National Parks in Assam

1. Kaziranga National Park

This National park is a destination which brings you out of your daily lifestyle and arranges a splendid meeting with carefree Rhinos, Elephants, Tigers while you settle yourselves with a jeep or Elephant safari. The abundance of marshes and lakes will be visually apparent having swamp deer, Gaur, Sambhar, Hog deer enjoying into them and multiple varieties of flora and fauna like waterlily, Elephant grass, and tropical trees surround them all over. Settled at a distance of 200 km from Guwahati in Nagaon and Golaghat districts, this park is easily reachable by roads and rail.

For those who follow the air route, they need to reach Guwahati airport beforehand. Best accommodations with plenty of amenities are available inside the Kaziranga National park. If getting your pictures clicked in wildlife and natural aura, surrounded by hills and tall trees is topping your bucket list, we are sure you want to reach out to Kaziranga and yes, this is one the most prominent places to visit in Assam not to be missed out even in thoughts.

Timing- Open 24 hours.
Jeep safari timings- Morning session: 7:30 hours to 11:00 hours. Evening session- 14:00 hours to 16:30 hours.
Elephant safari timings- 5:00 hours to 16:00 hours
Entry Fee- INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 250 for Foreign Nationals
Elephant Safari Fee- INR 250 per Indian person and INR 750 per Foreign person.
Jeep Safari Fee- INR 1500-2000 per Indian person and INR 1500-2000 per Foreign person.

2. Manas National Park

The next on the list of Assam places to visit is the Manas National Park, which is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve all in one, and the best tourist place in Assam! Being famous for the rare golden langur and the adorable red panda, Manas is one of the best national parks in India for those who wish to witness the rare species of India’s flora. It’s one of the best tourist attractions in Assam owing to not only its rich biodiversity but also for its stunning scenery and surreal natural landscape ranging from forested hills, alluvial grasslands, and tropical evergreen forests. Home to India’s second-largest tiger population, it harbours the maximum population of endangered Indian species as listed in the IUCN Red Book.

3. Pobitora National Park

Home to the densest population of One-horned Rhinos in the world, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam, approximately 30 km away from Guwahati in the Morigaon District. The wildlife sanctuary also sees an astounding diversity of bird species. No wonder then that it is also called 'Bharatpur of the East'. It has gained immense popularity due to its proximity to Guwahati. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often visited as a stopover en route to Kaziranga National Park.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 38 sq. km. and is a small, heavenly getaway of raw wilderness and greenery. Apart from the wildlife sanctuary itself, there are several excursions that you can take from Pobitora. These include a trip to Sualkuchi - the weavers' village and Hajo - a pilgrimage centre. Moreover, since Pobitora is a landlocked sanctuary, you can also visit the exciting and peculiar Assamese communities to get a taste of the local culture.

4. Orang National Park Tourism

With one of the oldest game reserves of the state, The Orang National park located on the shores of river Brahmaputra, can be an exciting little bit of Assam with a huge variety of fauna finding its habitat here.

Located in the beautiful and diverse state of Assam, Orang National park is the oldest game reserve in the state, situated on banks of river Brahmaputra.

Orang will pleasantly surprise you with its rich variety of animals, birds and fishes and a similar abundance in flora. The park is known for its rhinoceros conservation has The Great Indian Rhinoceros and the famous Bengal Tiger. Apart from rhinos, one will find here the Great Indian Rhinoceros, porcupines, Bengal tigers, civets, water buffaloes, leopards and many more.
A huge number and types of fishes are also present here. Along with this you can spot a number of birds in the park such as kingfishers, fishing eagles, woodpeckers, mallards , white pelicans and so on. A safari into the park will let you experience the refreshing beauty of the surroundings and vegetation as well as the enjoyment of watching such variety of wildlife. The park is also an important breeding ground for various fishes.

5. Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary has a rich biodiversity and is home to the only apes in India, the western Hoolock hoolock as well as the only nocturnal primate found in the northeast Indian states, the Bengal slow loris. Other primates include the stump-tailed macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, and capped langur. Also found at the sanctuary are Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild boar, three types of civet, four types of squirrel, and several other types of mammal. At least 219 species of bird and several types of snake are known to live in the park.

The sanctuary has a rich diversity of flora at each layer in the canopy.The upper canopy consists mostly of Dipterocarpus macrocarpus rising 12 to 30 m (39 to 98 ft) and having straight trunks. Other species found in the top canopy include Sam, Amari, Sopas, Bhelu, Udal and Hingori. A variety of evergreen shrubs and herbs make up the lower canopy and ground layers.

6. Nameri National Park

Nameri national park is famous for its elephants and other animals including tigers, leopards, gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, etc. and also for being a bird watchers paradise.

Safaris are available and are the most popular way to create a trip full of excitement, into the national park. Also, along with the rich fauna of the place, the lush and evergreen flora too, tends to enchant the visitors. Facilities for activities such as water rafting, fishing, swimming are available though permission from the forest department is essential for fishing. One can also dwell a little in peace and sunbathe in the area.

The river in Nameri is full of a variety of fish. The Forest Department here conducts fishing related activities. Golden Masheer Fish is the famous fish of this region and measures 3-9 feet. It is also known as "Tiger of the Himalayan rivers".

The river rafting is also held at the south-east side of the park on river Jai Bharali. The rafting route is 13 km long and takes around 3 hours. A great, tiring and enjoyable experience.

7. Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of those places which boast of a rich collection of flora and fauna, many of them endangered. It is one of the few remaining protected sites in the Endemic Bird Area of the Assamese Plains.

Dibru Saikhowa National Park is a river island national park and one of the 19 biodiversity hotspots in the world. This National Park is situated 12 km north of Tinsukia in Assam. Of the seven parts of the park, one is a wetland and the rest is mainly covered with grasslands and dense forest. Animal life to be viewed in their natural habitat includes royal Bengal tiger, hoolock gibbons and leopards, it is also home to some restricted-range species, such as the White-winged Wood Duck, Bengal Florican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, spotted-billed Pelican, White-bellied Heron, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Swamp Partridge, Jerdon's Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill and Striated Grassbird. Marsh Babbler, Swamp Prinia and Yellow Weaver.

There are no roads and hence no jungle safari or elephant rides for roaming in the park, so you can explore the park only by trekking, although boat service is available which can take you to various spots. Guijan Ghat and Saikhowa Ghat are the national park's entry points.

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati Overview

Located on the Nilanchal Hill in the western part of Guwahati in Assam,  Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Goddess Shakti in India. According to the Hindu scriptures, there are four important Shakti Peethas (Temples with highest powers of divinity) in the country and Kamakhya Temple is one of them. Kamakhya Temple celebrates the power of the woman to give birth and is regarded as extremely auspicious among the followers of the Tantrik sect of Hinduism. It was built and reconstructed multiple times between the 8th and 17th Centuries and is a spectacle in itself.

The main entrance of the Kamakhya temple is beautifully designed with simple yet elegant carvings that are decorated with colourful flowers. The temple has a massive dome which overlooks the quaint Nilanchal Hills in the background. It is especially decked up during the Ambubachi Festival and fare that is held for 3-4 Days in the month of June.

Umananda Temple

Umananda Island, Guwahati Overview

This island is a religious addition to the travel bucket list of Assam. Also named as Peacock island by the British, this has gained popularity because of its presence in between the river Brahmaputra and can be easily connected when you are in Guwahati. Umananda island is also known as one of the smallest islands of the world and comprise of Umananda temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The old form of rock-cut figures of Lord Surya, Ganesh and Shiva allows anyone to appreciate the beauty and skills of craftsmanship of Assamese people who showed their dedication towards spiritual energy. The sound of temple bells and water alongside uplifts the mood of devotees and tourists in one sway. This has become one the best tourist places in Assam as it is easily reachable by jetties which are available on the banks of Brahmaputra river.

Timing- 5:30 hours to 18:00 hours.
Entry fee- Free of charges

Basistha Temple

Basistha Temple, Guwahati Overview

Guru Vashishta (or Basistha) is credited to writing the Hindu epic of Vashishtha Ramayana (behind the scenes Ramayana). It is believed that the sage constructed this aashram and later breathed his last here.
The fact that this epic still lives on and is a part of the daily routine of innumerable houseolds of India is a clear indication of how popular this site is. The construction, architecture and beautiful locale all mix in beautifully and have resulted in the serene and picturesque aashram

ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Temple, Guwahati Overview

ISKCON, International Society for the Krishna consciousness is a Hindu religious society which was founded in the New York City in the year 1966 by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its core belief is based on the holy Hindu books of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. The society has international recognition, and various temples of ISKCON are located in various parts of the world. ISKCON Guwahati is one of the temples under the parent organization which is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
It is called Shri Shri Rukmini Krishna, the name of the temple is given after Rukmani, the wife of Lord Krishna. It is located on a hilltop of Ulubari Chariali area of the capital city. It is beautifully constructed of the stark white marble which adds a stunning look to the architecture of the building.
ISKCON Guwahati is surrounded by lush green gardens where devotees can spend their time in the dedication of God. The interiors of the temple include the deities of Krishna and Rukmani in the attractive attires. There are various halls inside the temple for preaching the teaching of the society which is based on Vaishnavism, which considers Lord Vishnu as their supreme power (Krishna was also one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu).

Bhubaneswari Temple

Bhubaneswari Temple, Guwahati Overview

Dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, this white shrine perched atop a hill adjacent to the city is a major draw amongst the religious pilgrims. The temple itself provides visitors with a magnificent panoramic view of the city of Guwahati.
The enchanting view of the sunset on the Brahamputra River as viewed from the hill attracts many tourists. Though the temple is high upon a hill, it requires a 20 minutes walk from the Bus Stand below to reach the Bhubaneshwari temple.

Navagraha Temple

Navagraha Temple, Guwahati Overview

Perched on top of the Chitrachal Hill (or Navagraha Hill) in south eastern Guwahati, Navagraha Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the nine celestial bodies. Believed to be the dwelling of the mightiest celestial body- the Sun, the temple enshrines nine shiva lingam (phallic emblems of Lord Shiva) clad in colored clothes representing planetary gods-Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar
Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node) surrounding the centre most Surya (Sun). Built in the late 18th century by Raja Rajesvar Singha, Navagraha Temple is known to have survived major earthquakes.
Built in the old shikhara style architecture, the venerated temple is a popular pilgrim spot and is flocked by devotees day in and day out. With a magnanimous dome in place of a roof, the shrine boasts of a beehive architectural pattern. Also, the temple premises are used as a research centre for both astronomy and astrology. In addition to the elegant edifice, elaborate inscriptions and interior decor, the temple complex offers spectacular views of the Brahmaputra river and the
valley below.

Sukreshwar Temple

Sukreshwar Temple, Guwahati Overview

Perched on the Sukreshwar or Itakhuli hill on the southbank of Brahmaputra river, Sukreshwar Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Built in 1744, by the Ahom King Pramatta Singha, the temple was improvised and financial changes were made in 1759 by Rajeswar Singha. Located in extremely serene setting, the temple offers an enchanting view of the valley below. A few steps
leading down to the river accentuate the charm and panoramic scenery. The shrine is popular for spectacular sunrise and sunset moments, the mesmerising scenery of tiny boats in the river and the tranquil environs of the ghats. Far removed from the din and chaos of the city, the temple brims with quietude and peace.
Besides the mighty river flowing in the backdrop, you can also see a handful of people sitting on the solitary steps, soaking in the blissful environment. A few people can be seen performing pujas on the banks below the temple. The temple is mainly popular for hoisting post death rituals. It is common belief that these rituals here can help the dead attain peace or ‘moksha’. In addition to the salubrious ambience, the temple complex also houses a Vishnu Temple and a few chambers are constructed adjacent to it in order to conduct pujas, yagnas and other ceremonies of religious importance. Besides, the shrine boasts of housing the largest Shivalinga in India, which is also considered to be the sixth Jyotirlinga.

Ugra Tara Temple

Ugra Tara Temple, Guwahati Overview

Based in the heart of Guwahati city in the Lotaxil locality, Ugra Tara Temple enshrines the deity of Tara (Devi). Built in 1725 by the Ahom ruler Siva Singh, the important Shakti temple is thronged by tourists and devotees alike. The temple is unique in the sense that it does not have an idol like generic temples do; instead, the inner sanctum houses a pitch of water which is worshipped as Goddess Tara who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
The temple complex also houses a water tank in the vicinity called Jorepukhuri, situated to the east of the shrine. This tank is known to have survived a devastating earthquake which destroyed the upper part of the temple. Goddess Ugra Tara is revered as Goddess Kamakhya and is showered with offerings and sacrifices. It is believed that the Goddess likes consuming meat, coconut and liquor; hence, her devotees show their love and devotion by offering the same.

Janardana Temple

Janardana Temple, Guwahati Overview

Perched on the hillock of Shukleshwar on the Shukleshwar ghats of the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati, Janardana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Brahmaputra river and the lush green valleys of Guwahati, the shrine is a mesmerising spot and a sight to behold. The origin of the temple cannot be traced; however, it is believed to have been renovated sometime in the 17th century. The shrine is a wonderful amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles, incorporating design elements from both of them. The interior walls are milky white with elaborate carvings of deities all over them.
The main sanctum of the temple enshrines a Buddhist statue and is a revered place of meditation and worship by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The prayer hall is one of the most serene places in the complex. Besides, the quiet and calm in the temple premises are beyond compare and attracts tourists in hordes from far and wide.

Madan Kamdev

Madan Kamdev, Guwahati Overview

Located at a distance of 40 kms from Guwahati, Madan Kamdev Temple is an archaeological find in Baihata Chariali, Assam. Spread over an area of 500 metres, you will find idols and sculptures of Madan Kamdev scattered all over the place. The idols all have, detailed architecture and carvings on them. Perched atop a hill, it is one of the fascinating attractions in Guwahati.

Balaji Temple

Balaji Temple, Guwahati overview

The Purva Tirupati Balaju temple is a beautiful temple of Guwahati located at lokhra area.The Balaji temple in Guwahati is spread out in a two acres land and the complex also includes other adjacent temples. At the entrance of the temple complex, there is a Ganesha temple. The center temple which also is the main temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji and is constructed in the middle. The temple has an idol of Balaji deity carved out of a single stone weighing around 4 tomes. There are also temple
Goddess pandmavathi and Garuda, the Vahana of Lord Balaji on the premises. It is also one of best place to visit if you are to visit Guwahati.

Assam State Museum

Assam State Museum, Guwahati Overview

Assam State Museum, also known as Assam Rajyik State Museum, is located in the heart of Guwahati city in Dighali Pukhuri tank. It is one of the most famous museums of the North- East India that gives insights into the rich culture of ancient history and as well as the modern history of North-East India. Its prominent location in the center of the city attracts a large number of history buffs and tourists visiting Guwahati.
The museum was established during the colonization of British in India in the year 1940. It was set up by the Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti, Assam research society to showcase the history, sculptures, and handicrafts of North East India. The museum was developed under the presidency of Kanklal Baruah, and it was taken by the state soon after his death in the year
1953.
The Museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts and sculptures dating back to the 5th-12th century to the new artifacts from the World War II. This museum is a great place to visit if you want a sneak-peak of the history of the North-east India.

Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden

Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati Overview

Having been established as one of the better zoos in the country, the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden or the Guwahati Zoo as it popularly known is a wildlife paradise that spreads over an extensive area of 430 acres. Located in a densely vegetated forest area in the centre of Guwahati called the Hengrabari Forest Area, the protected area has not lost its vibrant touch with mother nature. Often referred to as the green lung of the city of Guwahati, the Assam Zoo cum Botanical
Garden lies just 6 kilometres south of the mighty Brahmaputra river that flows through the state and is the largest of its kind in the North-East region of the country. The zoo exhibits captivating landscape gardens, a great deal of wildlife and a serene environment. It has had an important mark in shaping the ecological outline of the state and also the country. A unique abundance of the wildlife here makes it an admirer's paradise and is certainly worth the visit!
Established in 1958, it has since been a major tourist attraction in the state, with only the Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park rivalling the grandness of flora and fauna. It is home to 113 different species of the animal kingdom, making up the 900 plus animals, birds and reptiles in the zoo. Over the years, the zoo has grown to accommodate more animals and also has founded a charming botanical garden in its vicinity. More than half a million tourists and wildlife enthusiasts
visit the place throughout the year for the indigenous and exotic animals at display such as the majestic one-horned rhinoceros which is native to the Indian subcontinent, giraffes and ostriches from Africa and kangaroos from Australia.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Guwahati Overview

Home to the densest population of One-horned Rhinos in the world, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Assam, approximately 30 km away from Guwahati in the Morigaon District. The wildlife sanctuary also sees an astounding diversity of bird species. No wonder then that it is also called 'Bharatpur of the East'. It has gained immense popularity due to its proximity to Guwahati. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often visited as a stopover en route to Kaziranga National Park.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 38 sq. km. and is a small, heavenly getaway of raw wilderness and greenery. Apart from the wildlife sanctuary itself, there are several excursions that you can take from Pobitora. These include a trip to Sualkuchi - the weavers' village and Hajo - a pilgrimage centre. Moreover, since Pobitora is a landlocked sanctuary, you can also visit the exciting and peculiar Assamese communities to get a taste of the local culture.