Assam – the undulating land in seven sisters of North-eastern India. Famous tourist places in Assam are rich in nature, culture, and history. Being the largest of all northeastern states, tourist places in Assam are in plenty. Be it the historical monuments of Jorhat or the wild landscapes of Kaziranga, each place holds a story of its own. Assam was ruled by various kingdoms like the Ahoms and Kachari kingdoms who left a trail of stories on the land for tourism
Majuli Islands
In the long list of famous tourist places of Assam, this riverine island holds both historical and cultural weight It has a rich cultural heritage of over twenty satras. Many still carry on traditional Vaishnavite practices. Majuli has traditional mask makers who will let you in a peak of the vibrant art form. This famous tourist place in Assam is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Raas festival is vibrantly celebrated in this town. Jorhat is the closest airport and Majuli can be accessed by road and boat. Majuli, due to global warming is now a sinking town. Its area has reduced from over 800 sq miles to just over 350 square miles. So head there soon, before nature takes back its gift!
Nearby places to visit: Satras such as Kamlabari, Dakhinpat, Auniati
Things to do: Pilgrimage to Satras, witness Vaishnavite dance and music, ferry ride in the Brahmaputra, bicycle renting, visit tribal villages like Mishing tribe
Interesting fact: Being the largest riverine island in the world, Majuli is nestled between the waters of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Places to stay: Majuli has limited construction activities due to its fragile ecosystem. It has bamboo cottages and concrete cottages open for tourists. Satras also provides vegetarian food and stay for passengers. It gives a quant experience amongst famous tourist places in Assam.
Dipor Beel
Dipor Beel is not just one of the famous tourist places in Assam, but also a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention. Deepor Beel is a freshwater lake located in Guwahati fed by the waters of Brahmaputra. Snakes, turtles, and other amphibians reside here. It also features an array of migratory birds and has an established bird sanctuary. Dipor Beel is located in NH31, just one hour away from the heart of Guwahati city. It can be reached by road by catching a taxi or driving own vehicle. Hotels of various price ranges are available in Guwahati town to stay near Dipor Beel. Temperature varies from 10 degrees Celcius in winter to 32 degrees in summer.
Nearby Places to visit – Several Mandirs of Ganesh and Shiv are present, a family amusement park called Accoland, Bhimeshwar Dam Jyotirlinga Temple, Saraighat war memorial park
Things to do – Dipor Beel can be visited for sightseeing and bird watching. Watchtowers are built for the convenience of tourists.
Interesting fact – Historically, it was used as a dockyard by both mighty Ahoms and Mughals, although its water levels are steadily dropping.
Places to Stay – Avail stay facilities in Guwahati city.
Kaziranga National Park
If wildlife delights your soul Kaziranga is a place you cannot afford to miss amongst the famous places of Assam. Spanning across the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon districts it is almost 146 sq miles large. Kaziranga National Park is one of the last standing abodes of mighty one-horned rhinoceros. It also houses a large number of elephants and rare species like sambhar deer, hog deer, and swamp deer. Seasons in between monsoons and summer might be the preferred time to go.
By rail reach Kaziranga using Furkating railway station. Jorhat Airport is just 97 km away so you can fly if you prefer that. Buses ply to Kaziranga from Nagaon, Tezpur, or Guwahati.
Nearby places: Kakochang waterfall, Kaziranga National Orchid, and Biodiversity Park established at Durgapur village
Things to do: Elephant safari is available for varied prices for Indians and foreigners. Jeep safari is offered during the morning from 7 A.M. to 11 A.M. and evening from 2 to 4:30 P.M., site viewing in watchtowers at Sohola and Kathipara. Elephant rides are available if booked in advance.
Interesting fact: Kaziranga is the largest protected area for tigers in the world. So a chance of spotting one is not distant!
Places to stay: Tourists’ lodges are maintained outside Kaziranga by the Environment Ministry. A few private resorts have also come up in the nearby area like Jungleciti and Kaziranga eco-village.
Jorhat
Jorhat is famous for tea plantations, markets, satras, and like every famous tourist place in Assam, it boasts deep forests. It is situated on the banks of the Bhugdoi River, a tributary of Brahmaputra. Winter season is the best time to visit Jorhat as both monsoons and summers possess extreme climates. Jorhat is quite developed. Still, it has maintained considerable clout among famous tourist places in Assam. You can reach Jorhat through Jorhat airport or Jorhat railway station. Inside Jorhat, transport is available in the form of buses and autorickshaws.
Nearby places to visit: Majuli riverine islands are quite close to Jorhat. You can have a connected visit to both. Another place of wilderness is the Hoollongpar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary and temples like Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar. Cinnamon Tea Estate is also a great place to visit.
Things to do: Hoolock gibbon watching in Hoollongapar Gibbon. Witness various cultural and social programs in Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar. Enjoy the ferry ride from Nimati Ghat
Interesting fact: Jorhat gets its name from two haats or bazaars “Masorhaat and Sowkihaat”
Places to stay: Kaziranga Golf Resort and Tesco Resort offers a premium experience for people visiting Jorhat.
Barpeta
Teeming with several Satras, Barpeta is located on the western side of Assam. This Satra Nagari is one of the most grounded places in the list of famous tourist places of Assam. Barpeta is a land of weavers making its craft history-rich. Guwahati is the closest airport and Barpeta Road is the closest railway station. Manas offers a rich evergreen forest experience. Syed Shanur Dewan Dargah has been around since medieval times.
Nearby Places to visit – Manas Wildlife Sanctuary which is a UNESCO site, Baghar Hills to watch the Brahmaputra, Syed Shanur Dewan Dargah for a spiritual experience. Pari Hareswar Devalaya is also a main tourist spot. You can watch utensils being made in the brass metal industry in Sarthebari.
Places to stay: Homestays are available for a budget to stay in Barpeta. Cottages and a few resorts also offer accommodation to tourists.
Things to do – Boat ride in Beki river and the Brahmaputra, wildlife watching in Manas, attending Poojas in Barpeta Satra
Interesting fact: Barpeta Satra, a famous Vaishnavite monastery, is over 500 years old.
Dima Hasao
Located in beautiful Dimasa Hills, Dima Hasao is occupied by Assamese ethnic tribes. Haflong in Dima Hasao holds a rich history of temples and British bungalows completed with a large lake. Maibong holds remnants of the Kachari kingdom. The stone house or Longthai Noh on the banks of the Mahur River is one of the most popular locations here. Birapat Chhita is an art form you can witness if you chance upon any tribal wedding in Hajong in the Dima Hasao district. Railway connectivity is available to Dima Hasao from Guwahati. You can access the place by road and air as well.
Nearby places – Travel to Haflong, Umrangsa, Jatinga and Thuruk from Dima Hasao.
Things to do – Sightseeing in Harangajao, Thuruk, Panimoor, Hajong, and Laisong. Visit colonial Bungalows and churches built by the British.
Interesting fact: Jatinga is a mysterious land in Dima Hasao where birds come to commit suicide everywhere for reasons unknown to science.
Places to stay: You can stay in hotels in Haflong, Digboi, or Guwahati and travel around Dima Hasao easily.
Molai Forest
This is a forest grown single-handedly by a man. The place is as beautiful as the mind of its creator Padmashree Jadhav Payeng. Among the famous tourist places in Assam, this place has been beautified by local authorities to make it convenient for visitors. Currently, it is a reserve forest spanning 550 acres. Elephants breed here though it also has other variety of species like rabbits, vultures, and deer. You can reach Molai forest by taking a reserved auto from Jorhat to Kokila Mukh. The journey to the forest begins with crossing a stretch of the Brahmaputra in a motorboat. Though it is advised to return by evening, one can always stay back in the Ashram of Kokilamukh
Nearby places – Majuli island lies close to the Molai forest. Other tourist spots in Jorhat like Nimati Ghat and Cinnamon Tea Estate can also be visited from here.
Things to do – Boat ride, animal watching, nature walk
Interesting fact- The destruction of snakes in the Assam floods prompted Payeng to start building this forest.
Places to stay- Ashrams in Kokilamukh are open to visitors and provide vegetarian food as well.
Dhemaji
Dhemaji is a small and offbeat place among famous tourist places in Assam. It has picturesque landscapes that are away from urban hustle and bustle. It was once part of the greater Chutiya kingdom. Lying on the shores of Brahmaputra this is one of the most famous tourist places in eastern Assam. Horticultural activities like orchid cultivation are now taking hold.
Lilabari airport lies about 68 km from Dhemaji which has flights to cities like Guwahati and Kolkata. Dhemaji also has bus routes and taxis. Railway access is provided by Dhemaji railway station.
Nearby Places to visit – Bardoibum-Beelmukh Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghuguha Dol is a temple where an Ahom king was born, Gerukamukh river which is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, Maa Muriah Than temple of historic importance
Things to do – Birdwatching in Bardoibum Beelmukh bird sanctuary. Angling, and fishing in rivers. Take a pilgrimage and sight visit to temples.
Interesting fact – Though officially in Assam, Dhemaji is surrounded by Arunachal hills and lies quite close to Arunachal Pradesh. So people planning to have a connected trip can always take a detour.
Places to stay – Dhemaji has various hotels with affordable price ranges as well as premium resorts like Padmini Resort about 30kms away.
Hajo
Dotted by exquisite artifacts of religious importance, Hajo derives its name from the Boro word meaning Hill. The best place to visit Hajo is February as it offers a median climate. The nearest airport and railway station are in Guwahati. You can drive to Hajo as it is just 24 kilometers away from Guwahati. It has a lot of spiritual clout within Hindus, Muslims as well as Buddhist followers.
Nearby places to visit: Hajo Powa Mecca mosque, Hayagriva Madhava temple, and Deva Bhavana are temples to visit. Dhoparguri satra is also quite close to Hajo. Bhimer Chariya is famous for its importance in Mahabharata as Pandavas abode during their stay in the forest.
Things to do: Pilgrimage to Kamesware Temple, Kedareswara Temple of Shiva, Deva Bhavana, and, on the Madanachala Hill. Buddhist believers can visit the Hayagriva temple. The Holi celebration in Hayagriva is also pretty fabulous.
Interesting fact: Powa Mecca is over 400 years old and is said to have been built starting with soil from Mecca.
Places to stay: Homestays and resorts are available inside and close to Hajo. You can also stay near many facilities near Guwahati airport and travel from there.
Diphu
Located in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, Diphu is the main player in famous tourist spots in Assam. Due to the large amount of sediments deposited in the rainy season, Diphu has white waters. Being primarily a tribal area, it has managed to maintain its pristine nature. This famous tourist spot in Assam can be visited at any time except during peak summer or monsoon.
Reach through Diphu railway station. Take buses from Dimapur, Guwahati, Tezpur and Hojai. Dimapur airport is the closest.
Nearby places: Botanical Garden, Recreation Park cum Medicinal Garden, Arboretum cum Craft & Cultural Centre with park and open stadium that conducts cultural fiestas, Amreng with lush forests and clear water, Garampani wildlife sanctuary, Koko waterfalls is also not quite far away.
Things to do: Take a trip to the sanctuary and dip in the hot springs of Garampani. Garden visit and walk-in Botanical garden is quite a rejuvenating activity. Do trekking in Khanduli till Umwang.
Interesting fact: Diphu has locations that were nicknamed New Zealand of Assam.
Places to stay: Garampani has inspector Bungalows open for public use. Karbi Anglong has many premium hotels including Radisson Blu. You can also avail homestays in Diphu.
Karimganj
Karimganj is located in Southern Assam. It is quite close to Bangladesh where the Kushiyara river marks the border. Hence it holds wealth from the recent past of the British era too. On the valley of the Barak River, Karimganj is quite close to Hailakandi and Cachar. Karimganj has legends from the Manikya dynasty of Assam. Karimganjn boasts of rich wildlife with tiger, Hoolock gibbon, Porcupine, and Golden Langur.
Reach Karimnagar by rail by stepping down at Badarpur station. You can also take regularly plying long-distance buses from Agartala or Aizawl.
Nearby Places to visit – Chhatachur ranges, Duhalia ranges, and Adamail ranges are a few places of scenic beauty. Malegarh crematorium holds historical importance as a crematoria place of brave soldiers.
Things to do – Shop for traditional Assamese handlooms and handicrafts in Karimganj. Due to the surrounding hill ranges, Karimganj is a famous trekking place among famous tourist places in Assam. The presence of two rivers and a large number of meadows makes it a good site for birdwatching.
Interesting fact – Karimganj is flanked by two mighty rivers Kushiyara and Longai, both are connected by a canal called Noti Khal
Places to stay – A lot of budget hotels with ample facilities are available in and around Karimganj. They all provide comfortable stays at a reasonable rate.
Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi is an off-beat village in Assam. This place is replete with several namkhars, monasteries, and temples. This spot is quite close to many other famous tourist places like Manas National Park. You can drive to Suallkuchi from Guwahati as it is just 35 km away. Kamakheya railway station is the nearest station. It is best visited during autumn and winter as the monsoon is quite heavy in Sualkuchi.
Nearby Places to Visit – Hatisatra is a nearby large monastery worth a visit. Sidheshwar Devalaya is one of the many temples in this village. Ganesh Bigaraha houses a giant idol of Lord Ganesha along with shivaling. Travel to Manas National Park from Sualkuchi.
Things to do – Shopping in Sualkuchi lets you buy authentic muga and pat silk. Watch a splendid sunset in the Brahmaputra which is a visual painted by nature. Visiting monasteries and temples in Sualkuchi gives a spiritual experience.
Interesting fact – Sualkuchi is famous for handloom silk production. Muga and pat silks are manufactured in almost every household. Karkhanaas or workshops can be seen in almost every household.
Places to stay – Budget and premium hotels are available near Sualkuchi in Guwahati and Hajo. You can also look for backpackers’ hostels.
Sivasagar
Sivasagr is one of the famous tourist places in Assam that earns its name from the giant tank situated in the heart of the city. The location of temples of various deities like Vishnu Dol, Devi Dol, and Siva Dol, Sivasagr hold historical and cultural prominence. Sivasagr has a mostly warm climate. So it is better to visit here after November.
The closest railway station is Simalguri. One can also take cabs if they are traveling by air. They will need to use either Jorhat Airport or Dibrugarh Airport. Budget state buses also ply in Sivasagar.
Nearby Places to visit – Gaurisagar tank and temple, Ahom museum exhibits artifacts from the era of mighty Ahom Kingdom, Joysagar is a man-made lake offering recreational activities, Borkhapuri is also a famous water tank, Talatal Ghar once housed Assamese royals and has the beauty of Mughal architecture, although in ruins now Chairadeo is also of historical importance as it was built by the founder of Ahom dynasty
Things to do – Boating in Joysagar tank and temples, pilgrimage to temples for spiritual rejuvenation, recreation in Siva Sagar lake and surrounding parks, historical walks and learning experience in old palace ruins and museums, bird and wildlife watching in Pani Dihing wildlife sanctuary
Interesting fact – Sivadol temple which is the namesake of Siva Sagar is almost 300 years old. The temple is still open for public visits.
Places to stay – Sivasagar has resorts and heritage stays to offer. It also has hotels under budget.
Bongaigaon
Once part of the Kamatpur kingdom, this famous tourist place in Assam still has a lot of historical monuments. Currently, it is divided into Old Bongaigaon and New Bongaigaon. Access Bongaigaon by rail through two main stations New Bongaigaon Railway Junction and the Old Bongaigaon Station. Guwahati is the nearest airport. Major trains like Brahmaputra mail are available to Bongaigaon. Taxis and buses are also preferable.
Nearby Places to visit – Stone carvings in Jogigopha Hills, Kachugaon Game Reserve and the Kakoijana Reserved Forest, Bageshwari Hills, and Lalmati Duramari Ganesh temples offer pilgrimage opportunities. Roumari Dam and the Manas River Point are also worth a visit.
Things to do – Picnic on the shores of Aai rivers, Boating, and sightseeing in Koya Kujia beel, an archeological visit to rock-cut caves of Bongaigaon, pilgrimage visit to Bagheshwari temple, wildlife watching in Kachugaon game reserve and Kakoijana wildlife sanctuary
Places to stay – Premium stays such as Cygnett Park are available for visitors. Homestays and biker hostels are also available.
Interesting fact – Despite being an industrial area archeological department has safely kept five caves at Jogighopa, on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. They are shreds of evidence from prehistoric times.
Tinsukia
Tinsukia serves as a connecting point towards all major tourist destinations across Assam. It lies almost 500 km away from Guwahati. Unlike most other places in Assam, Tinsukia has a calmer monsoon. This is the best time to visit as the land will be lush green. To reach Tinsukia by air, one can make use of the Dibrugarh railway station. It has a large railway station with long-distance trains connecting to metros like Delhi. Inside Tinsukia, one can avail of buses and taxis.
Nearby Places to visit – Dibru Saikhowa National Park is surrounded by 3 rivers and is a sight to behold, Shiv Dham, Dibru Saikhowa National Park, and the Bell Temple, Bherjan-Bhorjan Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to watch wildlife, Na-Pakhuri is a cluster of nine lakes making it a prominent tourist destination
Things to do – The boat ride at Na-Fakhri is an experience of a lifetime. Bell temple is a pretty sight with bells tied by devotees. Tea garden visit in Doom Dooma. Visit Lekhapani town inhabited by Tangsa Naga tribes. Parasailing from hill ranges will be an adrenaline-inducing experience. A stroll on Rukmini Island is a must for any visitors to Tinsukia.
Interesting fact – Though surrounded by the Himalayas and Arunachal Pradesh, and has a hilly terrain, Tinsukia has the largest railway station in Assam.
Places to stay –Oyo rooms and resorts are available in Tinsukia. If you want to have a very simple stay you can try many of the homes stays in Tinsukia. They offer cheap stays with all the facilities.
Umananda Island
Named Peacock Island by Britishers, Umananda Island is a major attraction among famous tourist places in Assam. This tiny islet holds a lot of legends. It is said that Lord Shiva turned the Kama, lord of romance in Hindu mythology, into ashes. Hence the place is also called Bhasmachal. Till 2020 Umananda housed golden langurs, the last of which died recently. Umananda is prone to flash floods during monsoons. So visit during post-monsoon months or winter.
You can reach Guwahati by rail, road, or by the airport, take cabs to Kachari ghat to avail of ferry services to Umananda
Nearby Places to Visit – Umananda temple complex is the main attraction in this area. You can travel to Guwahati easily from here and continue your sightseeing from there. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Guwahati is also not far from the island.
Things to do – Head to Umananda for long walks on beaches and watch the waves crash on shores. You can attend maha Shivaratri in Umananda which is celebrated with a lot of vigor. Being an island, it also has the presence of a large number of birdlife allowing bird watching,
Interesting fact – More than a century ago the temple Umananda was damaged majorly in an earthquake, but while building it back new scriptures were added onto the rocks,
Places to stay – Umananda is ecologically fragile and you will have to be cautious to not litter around the place. However, people who visit Umananda can stay in Guwahati.
Dispur
The seat of the Assam government, Dispur houses the Assam secretariat and other important government offices. Spiritually Dispur houses Basistha Ashram and the Shankardev Kalakshetra. It is only a matter of coincidence that it is one of the famous tourist places in Assam.
Nearby Places to Visit – Basishta ashram is located on the shores of the Basishta river and has a famous Shiva temple. With the blessings of Mahapurush Shrimanta Shankaradeva, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra shows. Famed Kamakhya temple is close to Dispur. Assam State Zoo is a place worth visiting. Guwahati is the nearest airport. Dispur is well connected by regularly plying buses. Guwahati railway station is the closest station.
Things to do – Shop for ethnic handlooms, handicrafts, and jewelry in Shilpagram. Basista Ashram offers a spiritual experience one cannot afford to miss. Outdoor activities like trekking and walking can be undertaken.
Interesting fact – Dispur was not the initial capital of Assam. It was after Shillong, the original capital of Assam was added to Meghalaya.
Places to stay – Stay facilities in Dispur range from backpackers’ hostels to premium hotels like Vivanta. Since Guwahati is close by, you will have ample options for accommodation to explore.
Tezpur
With views of paddy fields and the Himalayas, Tezpur is a perfect example of quant natural beauty. It is mostly urbanized and lies in the Sonitpur district. You can reach Tezpur through air travel using Saloni Airport in the nearby Sonitpur district. Rangapara North Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Buses are available to nearby cities like Itanagar, Siliguri, Guwahati, etc. Inside Tezpur, buses and taxis ply.
Nearby Places to visit – Kalia Bhomora Setu Bridge which is 3015 meters long, Nameri National Park with tigers, Bengal foxes, and other wild animals is a great destination for wildlife visits. Agnigarh is a fortress as per the legends built by Banasura, a demon. Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Tezpur has wildlife wealth, Kalia Bhomoru Setu is a main bridge over the Brahmaputra in Assam. Hazara Pukhuri is a tank excavated in the 9th century.
Things to do – Watch cultural events in Jyoti-Bishnukhelpathar at Dadhara. If you are into adventure sports take part in rowing and paddling in Chitralekha Udyan, a temple visit to Rudrapada temple where Shiva showed himself to Bana.
Interesting fact – The Bamuni hills of Tezpur have carvings dating back to the 9th century. It holds importance in Guptan architecture.
Places to stay – Tezpur has budget hotels as well as premium hotels for accommodation.
Digboi
Though famed for its first oil field in India, Digboi also holds importance in handcrafts and war memorials as well. It has a lot of colonial and Italian architectural structures. Digboi oil field was created almost 100 years ago. With modern machinery, it still has importance in oil production. The demography of Digboi has a varied mixture of Assamese, Bengali, and Nepali culture.
Mohanbari Airport in Dibrugarh is the closest airport in Digboi. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia. Public transport buses and minivans can also be preferred to travel inside Digboi.
Nearby Places to Visit – Digboi Club visit which has Italian architecture. Visit the past an oil refinery. Dibru Saikhowa National Park is close to Digboi and can be included in the itinerary. Margherita is a place in Digboi which has famed plywood factories.
Things to do – Tea garden visit and shopping in Digboi. Shop for traditional dolls made out of wax and traditional textiles. Take a walk in Digboi war cemetery in honor of warriors who laid their life ins service of the nation. Digboi has European-style golf courses and bungalows open to the public.
Interesting fact – Legend goes that English engineer, Mr. W L Lake who discovered oil yelled “Dig, boy dig!” which gave the place its name.
Places to stay – Oyo rooms are available for a budget to stay. Resorts are available for people looking for relaxed accommodation.
Nagaon
Nagaon is a lusciously green landscape completed with water bodies like the Akashiganga waterfall. Nagaon’s soil is blessed by the birth of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva in Bordowa. Surya Pahar is a land in Nagaon holding remnants from the past including carved shillings. Tukeshwari temple, located inTukeshwari hill is a major tourist destination infamous tourist places in Assam.
National highways 36 and 37 give well connectivity for Nagaon through road. Long-route buses connect Nagaon to nearby states. Chapamukh and Haiborgaon are the nearest railway stations in Nagaon. While the closest international airport is Guwahati, domestic travelers can make use of Tezpur airport.
Nearby Places to Visit – You can travel to Kaziranga National Park easily from Nagaon. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is a famed destination with animals like tigers and hog deer. You can travel to Manas National Park from Nagaon.
Things to do – Children and family can have much fun in Rockland Amusement Park Taking a dip in Akashiganga waterfalls in Doobka is a pleasant experience. Attend Dol Jatra and Pooja in Nandeshwar deva laya atop Naneshwar hill.
Interesting fact – Nagaon is famed as the rice bowl in the famous tourist places of Assam.
Places to Stay – Several budget hotels with all facilities are available.