Assam

Nature has been very generous to the state of Assam and the heavy rainfall during the monsoons help in preserving the abundant forests and rivers. Assam is a haven for the Nature lover, adventure tourism seeker and angling enthusiast. Nestling amidst natural beauty are the temples like the Kamakhya Temple (atop Nilachal Hill with the Brahmaputra flowing nearby), temples at Bashista (besides a lovely waterfall) and the Navagraha Temple (on Chitrachal hill). Easily accessible from Guwahati, the capital of Assam by road are the Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga Game Sanctuary and Manas National park (also a tiger reserve). Majuli is a river island reachable from Jorhat river port famous for handicrafts such as masks, pottery, handloom, Hindu religious sites Satras and a great place for bird watching. Keen anglers can try their luck at the Jia Bharali River, Kapili River, Chandubi Lake and Manas River.

Golfing in Digboi, Hang gliding at Kamakhya Hills, Parasailing in Guwahati, Rock climbing at the Elephant Rock Hill and Simhasana Hill of Karbi Anglong District are some of the activities that Assam offers. Besides these adventure buffs can go trekking on exciting trails in the North Cachar Hills, Karbi and White
Water Rafting on the Brahmaputra.

Assam is accessible by well maintained and drivable National Highways from all the neighbouring states. There are direct train services from major cities to Guwahati which is the rail hub of Assam. Besides the capital Guwahati, other cities connected by air are Silchar, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, Jorhat and North Lakhimpur.

Best Time to visit: November to May, (travel during the monsoon season is not advisable)
Languages Spoken: Assamese
Climate: Hot and humid summers, heavy rainfall during monsoon, cool winters
Holy places: Kamakhya Temple, Temples at Bashista, The Navagraha Temple
Natures Bounty: Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga Game Sanctuary, Manas National park, Majuli Island
Adventure Tourism: Hang gliding at Kamakhya Hills, Parasailing in Guwahati, Rock climbing at the Elephant Rock Hill and Simhasana Hill of Karbi Anglong District, Trekking on North Cachar Hills, Karbi, Telok Pandankecil Trek and Lingtang Trail at Bako, White water rafting on the Brahmaputra, Manas, Kapili and Jia Bharali
Activities: Golfing in Digboi, Angling on the Jia Bharali River, Kapili River, Chandubi Lake and Manas River

The mystic jungles of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

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Further ahead, the scenery again changed. We were drawn more deep into the actual jungle. The forest cover got dense and our excitement jumped higher. Under the shade of the trees and some swamps, we found a herd of the world renowned one-horn Rhinos. It was not the first time in my life that I encountered them but still, they being the pride of my State, rakes up my pride too.

Our Gypsy driver suddenly had a rush of adrenaline and after few minutes of some sway-and-swanky driving, he brought us into this clearing, which was clearly bang in the middle of the forest. With a few words of prayers, we de-boarded our vehicle for a photo-shoot!!

Now, you must be wondering, why we were having a photo-shoot when we had prayers in our lips. Well, that’s because inspite of the heavy forest cover, the view and the vibes took our breath away.

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