Fast Facts About Assam
Established in: August 15, 1947
Capital City: Dispur
Biggest City: Guwahati
Districts: 27
Area: 78,550 sq. km
Population: 31,169,272
Literacy: 76.3 percent
Official Languages: Assamese, Bodo
Best Time to Visit: The climate of Assam is characterized by a high humidity, the most distinguishing feature is the copious rainfall between the month of March and May when most parts of Indian territory remain dry. Climatically, the year in Assam can be divided into two main seasons namely winter season and the rainy season. The south-west monsoon starts in the state from mid-June and continues till September. The winter season begins from October and ends by February. In between monsoon and winter seasons, the summer comes for a short duration. Best time to visit Assam is between October to April.
Official Website of Assam: http://www.assam.gov.in/
One of the seven north-eastern states (together called as ‘seven sisters’), Assam is the gateway to the north-eastern part of India. Set just below the eastern Himalayan foothills, the state of Assam is bordered by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to its north-east. The states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram lie in the south, while Meghalaya lies to the south-west. West Bengal and Bangladesh are to its west. Blessed with several natural gifts, Assam is dominated by the massive Brahmaputra River which has its origins in Tibet.
Fact is that, after Africa, Assam is perhaps the only part of the world where a wide variety of wildlife exists. The state is bestowed with vast alluvial plains and dense forests, tracts of paddy and tea and oil from the deep depths of the earth. In Assam, you can see a variety of flora and fauna including the world famous one Horned Rhinoceros and other rare species. Besides, Assam’s colourful fairs and festivals, rich art and culture and cuisine will surely leave you spellbound.
History of Assam
Assam has an old history dating back to the ancient times, which is based in various literatures like Tantaric literature, Buddhist literature, Vedic literature and Assamese folklore. Reference of Assam is also found in the epics and the religious legends. From 350 AD to 12th century, Assam was mainly ruled by the Varman Dynasty and several other dynasties such as the Kacharis, the Chitias etc. During the rule of the famous Varman king, Bhaskarvarman (600 AD-650 AD), the Chinese traveller Xuan Zang visited the Assam region and recorded his trips. The Ahoms ventured into Assam in around 1228 AD and ruled till 1826 AD. Other noted kingdom during that period was the Koch, which arrived in the region in 1510 AD. In the latter part of the 18th century, Ahom Kingdom weakened due to internal conflicts. Later in 1821, the Burmese invaded Assam and installed a puppet king. Between 1905-12, Assam was separated with some parts of Bengal and separate provinces of Eastern Bengal and Assam were established. At the time of India’s independence in 1947, Assam consisted of the original Ahom kingdom and the present-day Arunachal Pradesh. Further, Assam was divided into four more states to become one of the seven sister states in the 1960s and 1970s.
Tourist Destinations of Assam
A land of pleasant contrast and excitement, Assam offers a wide array of attractions. A journey through this picturesque land is bound to cheer up your mind and body and stimulate you to explore more as well as learn more. Important tourist destinations of the state are Guwahati, Dispur and Tezpur.
Arts and Culture of Assam
A perfect fusion of heritage of several old races has made Assam the home of a rich art & culture. Art and culture of Assam reflect the true spirit, tradition and lifestyle of the people of the state. Music, Dance and several other art forms make important part of the people of Assam. Since time immemorial, the people of Assam have traditionally been master craftsmen. Though the state is known mainly for its fine silk fabric and the bamboo and cane products, but you will find several other excellent pieces of crafts here. Some of the popular arts and crafts include Cane and Bamboo, Metal Crafts, Woodcraft, Handlooms, Toys, Pottery, Masks, Jewellery, Terracotta and Traditional Paintings.
Cuisine of Assam
Assamese love traditional as well as Indian and continental cuisine. A fusion of indigenous as well external influences, Assamese cuisine will definitely pamper your taste-buds. Assamese cuisine is characterized by the use of simple ingredients which are very delicious. Rice is principle component of Assamese cuisine, besides, fermented food is also used widely which has a distinct flavour. Fish and Meat are the favourite food of the Assamese. Vegetable dishes are also liked by large number of people. Amongst the vegetable dishes ‘Aloo Pitika’ is very popular.
Fairs and Festivals of Assam
A land of varied culture and traditions, Assam witnesses a number of fairs and festivals all through the year. Most of the festivals in Assam have their roots linked to the diverse faith and belief of its inhabitants. Important fairs and festivals are Bihu, Baishagu, Rongker, Ali-ai-liang, Rongali Utsav, Jonbeel Mela, Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Brahamaputra Beach Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival, Baikho, Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra, Ambhbashi Mela, Bohaggiyo Bishu and Tea Festival.
Wildlife in Assam
Blessed with nature’s scenic grandeur, Assam has a wealth of rarest and near-extinct wildlife species. Some of the wild species which you can spot in the wildlife sanctuaries and parks are Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphins, White-Winged Wood-duck etc. In addition to these, a number of resident and migratory birds make Assam their habitats in winter and other seasons. Most popular wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Assam include Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park and Pabitora Sanctuary.
Shopping in Assam
Rich in traditional handicrafts and locally made items, Assam provides you a wonderful shopping experience. While you visit Assam, you can shop a wide range of handicrafts available everywhere from Government Emporia to private shops. In addition to handicrafts, Assam is renowned for its traditional handloom products. Amongst the variety of handlooms, Assam silk is one of the exclusive souvenirs to take back home. Must buy items in Assam include Tea, Silk fabric like - Muga and Paat, Hand made toys, Eri Handloom products, Cane and Bamboo work, Decorative items, Furniture, Bell metal products.
How to Reach Assam
By Air: Guwahati Airport also called Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the only international airport in the state of Assam. Jet Airways, Kingfisher, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India operate flights from Delhi, Kolkata to Guwahati. International weekly flights also operate between Guwahati and Bangkok. Besides Guwahati airport, the state has other airports in Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar.
By Rail: The network of Indian Railways connect Assam with rest of the country. Rajdhani Express and several Super-fast and Express trains run between Delhi and Guwahati. A number of trains also run to Guwahati from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and rest of the country.
By Road: National Highways, State Highway and other roads connect Assam with neighbouring states and towns. All the important towns and destinations in Assam are well-connected by road network and served by buses and other modes of road transport.
Where to Stay in Assam
Guwahati, Dispur, Silchar, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and other popular destinations of Assam is dotted with many star categories hotels and resorts. You can also find guest houses and tourist lodges in tourist destinations across Assam at a reasonable price. It is always advised to book a hotel in advance while you visit Assam.
Book the hotels or accommodation online in Assam by clicking the link.
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