Assam

The gem of Northeast India, Assam welcomes you with mesmerizing landscapes offering an immaculate, untouched aura that will lure you towards it. Assam is on the list of the top biodiversity hotspots in the entire world. Assam has been beautifully carved by the almighty with serenity and simplicity. It is the gateway to the unexplored and unexploited north east India. Be it eye-opening history or elaborate culture, be it vibrant festivals or delectable food, Assam tour packages promise all.

People & Culture
Assam is the land of diversity with a beautiful blend of the oriental and occidental races. Housing many tribes (like Mongoloid, Bodo and khamti), and non tribal groups (like Ahoms, Chutiyas and Morans), Assam is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious land that celebrates different culture and tradition. However, one thread that weaves them all together is their sheer physical beauty, intricately woven attires and vibrant lifestyle.

Attractions
Talking about attractions, Assam is the jack of all traits. The wildlife lovers can visit the Kaziranga National Park, Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Orang National Park. Those seeking spirituality can visit the Kamakhya Temple, Purva Tirupati Shri Balaji temple and ISKCON Guwahati. The state also has various options for the ones looking for a tranquil environment. A visit to Haflong Lake, Diphu, Umrangshu and a cruise ride on River Brahmaputra will soothe your mind, body and soul.

Festivals
Most of the festivals celebrated here in Assam are rooted with the local cultures here and narrate a tale. Some of the major festivals celebrates here are Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Magh Bihu, Bohag Bihu, Ambubachi Mela, Assam Tea Festival, Ali-Ai-Ligang, and Jonbeel Mela. These festivals reflect the lifestyles of the locals and offer a chance to mingle together.

Dance & Music
Dance and music have been an important part of Assam since forever, as evident from the Bygone era sculptures. Devadasi, Ojapali and Satriya are among the most popular dance forms here, taught to every local since childhood. Some of the dance forms here are associated with the festivals, for instance, the dance of Bodos play a vital role during the Kherai Puja festivals. The dancers hop, swing, bend and unbend in their dance moves to create magic through their coordinated moves. Bihu dance is another folk dance of the state which is related to the famous Bihu Festival of Assam. Both womenfolk and menfolk take part in this cheerful dance. The dance involves a great deal of energy and flexibility as the dance steps are brisk.
The music of Assam has been divided into Borgeet and Ojapali, reflected in the traditional folksongs and ballads. The music of Assam has both East and Southeast Asian influences, making it a perfect blend for your ears.

Cuisine
The locals of Assam are majorly non-vegetarian. The dishes are famous for simple cooking and rich taste. The staple diet here includes fish and meat dishes. The famous dishes in Assam are Duck meat curry (duck meat cooked with Ash Gourd), Maasor tenga (tangy fish curry), Aloo Pitika (mashed potatoes cooked in local spices) and Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura (chicken with bamboo shoot). Also, for those having a sweet tooth, til pitha (moulded sticky rice cake with black sesame filling) is a perfect pick served mostly during the Bihu festival.

Shopping
Assam is famous for its exquisite silk, bamboo and cane products. Most of the handicrafts and household items are made of bamboo and cane. Jappi (Assamese hat) is the perfect example of beautiful bamboo art.

The Muga Silk, which is exclusively found in Assam, is another popular choice among the tourists. Muga culture is endemic to erstwhile Assam and is the largest producer of the famous golden Muga silk in the world.

Apart from this, travellers can also explore wooden crafts, tribal masks, traditional jewels and local paintings, narrating the culture and history of Assam. One can find number of government emporiums and shopping markets in Assam selling local stuff at knock down prices.

Best time to visit
The months from November to March (winters and summers) are considered as the best time to visit Assam. While the winter months of this beautiful state are chilling but pleasurable, summer months transform it into a blissful retreat. Monsoon season can be avoided due to heavy rains.

How to Reach
By Air - Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the closest airport of Assam located just 25 km away from the city.

By Train - Those planning to take a train journey can get down at Guwahati, the rail hub of Assam.

By Road - The state also enjoys marvellous road network with neighbouring states like West Bengal, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.