There are Rajdhani as well as other superfast
trains from Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai. The airport is the largest
in the region linking it to the major cities of Delhi, Mumbai and
Calcutta as well as to airports of Assam and the north east
region. The airfield is taking regular air flights and it is planned to
be converted into an international airport. The regular flights
include both Private and National airlines.
Kaziranga (217 kms from Guwahati) National park in Assam.
Home of great Indian One horned Rhinoceros, breeding place of
pelican. Other wild lives are elephant, tiger, buffalo, deer, wild
ducks & geese, heron reptiles and many more.
Manas : (176 kms from Guwahati) Only tiger reserve in Assam.
Important for rarest species like hispid hares, pigmy hog, golden
langur, other wild lives are elephant, tiger, buffalo, deer, hornbill
etc.
Sibsagar : (369 kms from Guwahati) Historical city which was

Digboi
Digboi has an 18 holes Golf course considered the best in the entire upper Assam,
where all important tournaments are held. There are 8 another 9 hole Golf courses
with tea estates between Dibrugarh and Doom Dooma. Tingri Golf Club Samdang
Golf Army Golf Club, Dinjan Kanjikoah Golf Club Margherita Golf Club Zoloni Golf Club
Dibrugarh District Planters Golf Club Naharkatia Golf Club
Golf Circuits :- There are 21 golf courses in Assam, out of which 15 are south of
River Brahmaputra. Most of these golf clubs are run by the tea estates and are
astride national highway 37 between Guwahati and Digboi.
A list of golf courses is :
Narengi Golf Club
Bishwanath Golf Club
Borsola Gymkhana Club
East Boroi Club
Mangaldoi Club
Thakurbari Club
North Lakhimpur Club
Misa Planters Club
Jorhat Gymkhana Club
Seleng District Club
Sonari Gymkhana Club
Tingri Golf Club
Samdang Golf Club
Kanjikoah Golf Club
Margherita Golf Club
Naharkatia Golf Club
Moran Golf Club
Dhunseri Polo Club
Dinjan Golf Club
Digboi Golf Club
Margherita Golf Club
Naharkatia Golf Club
Moran Golf Club
Dhunseri Polo Club
Dinjan Golf Club
Digboi Golf Club
Dibrugarh Distict Planters Club
These Golf courses along national highway are within 50 km of each other and most
of the golf clubs have membership within 25 km radius. All the golf courses are of
generally 9 hole with a golf hut and changing facilities. But the Digboi Golf Course
which is 18 holes has better facilities and a separate, well run club and provides
accommodation as well. The golf courses are also within reasonable distance of
existing airports.
Many tea estates have small airstrips / landing grounds of their own within the
estates. The airstrips with the tea estates are generally between 2000-3000 ft in
length with grass as surface.
Capital: Dispur
Area : 78,438 sq km Population : aprrox. 24,800,000

Principal Language: Assamese

Literacy Ratio: 53% No. of Districts: 24 Cities :Guwahati, Dispur,
Dibrugarh, Jorhat
No. of Bank Branches: 1137
Airports: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tejpur, Jorhat, Silchar, Rilabari
'Assam' name itself is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Asoma', meaning peerless.
The land of Assam is in fact, peerless, judging by her exquisite natural beauty,
cultural richness and human wealth. Assam has a rich legacy of culture and
civilisation behind her. Home to different races of men - Austric, Mongolian,
Dravidian, and Aryan, who came to dwell in these hills at different points of time.
Assam has developed a composite culture of variegated colour.
Assam, the land of hills and valleys, the land of the mighty river Brahmaputra, the
land of Mother Goddess Kamakhya, lies in the northeastern corner of India.
Climate-Assam has four well defined seasons in a year. Summer, monsoon, winter
and spring-- these four seasons presents Assam in different moods. The best time to
visit Assam is during the winters and spring seasons. October to April offer a mild
and moderate climate. Assam is never extremely cold or hot.
Clothing- As the climate of Assam is not very extreme, clothing is very simple.
Winters require light woolen clothes and summers can be enjoyed in cotton attires.
This is Assam, a place which lives in different moods in different times. Rows of
ancient monuments, temples of pristine charm and ruins of bygone eras take you
through the corridors of time. Assam has drawn people from diverse cultures and
races in different points of time. They are the colourful people, weaving fairy tales in
dresses, singing and dancing in clouds and sunshine of pastoral life, creating art out
of life adding colour to itself.
Exotic denizens of the sylvan world add to the mystery and charm of this weird land.
Frolick of apes, graceful elephants, fluttering of wings & singing of birds, migratory
birds flying into the hills, the majestic tiger enforcing his authority all invite you to
carry back home a little what the heaven is made of. The rhino emerges as if from
prehistory and treads the Kaziranga National park. And who can forget lush green
Tea gardens which beckon you to have a cup of fresh tea and enjoy the enthralling
music of life.
The capital of Assam is Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati in 1972. The uneven
topography of the land, full of hills, plains and rivers might, therefore, have
contributed to her name. The Mongolian Ahom dynasty which had ruled Assam for
more than six hundred years might also be the cause for her name.
Assam is a land with an illustrious recorded history going back to the 4th century BC.
Assam was an independent kingdom throughout all of history till the end of the first
quarter of the 19th century when the British conquered the kingdom and annexed it
to British India. The current state capital of Assam, Guwahati, known in ancient time
as Pragjyotishpura or The Eastern City of Light, was the capital of Kamrup which
finds frequent mention in the Great Hindu Epic Mahabharata and other Sanskrit
volumes and historical lores. Assam's economy is based on agriculture and oil.
Assam produces a significant part of the total tea production of the world. Assam
produces more than half of India's petroleum.

Industries: Tea, Petroleum, Handlooms, Sericulture, Cane, Bamboo, Carpentry,

Brass, Metal crafts
Crops: Rice, Jute, Tea, Cotton, Oil Seeds, Sugar-cane, Potatoes.
Assam is rich in minerals. It produces 55% of the tea produced in the country.
Petroleum products are the other major contribution of the state.
The current political situation in Assam is unstable with United Liberation of Asom
(ULFA) fighting a low-intensity but wide-spread guerrilla warfare for independence
from India. Although the Indian military has tried to quell the insurgents with a large
presence for more than ten years, they have been not very successful. There are
other militant groups who are seeking independence or autonomy in Assam.
There have been consistent reports of grave human rights violations in Assam
committed primarily by the Indian military. The humidity that is brought into Assam
by the southwest monsoons, which shower an average annual rainfall of 120 inches
or more on the great Brahmaputra valley and the surrounding region, also create
spectacular sunsets during most of the year. The monsoons are Assam's life blood;
creating a bio-diversity that can compete with the equatorial rain-forests and
painting the region with a thousand shades of green.
Assam produces almost 400 million kg tea per annum. Assam tea is famous for its
rich full bodied, bright liquor. The tea from here is best for those who prefer a strong
cup.
Sibsagar
Kareng Ghar & Talatal Ghar - These historical monuments were built by King
Rudra Singha during 1696-1714 AD was the military station of the Ahom Kings. It is
a seven storied palace having three storeys underground- known as Talatal Ghar and
the the upper storeys known as Kareng Ghar. The entire structure are of historical
and architectural interest.
Rang Ghar- This amphitheatre was built by King Pramatta Singha. This two storeyed
oval shaped pavilion is one of the largest of its kind in Asia.

Kaziranga National Park (430 sq. kilometers)

Kaziranga park is the oldest national park in Assam. This park is known for the great
one horned rhinoceros . But among the tall elephant grass and rugged reeds,
marshes & shallow pools are hidden many other animals. These animals are very
much part of the complex ecological balance of the park. Elephants, Indian bison,
Swamp Deer, Sambar, Hog Deer, sloth Bear, Tiger, Leopard. Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat,
Hog Badger, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Jackal, Goose, Hornbill, Ibis,
Cormorants, Egret, Heron Fishing Eagle and many more. All these are joined by a
number of migratory birds during winters.
The scenic national park supports all of them with grace and style. Kaziranga was
declared a national park in 1974. This park is partly in Golaghat district and partly in
Nagaon district. It is 217 kms from Guwahati and 96 kms from Jorhat and 87 km

from Tezpur by road. One can fly to the Rowaria airport in Jorhat and from there take
a taxi to the park. The nearest rail head is that of Furkating.
The tourism department of Assam organises a conducted tour on every Sunday,
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Reservations for these tours can be
made at the Tourism office in Guwahati. Due to the presence of elephant grass
Kaziranga national park is best seen from the elephant back.
The best season to visit Kaziranga is between November to April. This is the period
when park is full of greenery, monsoon has just ended and animals wake up from
slumber. Being moderately cold animals are mainly basking and lazing in the sun,
thus they are easily spotted. One needs to carry woolens in winters and light cotton
cloths in summers. There are good accommodation facilities in and around the park
. Assam Tourist Lodge and Wild Grass Resort (Pvt.) at Kaziranga Park provide
excellent accomodation. There are other private lodges and hotels near the park.
Also, inspection bungalows of the forest department can be hired for staying near the
park.
Manas National Park
While Kaziranga is known for the Rhinoceros, Manas National Park is famous for the
Majestic Tigers. This park is the only Project Tiger in Assam. The sub-Himalayan hills
forms the back drop of this park. The scenic beauty and rare wealth of wild life
combine with this unique world heritage site to offer one of the most enthralling
experiences. The core area of Manas Park is 360 kms. Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog and
Golden Langur are some of the rare species of animals to be found in the park apart
from the Tiger. Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Sambar, Swamp Deer,
Hog Deer are some of the animals which are easily spotted at this park. Come winter
and Manas is full of Migratory birds like the Riverchats, Forktails, Cormorants and
ducks like the Ruddy Shelduck. There are regular woodland birds like the Indian
Hornbill and Pied Hornbill.
Manas Park is 176 kms from Guwahati. The nearest airport is Borjhar, Guwahati. The
nearest rail head is Barpeta road. As for the accommodation tourism department has
two tourist lodges. One at Barpeta Road and other at the Bansbari. The state forest
department also has two bungalows at Mathanguri, which is inside the forest. Mark
that there are no catering facilities hence tourists have to carry their foodstuff from
Barpeta Road. These can be got cooked by chefs at the lodges.
Orang Wild life Sanctuary
Popularly known as mini Kaziranga, Orang national park covers 72 sq kms only and is
located towards the north bank of Brahamaputra. This park is 150 kms from
Guwahati and 32 kms from Tezpur. The nearest railhead is Saloni & Rangapara is the
closest railhead. The park has only a small rest house so it is better to stay at Tezpur
and visit this park. Pabha or Milroy Sanctuary :- Located in Lakhimpur Dist., Pabha
Sanctuary spreads in an area of 49 sq. kms.
This Sanctuary was created to protect the wild water buffalo. Details can be obtained
from the Chief Conservator of forest, Wildlife, Zoo- Narengi Road, Guwahati- Assam.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary :- Slightly larger than the Pabha Sanctuary, Sonai
Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 175 sq. kms. It is located along the
foothills of Himalayas in Sonitpur District. This park combines scenic beauty with the
exotic wildlife. It is the home for Elephant, Indian Bison and many other species of

birds & animals.

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
It is situated in the Nagaon Dist. This park has a small area of 60 sq. kms. Laokhowa
wildlife Sanctuary is just 15 kms from Nagoan town so the park can be visited while
staying at Nagaon. This park is famous for one horned Rhinos, wild buffalo, Swamp
deer and many varieties of birds.
Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Famous for wild horses.This sanctuary is a safe haven for extremely rare white
winged wood duck and many migratory birds. Speciality of Dibru Saikhowa is it's wild
horses, called Feral Horses. Margherita- 14 kms east of Digboi, this is the centre of
Tea Gardens, Plywood factories and coal mines. Namdapha National Park- 100 km
east of Digboi in Arunachal Pradesh beyond Margherita is a true wilderness--not
widely known and is a vast stretch of enchanting beauty of lush green vegetation.
Other Wildlife Sanctuaries and Forest Reserves
Pobitora wildlife sanctuary(Guwahati), Nagaon Dist. Namber Wildlife sanctuary,
Golaghat Dist. Barnadi Game Reserve, North Kamrup Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife
Sanctuary, Tinsukia Dist. Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary, Sibsagar Dist.
Institution of Satra
These are unique features of Vaishnavism in Assam.. Satras are basically
monasteries which were propagate neo Vaishnavism. They also became centers for
education and dissemination of all kinds of art of harmonius living.
Satra culture developed mainly at Majuli, Bardowa, Barpeta, Madhupur etc. When the
British invaded Assam in 19th century, missionaries followed and churches were
established all over Assam. Assam is a unique example of communal tolerance and
religious harmony which prevails amongst the believer of different faiths. Assamese
society is remarkably free from communal conflict.
Satras of Majuli
World's largest river island Majuli is the seat of several Satras established by
Vaishnava revivalist, Sankardeva. During Rasotsava several thousand devotees visit
these holy Satras every year.The shrine is held in high veneration by the Vaishnavas.
Batadrawa Satra and Shrine
14 kms from Nagaon town, Batadrawa is the birthplace of famous Vaishnava
reformer Sankerdeva.
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
The Srimabta Sanbkaradeva Kalashetra has been conceived as a grand exposition of
the of and culture of the people of Assam, of its Many ethnic groups and tribes, the
people who have made the cultural mosaic that the Assam of in all its beauty and
splendor. Named after the great unifier of Assam and the greatest integrator of the
Indian society on the fifteenth century, Srimanta Sankaradeva, the Kalakshetra will
attempt to capture and convey the essence of the great seer?s spirit, who preached
the message of unity in diversity, sang the song of glorious Bharata- Varsha and the
Universal brotherhood of man.
The Cultural Complex was conceived by the Cultural Advisory Committee of the
Government of Assam in a meeting held on 5th Aug. 1986. It was decided to set up

a complex to serve as a centre of activities in the field of dance, drama, music, fine
arts, literature etc. with a view to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of
the people of Assam. In the same year, a tentative plan for the cultural complex was
prepared. At a later stage the same was named as the ? Srimanta Sankaradeva
Kalakshetra and on 2nd Feb. 1988 the Foundation was laid.
Spread over a sprawling Campus of 10.28 hectares at Panjabari, guwahati, the
Kalakshetra has 1. a Sahitya and Sangeet Natak Bhavan; 2. a Lalit Kala Bhavan; 3. a
cultural Museum; 4. a Heritage Park; 5. an Open Air Theatre and 6. an Artists ?
Village , all of which is expected will go to make the complex a living nerve centre of
cultural excellence of Assam.
The Artists village a cluster of small houses of the design of various ethnic groups
like, Mishing, Fakiyal etc. Will offer the visitors and the residents and atmosphere of
village of Assam. There is well furnished accommodation for 100 person to reside at
a time. The Artists? Village has been set up to accommodate the participants of
different workshops, trainees, research scholars etc.
Assam State Museum
The museum was established in 1940 as a non-government body but was taken over
by the state government in 1953. It is the biggest museum of the north east region
and one of the biggest multipurpose museums in the country.
Da-Parbatiya (Tezpur):- One of the finest example of ancient architecture, DaParbatiya of Tezpur dates back to 5th-6th century. The structure is not more than a
door frame but the intricate carvings on it represents the best of Gupta art.